Physical Therapy Team
Danielle Bell, PT AideDanielle Bell is a Physical Therapist Aide in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. A sophomore at Coppin State University, Danielle is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing and has quickly acquired a deep passion for patient care. Engaged to be married to a quadriplegic, she has learned firsthand how to ensure the quality of care that is required to help every individual reach his/her full potential. Danielle thrives in the opportunity to work with such a determined group of patients.
"The actual is far more compelling than the potential. An ounce of work is worth more than a ton of speeches and debate." - Carter G. Woodson
Brian Custer, DPT
Brian Custer is a physical therapist in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. A member of the team since the Center first opened, he has a true passion for helping children.
Brian earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia. While pursuing a pediatrics-intensive course of study, Brian participated in clinical affiliations with Shands Rehab, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Holy Redeemer Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Therapy & Fitness. While at Drexel, Brian developed an instruction manual that continues to be used to this day for the operation of an adolescent health and wellness program for urban children.
An AMBUCS scholar, Brian was recognized for his scholastic achievement and interest in helping children. In his spare time, Brian is an avid soccer player and serves as the director of the Osprey Soccer Academy Junior Camp.
Cindy Hoffman, MPT
Cindy Hoffman is a physical therapist in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. Cindy came to the ICSCI team after having contributed to other Kennedy Krieger Institute programs, including the Child and Family Support Program and outpatient orthopedics. With clinical expertise in aquatic physical therapy, she also has training/certification in lymphedema management and orthotics prescription and fabrication.
A graduate of the University of Evansville with bachelors and masters degrees in physical therapy, Cindy has previously worked with professional athletes for the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Thunder, the Bowie Baysox and the Amsterdam Ajax.
A certified Pilates instructor and clinical instructor, Cindy enjoys playing soccer and running in her time away from work.
T. Ann McElroy, PTA
T. Ann is a physical therapy assistant in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. With both army and civilian training, she worked in a variety of PTA settings before joining our team shortly after the opening of the Center.
Before discovering her love for physical therapy, T. Ann enjoyed an exciting career as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army which allowed her to travel all over the world. T. Ann is also a professionally trained chef.
Kimberly Myers, PTA
Kim Myers is a physical therapy assistant in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. She has spent more than seven years with the Kennedy Krieger Institute, working on the inpatient unit before joining the ICSCI team when the Center first opened. Early in her career, an experience caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury helped fuel Kim’s passion for treating individuals with SCI.
Kim holds an undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine with a concentration in Exercise Science and an associate degree in Physical Therapist Assisting. She will soon complete her certification in aquatic therapy.
Outside of work, Kim volunteers as a counselor at two camps for children who have experienced burns in fires or other traumatic situations.
Beth Salvo Myers, MSPT
Beth is a physical therapist in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. Prior to joining the ICSCI team, she spent nearly five years on the inpatient unit at Kennedy Krieger Institute, where she specialized in treating patients with brain injury and acute spinal cord injuries. She excels in serial casting for improved muscle length, aquaplast splint fabrication, seating/equipment assessment, and home assessment/modification. Beth enjoys combining neurorehabilitation and orthopedics – and seeing the significant results of its application to spinal cord rehabilitation.
A graduate of Boston University, Beth holds an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Beth enjoys being active, whether swimming, running, lifting, or playing lacrosse.
Jessica Oginz, MSPT
Jessica Oginz is a physical therapist in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. She enjoys focusing on helping patients of all ages regain function via neuroplasticity and strengthening.
A graduate of Boston University, Jessica holds an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a Master of Science of Physical Therapy. Prior to coming to Kennedy Krieger Institute, she served as a physical therapist in a private school for children with neurological disabilities. There, she developed a program for postural strengthening that could be utilized by classroom teachers.
Jessica enjoys traveling and hiking in her free time.
Lisa Walther, PT
Lisa Walther is a physical therapist assistant in the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, where she also serves as an Assistive Technology Practitioner specializing in evaluating patients’ seating and positioning. Lisa has over 17 years of experience in a variety of settings, including home health, aquatic and alternative therapies. She first joined Kennedy Krieger Institute as a PTA in the limb-lengthening program in 2003.
