ABOUT ALLIED

We know that the true reason why guests visit us isn’t just to relieve pain, it’s to get back to what they love doing. So, that’s our mission.

Our Approach

Outcome

The outcome of following the journey is a change in lifestyle and habits that keeps the guest doing what they love. They reach the destination but have a change in identity by following the path to get there.

Journey

The guest begins a journey by following the path that their guide, and expert physical therapist, lays out for them. The therapist gives them the direction and tools they’ll need to reach their destination.

Guest

The story begins when a guest visits us with an issue that they need help to solve. They have a destination where they want to be but are unsure how to get there.

Meet Our Team

The Allied Physical Therapy team is exactly that – a team. We understand each others’ strengths – allowing each individual team member to shine at whatever they do best. Our guests truly benefit from this philosophy because they will truly always receive the very best of care.

Dr. Matthew Harkness

Dr. Susanne Benedict

Dr. Melissa Harkness

Dr. Emily Beisner

Dr. Krystyne Morales

Benjamin Meyer, PTA

Cesar Mateo-Juan, PTA

Elizabeth Padron, PTA

Paula Raphael, PTA

Alina Rohrig, PTA

Zaida Marrero, Business Manager

Best-in-Class Support Staff

Patrick Lewis
Lead Wellness Guide

Julia Lancaster
Wellness Guide

Logan Hostuttler
Wellness Guide

Marvin Hernandez
Wellness Guide

Billy Sherrier
Wellness Guide

Natalie Fritsch
Wellness Guide

Dr. Susanne Benedict

Doctor of Physical Therapy

“This is my second family. I am inspired by those around me and am encouraged and empowered to grow every day. I can live my calling here at Allied.”

Book an Expert Speaker!

Our expert therapists are available!

Allied’s expert physical therapists are available to speak to your office, school, or organization concerning TMJ/TMD, cervical spine, general fitness and wellness and pelvic floor issues, as well as practice management leadership.

Get more information

Let Us Help You
Get Back to What you Love



(239) 242-0070



info@alliedpt.com



Cape Coral

1469 SW 4th Terrace
Cape Coral Fl 33991

Click here to Request Appointment!

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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 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.

Susanne Benedict, 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. Benedict 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.

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 West Virginia Whalen 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.

Emily Beisner, PT, DPT

Pelvic Floor Specialist

Emily Beisner, 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. Beisner, adding that she appreciates the opportunity to provide education about an area that is not talked about as much as it should be.

Dr. Beisner 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. Beisner 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. Beisner 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.

Dr. Krystyne Morales

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Krystyne Morales is a genuine Florida native, hailing from Miami, and obtained her Bachelor's Degree at Florida International University in Sports and Fitness Studies and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami Campus.

Dr. Krystyne says that her favorite part of the job is helping patients of all ages return to the activities they love most. "I am caring, compassionate, and dedicated to helping them reach their goals," she said.

When she is not working, Dr. Krystyne – who also has a background in dance – enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending quality time with her family, fiancé, and her two dachshunds.

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.”

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.

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 University 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.

Alina Rohrig, PTA

Alina Rohrig

Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant Alina Rohrig comes to us from her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio and earned her Associates of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from Hodges University.

Alina loves helping her patients live better lives by decreasing their pain and strengthening their bodies to prevent future injury or lessen the necessity of surgery. She wants all of her patients to know that she takes a serious approach to their care and will do anything she can to help them along their life's journey.

When she is not working, Alina enjoys dancing, visiting this area's many wonderful beaches and spending time with her family and friends.

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.

What is Physical Therapy?

Welcome!

Welcome Providers

About Us

ABOUT ALLIED

We know that the true reason why guests visit us isn’t just to relieve pain, it’s to get back to what they love doing. So, that’s our mission.

Our Approach

Outcome

Journey

Guest

Meet Our Team

Best-in-Class Support Staff

Dr. Susanne Benedict

Book an Expert Speaker!

Our expert therapists are available!

Let Us Help You
Get Back to What you Love

(239) 242-0070

info@alliedpt.com

Cape Coral

Click here to Request Appointment!

Matthew Harkness DPT, MTC, CFC

Susanne Benedict, DPT

Melissa Harkness RN, DPT

Emily Beisner, PT, DPT

Dr. Krystyne Morales

Benjamin Meyer, PTA

Cesar Mateo-Juan, PTA

Elizabeth Padron, PTA

Paula Raphael, PTA

Alina Rohrig, PTA

Alina Rohrig

Zaida Marrero

What is Physical Therapy?

Welcome!

Welcome Providers

About Us

ABOUT ALLIED

We know that the true reason why guests visit us isn’t just to relieve pain, it’s to get back to what they love doing. So, that’s our mission.

Our Approach

Outcome

Journey

Guest

Meet Our Team

Best-in-Class Support Staff

Dr. Susanne Benedict

Book an Expert Speaker!

Our expert therapists are available!

Let Us Help You Get Back to What you Love

(239) 242-0070

info@alliedpt.com

Cape Coral

Click here to Request Appointment!

Matthew Harkness DPT, MTC, CFC

Susanne Benedict, DPT

Melissa Harkness RN, DPT

Emily Beisner, PT, DPT

Dr. Krystyne Morales

Benjamin Meyer, PTA

Cesar Mateo-Juan, PTA

Elizabeth Padron, PTA

Paula Raphael, PTA

Alina Rohrig, PTA

Alina Rohrig

Zaida Marrero

Let Us Help You
Get Back to What you Love