Matthew Harkness DPT, MTC, CFC

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Founder and President of Allied Physical Therapy

Dr. Harkness's vision was to offer patients solutions to getting back to what they love using natural and practical methods. He has a passion for providing a clear path to establishing and understanding the habits necessary for them to be able to continue doing what they love vs having surgery, using medication or other expensive high-risk treatments.

Dr. Harkness holds a BS from Gordon College, Masters from Nova Southeastern University and a Doctorate in Evidence in Motion from the Institute of Health Sciences in Louisville, KT. Additionally, he studied advanced treatment of spine, neck and jaw facial pain/dysfunction, and intramuscular dry needling at the University of St. Augustine.

His focus is on helping patients who suffer from headaches, sciatica, fibromyalgia, TMJ dysfunction and breathing dysfunction. Educating his patients on the principles of health is priority to Dr. Harkness. With a few simple lifestyle changes anyone can make an impact on their health. He believes that Allied Physical Therapy is a guide in the process and the patient is the hero. He and his staff are simply there to get patients back on track if they falter. Living a healthy lifestyle is not complicated, it is about self-awareness. He encourages people to listen to their bodies, maintain good posture and exercise daily.

An expert in leadership and development, Dr. Harkness is a licensed educator in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Visit his leadership website, Your Medical Practice Mentor.  He enjoys cycling, swimming and reading. He is the father of four and he and his wife are active in their church and children’s school.

Calvin Smith, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinic Manager

Dr. Calvin Smith joined the Allied Physical Therapy staff a year ago and holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University in  Tampa, Florida. He also received a Bachelors of Finance degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida.

Originally from Blytheville, Arkansas, Dr. Smith says he enjoys working at Allied Physical Therapy because it allows him to display his Christian faith openly and has allowed him the opportunities to continue to grow and develop. “Working at Allied Physical therapy is a joy because I love the atmosphere,” said Dr. Smith. “The staff, and most of all, the guests who we serve.”

Dr. Smith will go above and beyond to take care of his guests’ needs and well-being. He always acts respectfully toward each person, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, social or economic status, sexual orientation, health condition, or disability. He always ensures that the needs of his guests are put before his needs, which he says is very important to him.

When he is not working, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his family. “We love to spend lots of time together and travel to any destination that is interesting, safe and fun,” he said.  “We love exercising, and most of all love helping those who are in need.”

Melissa Harkness RN, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor Specialist

Dr. Harkness found her passion for helping people while working with special needs children.

She has a BS from Wheeling Jesuit University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale.

Practicing since 2001, she specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. She fell in love with the specialty while studying it. The more she learned about it, the more she wanted to help women with this issue.

She attended the Herman Wallace Institute to study Women’s Health Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and brings her experience and knowledge on the subject to the patients of Allied Physical Therapy.

A dedicated professional, she is a member of the APTA Section of Women’s Health. To Melissa, your health is the most important thing to value. She says, “Living in pain or having dysfunction is not normal. There is help and conservative treatments are available.”

Dr. Harkness is the proud mother of 4 children. Her family and faith are the most important things in her life.

Susanne McIntosh, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Susanne is originally from Boiling Springs, PA and has spent the last 33 years helping people to heal. She received her doctorate in physical therapy in 2020 from the Evidence in Motion Post-professional DPT Program after 33 years as a practicing physical therapist. She specializes in orthopedics and manual therapy.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Susanne has been the director of a clinic, owned her own Physical Therapy Practice and had a yoga studio. Certified in Yoga and Pilates, she has taught Ashtanga Yoga all over the world and has her own yoga videos.

Dr. McIntosh defines herself as a servant of the Lord with a passion for loving others back to wholeness. Gratitude and joy are the gifts she brings to others naturally.

She enjoys sharing the love of God and prayer. Active in her church, Susan does missionary work and global health reach. Susan enjoys gardening, singing, running and living a simple life.

Emily Hendry, PT, DPT

Doctor of PhysicalTherapy
Pelvic Floor Specialist

Emily Hendry, PT, DPT, is a Southwest Florida native and loves physical therapy because she is able to form relationships with each patient that allows her to treat them as an individual – helping to return each and every patient to functional activities.

"Pelvic health has become my passion because of the patient empowerment that comes with conquering impairments that affect quality of life," said Dr Hendry, adding that she appreciates the opportunity to provide education about an area that is not talked about as much as it should be.

Dr Hendry received her Bachelor of Health Science as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida. She received her Level 1 Pelvic Floor certification from Herman and Wallace.

Dr Hendry understands that pelvic health can be uncomfortable for some people, but she wishes to assure her patients that she wishes to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment that everyone, no matter their situation, is able to receive care in.

When she is not working, Dr. Hendry enjoys reading and being out in the sunshine – either on the boat, beach, or taking walks – and spending time with her family and fiancé. She is also an active advocate and participant in Special Olympics events.

Dalton Swenson

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Dalton Swenson joined Allied Physical Therapy Wellness Community in 2023 and says he enjoys helping people to regain their health and wellness so they can return to enjoying activities with their loved ones.

Dr. Dalton was raised in Champaign, Illinois and received his doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University. "I am here to help you move better and enable you to enjoy the activities you love," he said. "We will work together as a team to make sure you achieve all of your goals."

When he is not working, Dr. Dalton enjoys Southwest Florida's beaches and having fun with his wife and daughter, Lily.

Elizabeth Padron, PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant
Pelvic Floor Specialist

Since 1994, Elizabeth has been passionate about helping people get their lives back through physical therapy. She holds a PTA from Southern University of West Palm Beach and was raised in Miami but born in Spain. She specializes in Pelvic Floor Therapy and has attended the Herman Wallace Institute.

She finds it rewarding to help people accomplish their goals and get their quality of life back through therapy. Her work with patients with Pelvic Floor issues is especially rewarding for her. She is also a Clinical Instructor for the APTA.

Elizabeth enjoys an active lifestyle including hiking, mountain biking and travel. She encourages everyone to have faith and keep working toward their goals.

Benjamin Meyer, PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant
Marketing and Systems Director 

A Florida native, Ben is passionate about helping people get past their challenges. To him, the reward is seeing people succeed in their goals when coming back from a low point. With a Physical Therapy Degree from Boward College and 7 years of experience, Benjamin focuses on sports injury and orthopedic needs. His background as a certified personal trainer has been the foundation for his role at Allied Physical Therapy.

He believes his position as PTA is to guide patients and show them the path, but ultimately it is up to them to reach their goal.

In his spare time Benjamin follows his faith and teaches about the Bible. An avid fisherman, he likes the beach and brewing his own beer.

Cesar Mateo-Juan, PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Cesar is a very important part of the Allied family.

With an Associates Degree in General Studies from Florida Southwestern College and an Associates Degree in Physical Therapy from Keiser University, Cesar plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy.

Active in his church, Cesar uses his skill on the guitar to sing to God, he says, and enjoys most of all the time he spends with his children, playing soccer and playing in the park.

“I love the passion that the staff members have toward our guests,” said Cesar, “and doing our best to get them back to what they love.”

Paula Raphael, PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Paula Raphael, PTA, was born and raised in Fort Myers and received her bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Univerisyt in Bloomington, Indiana.

Specializing in treatment of pelvic floor issues, Paula says she is passionate about inspiring and guiding others to feel secure within their bodies and the movements they can create.

"I truly care about getting patients back to the activities that make them feel alive," said Paula. "I want you to feel secure and happy within your body."

Paula is the owner and operator of Splash Fit LLC with over a decade of experience as an aquatic fitness professional registered with AEA and ACE. She is also registered with the Yoga Alliance as an 200Hr Yoga instructor with a concentration on Chair Yoga and Aqua Yoga. 

Paula is an international Master Trainer/Presenter for Acquapole, SAF Drums Vibes, and Liquid Gym. She has presented at Fitness Conventions across the USA and has held certification courses in the USA and South America. She is a guest lecturer at Keiser University - Fort Myers Campus on Aquatic Therapy.

Paula is the mom of three amazing young men. In her free time she is a decorated amateur ballroom dance competitor and enjoys the social dance scene. She loves to connect with nature and is often found on the beach or in her kayak.

Zaida Marrero

Business Manager

Zaida has been working with Allied Physical Therapy since they opened in 2005. A key team member, Zaida has the task of keeping the office and team on track.

She has an extensive background in the medical industry. She is a Certified Pharmacy Tech, medical coder and has worked in other medical related roles.

She enjoys the family atmosphere and the team oriented mentality at Allied Physical Therapy.

An avid tennis player she loves the active lifestyle, spending time with family and volunteering.