Our Staff

physical therapy

Leadership

Kelli Thompson, BS, RRT

Kelli is co-owner and President/CEO of Lung & Wellness Centers, and a Registered Respiratory Therapist with over 30 years in the respiratory therapy field. She earned BS degrees in Allied Health and Respiratory Therapy from Indiana University of Pennsylvania/West Penn Hospital. Kelli’s passion for providing quality health care inspired her to found Lung & Wellness Centers. She’s focused on continuing to expand the company’s reach and ability to serve more patients in western Pennsylvania. Kelli enjoys spending time with friends and family, travel, and kayaking. She’s married with four children, one grandchild, and a puppy.

Professional Memberships, Affiliations & Activities

  • American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
  • American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (​AACVPR)
  • National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
  • American Lung Association (ALA), former Board Member 2018 – 2021
  • Career Training Academy, former Board Member
  • Pittsburgh Career Institute, Professional Advisory Board Member
  • LIFE Butler County and LIFE Armstrong County Professional Advisory Committee

Jody Nogan, BS, RT

Jody is co-owner and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lung & Wellness Centers. She earned her BS in Allied Health/Respiratory Care from Indiana University of Pennsylvania/West Penn Hospital. With more than 40 years in the respiratory care field as a Certified Respiratory Therapist, Jody oversees the day-to-day operations of all Lung & Wellness Center facilities. Away from work, Jody enjoys spending time with her husband, four children and four grandchildren, as well as exercising /power walking, reading, and wool rug hooking.

Professional Memberships, Affiliations & Activities

  • American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
  • American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (​AACVPR)
  • National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • American Lung Association (ALA), former board member 2018 – 2021
  • Pittsburgh Career Institute, Professional Advisory Board Member
  • Breathe Pennsylvania

Kathryn Nebel, DPT, LAT, ATC

Kathryn is the Lead Physical Therapist for all Lung & Wellness Center offices. Her Doctor of Physical Therapy from D’ouville College combined with her BS in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania give Kathryn the comprehensive expertise needed to offer the highest level of care to Lung & Wellness Center patients at the Butler location. With over eight years of experience, she particularly enjoys working with patients in geriatrics and orthopedics. Kathryn is also interested in education/ clinical instruction. She’s married with two daughters and enjoys camping with her family in her spare time.

Cindy Geary, MPM, RRT, CPFT

With an extensive background of over 40 years, Cindy is the Marketing Director for Lung & Wellness Centers. Earning her BS in Respiratory Care from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1980, Cindy continued to expand her knowledge with a Certificate in Human Resource Management from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982. She later earned a master’s degree in Public Management with concentration in Health Care Management from Carnegie Mellon University in 1992. Outside of work Cindy travels and spends time with her family. She’s married with one son, a daughter-in-law and four grandchildren.

Professional Memberships, Affiliations & Activities

  • American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
  • Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care (PSRC)
  • National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • American Lung Association (ALA) board member

Office Staff

Jayme Johnston

Jayme is the Revenue Cycle Manager/Credentialing Coordinator for Lung & Wellness Centers. She is responsible for medical coding, billing, and revenue cycle management. Credentialing and contracting providers with insurance payers is also part of her job. With 30 years of experience, her support ensures that patient accounts are handled professionally. When she’s not at work she enjoys walking, swimming, hiking, sewing and many other activities with her spouse and dogs.

Karen Texter

As the Office Manager for the Butler location, Karen’s daily focus is helping patients navigate their therapy and health care. With more than 30 years in health care, Karen attended Butler County Community College. She’s served as an EMT for the North Washington Volunteer Fire & Rescue since 1988 and is also a certified phlebotomist since 1999. Karen stays current with her job responsibilities and update protocols through continuing education. In her spare time, Karen enjoys flea markets, truck & tractor pulls, wreath making and repurposing old/antique items. She has a daughter, son-in-law and one grandchild.

Amy Huss, MA

Amy is a Medical Assistant and Office Manager with Lung & Wellness Center’s Natrona Heights location. She earned her associate degree from the Career Training Academy in 1991 and has been serving patient needs for over 24 years. In her free time Amy likes shopping, family dinners, going out to dinner with her husband and attending grandchildren’s’ sporting events. She’s married with six children and 17 grandchildren.

Barbara Peiffer

Barbara is the friendly face our patients see when they need a ride to our Natrona Heights location. She has over 30 years of school bus driving experience, and now she provides transportation to therapy appointments for our patients who need that service. Our patients feel safe with Barbara since she has a CDL driver certification and plenty of hours behind the wheel. Away from work, Barbara enjoys bonfires and relaxing with family and friends. She’s married, has three daughters and four grandchildren.

Jessica Rybarik, MA

With a Medical Assistant associate degree from Ultrasound Diagnostic School, Jessica works in the Billing Department at the Butler location. Her 20 years of experience are an asset to the Lung & Wellness Centers team. Jessica is married with two children. She enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, and playing video games with her kids.

Deborah Sacco, LPN

As a veteran Licensed Practical Nurse with over 35 years of experience, Deborah brings the utmost professionalism to patient care at the Butler location. She oversees the Huff & Puff meetings at Lung & Wellness Centers and is a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN).  Deborah is also a former firefighter and EMT and is proud that she’s a Lung Force Hero and former Lung Force volunteer for the American Lung Association. Deborah’s areas of focus include drug and alcohol rehab, pulmonary rehab, and geriatrics. She has two daughters and five grandchildren, and absolutely adores watching her grandson play baseball, riding a bike, and mini Schnauzers.

Julie Tunney, MA

Julie is the first face patients see at the Beaver location. With over 30 years in a variety of medical office settings, she gets patients checked in for their therapy visits and helps with a variety of other tasks to ensure they have a successful visit. Julie has an associate degree as a Medical Assistant. She’s married with three adult children and three adult stepchildren. In her spare time she likes fishing, reading and dancing.

Michele Vidovich, MA, PTA

Michele is a Medical Assistant and Office Manager at the Beaver location. She has a wealth of experience with over 40 years in office management and medical assistant duties. She’s eared her associate degree in the Physical Therapy program. When she’s not at work, Michele enjoys crafts, scrapbooking and reading.

Physical Therapists

Cathy Bullion, BS, PT

Cathy has worked over 40 years in multiple clinical settings, with various patient populations and diversified clinical diagnoses. She earned her BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. Cathy has extensive experience with geriatric patients and a passion for treating those with lung conditions. She works with patients at the Beaver location. Outside of work she enjoys gardening, being a grandma, and loves learning new things.

Erica Deller, PTA

With an associate degree in Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant from Butler County Community College in 2010, Erica has more than 10 years of experience in the PT field. As a Physical Therapist with Lung & Wellness Centers, she is keenly focused on post-op orthopedics, sports injuries, general deconditioning, and Parkinson’s patients. Erica is LSVP BIG certified. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment was designed to address movement deficiencies in those who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and dog, going camping with family, and hunting with her husband and oldest daughter.

Patty Depcrymski, PTA

A Physical Therapist Assistant at the Natrona Heights location, Patty earned her associate degree in Applied Sciences from Butler County Community College. Patty’s 10 years of experience allow her to provide the best care and support for patients. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She’s married with two boys.

Kaleb Dietz, PTA

With over four years as a Physical Therapy Assistant, Kaleb works with patients at the Butler location. He’s a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Pennsylvania and earned his associate degree in Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant from Butler County Community College in 2017. Orthopedics and hands-on therapies are Kaleb’s areas of focus, always including patient education with his therapy sessions. He’s married with one daughter and enjoys fishing and golfing.

Becky Frengel, PTA

Becky is a Physical Therapist Assistant at the Butler location. With a BS in Health Science from Lock Haven University in 1977 and an associate degree in Applied Science from Butler County Community College in 2000, she brings over 10 years of experience to Lung & Wellness Centers. She’s particularly interested in stroke and pulmonary therapy. Away from the office she loves spending time with her family, kayaking, boating, skiing, and outdoor activities in general. Becky is married with two children.

Megan Kasperski, BS, DPT, PT

Megan is just beginning her career as a Physical Therapist, working at both the Beaver and Butler Lung & Wellness Center locations. She earned her BS in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University in 2018, and then her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Gannon University in 2021. Megan’s clinical experience includes outpatient orthopedics, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and inpatient acute/orthopedics (joint replacement rehab). In her spare time she loves being with family and friends and is eager to spend time on learning some new hobbies.

Megan Kormos, BS, PTA, LMT

With over 13 years of working with patients, Megan is a Physical Therapy Assistant. She initially earned her BS from Lock Haven University in 2006. Continuing her education, Megan went on during the next couple of years to earn an associate degree for Physical Therapy Assistant from Butler County Community College and became a Licensed Massage Therapist. She’s a member of the ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals). Megan is particularly focused on massage therapy and myofascial release at the Butler location. She’s married with two daughters and a dog, and enjoys camping, playing softball, fishing, and gardening.

Teresa Motko, BS, PT

Teresa is a Physical Therapist at Lung & Wellness Center’s Natrona Heights location. She earned her BS in Physical Therapy in 1987 from Daemon College. With more than 34 years as a physical therapist, Teresa has developed a special interest in helping patients with cardio rehab, neurological conditions, and geriatrics. Outside of work, she enjoys bike riding, camping, baking, and listening to music. She’s married with two adult children and one grand furbaby.

Cheryl Pavlik, PTA, MT

A Physical Therapy Assistant at the Butler and Natrona Heights locations, Cheryl earned her associate degree in Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant from Butler County Community College in 1998 and then her massage therapist certification in 2001. With more than 20 years’ experience in both disciplines, she is most interested in elderly care and massage. In her spare time she makes soap, crochets and spend time with grandchildren. Cheryl is married with two children and six grandkids.

Traci Riemer, PTA

Traci is a Physical Therapist Assistant who earned her associate degree in Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant from Butler County Community College.  For over 12 years, she’s helped patients achieve their therapy goals. Traci works at the Butler and Natrona Heights locations and is particularly interested in working with knee replacement rehab and balance issues. In her free time she enjoys sewing, crafts, gardening, and her grandchildren. She’s married with two grown children and six grandkids.

Carolyn Rusnak, PTA

With over 10 years of experience in patient care, Carolyn earned her associate degree in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant in 2011 from Butler County Community College. As a Physical Therapist at the Butler location, she is mainly focused on pulmonary rehab and orthopedics. Carolyn is certified in CPR and first aid. When she’s not at work, Carolyn enjoys exercising, motorcycle rides, volunteer work, and spending time with her family. She has one daughter and two granddaughters.

Patti Wendt, PTA

With 28 years of experience in physical therapy, Patti earned her associate degree in Science/Physical Therapy from Community College of Allegheny County. She works primarily with patients at the Beaver location and assists with marketing activities for Lung & Wellness Centers. She is a mom to two boys and enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Respiratory Therapists

Rob Diller, RRT

Rob has devoted more than 45 years to respiratory therapy. He first earned respiratory technologist certification in 1984 from California State College (now California University of Pennsylvania), and then his associate degree in Health Sciences in 1994. He’s cared for patients as a Respiratory Therapist for 30 years and worked in the Pulmonary Lab for more than 16 years. Rob focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation and pulmonary function testing (PFTs). He works at both the Butler and Natrona Heights locations. Rob enjoys sports, the beach and spending time with his grandson. He’s married with two grown children.

Stacy Holderbaum, RRT

Stacy is a Respiratory Therapist with more than 30 years of experience. In 2004, she earned her BS Degree from the University of Hartford. Geriatrics and acute pulmonary care are Stacy’s main areas of interest. She works at Lung and Wellness Center’s Butler location. She’s married with two grown children and enjoys golfing, traveling, fishing, and crafting when she’s not at work.

Ashley Koren, RRT

A Respiratory Therapist at the Natrona Heights location, Ashley has helped patients with pulmonary issues for over 7 years.  She earned a BS in Respiratory Care from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania WPH School of Respiratory Care and is a member of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). When not at work, Ashley enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and two children.

William Piccuta, CRT

A Respiratory Therapist at the Beaver location, William earned his associate degree from Laurel Technical Institute. As a Certified Respiratory Therapist, it’s his responsibility to evaluate and educate patients with chronic lung conditions. He’s passionate about helping them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life through better breathing, strength, and endurance! William has a daughter and enjoys outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Sleep Study Technologists

Sharon Blystone, RPSGT

With over 16 years of experience in sleep studies, Sharon earned her certification from the Mid Atlantic Sleep School of Medicine. She’s a board certified Registered Polysomnographic Technologist at the Butler location. Her main goal is to make patients as comfortable as possible when coming for their sleep study, as they tend to be extremely nervous when coming to the sleep lab. Sharon is married with one daughter.

Adam Werling, RPSGT

A certified Registered Polysomnographic Technologist at the Butler location, Adam has worked as a Sleep Technologist for over 16 years. He’s also certified in basic life support. In his spare time, Adam enjoys woodworking.

Karen Yenick

Karen is a Sleep Technologist at the Butler and Natrona Heights location with over 14 years of experience. She’s married with children and enjoys sleeping in her spare time.