Meet Our Physical Therapy Staff

 Margaret received her Physical Therapy degree at Shenandoah University, earning her Masters in Physical Therapy in 1998. With over 19 years of experience, she has worked in various settings, including outpatient orthopedics, acute care, skilled care, and home health. Margaret began her career at Lee County Community Hospital and has held managerial positions at Lonesome Pine Hospital and Johnston Memorial Hospital. As a dedicated professional in the field of rehabilitation, she has actively participated in the American Physical Therapy Association, previously serving as the Director of the Mountain District of the Virginia Physical Therapy Association. In her spare time, Margaret enjoys riding her bike and traveling.

Vanessa received her Physical Therapy degree from East Tennessee State University in December 1997. As one of our dedicated physical therapists, she has worked in various settings throughout her career, including acute care, outpatient orthopedics, home health, pediatrics, early intervention, and school systems. In January 1998, she began her career at Lee County Community Hospital, which was later acquired by Health Management Associates. Vanessa served as a Physical Therapist and Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation at Lee Regional Medical Center until 2006, when she joined Wellmont Health System as a Physical Therapist/Clinical Manager at the Pennington Gap Outpatient Clinic. She remained in this role until the closure of Lee Regional Medical Center in September 2013. In February 2014, Moving Forward Physical Therapy, Inc. was established in Pennington Gap, Virginia, where she proudly serves as a co-owner alongside other talented rehabilitation professionals. Vanessa states, “I am honored to say that I am a co-owner of this agency, where we continue to provide quality physical therapy services to our community.” In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the lake, shopping, and watching her daughter play sports.

Josh received his Physical Therapy degree from East Tennessee State University. Since 2012, he has been practicing as one of our skilled physical therapists, providing care in various settings such as outpatient, acute care, and home health. In his spare time, Josh enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying activities like basketball and cycling.

Tanner grew up in Appalachia, VA and now lives in Big Stone Gap, VA. He graduated from Union High School in 2018 and played football there. He went on to Ferrum College to continue his football career and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Pre-Professional Health Sciences-Pre-Therapy Emphasis. He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from ETSU in 2025. In his spare time he enjoys hunting, hiking, working out, spending time with family and friends and preaching. Tanner also coaches high school football and is a Certified SportsMetric Specialist making him an asset to our athletic population. 

Jolanda serves as a Rehabilitation Aide at Moving Forward Physical Therapy. With 20 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy, she has become an integral part of our team of rehabilitation professionals. Jolanda attended Mountain Empire Community and Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned her certification in Health Information Science. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, photography, and attending her children’s sporting events.

 Caitlyn has been with Moving Forward since November 2022 as a front office representative at our Big Stone Gap location. With 3 years of experience in the medical field, Caitlyn plays a vital role in supporting our physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys spoiling her niece and nephews. Caitlyn has 2 dogs, Tux and Dakota, and ensures they have a bandana for every occasion! She also has a deaf cat named Marshmallow.

Gracie is the front office representative at our Pennington Gap location and has been with Moving Forward since 2023. She attended South College in Asheville to receive her Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 2023 and is currently working towards earning her license. In her spare time, she enjoys all things outdoors, such as hunting, fishing, and spending time on the lake. Gracie also loves to spoil her German Shepherd, Kylo Ren, who is named after her favorite Star Wars character. 

Amanda has been with Moving Forward since January 2024, serving as our Outpatient PT Office Billing Representative for the Big Stone and Pennington Gap locations. She is married to her middle and high school sweetheart, Jason. Together, they have two precious boys, Easton and Jase, along with a cat and a dog. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, watching Easton play sports, gardening, canning, working out, and scrapbooking. 

 Ashley works as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Ashley earned her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy from Wytheville Community College and has been practicing as a physical therapist assistant since 2012. She has treated patients in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, collaborating with other rehabilitation professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with family.

 Tara works as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at Moving Forward Physical Therapy, Inc. She earned her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy from Wytheville Community College and has been practicing as a physical therapist assistant since 2011. Tara has treated patients in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, showcasing her expertise as one of our dedicated rehabilitation professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her family, reading, and practicing archery.