at our core
we are MARN
At Our Core
to IMPACT
The people behind the Mid American Rehabilitation Network
Board Members
Dr. Benner takes a special interest in treating patients with orthopaedic and sports injuries, a passion deeply rooted in her extensive academic background, including a Master’s in Exercise Physiology and a Doctorate in Health Education and Promotion, culminating in her board certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist. Her 20+ years of dedication and expertise have been widely recognized, earning her accolades such as the American Physical Therapy Association's PT/PTA Team Award and the Ohio Physical Therapist of The Year. Beyond her professional achievements, her personal commitment to an active lifestyle of running, biking, and skiing further underscores her profound understanding and enthusiasm for physical well-being.
Practice: Advanced Rehabilitation and Health Specialist
Email: ediebenner@gmail.com
Website: www.arhs.us
Joe Isaac, PT, CSCS, brings over 25 years of extensive outpatient physical therapy experience, beginning his career after graduating from Ohio State University in 1994. After advancing from treating diverse patients to coordinating industrial rehabilitation, his passion for fitness led him to co-found Tri-State Rehab Services and Preferred Fitness Center in 1998, which has since expanded to six locations across three states, integrating public fitness with patient recovery. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he is also certified in Dry Needling, Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization, and Movement Analysis, further developing the F.A.S.T. (Function Agility Strength Training) program to exemplify his comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and performance.
Practice: Tri-State Rehab Services
Email: joeisaacpt@tristaterehab.com
Website: www.tristaterehab.com
Dr. Eschman began his physical therapy career in nursing homes after graduating from Ohio State in 1987. There, he quickly realized his passion for helping older adults recover from acute conditions. Witnessing patients regain independence after 2-3 months, he often wished he could have intervened sooner to prevent their need for institutionalization. This insight inspired the founding of Eschman Physical Therapy, LLC in 2005, where a one-to-one professional model now empowers individuals to avoid long-term care by focusing on proactive, personalized rehabilitation.
Sally Oxley has dedicated 38 years to physical therapy in Huntington, establishing Huntington Physical Therapy in 1982 and growing it into a substantial practice. Her extensive expertise is demonstrated by certifications as a Certified Hand Therapist (1995), an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (2002), and in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for spine problems (2005). Beyond her clinical work, Sally has held significant leadership roles, including a decade on the West Virginia Physical Therapy Licensing Board and current positions on the WV Physical Therapy Association, First Sentry Bank, and as Chair of the Cabell Huntington Board of Health. Her career reflects a profound commitment to her profession and community.
Practice: Huntington Physical Therapy Specialists
Email: soxley@hptservices.com
Website: www.hptservices.com
Directors
Leon, the founder and CEO of Sports and Spine Physical Therapy, leads with over three decades of clinical, executive, and entrepreneurial experience, establishing him as a recognized expert in orthopedic manual therapy and a strong advocate for patient-centered care. Holding advanced degrees from institutions like the Ola Grimsby Institute and The Ohio State University, he oversees strategic planning, clinical leadership, and business development. His extensive leadership background, including serving as President of the American Academy of Physical Therapy, underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing the profession through education, diversity, and evidence-based care.
Ray is the founder of Gronlund Physical Therapy & Associates, LLC. Dr. Gronlund has 20 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist. He received his BS in Biology in 1989 from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. In 1993, he received his Master’s degree, followed by his Doctorate degree (2005) in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University. Dr. Gronlund is currently a Clinical Instructor for the Duquesne & Chatham University PT programs. Dr. Gronlund completed his board certification to become a Sports Certified Specialist (SCS).
Paul, owner of Rehab Associates, is a seasoned physical therapist with over 30 years of practice, leading a trusted central Ohio rehabilitation provider established over four decades ago. As a licensed PT and business leader, he directs a leading outpatient orthopedic clinic known for evidence-based care in injury recovery and performance, while also managing contract therapy programs in schools across a five-county region. His leadership effectively blends clinical expertise with operational excellence, forging strong partnerships within healthcare and education.
Dr. Stephen Young is a practicing physical therapist, entrepreneur, and educator with more than two decades of experience leading one of West Virginia’s most respected private outpatient practices. As founder and owner of Mountaineer Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Stephen has built a thriving, outcomes-driven clinic recognized for its emphasis on clinical excellence, patient engagement, and operational efficiency. A Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT), Dr. Young also holds certifications in dry needling and ASTYM® soft-tissue therapy. His blend of advanced clinical skills and business acumen allows him to integrate evidence-based care with sustainable practice management—core principles that align closely with MARN’s mission of strengthening independent rehabilitation providers. In addition to his work in private practice, Stephen serves on the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, helping guide professional standards and regulatory policy statewide. He is also affiliated with West Virginia University’s School of Medicine as adjunct faculty, mentoring the next generation of physical therapists through clinical education and leadership development. As a member of the MARN Board of Directors, Dr. Young brings insight into small-market growth strategy, clinical innovation, and the importance of preserving patient-centered, independent physical therapy in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Practice: Mountaineer Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Email: syoung@mountaineerphysicaltherapy.com
Website: www.mountaineerphysicaltherapy.com
Executive Director
Berni has been the Executive Director at Mid American Rehabilitation Network since 2016. Her experience is extensive and includes over 18 years in billing for medical practices. She is a member of the Administration Counsel PPS and acts as a liaison with PPS Payment Policy and the Ohio Payment Policy Specialist for the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. Ms. Willis is also a Billing Implementation Trainer for OptimisPT since 2011. Her skills include working with front desk staff to ensure proper collection of demographic information to speed up the billing process; collaborating with clinicians to teach compliant billing based on documentation; understanding CCI edits and payer rules to ensure clean claims, which lead to expedited payments and fewer denials. She stays current with state and federal collection guidelines and extends her invaluable knowledge to all those affiliated with MARN.
Email: berni.willis@midamrehab.com