About Us
Occupational Therapy
Clinical Director of Occupational Therapy
Laura Jones
Certs: OTR/L, CHT
Laura has been treating hand and upper extremity patients for over 25 years and has been a Certified Hand Therapist since 2000. Laura continues to challenge herself in the profession with continuing education including certification in Kinesio Taping and is working towards becoming a Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT) through IAOM. Laura’s hobbies include camping, boating, and anything outdoors with her husband and two teenage boys.
Occupational Therapy
Rachael Evans
Certs: OTR/L, CHT
Rachael has experience from a wide variety of settings, concluding that her passion lies in orthopedic therapy of the hand. She likes challenging cases and customizing the plan of care to maximize recovery. In her free time she enjoys time with family and friends.
Occupational Therapy
Renae Morris
Certs: COTA/L
Renae was an Army brat and has lived a little everywhere. Renae loves the low country area and has lived here the longest. She has raised three grown children that she loves dearly. Renae has been working in the hand therapy world for most of her 25 years as an occupational therapist assistant.
Occupational Therapy
Erin Hicks
Certs: OTR/L
Erin earned a Master of Health Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University in 2021. Since graduation, she has worked in outpatient orthopedics to continue pursuing her passion in hand and upper extremity therapy and is currently working towards a Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT). Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, visiting family and friends, and enjoying all the delicious food and good weather in Charleston.
Physical Therapy
Clinical Director of Physical Therapy
Kim Durst
Certs: PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, ESC for FCE, TDN
Kim has been treating patients in outpatient orthopedics since graduating from MUSC almost 20 years ago. She continues to keep current in her field with evidence based treatments and advanced skills in orthopedics, so she can provide the best treatments for Axis patients. Kim is an active member of the APTA, serving on the Lowcountry District Board and House of Delegates. Kim’s passion is getting her patients better so they can enjoy life and as PT director leads by example. Her interests include many water sports, running, yoga and reading as well as spending time with her family whenever she is not working.
Physical Therapy
Caitlin Guthrie
Certs: PT, DPT
Caitlin worked in orthopedic physical therapy setting for a few years before getting her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MUSC. She recently joined the Axis staff and is looking forward to helping patients reach their full potential. Caitlin is originally from Chicago and came to the lowcountry for the beaches, warm weather and charm. She enjoys going to the beach and spending time with friends. She is also a certified Cross Fit Trainer.
Physical Therapy
Jonathan Reeves
Certs: PT, DPT, CSCS, TDN
Jonathan enjoys working in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy and sports medicine focusing on patient care and getting each patient back to living their lives to the fullest. He is a member of the APTA. Jonathan has gained specialized knowledge in strength and conditioning as a DPT and a personal trainer. He enjoys time outdoors whenever he can with his family as well as travelling to different places to absorb the culture.
Physical Therapy
Sigourney Schipper
Certs: PT, DPT, TDN, COMT in process.
Sigourney passionate energy for sports orthopedic physical therapy that spans the ages. She integrates her skills and educational tools personalizing each treatment to consist of manual therapy, exercise and injury prevention. Sigourney has continued gaining knowledge through courses such as Rehab for Golfers, Functional Movement Screens, Soft Tissue Treatments, the use of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Work and Trigger Point Dry Needling. She is currently pursuing her Orthopedic Manual Therapy Certificate. In her free time Sigourney enjoys being with friends and her dogs, while staying active.
Physical Therapy
Irv Batten
Certs: PTA
Irv graduated from Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech and received his PTA license. He joined SCSM shortly after graduation and continues to perfect his skills and gather knowledge in the field. He is originally from Summerville and recently got married. He enjoys spending time with family and sports.
Physical Therapy
Beth Free
Certs: PTA
Beth has many years’ experience in orthopedic physical therapy. She most enjoys working with post op patients, balance and general strengthening to help with day to day living activities. She continues taking educational courses and seminars to stay current in her field. In her free time she is involved in her community, enjoys watching local baseball, and does annual fundraising for Dragon Boat races. Her favorite place is Folly Beach.
Physical Therapy
Ryan Planton
Certs: PTA
Ryan enjoys the challenge of working in orthopedic physical therapy and has first hand experience with athletes. He has worked to become proficient in rehab for labral repairs, rotator cuff repairs and many other surgeries. A native Charlestonian, Ryan plays tennis, golf and brings his sense of humor to work every day. Other than playing sports he likes to spend his free time with his family and pets.
Physical Therapy
Lee Smith
Certs: PTA
Certs: PTA, Advanced Proficiency PTA; Orthopedics in progress
Lee has over 12 years’ experience as a licensed PTA in the orthopedic setting, working with a wide variety of patients and their recovery. She continues gaining knowledge in her field with current courses and is enrolled in the Advanced Proficiency Pathways through the APTA. Through variety, challenges and compassion she leads her patients in their rehab toward the goals for a healthier life. Lee is involved in quality education through PTA programs. In her free time she enjoys hiking, biking, walking the beach, sports, reading and catching up with family.
Physical Therapy
Marnie Lehn
Marnie graduated 3 years ago from Trident Tech and has been growing in practice as a PTA since then. She strives to make a difference in the lives of each patient daily to return them to the activities they love as quickly as possible. Marnie has family here and in New Mexico where she likes to hike. At home she gardens and is often trying new recipes.
Physical Therapy
Jennifer Franzen
Certs: PTA, Advanced Proficiency PTA; Orthopedics in progress.
Jennifer understands the patient perspective through personal experiences and has primarily worked in orthopedic physical therapy since getting her PTA license. She continues to gather knowledge and is currently enrolled in an Advanced Proficiency Certification program with the APTA. She enjoys spending her free time with family going to the beach or working out in the gym. She also volunteers at the Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding Center.
Physical Therapy
Keli Alber
Certs: PT, DPT, COMT, TDN
Keli has working in the orthopedic setting since graduating from MUSC wit her DPT. She has continued her education with certifications in Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Trigger Point Dry Needling as well as being a member in the APTA since her student days. In her free time she enjoys watching hockey and volunteering as a running mentor and coach for Fleet Feet.
