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Physical Therapists

Jonathan Burke :: Nate Coronado :: Beth Garwick :: Todd Howatt
Laura Longard :: Emmett Parker :: Kevin Thomason :: Kelley Zajac

Jonathan Burke, DPT, MTC, CSCS

Jonathan Burke, Clinical Director of the Moody location, is originally from New Orleans, LA. Jonathan moved to Moody in 2008. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Human Sciences in 2002. Jonathan received his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2006. He has been working as manager in the outpatient setting in Birmingham since 2007. Jonathan joined Accelerated Physical Therapy in November 2009. Jonathan is manual therapy certified through the University of St. Augustine and a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Jonathan started a Strength and Conditioning program at St. Vincent's East Wellness Center and trained athletes from 8 to 20 years old.

Nate Coronado, DPT

Nate Coronado is a Physical Therapist at the Chelsea location. He is originally from Boaz, Alabama. He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Alabama in 2003. He received his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2010. He is new to Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc. having joined in February 2011. Nate and his wife Mindy have lived in the Birmingham area since 2007. They moved to Chelsea in 2009. He is excited to be able to provide physical therapy services close to his home in the Chelsea community.

Beth Garwick, DPT

Beth Garwick, Clinical Director of the Trussville location, is originally from Kansas. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Kansas. She received her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2003. Beth has lived in Birmingham and worked as a Clinical Director in out-patient therapy since 2005. Beth joined Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc. in August 2009. She is Director of Industrial rehab and is certified to perform FCE's, impairment ratings and post offer-pre employments tests.

Todd Howatt, PT

Todd has been with Accelerated Physical Therapy since 2006 and is completing his Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine. Although he grew up in Maine, Todd has made his home in the south. He began his physical therapy career as a Clinical Director in Meridian, Mississippi where he met his wife, Staci. Todd and Staci have lived in Pelham since 2001 and have 2 young children, Emerson and Gracely. Todd is a sports enthusiast and enjoys working in conjunction with local sports programs to promote healthy lifestyles and injury prevention.

Laura Longard, DPT

Laura joined the team at Accelerated Physical Therapy’s Pelham location in February 2011. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Laura first came to Alabama in 2003 to go to Troy University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology.  While at Troy she was the goalkeeper for the Women’s soccer team.  She made the move to Birmingham in 2008.  Laura graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2010.  Laura is excited to begin her career with Accelerated Physical Therapy, and for the chance to work with patients from a variety of backgrounds.

Emmett Parker, ATC, PT

Emmett formed Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc. in December of 2003 and served as President since that time. His vision for Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc. was the establishment of a company committed to providing excellent outpatient physical therapy services in state of the art clinics. Emmett has been practicing physical therapy for 12 years and has spent the last 9 years in private practice. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1990 with a BS degree in Sports Medicine. After working a couple of years as an Athletic Trainer he enrolled in Physical Therapy school at UAB where received a MS degree in Physical Therapy in 1995. His specialties include orthopedic, sports medicine and spine rehabilitation. He is board certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association and is licensed to practice Athletic Training and Physical Therapy in the State of Alabama. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Emmett has lived in Alabama his entire life and served honorably in the United States Navy Reserve from 1987-1995.

Kevin Thomason PT, MEd, DPT

Kevin joined APT in December of 2011. He grew up in the Birmingham area and recently moved back to Birmingham to be near family. Kevin graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1997. He then obtained his Master's degree in Sports Administration/Management in 1999 from the University of Georgia. In 2007, he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Utah. His professional accomplishments include: post-graduate training in evidence based manual therapy for the shoulder girdle, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, including management of headache related disorders; graduate instructor for Sport and Lifetime Fitness courses at University of Georgia; previous private practice ownership; Event Services Manager for the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games; Former Football All-Time Leading Scorer at University of Alabama-Birmingham. Areas he specializes in include: post-surgical rehabilitation for all major joint complexes including the spine; athletic and workplace repetitive or overuse injuries; chronic pain and fatigue dysfunction. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding, fishing and competing in triathlons.

Kelley Zajac, MS, PT

Kelley Zajac, Clinical Director of the Chelsea location, graduated Suma Cum Laude from Mississippi State University with a degree in Biological Sciences. She received her Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from UAB in 2002. Kelley has been practicing in outpatient orthopedics in the Birmingham area since graduating from Physical Therapy school, and has been in PT management since 2005. With over eight years of outpatient rehabilitation experience and extensive continuing education, she has expanded her expertise and skill set with a strong focus in manual therapy. She enjoys working with all types of conditions and takes satisfaction assisting her patients in achieving their highest possible goals. She is married to Jason Zajac and they have two young children: Carter and Olivia.