Allied is All About Getting You Back to What You Love!

Matthew Harkness DPT, MTC, ATC, CEAS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Founder and President of Allied Physical Therapy

Dr. Harkess’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. 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.

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.

Emily Erickson, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bonita Clinic Director

Dr. Erickson joined the Allied Physical Therapy team about a year ago and has been chosen to head up Allied’s brand new clinic in Bonita Springs, which opened in August 2018.

Expanding on her doctorate in Physical Therapy, Emily is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and says she hopes to obtain Manual Therapy Certification as well.

In addition to helping patients get back to doing what they love, Emily says she also enjoys the beach, running, her puppy, Luna, and spending time with her amazing husband, Jordan.

She said she also enjoys laughing and spending time with her family during holidays and celebratory occasions, where they can all get together and just enjoy each other’s company. “Allied has a lively and friendly atmosphere,” says Emily, “where your co-workers are like family.”

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.

Cesar Mateo-Juan, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant

Cesar has only been with Allied a short time, yet he is already 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.”

Nick Larghi, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Nick Larghi is an accomplished Doctor of Physical Therapy, and is passionate about his craft.  His ability to effectively diagnose and efficiently treat a multitude of injuries and conditions has earned him a glowing repuation among his patients as the guide who gets them back to doing what they love quickly!  Prior to clinical practice, Dr. Larghi was a professor of anatomy and still loves teaching and speaking – which is evident in his warm manner and winning smile.  Dr. Larghi is passionate about nature and the outdoors and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He is also a professional nature photographer, and you can see his work on Instagram and National Geographic’s YourShot.  When he’s not helping Allied’s guests to get back to what they love, you may find Dr. Larghi hiding in the swamp in the Everglades or in the Florida Keys – ready to capture the next award-winning photo.

Benjamin Meyer, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Marketing and Systems Director 

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.

Patrick Lewis
Head Rehab Technician

As an athlete himself, Patrick found his love for Physical Therapy through his own personal experiences.

He started as an intern at Allied Physical Therapy back in 2016 and is a rising star at the practice. After a soccer injury made him go through physical therapy, he discovered that he wanted to use his experience to help others.

With a BS in Sports Medicine already, Patrick is currently working towards his Physical Therapy degree.

A believer in making an impact on people’s lives, he coaches a local soccer team and other youth sports. He believes that if you find something that you really like to do, it can be your motivation to enhance your daily life.

Susanne McIntosh, PT
Physical Therapist

Susanne is originally from Boiling Springs, PA and has spent the last 31 years helping people to heal.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Susan 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.

Her passion in life is helping people to heal and rediscover the possibilities within themselves. She tells patients to always have hope.

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.

Paul C. Ryan, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Clinic Director of Cape Coral Office

Paul holds an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Hodges University and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts. Paul said he is putting off any plans about specialization for the time being. There are so many patients he would like to help – he finds it difficult to narrow down a particular choice.

As part of a growing family, Paul particularly enjoys special family memories – such as a family outing to see the Red Sox play on St. Patrick’s Day.

Paul enjoys the sense of community that he finds through his church, and when he’s not working or spending time with his family, he loves to run.

“This work environment is awesome,” says Paul. “Aside from the ability to work and help people; the atmosphere and Christian heart and the training – which is not just about being a better therapist, but being a better person.”.

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.

Matthew Harkness DPT, MTC, ATC, CEAS
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. 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.

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 Erickson, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bonita Clinic Director

Dr. Erickson joined the Allied Physical Therapy team about a year ago and has been chosen to head up Allied’s brand new clinic in Bonita Springs, which opened in August 2018.

Expanding on her doctorate in Physical Therapy, Emily is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and says she hopes to obtain Manual Therapy Certification as well.

In addition to helping patients get back to doing what they love, Emily says she also enjoys the beach, running, her puppy, Luna, and spending time with her amazing husband, Jordan.

She said she also enjoys laughing and spending time with her family during holidays and celebratory occasions, where they can all get together and just enjoy each other’s company. “Allied has a lively and friendly atmosphere,” says Emily, “where your co-workers are like family.”

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.

Cesar Mateo-Juan, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant

Cesar has only been with Allied a short time, yet he is already 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.”

Nick Larghi, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

“I love the culture and the cohesive team approach.”

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.

Patrick Lewis
Head Rehab Technician

As an athlete himself, Patrick found his love for Physical Therapy through his own personal experiences.

He started as an intern at Allied Physical Therapy back in 2016 and is a rising star at the practice. After a soccer injury made him go through physical therapy, he discovered that he wanted to use his experience to help others.

With a BS in Sports Medicine already, Patrick is currently working towards his Physical Therapy degree.

A believer in making an impact on people’s lives, he coaches a local soccer team and other youth sports. He believes that if you find something that you really like to do, it can be your motivation to enhance your daily life.

Susanne McIntosh, PT
Physical Therapist

Susanne is originally from Boiling Springs, PA and has spent the last 31 years helping people to heal.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Susan 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.

Her passion in life is helping people to heal and rediscover the possibilities within themselves. She tells patients to always have hope.

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.

Paul C. Ryan, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Clinic Director of Cape Coral Office

Paul holds an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Hodges University and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts. Paul said he is putting off any plans about specialization for the time being. There are so many patients he would like to help – he finds it difficult to narrow down a particular choice.

As part of a growing family, Paul particularly enjoys special family memories – such as a family outing to see the Red Sox play on St. Patrick’s Day.

Paul enjoys the sense of community that he finds through his church, and when he’s not working or spending time with his family, he loves to run.

“This work environment is awesome,” says Paul. “Aside from the ability to work and help people; the atmosphere and Christian heart and the training – which is not just about being a better therapist, but being a better person.”.

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.