Dan Zelch, MPT, OCS

Owner of AIR Physical Therapy and Fitness

Dan Zelch brings over 28 years of experience to his practice, known for delivering compassionate, professional care across a wide range of physical therapy settings. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and has a Master’s in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University, where he also served as an adjunct clinical professor.

As a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Dan has advanced expertise in treating orthopedic conditions including sprains, strains, arthritis, and post-surgical rehab. He is also a Licensed Direct Access Physical Therapist, and continues to stay current through ongoing education in areas such as ergonomics, biomechanics, fall prevention, and light therapy.

A longtime Ellwood City resident, Dan is active in the local community, including coaching high school soccer at Riverside. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife, Lara, and their three children.

Frank Sapanaro, DPT, OCS

Frank Sapanaro is a new addition to the AIR Physical Therapy & Fitness team. He graduated from Riverside High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Degree, with an emphasis in Movement Science at Penn State University. Physical therapy interested Frank at a young age, so he furthered his education and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Slippery Rock University in 2009.

Dr. Sapanaro’s career focus has been in orthopedic rehabilitation. He has vast experience in treating orthopedic conditions along with neurological and vestibular disorders. He achieved his board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification in 2013 and enjoys working with various sports, orthopedic, spinal, and general musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies. He also received a specialization in vestibular rehabilitation treatment through Emory University in 2016 and is proficient in the treatment of vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders.

Frank is Direct Access Certified and can treat patients without a referral from a physician. He has extensive experience in post-operative orthopedic and spine rehabilitation, joint replacements, spinal conditions, general orthopedic disorders, neurological conditions, and balance disorders. He has a passion for hands-on, manual physical therapy, including soft tissue and joint mobilizations. Frank prides himself in personalized and compassionate patient interaction and care. He enjoys golfing, skiing, music, exercising, watching sports, and spending time with his family in his spare time.

Frank is certified for application of the Nationally Renowned LSVT treatment for Parkison’s Disease.

Michelle Hoffman, DPT, ATC, LAT, OCS

Michelle Hoffman, DPT, ATC, LAT is the newest member of the AIR Physical Therapy & Fitness team. She graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University in 2018 and has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 2015. Since 2020, she has held her Direct Access Certificate, allowing her to treat patients without a prescription or referral from a physician.

Michelle has worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting since graduating and enjoys working with a variety of patients but especially enjoys the athletic population. Michelle has completed several continuing education courses that include a variety of topics including treatment of spine, shoulder, and balance.

Michelle became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2023. Only 6% of all physical therapists have achieved this certification. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, staying active, and playing recreational volleyball.

Heather Palmer, MPT, OCS

Heather Palmer, MPT, brings 20+ years of physical therapy experience to the AIR Physical Therapy & Fitness team. She received her Masters in Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Findlay and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh (Johnstown). Since 2012, she has held her Direct Access Certificate, allowing her to treat patients without a prescription or referral from a physician.

Heather became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2023. Only 6% of all physical therapists have achieved this certification. Heather enjoys working with a variety of patients from all age groups. She has completed numerous continuing education courses over the years, focusing on orthopedic injuries. She is also certified in kinesiotaping and Upper Extremity ART Certification, a soft tissue manual technique effective in treating conditions such as rotator cuff syndrome, carpal tunnel and tennis elbow.

In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons. As outdoor enthusiasts, she and her family enjoy camping, hiking, and skiing throughout the year.

Amber Dean, PTA, LMT

Amber Dean grew up in and continues to live in Lawrence County. She is a graduate of Laurel High School and attended Butler County Community College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Applied Science with a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Amber has been providing compassionate, professional physical therapy and massage services in private practice outpatient clinics in the Shenango area for more than 12 years. With her complementary massage and PTA skills, she has treated a variety of diagnoses and expanded her knowledge with continuing education in areas including post-op rehabilitation, sports-related injuries, neuro rehabilitation, and aquatic therapy.

In her free time she enjoys camping, kayaking, golfing, spending time with her family, and her golden retriever Harley.

Amber is certified for application of the Nationally Renowned LSVT treatment for Parkison’s Disease.

Renee VanArtsdalen, MPT

Renee VanArtsdalen brings 19 plus years of physical therapy experience to the AIR Physical Therapy & Fitness team. She received her combined Bachelor-Masters in Physical Therapy and Science from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY.

She is a trained Maitland-Australian orthopedic manual therapist, a Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute Level I certified pelvic floor therapist, and has completed training in osteoporosis management. Renee is also certified in Muscle Activation Techniques, dry needling, and Kinesio Taping.

Renee works with a variety of patients including pelvic floor rehab, spine conditions, migraines, TMJ, osteoporosis, orthopedic injuries, concussion, and post-op care. In her free time, Renee enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and black lab Jaxson. She likes running, hiking, and biking.

Taylor Speck, MSAT, LAT, ATC

Taylor Speck began as the athletic trainer at Riverside High School in 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and her Masters’ degree in Athletic Training from Slippery Rock University. During her time there, she worked with a variety of sports teams at both high school and collegiate levels.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family, adventuring outdoors, and trying new recipes.

Carly Rosendale, DPT

Carly Rosendale, DPT earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University in 2019 and graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from SRU in 2022. Throughout her schooling, she gained experience in outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and pediatrics.

Carly enjoys being able to work with a variety of patients in the outpatient setting. She has also been a youth swim coach in the Slippery Rock community for over 7 years. In her free time, she enjoys camping, biking, and boating with family and friends.

Jessica Gehm, ATC

Jessica (Klinzing) Gehm is a proud Riverside High School alumna, graduating in 2017 before heading off to West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2021.
Jess kicked off her career as the sole athletic trainer at Mercer Area School, quickly becoming known for her expertise in emergency care, taping wizardry, injury prevention, and sharp evaluation skills. She’s passionate about connecting with athletes, parents, coaches and administrators to ensure everyone gets top-notch care—and she loves introducing students to the exciting world of sports medicine, inspiring the next generation of athletic trainers.

Certified as an Athletic Trainer (ATC) through the BOC and holding her athletic training license (LAT) in Pennsylvania, Jess has been a proud member of NATA since 2017.

Outside of her professional life, Jess recently tied the knot! She enjoys golfing, adventuring outdoors with her husband and dogs, and being an active member of Living Faith Church in Fombell. Jess combines skill, heart, and a little bit of fun in everything she does—on and off the field!