JAG PT Dry Needling Therapists

Cheryl Arnold, MSPT Cert DN: Cheryl received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wingate University and then went on to complete her Master of Physical Therapy at University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ. She has worked as a physical therapist for 22 years, with a total of 26 years of employment at our Bedminster location. Cheryl has been treating outpatient orthopedics and embracing the variety of clients and the willingness that orthopedic clients present to improve their well-being. She received a certificate credentialing in Dry Needling through the American Academy of Manipulation. In addition, Cheryl continues her studies on treatment of infant Torticollis, Pelvic floor, and encompass all soft tissue and musculoskeletal disorders.

Cheryl and her son play polo at Tinicum Park Polo, with most of their free time spending it at the barn with their horses! They continue to have great family time travelling the eastern US playing polo together. Cheryl’s husband will join us often, especially if there is good weather.

Location: Bedminster-Somerville, NJ

Connor Stevenson, PT, DPT: Connor graduated with his Bachelor’s in Health Sciences in 2015, then with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018, both from Quinnipiac University. As a student, Connor completed 3 months of Clinical rotation at Jag, as well as working as an aid for 3 months. Connor landed a full-time position at JAG in November 2018. He enjoys working with spine pain (neck, mid & lower back) and active individuals. Outside of working, Connor enjoys surfing, rock climbing, and fishing.

Location: Bridgewater, NJ

Dennis Waite, PT DPT, CSCS: Dennis received his bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey. He then went on to obtain his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers School of Health Professions. Dennis has been with JAG PT since they acquired Crest Physical Therapy in January 2021. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and is also certified in Dry Needling. Dennis likes to work with sports, vestibular or orthopedic injuries. Outside of treating, Dennis enjoys cycling and running.

Location: West Long Branch, NJ

Jackie Ruggiero, PT, DPT OCS: Jacqueline earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in the 6 year program at Widener University. Her career at JAG PT has progressed from pre- employment as a physical therapy student and rehabilitation aide, to Physical Therapist, and currently Clinical Director. Jacqueline is certified in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist to further help patients in their recovery. She is a member of the New Jersey chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Outside of the clinic, Jacqueline is an avid member at CrossFit Dark Athletics.  She enjoys her love for fitness and travel, as well as spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Gus.

Location: Freehold, NJ

Jess Barsotti, DPT, ATC, FAAOMPT: Jess was born and raised in Vineland, NJ and attended St. Augustine Prep where he wrestled and played football and earned numerous student athlete accolades. He received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Boston University in 2006 and went on to receive a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Boston University in 2008. During his clinical rotations he had the opportunity to work with the Indiana Pacers, the BU Terrier Ice Hockey Team, and the MIT Engineer Football Team. Jess also assisted as a medical volunteer for the Boston Athletic Association’s 2005 and 2006 Boston Marathons. Jess worked as a physical therapist in Boston as well as serving as Head Athletic Trainer at Arlington High School 2008-2009. Jess has experience working with all types of patient populations including but not limited to sports/work-related injuries, pediatrics, and post-surgical cases, as well as neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Jess became certified in dry needling in New Jersey in November 2022 and offers dry needling as an adjunct treatment to all appropriate patients.

Location: Ocean City, NJ

Lisa Cristiano, PT, DPT: Lisa Cristiano received her doctorate in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University in May 2016, where she was awarded the Silver Medal of Excellence for outstanding academic achievement. She joined the JAG Physical Therapy team in August 2016 and has been happily treating patients ever since. Now, as the Clinical Director of JAG Physical Therapy in Westfield, she continues to serve patients with her expertise in all forms of athletics and physical therapy care.

Location: Westfield, NJ

Mark Cristiano, PT, DPT: Mark was a patient at JAG ONE physical therapy when he first became interested in Physical Therapy. A few years later, he found his passion as a physical therapy at JAG ONE Physical Therapy in West Orange after graduating from the University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and then with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. During his education and work experience, he practiced in various outpatient orthopedic facilities around the Tri-State area and for the United States Air Force.

Using the knowledge and experience he gathered from these settings, Mark grew from within the company from a staff physical therapist to a clinical director and then Area Director of JAG ONE Physical Therapy in Jersey City. Currently, he is certified in Graston Technique®, Cupping, Vestibular Rehabilitation, TMJ Rehabilitation, Blood Flow Restriction Training, BTE Functional Capacity Evaluations and HSS Hip Specialization.

Location: Jersey City, NJ

Matt Smelas, DPT, OCS, CSCS:Matt has been practicing physical therapy since 1996. He holds an undergraduate degree from Villanova University. He is a graduate of the UMDNJ/Kean Physical Therapy Program and received his Doctorate of Physical therapy at the University of St. Augustine in 2012. He spent 6 years working at the Kessler Institute and gained experience working with a wide variety of patient diagnoses, including the orthopedic, spinal cord, stroke, amputee, and multi-trauma. Additionally, Matt holds the OCS certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists and achieved his Vestibular Therapy Certification. He also holds the CSCS certification. During his free time, Matt likes to trail run, play golf and spend time with his wife and two kids!

Location: Red Bank, NJ

Michael Simon, PT: Michael graduated from Quinnipiac University and is a licensed physical therapist in the State of New Jersey.  He has over 23 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings, specializing in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), neuro and aquatic therapy. He has developed and implemented several aquatics programs, a body mechanics “back school” and served as a regular guest speaker for a COPD/CHF support group.

Location: Bordentown, NJ

Michelle Dela Rosa, PT, DPT, PRPC: Michelle began practicing at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY in 2000, and gained experience in inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedic services. She developed the women’s health rehabilitation program, and expanded treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction to pregnancy and postpartum musculoskeletal conditions. Moreover, Michelle implemented a weekly prenatal exercise class for the community.  She further extended the pelvic floor rehabilitation program to men, treating pelvic pain and post-prostatectomy issues. Additionally, Michelle has had the privilege of consulting at hospital urogynecology, urodynamics, and orthopedic clinics. She continued to practice orthopedics in 2008 at University Medical Center at Princeton in Princeton, NJ. Here, she helped to establish the first hospital-based pelvic floor rehabilitation program in Mercer County, NJ.

​Michelle graduated with a Masters in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2000. While at BU, she competed on the collegiate level as a member of the university’s track and field team. In 2005, she obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

As a native of West Windsor, NJ, Michelle opened Connect PT in Hamilton in 2009, which has grown to become a leader of pelvic physical therapy in the area. She opened a second location in Howell, NJ in 2015. Michelle lectures on women’s and men’s health issues at many community events throughout New Jersey. She also enjoys being a teaching assistant for the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and earned the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC), which identifies her as a specialist in the women's and men's pelvic health fields. Michelle is an active member of the NJ Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Location: Hamilton, NJ; Howell, NJ

Sara Gregg, PT, DPT: Sara graduated from Richard Stockton College of NJ (now Stockton University) in 2004 with a Bachelor’s in Marine Science. A few years later, Sara went back to Stockon to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and graduated in 2011. Sara previously worked at Integrity Physical Therapy for 3 years prior to JAG acquiring Integrity in 2021. She enjoys all populations, but especially older adults, because she likes to see them overcome some fears/challenges that they often time think will be permanent limitations for them. Sara is certified in the Graston Technique. Sara enjoys being a Clinical Director because she enjoys learning from the students, especially their creativity in new exercises/techniques; and at the same time, I feel honored to help a new PT continue to learn and grow as clinicians as they enter the field. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time reading, camping traveling, and entertaining her two young daughters.

Location: Cape May, NJ