Chris McNamara, PT, DPT, Clinic Director
My primary area of expertise is in orthopedics, with an emphasis on aquatic physical therapy.  In particular, I am interested in the utilization of aquatic physical therapy in reducing total rehabilitation time for patients with low back pain, and for post surgical patients (ACL, menisectomy, total hip and total knee replacements).  I received my Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, and my Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Simmons College in Boston. (website)

Barb Belyea, PT, DPT, CSCS
My primary interest and expertise is in orthopaedics, utilizing principles of strength and conditioning training, including an emphasis on core conditioning, to assist patients in achieving optimal fitness and function. I have a special interest in patients with patellofemoral pain, rehab of older adults, and orthotic fabrication.  (website)

Mike Buck, PT, PhD, ATC, Cert. MDT, CSCS
I specialize in orthopedics with an emphasis on the McKenzie technique for patients with spinal problems. I have a Professional Masters degree in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. I am also certified as an athletic trainer. I received my credential in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy from the McKenzie Institute, and I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the NSCA. (website)

Jessica Valdez Taves, MSOTR/L.

Jessica graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelors of arts in

Psychology and a minor in Recreation and Leisure studies. While at IC,

Jessica's R&L studies focused on special populations where she was

introduced to the field of OT. Jessica received her Master of Science

from Colorado State University. Her professional placements have included

Long Term Care, Acute Hospital, In-patient Adult Rehabilitation, Sub-Acute

and working at a Community based brain injury program serving adults with

various BI and re-entry of the community.  Prior to her graduate degree,

Jessica worked in several settings including dementia care, juvenile

justice/court system, activities director for seniors, home health care

for adults and juveniles with brain injuries.  Her professional interests

include driving rehabilitation, as well as safety in the home and prevention

of falls with the aging population, and cultural competence in

Occupational Therapy education, training and clinic.  Jessica currently

teaches Human Development II, Adult Evaluation and Intervention sections,

Geriatric OT and can be found working with student volunteers and those

taking a course in clinical applications at the on-campus OT/PT clinic.

Jessica continues to practice as an OT outside of IC at a local nursing

home, is a member of AOTA and is active with Ithaca College ALANA.

Outside of the classroom Jessica enjoys photography, jogging, reading,

downhill skiing, hiking and chasing after her sons, Lucas, 5 years old & Jacob 1.

Nick Quarrier, PT, DPT, MHS, OCS, LMT
My specialty involves the evaluation and treatment of music-related injuries. I coordinate and teach an annual summer workshop designed to educate musicians and health care providers about music-related injuries. My personal philosophy on rehabilitation is to empower the patient to take control of their own healing process.  (website)

Amie graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders.  She received her Master of Occupational Therapy from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Her professional placements have included integrated preschool programs, specialized school settings, pediatric acute care, and pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.  Her professional interests include sensory integration, feeding difficulties, chronic pain management, social skills groups, and dyspraxia.  Amie currently teaches in the pediatric block of courses for Occupational Therapy students at Ithaca College.  Amie is an active private contractor in the Ithaca area for early intervention, preschool, and school age children.

Outside the classroom, Amie enjoys cooking, sailing, hiking, and spending time with her family, including her two young children.