Meet Your Physical Therapist

Jay Bernasconi, DPT, OCS, opened Furnace Brook Physical Therapy in 1987 with a vision of how a successful physical therapy practice should be run. As the clinic has grown, he has been able to assemble a team of physical therapists who guide their treatment by the same philosophy. This philosophy stresses the “science” of rehabilitation while utilizing the “art” that was passed on to him by his mentors.

Furnace Brook Physical Therapy is a teaching clinic, with co-op students from Northeastern University, and internship students from Massachusetts General Hospital-Institute of Health Professions, Northeastern University and other New England universities. We train and hire from within when possible to ensure a standardization within the practice. Our therapists are all members of our professional association, the the American Physical Therapy Association, and are pursuing advanced certifications such as Orthopedic or Sports Therapy Specialization, Strength and Conditioning Specialization, Doctoral studies, and ongoing Continuing Education courses.

Furnace Brook Physical Therapy is a member of the New England Physical Therapy "NEPTN", a state-wide association of Physical Therapy providers, and is a Medicare-certified clinic.



Furnace Brook Physical Therapy Staff:
Jay Bernasconi, DPT, OCS Erin Botelho, PT, OCS Shawn Cray, DPT Bethany Delman, DPT, CSCS Samantha Hoffmann, DPT	Whitney Lacroix, DPT Kristen Ross, DPT Jennifer Smith, DPT Kate Werda, DPT, OCS

Jay Bernasconi, DPT, OCS Ma. Lic# 5087
Owner - Furnace Brook P.T.

Jay has served the rehab needs of orthopedic, spinal and sports medicine patients in the South Shore area for nearly 25 years, founding Furnace Brook Physical Therapy in 1987.

His work includes treating professional football, hockey and tennis players. His interests include lower back and neck post-surgical cases, and all phases of reconstructive joint surgery. He is the creator of "Raise the Roof," a conditioning program focusing on prevention of catastrophic knee injuries in the female athlete.

He earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in physical therapy from the University of Lowell; an Advanced Master's Degree in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Mass General Hospital-Institute of Health Professions and a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from Mass General Hospital-Institute of Health Professions. He is a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and has served on the adjunct faculty of University of Lowell, Boston University and Simmons College physical therapy programs.

Additionally, Jay has published in the American Physical Therapy Association professional journal, and is an accredited peer-reviewer for both state and national Utilization Review Boards focusing on medical necessity questions and the role of physical therapy. His doctoral thesis, Analysis of a Modified Active Knee Extension Test, is published in Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, March 1992, Vol. 15, #3. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, certified by the American Red Cross in Water Safety, and is a Fellow in the American Back Society. He is a Massachusetts Board 27 IAABO Basketball Official and a Certified Pool Operator by the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Erin Botelho, PT, OCS Ma. Lic.#17214
Staff Therapist, Quincy

Erin joined Furnace Brook Physical Therapy as in intern in January, 2005, before being hired as a full-time staff therapist in April, 2005, just after completing her Master's degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University. Her interests include sports related injuries with focus on knee injuries and Pilates-based rehab techniques. Erin also evaluates elderly patients who may be at risk to fall in our High Risk Fall Program. Having taken specialized coursework in this area, she identifies and implements strategies to help reduce the risk of falling through strength, balance, and functional training which may include assisted devices. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and is a certified Lifeguard by the American Red Cross.

Shawn Cray, DPT Ma. Lic.# 17916
Owner/Manager - Furnace Brook Physical Therapy - Holbrook

Shawn joined Furnace Brook P.T. after completing his final internship with us in early Winter, 2007. He is a May 2007 graduate of Northeastern University’s P.T. program where he received his entry-level doctorate degree in physical therapy. He opened Furnace Brook Physical Therapy-Holbrook with Jay Bernasconi, DPT, OCS in November 2009 with the desire to manage and operate his own outpatient rehab clinic. His interests include manual therapy techniques; working with the overhead throwing athlete, and helping patients learn to heal themselves through proper functional exercise. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and is a certified Lifeguard by the American Red Cross.

Bethany Delman, DPT, CSCS Ma. Lic.# 19502
Staff Therapist, Quincy

Bethany returned to Furnace Brook PT as a Staff PT after having served as an intern through Northeastern University’s co-operative education program in January 2009. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in May 2011. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and her interests include sports related and running injuries as well as promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and will also treat patients in the Risk to Fall/Balance program.

Samantha Hoffmann, DPT Ma. Lic.# 18677
Staff Therapist, Quincy

Samantha joined Furnace Brook P.T. after graduating with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 2009. Samantha competed at the Division 1 level in college as a member of the Northeastern Swim Team, and has a special interest in sports medicine and recreational athletic injuries. She is a certified Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader. Samantha will be directing the Aquatic Therapy program for the clinic, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. In addition, she is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) following 145 classroom hours from Klose Training and Consulting. Samantha is a Certified Pool Operator by the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Whitney Lacroix, DPT Ma. Lic # 19510
Staff Therapist, Quincy

Whitney re-joined Furnace Brook PT in August 2011 as a Staff Physical Therapist after completing her first co-op experience at the clinic in 2006. After graduating from Northeastern with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2010, she spent a year working in New Orleans, LA at an acute care hospital. Her interests include treating patients who have undergone an amputation, and elderly patients who are at risk for falling. Whitney is an avid skier and enjoys spending time outside with her dog. Whitney is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Kristen Ross, DPT Ma. Lic #17181
Staff Therapist, Quincy

Kristen returned to Furnace Brook Physical Therapy in 2006 after serving a clinical affiliation in 2003. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2005. Following graduation, she served a year-long internship at Children's Hospital Boston. As a result of this experience, she has developed a clinical interest in high school athletes and pediatrics. Being an avid softball and soccer athlete, she also has a keen interest in all aspects of sports-related injuries and rehabilitation, particularly knee reconstructions. Kristen is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) following 145 classroom hours from Klose Training and Consulting in 2008. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and is a certified lifeguard by the American Red Cross.

Jennifer Smith, DPT Ma. Lic #19074
Staff Therapist, Quincy

Jennifer returned to Furnace Brook PT in 2010 after completing a clinical affiliation at the clinic in the Fall 2009. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in May 2010. Jennifer is also a certified aerobics instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as well as a certified Spinning instructor. Her interests include helping patients to create and maintain an active lifestyle. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Kate Werda, DPT, OCS Ma. Lic.# 16177
Clinic Supervisor, Quincy

Kate joined Furnace Brook Physical Therapy in September, 2002 after serving co-op and internship positions with Furnace Brook Physical Therapy from 1997 through 2001. She was awarded her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 2009 to compliment her Masters Degree in 2002. She manages her own clinic for the treatment of female pelvic disorders within Furnace Brook Physical Therapy. In February 2006, she returned from an internship in Chicago focusing on treatment of pelvic pain disorders with Rhonda Kotarinos, a nationally respected specialist in the field. Kate also became a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2006.

Her interests include skiing, triathlons, spinal surgeries and functional restoration of the athlete. She completed her first triathlon to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in August 2005. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and is a certified Lifeguard by the American Red Cross.