Bruce Neal, Jr., P.T.
Bruce is a co-owner of Professional Physical Therapy which was founded in 1993 with his business partner, Frederick Payne, PT. Bruce received his degree in Physical Therapy in 1988 from LSU Medical Center School of Allied Health Professions in New Orleans, La. Bruce’s primary interests include treatment of orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehab, and geriatric musculoskeletal/balance problems. Bruce has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association (LPTA) since 1986, and Private Practice Section of the APTA since 1993. He is a board member and serves as Vice President for Physical Therapy Provider Network (PTPN) of Louisiana. Bruce’s hobbies include gardening and spending time with his wife and children.
His training has included:
- McKenzie lower back/neck assessment and treatment
- Manual therapy
- Balance assessment
- Geriatric musculoskeletal injuries
- Total joint rehabilitation
- IASTM: Instrumental Assisted Soft Tissue Massage
Frederick Payne, P.T.
Frederick is a co-owner of Professional Physical Therapy, which was founded in 1993 with his business partner, Bruce Neal, PT. Frederick received his degree in Physical Therapy in 1989 from LSU Medical Center School of Allied Health Professions in Shreveport, LA. Frederick has worked in the following clinical settings: acute care, wound care, outpatient rehabilitation, and home health care. Frederick has studied extensively since 1989 in manual and neuromuscular treatment techniques. Frederick’s primary interests are in manual therapy, post-operative care, and sports-related injuries. Frederick is certified in Intramuscular Dry Needle Therapy. Frederick is a lifelong proponent of engaging individuals to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle. He and his wife have 4 children and have lived in Amite since 1993.
His training has included:
- Manual therapy
- IASTM: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage
- Cupping
- Mulligan’s Mobilization with movement
- Kinesiotaping
- Foot and Ankle disorders
- Strain-Counter Strain
- McKenzie spinal assessment and treatment
- Total joint rehabilitation
- Intramuscular Dry Needle Therapy
Melissa K. Neal, OT
Melissa earned her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1989. She has practiced in multiple settings over the years including neurological and spinal cord rehabilitation, acute orthopedic post-operative care, skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient rehabilitation of orthopedic and neurological disorders. She ultimately found her passion in outpatient rehabilitation of the shoulder to the hand. She has been at Professional Physical Therapy since 2004 and has over 20 years of experience treating the surgical, nonsurgical and traumatic injuries and disabilities of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. She has had extensive training in the evaluation, treatment and splinting of hand pathologies. She has received continuing education to further her knowledge and stay current with the latest and most effective treatment techniques of the entire upper extremity.
Melissa is married to Bruce and they have 5 children. She is a native of Amite and really enjoys the opportunity to give back to the community.
Candice Conerly, P.T.
Candice joined Professional Physical Therapy in 2014. She graduated in 1995 from LSU Medical Center School of Allied Health Professions in New Orleans, LA. Candice has 24 years of experience with the majority of her career spent in the outpatient/sports medicine clinical setting. She also practiced in other clinical settings including acute care, subacute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Her training has included:
His training has included:
- Manual therapy (soft tissue and joint mobilizations)
- Mulligan’s mobilization with movement
- McKenzie spinal assessment and treatment
- Kinesio Taping
- Lower extremity biomechanics and gait assessment
- Balance and vestibular assessment
Candice’s primary interests are in manual therapy and treating orthopedic injuries, both nonsurgical and surgical.
Candice and her husband have two children. Her hobbies include traveling, water sports, diving, and snow skiing.
Kathy Hayden, P.T.
Kathy Hayden is a Physical Therapist who primarily serves Hood Memorial Hospital. Kathy received her Physical Therapy degree in 1988 from Louisiana State University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration in 2001 from Tulane University. She has extensive experience in the areas of inpatient rehab, neuro, and geriatrics. Kathy leads a disability ministry at her church and collects used wheelchairs and mobility aids that are distributed to people with disabilities in countries with limited resources. Kathy’s hobbies include hiking, physical fitness, and playing her clarinet.
Jill Soderstrom, P.T.A.
Jill has worked at Professional Physical Therapy since 2011. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant degree from Delgado Community College and has been practicing for 12 years. Jill treats a variety of patients in the outpatient clinic including vestibular, orthopedic, neurological, and generalized weakness. She is experienced in IASTM, taping, cupping and mobilization with movement techniques. Jill enjoys working in a fun-filled environment where the patient comes first. She is married to her husband of 11 years, Garrett and has 2 children, Liam and Haysen. Jill enjoys working out, trying new food, traveling and being with my family and friends.
Kimberly Mathis, P.T.A.
Kimberly has been employed by Professional Physical Therapy since the fall of 2015. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant degree from Delgado Community College (New Orleans, LA) in August 1999. Kimberly’s primary interests include treatment of amputees, head injury patients, spinal cord injuries, post-surgical patients, neuro patients, and geriatric patients. Kimberly’s hobbies include hiking and spending time on the water with her family and friends.
Candis McLaurin, P.T.A.
Candis McLaurin received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a concentration in Exercise Science, from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2016. She then went on to complete her Physical Therapy Assistant degree from Delgado Community College, July 2019. Candis started working with Professional Physical Therapy in September of 2019. She enjoys working with all of the therapists at PPT, who are continuing to help her grow within her profession. In her free time, Candis enjoys singing, spending time on the water, and time with family and friends.
Nelda Perry, P.T.A.
Nelda has been employed with Professional Physical Therapy since 2014. She received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge. Since receiving her degree in 2006, she has worked in the following clinical settings: acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and home health care. Her training has included manual therapy, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, cupping, Kinesio taping, and total joint rehabilitation. In her spare time, Nelda enjoys spending time with family, playing piano, and singing at her local church.
S. Elizabeth Blackwell, MOT, LOTR
Elizabeth has been employed by Professional Physical Therapy since the summer of 2017. She received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in the Fall of 2014 from the University of South Alabama. Elizabeth’s experience includes training in pediatrics, sensory processing, and treatment of the older adult. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, three young children, and gardening. She also has a love of animals that surpasses most.
Mallory Petitto, COTA
Mallory has been employed by Professional Physical Therapy since October of 2015. She received her Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Pearl River Community College in Hattiesburg, MS in May 2015. Mallory’s primary treatment interests are working with geriatric and post-surgical patients. Mallory has been married to her husband, AJ for 4 1/2 years. They have a two year old, Tripp and another baby due in April.
