qualified to the highest degree
All clinical members of the SR team have earned advanced qualifications in their respective areas of expertise. Following the example of SR's founder, Alan Grodin, our therapists contribute to the progress of rehabilitative medicine through continuing education, writing, lecturing, and research, as well as working hands-on with patients.
Those who come to SR for treatment enjoy access to an unmatched depth of resources across the spectrum of rehabilitation. SR's private ownership structure and coordinated clinic management system enable us to schedule every patient one-on-one with the specialist best able to help their particular needs.
meet the SR clinical team . . . 21
 ALAN GRODIN, PT, MTC
senior vice president
Alan Grodin is President of Sovereign Rehabilitation (SR). A nationally renowned, master clinician, Alan is recognized as one of Atlanta’s leading physical therapists. Especially respected for his expertise in spine-related physical therapy, Alan commonly treats Atlanta Hawks players and Atlanta Ballet dancers.
As a licensed physical therapist, Alan’s career spans more than three decades. After spending his early years in a hospital setting and several years in mentorship under the industry’s pioneers, Alan formed the first Sovereign Rehabilitation's (SR) in 1982. After 12 years of significant growth, SR merged with a national rehabilitation company. Alan subsequently led that company’s most successful region .
After 13 years in the corporate rehabilitation environment, Alan decided to return to the ideals and operational environment afforded by private practice. Thus, SR was re-launched in 2007.
A member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Alan is extensively published, including a third-edition textbook. He is a sought after instructor and lecturer, who has taught courses throughout the United States as well as in Chile, Japan, and Iceland. Alan is also a longtime faculty member of University of St. Augustine, a premier physical and occupational therapy college.
Alan earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology from the State University of New York (SUNY) - Binghamton and his physical therapy degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. He has also completed kinesiology master’s work at New York University.
Outside the clinic, Alan’s interests include skiing, hiking, dogs and wine.
Alan Grodin treats patients at SR's Dunwoody location. Contact him via email at: alan.grodin@sovereignrehab.com.
 JILL JACOBS, PT vice president
Jill Jacobs, Vice President of SR, brings more than 20 years of physical therapy and leadership experience to the SR team. A licensed physical therapist, Jill is responsible for patient care, overall SR marketing, and development of therapeutic programs such as aquatic therapy, workplace solutions and women’s health.
Jill is trained to administer Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Impairment Rating Calculations (IRC). She also has completed specialized training in Paris manual therapy techniques.
Before helping to launch COR, Jill served as Georgia senior group director for one of the country’s largest rehabilitation businesses. In that position, Jill oversaw the operation of 26 clinics and was the area lead for talent development. Over the years, Jill built solid patient, provider and therapist relationships, a skill that helped her group of clinics become the most successful in the country.
Jill earned her physical therapy degree from Boston University in 1987 and has been published on the subject of tennis elbow.
Always active and interested in working with her hands, Jill enjoys gardening and playing sports with her family. She also loves old movies and fine wine.
Jill Jacobs treats patients at SR's Dunwoody location. Contact her via email at: jill.jacobs@sovereignrehab.com.
MERRITT MCKENZIE, MHSA, OTR/L, CHT, CPAM
regional director
Merritt McKenzie, MHSA, OTR/L, CHT, CPAM, is Regional Director of SR and leader of SR Hand to Shoulder Group (HSG), the company’s hand and upper extremity division. A licensed occupational therapist and certified hand therapist (CHT), Merritt is responsible for patient care and recruiting to SR the most elite hand therapists.
Merritt’s expertise includes treating hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder conditions; cumulative trauma disorders; work-related injuries; arthritis; burns; orthopedic injuries; pain disorders; and neurological conditions. He is skilled in fabricating custom complex splints and is trained in performing Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs).
Prior to joining SR, Merritt worked in Fort Worth, Texas, and South Florida for two of the nation’s largest rehabilitation companies. In various leadership positions, Merritt was responsible for the overall growth and success of numerous outpatient physical rehabilitation clinics.
Merritt attended Florida International University, where in 1994 he earned a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy and in 2000 he received a Masters of Health Services Administration (MHSA). He also holds a certification in physical agent modalities (CPAM).
Merritt is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Georgia Hand and Upper Extremity Special Interest Group, the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is published in Occupational Therapy Weekly and is a frequent guest speaker at local universities and national industry conferences.
Merritt and his wife often spend their free time exploring international foods, watching movies and traveling worldwide. He also enjoys playing basketball, jet skiing and scuba diving.
Merritt McKenzie treats patients at SR's Dunwoody location. Contact him via email at merritt.mckenzie@sovereignrehab.com
MELISSA MEYER, PT, MTC
clinic manager – SR dunwoody Licensed physical therapist and certified manual therapist (MTC) Melissa Meyer, PT, MTC, is SR's Dunwoody Clinic Manager. She is responsible for ensuring patient service and clinical excellence standards are upheld each day in the clinic.
Melissa received a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy in 1999 from Indiana University. She earned her manual therapy certification through University of St. Augustine.
Outside the clinic, Melissa enjoys softball, running and fantasy football.
Melissa Meyer treats patients at SR's Dunwoody location. Contact her via email at melissa.meyer@sovereignrehab.com
 SANDI SMITH, PT
clinic manager – SR cumming
Licensed physical therapist Sandi Smith, PT, is Clinic Manager of SR's Cumming location, where she ensures clinical care and patient service excellence.
In addition to almost 15 years of physical therapy experience, Sandi carries certifications in Pilates instruction, ergonomic evaluation and personal training. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in orthopedic manual therapy.
Before joining the company, Sandi and SR colleague Kitty Chin co-owned a private physical therapy practice that eventually merged with SR. In addition, Sandi has held various PT posts in wound care, diabetes and acute care. Sandi also served as clinic director for one of the largest rehabilitation companies in the country.
Sandi earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from The Medical College of Georgia in 1993. Sandi is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Cumming Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, John's Creek Health Care Association and the Business Advisory Council for DECA North Forsyth High School.
In addition to staying involved in community activities, Sandi enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, motorcycle riding, travel, cooking and fitness.
Sandi Smith treats patients at SR's Cumming location. Contact her via email at sandi.smith@sovereignrehab.com
 KITTY CHIN, PT
physical therapist – SR cumming
Kitty Chin, PT, is a licensed physical therapist at SR's Cumming clinic, where she treats a range of patients suffering from spinal dysfunction.
Kitty has a particular interest in treatment and prevention of temporomandibular dysfunction, dizziness/vestibular problems, fall prevention in the older adult, and balance and gait disorders.
In the field for more than 30 years, Kitty has worked in various clinical settings in Canada, New York and Atlanta. Most recently, Kitty and SR colleague Sandi Smith co-owned a private physical therapy practice that merged with SR.
Kitty is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. She has considerable post-graduate training in functional orthopedics, joint mobilization and stabilization, movement dysfunction, and neuromuscular re-education.
Kitty enjoys reading, traveling, sewing and fashion.
Kitty Chin treats patients at SR's Cumming location. Contact her via email at
kitty.chin@sovereignrehab.com
 AARON SCHAUBLE, MPT
clinic manager – SR decatur
Licensed physical therapist Aaron Schauble, MPT, is Clinic Manager for SR's Decatur location. He is responsible for building the Decatur clinic, providing patients and providers alike with a physical therapy resource dedicated to clinical and patient service excellence.
Aaron has completed advanced training in core stabilization, spine-related issues, Paris manual therapy and sports-related treatment. He is trained to administer Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and has been published in Advance for Physical Therapists magazine.
Prior to joining COR, Aaron served as a clinic and group director for one of the nation’s largest rehabilitation companies. There, he guided the successful development and operation of several clinics in the Atlanta area.
Aaron received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Georgia Southern University in 1993, and he earned a Master of Physical Therapy in 2000 from the University of St. Augustine. In addition, Aaron has co-taught several physical rehabilitation continuing education courses.
Outside the clinic, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, playing tennis and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Aaron Schauble treats patients at SR's Decatur location. Contact him via email at aaron.schauble@sovereignrehab.com
 JEFF THOMAS, MSPT, CSCS
clinic manager – SR lawrenceville
Licensed physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist Jeff Thomas, PT, is the Clinic Manager of SR's Lawrenceville location. In this role, Jeff is responsible for ensuring excellence in all facets of patient care and clinic operations.
Since launching his physical therapy career as a University of Georgia football program intern, Jeff has held a keen interest in sports rehabilitation. In fact, he is currently pursuing a sports therapy certification through the University of Augustine and the North American Sports Medicine Institute.
Jeff’s prior experience includes serving as clinic director for one of the nation’s largest physical rehabilitation companies. There, Jeff successfully managed day-to-day operations of an outpatient clinic in Covington.
Jeff attended Armstrong Atlantic State University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in biology and, in 2003, a Master of Science in physical therapy. Jeff also has completed advanced training in treatment of the spine, with emphasis in Paris and Maitland manual therapy and core stabilization exercise.
Jeff enjoys spending time with his friends and family, as well as playing hockey and golf in Gwinnett County.
Jeff Thomas treats patients at SR's Lawrenceville location. Contact him via email at jeff.thomas@sovereignrehab.com
ANA M.WALCH, OTR/L, CHT clinic manager – SR Hand to Shoulder Group (HSG), west paces & coca cola company
Ana Walch, OTR/L, CHT, is the Clinic Manager for SR Hand to Shoulder Group (HSG)’ West Paces and Coca Cola Company locations. Ana is a licensed occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist (CHT). Originally from Colombia, South America, Ana is fluent in Spanish.
Ana is experienced in treating a wide range of hand and upper extremity conditions such as orthopedic injuries, burns, pain syndromes, arthritis, cumulative trauma disorders and traumatic injuries. She is skilled in fabricating complex splints and is trained to perform functional capacity evaluations (FCEs).
Prior to joining COR, Ana worked for one of the largest outpatient physical rehabilitation companies in Atlanta. Previous to that position, Ana worked for one of Atlanta’s most talented hand and microsurgery physician groups. In addition, she has taught splinting courses in the United States, Spain, Italy and Puerto Rico.
Ana received a Bachelor of Science in health education from Texas A&M University in 1984 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1987.
Ana is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists, the Georgia Hand and Upper Extremity Special Interest Group, and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to spending time with her children, Ana enjoys international foods, travel, music and salsa dancing.
Ana Walch treats patients at SR's West Paces and Coca Cola Company locations. Contact her via email at ana.walch@sovereignrehab.com
 GARY WOODHAM, PT
clinic manager – SR conyers
Licensed physical therapist Gary Woodham, PT, is Clinic Manager at SR's Conyers location. True to the SR vision, Gary ensures the clinic stays focused on patient-centered treatment and service.
In the Conyers community for a number of years, Gary treats a wide variety of outpatient orthopedic diagnoses. He has specialized training in Paris manual therapy and Lauren Rex muscle energy techniques.
Gary’s previous experience includes managing several clinics for one of the nation’s largest rehabilitation companies. In, addition, he has served patients in outpatient and acute care settings in both Seattle, Washington, and Mobile, Alabama.
Gary is a graduate of University of South Alabama, where, in 1991, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and in 1998 he earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy. He is a member of the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.
A 25-year martial arts veteran (Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), Gary enjoys spending time with his wife and sons.
Gary Woodham treats patients at SR's Conyers location. Contact him via email at gary.woodham@sovereignrehab.com
 LISA SMITH, OTR/L, CHT
clinic manager – SR Hand to Shoulder Group (HSG), conyers
Licensed occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist (CHT) Lisa Smith, OTR/L, CHT, is the Clinic Manager of SR Hands in Conyers. Her expertise includes treating hand and upper extremity conditions, burns, orthopedic injuries, pain disorders and neurological conditions.
Lisa is trained to perform functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) and upper extremity permanent partial disability ratings (PPDs). She has completed specialized training in custom splint fabrication.
Prior to joining COR, Lisa worked in east Atlanta for two of the nation’s largest rehabilitation companies. In her most recent appointment as clinic director, Lisa was responsible for the growth of hand therapy services at two locations.
In 1998, Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Saint Louis University. A member of the American Society of Hand Therapists, the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association, and the Georgia Hand and Upper Extremity Special Interest Group, Lisa serves as a professional mentor in the area of hand therapy.
Lisa enjoys traveling, reading, making jewelry and watching the Atlanta Braves.
Lisa Smith treats patients at SR Hands’ Conyers location. Contact her via email at lisa.smith@sovereignrehab.com
 JENNY HUNT, PT
clinic manager – SR Women’s Health, alpharetta & cumming
Licensed physical therapist Jenny Hunt, PT, is the Clinic Manager for SR's Women’s Health division. She is responsible for managing a comprehensive women’s health physical therapy program addressing musculoskeletal issues and/or conditions following surgery for the female patient.
Jenny’s vast clinical experience includes general orthopedics, including some sports rehabilitation; acute care following orthopedic surgery and acute illness; musculoskeletal dysfunction during pregnancy and the post-partum period; various forms of pelvic floor dysfunction including vulvodynia, dyspareunia, coccygodynia and urinary incontinence; pelvic organ prolapse; post-surgical issues including scar management following C-section, episiotomy, vaginal delivery, or mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
Jenny’s past experience includes serving as director of rehabilitation services in a Tennessee community hospital, where she developed “Moms-in-Motion,” a prenatal and post-partum exercise class. Additional previous experience includes various leadership roles in a retirement community and in outpatient women’s health practices.
Jenny earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Rhodes College in 1989 and a second bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Tennessee - Memphis in 1993. She has continued her education in the areas of general orthopedics and women’s health. Most recently, she has focused her studies on the lumbopelvic region.
Jenny is a member of the Women’s Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Urogynecological Society, and the International Pelvic Pain Society. She is a frequent guest speaker at local women’s groups.
Jenny enjoys playing the piano, playing tennis and traveling, as well as spending time with her friends, husband and three children.
Jenny Hunt treats patients at SR's Women’s Health clinics in Alpharetta and Cumming. Contact her via email at
jenny.hunt@sovereignrehab.com
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