Physical Therapy Services
Our Staff
Wheaton Location
Chun Yin Jethro Mak, PT, DPT
Jethro Mak completed his undergraduate studies at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. He enrolled in WVU Honors College, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology with Summa Cum Laude honors. He later earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. During physical therapy school, Jethro had experiences working in various clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics, inpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facility. He enjoys working with patients of all ages, as well as a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions. Jethro believes it is important to develop customized rehabilitation programs, provide appropriate education, and utilize various treatment techniques to help patients achieve their functional goals and best possible outcomes and prevent future injuries.
As a clinician, he is certified in LSVT BIG, an evidence-based, intensive treatment program which helps people with Parkinson’s disease to improve mobility and activities of daily living. He has also honed his treatment skills through continued education focused in orthopedic physical therapy since joining Arthritis & Rehabilitation Therapy Services.
Jethro grew up in Hong Kong, and is a native speaker of Cantonese and Mandarin. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hiking, playing piano, traveling, and learning different cultures. His personal motto is to “rest in the highest excellence”.
Jethro is an exceptional person! Excellent in his job, and patient with us, good sense of humor and extremely capable! He has helped me a lot!! My quality of life has improved a lot! I am more flexible, have almost no pain and do hundreds of things that were impossible to do before!
Nelly C. (Patient)
I met Jethro when I was in EXTREME PAIN! With a few sessions, he reduced my pain considerably. I felt very comfortable with his therapy.
V.B.P. (Patient)
Back and hip surgeries, osteoporosis, arthritis and scoliosis caused me to have a lot of pain. Since working with Jethro there is a definite increase in my leg strength and improvement in my balance. I can walk further without much pain. The program here is thorough and Jethro is very knowledgeable and caring!
Anne E. (Patient)
Eunice Ahn, PT, DPT, CMTPT
Eunice Ahn is a native of the Montgomery County area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. During her clinical rotations, she gained experience in a variety of settings including outpatient orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation, inpatient cardiac rehabilitation, and surgical oncology rehabilitation.
Eunice is skilled in treating a variety of patient populations, including patients suffering from acute and chronic pain conditions, hypermobility syndrome, general orthopedics, post-operative patients, and balance and vestibular disorders. She believes in a holistic approach and will work with her patients to find the root cause of the pain, rather than treat just the symptoms. Eunice has her certification as a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) through Myopain Seminars and uses dry needling in her practice to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction.
Outside of work, Eunice loves to find good eats in the DMV area. She also enjoys working out at the gym and playing with her dogs.
“Eunice prepared me for the surgery with exercises to strengthen the muscles around my knee. Post-surgery I was surprisingly quick to be able to move with confidence. I had a greater range of movement and flexibility. Post-surgery sessions gave me much to work on, which moved the healing and strengthening much further. I am most grateful for her support.”
Kandy H. (Patient)
“I began PT due to back pain from stenosis, I realized this would be ongoing pain and hoped to learn from physical therapy how to manage it, before turning to injections, etc. Eunice explained in detail and worked to help me cope with the issues. I gradually gained confidence and [learned] the best movements to reduce pain. I was encouraged to try various exercises and how to best optimize their effectiveness — without fear! Now I can walk and balance my walking with helpful exercises.”
Anne H. (Patient)
I was referred by my doctor to address my low back pain. My experience with Eunice has been nothing short of excellent. I have more strength and stamina and confidence about managing my health issue. I would rate her highly qualified, professional, and a great therapist. She gets the highest regard and grade from me. It’s been a true pleasure working with her and after my sessions-I always leave refreshed and with a smile on my face. Kudos to Eunice!
Yvette B. (Patient)
Derek Chow, PT, DPT
Derek has practiced physical therapy in a variety of settings, from private to hospital and rehabilitation facilities, treating patients with orthopedic, post-surgical, pediatric, and neurological conditions. He is experienced in treating patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric care. He believes in optimizing function in everyday life and taking time to educate patients about their bodies. He developed a passion for helping people through movement from personal experience recovering from his own sports-related injuries. Derek’s treatment approach is eclectic and individualized to the patient, including a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic activities with focus of returning a patient to their maximal functional level. While working with Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services, Derek has further expanded his knowledge and treatment skills through continuing education, including in the use of manual trigger point release and other manual treatment techniques, which are integral components of his practice.
“In the current practice, I enjoy working with a wide variety of patient populations in the local community, meeting wonderful people, and having the opportunity to serve in the DMV area. I love working with patients of all ages and both orthopedic and neurological injuries or diagnoses. I have a passion for learning and improving my skills as a physical therapist and will be pursing continuing education and certifications to enhance my practice and further benefit my patients.”
Derek grew up in Hong Kong and New York City and is a native speaker of Cantonese. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting in the gym, attending concerts, spending time with friends and family, and seeking new adventures.
Rockville Location
Allison Berger, PT, DPT
Allison grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a minor in Anthropology in 2014. A phenomenal patient experience led her to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, which she earned from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2021. Allison’s primary childhood movement practice was martial arts, where she began formally teaching both adults and children at age 11. She earned her black belt at age 14 after eight years of study and continued to teach for many years. While she entered PT school with the intention of becoming a pediatric physical therapist, Allison had the opportunity to practice in outpatient geriatrics, neurological inpatient rehabilitation, school-based physical therapy, and outpatient orthopedics. Through the course of her clinical education, Allison developed a passion for optimizing independence in older adults and assisting patients of all ages with reducing and managing chronic pain.
In treating patients, Dr. Berger formulates an individualized plan of care incorporating therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, manual therapy, pain-relieving modalities, and patient education aimed at assisting patients in meeting their goals and learning how to best manage their conditions independently. She has a special interest in treating patients with chronic pain, balance deficits, and hypermobility syndrome. Her position as a physical therapist at Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services allows her to apply her ever-expanding base of knowledge and skills to the specialized treatment of patients with various arthritic and rheumatological conditions. She also enjoys the opportunity to develop her French and Spanish language skills when working with patients.
Alicia Skibinski, PT, DPT
Alicia grew up in Massachusetts. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University.
Alicia has practiced physical therapy in Florida and Massachusetts, gaining experience in the acute care and outpatient settings. Prior to returning to the east coast and joining Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services in 2021, she practiced for over six years in Chicago, Illinois, where she worked at a Level One Trauma Center that also served as a Certified Burn and Stroke Center. Alicia primarily worked in the outpatient clinic, but also served in the acute care hospital on weekends and during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working in Chicago, Alicia further developed and honed her Spanish language skills, which she continues to cultivate and utilize in her current practice.
In her current practice, Alicia enjoys working with a wide variety of patient populations, including general orthopedics, geriatrics, and medically complex patients. She also has a special interest in working with patients with vestibular and balance disorders. Alicia strives to design individualized plans of care, utilizing manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular reeducation to assist patients in achieving their functional goals. Patient education remains at the forefront of her practice, as she assists and guides patients in understanding their conditions, as well as the tools and strategies needed to manage their symptoms independently. Alicia is a proponent of improving postural awareness, ergonomics, and body mechanics with each of her patients to prevent future exacerbation of symptoms and complications.
As a certified clinical instructor, Alicia enjoys mentoring physical therapy students eager to learn and foster skills for their future profession.
A true New England girl, Alicia has a love for all New England sports, summer beach days, and yummy seafood. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the DMV area and finding good eats and wine with her fiancé.
Chevy Chase Location
Katie Mills, PT, DPT
Katie Mills graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Elementary Education. After graduation, she served as a substitute teacher in Montgomery County and enjoyed working with children of different ages. She soon realized that her true passion was helping people and decided to return to school in order to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She entered a DPT program at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During graduate studies, she gained physical therapy experience in a variety of clinical settings, including orthopedics, in-patient, and school-based therapy.
After achieving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017, Katie moved back to the area in order to be close to her family and pursue a full-time physical therapy career. In her practice, she strives to be a comprehensive diagnostician and clinician and to provide her patients with the best care, utilizing an individualized plan of care for every patient. She uses a variety of treatments, including manual techniques, patient education, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercises, in order to achieve optimal outcomes for patients.
While working with Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services, Katie has further expanded her knowledge and treatment skills through continuing education, including in the use of manual trigger point release and other manual treatment techniques, which are integral components of her practice. Additionally, she achieved certification in Dry Needling from Myopain Seminars and utilizes this practice in her treatment of patients with a variety of neuromuscular, myofascial, and sensitization conditions.
I had a really bad fall in 2006 resulting in permanent disability. Katie has helped me improve my quality of life. P.T. from Katie helped me a lot and I am able to do more things for longer periods of time. One of the most valuable aspects of treatment was learning ways to control the pain. One thing that sets you apart from others is the attention to my specific issues and the attention to a holistic treatment.
Beatriz F. (Patient)
Katelyn was great to work with while I learned how to expand my range of motion with neck and shoulders. She took the time needed to explain the exercises. She also provided very useful information and materials to assist me now that I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Anne T. (Patient)
3) I came to ARTS on the recommendation of my rheumatologist for my arthritis; in particular my right hip pain. As I moved from eval to treatment and home exercises, Katelyn always met me where I was. As I noted my progress, and learned about my body, she was “with me” all the way. Together, we saw progress and what needed more work. I was always supported and encouraged in my P.T. She and all the staff are warm and friendly. I received very useful instructions also from Darcy, Kwesi and Brendan. And I heard realistic info and nothing ‘sugar-coated’. Thank you all!
Sara H. (Patient)
Danya Czarnolewski, PT, DPT
Danya graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In her time as a physical therapist, she has worked in a variety of settings, including the ICU, step-down unit, and outpatient orthopedic. She enjoys working with patients of all populations and ages, and has a special interest in the geriatric, orthopedic, and burn survivor populations. In helping her patients achieve their goals, she utilizes plans of care individualized for each patient, including therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, and manual therapy techniques to correct postural and muscular imbalances that lead to dysfunction. Empowering patients through education on their conditions and treatment strategies is extremely important to her. She strives to explain rehabilitation concepts in a clear manner and encourages patients to ask questions and provide feedback about their care, so patients become active participants in their recovery.
“Danya listened carefully and was very thorough. I’m back to normal and so grateful.”
Ingrid O. (Patient)
“I came in with shoulder and upper arm pain, Danya did a very thorough evaluation and instituted a plan for in-office therapy and at-home exercises. I saw improvement fairly quickly… Danya is very good at what she does. Very knowledgeable and has a good temperament for the job. The information/knowledge gained from Danya about how my arm/shoulder/body works and how to improve it (was most valuable).”
Anita R (Patient)
Thomasina (Tomi) Lyew, PT, DPT
Thomasina (Tomi) Lyew completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in the accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. During her first two years of undergraduate study, Tomi was a collegiate cheerleader and later discovered a love for running. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with Summa Cum Laude honors and then went on to achieve her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. During clinical rotations, Tomi gained significant physical therapy experience caring for patients in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. She developed a passion for treating the geriatric population and patients with orthopedic injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and medically complex conditions. While practicing in the inpatient rehabilitation setting, she gained a keen interest in treating patients with balance disorders and employing creative interventions to improve their stability and decrease fall risk. In her physical therapy practice, Tomi strives to implement care that is individualized to her patient and their specific needs and goals, including, but not limited to, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic activities to promote functional mobility and independence. Additionally, she is passionate about educating her patients, and providing insight and instruction related to diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate treatment progression, to encourage empowerment and achieve optimal outcomes.
Tomi moved to Washington, D.C. in 2022 to spend more time with family and joined Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services, practicing in the Chevy Chase location. While honing her skills in the care of patients with orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions and balance disorders through continuing education and direct patient care, she has also gained extensive experience in the treatment of patients affected by arthritic, degenerative, and rheumatologic conditions, osteoporosis, hypermobility syndrome, and various chronic pain conditions. She enjoys the opportunity to work one-on-one with patients and prides herself in actively listening to her patients to gain understanding of and provide care specific to their needs and goals.
Outside of work, Tomi enjoys visiting museums, running through Rock Creek Park, exploring restaurants in the city, and spending time with friends and family.
DC Location
Aidan Bittinger-Esser, PT, DPT
Aidan Bittinger-Esser grew up locally in Silver Spring, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Elon University in North Carolina. Following undergraduate studies, he returned to the Washington, D.C. area and worked as a physical therapist aide in Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services’ Washington, D.C. office, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the practice of physical therapy in preparation for his career pursuit as a physical therapist. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Widener University in Pennsylvania, where he received the Pro Bono National Honor Society Award for his time treating patients in the student-run clinic.
Dr. Bittinger-Esser acquired significant experience treating patients with a wide range of diagnoses and conditions during his clinical rotations, which spanned a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics, outpatient neurological rehabilitation, and inpatient rehabilitation. After earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy, Aidan again returned to the Washington, D.C. region and joined Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services in the Washington, D.C. office to begin his anticipated practice as a licensed physical therapist. Given his prior experience providing care to patients as a physical therapist aide, and knowledge of Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services’ patient population and the value that Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates places on the excellence of its clinicians, Aidan was eager to return to begin his career.
Aidan is passionate about improving the quality of life of his patients and assisting them in managing their pain and achieving the highest level of function possible. He employs a variety of manual treatment techniques, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and patient education in the care of his patients to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Outside of work, Aidan enjoys remaining active by weightlifting in the gym, playing ice hockey, and getting outside as much as possible. He is also an avid Washington Capitals fan and loves to attend games in D.C.
Nicholas (Nick) McGarry, PT, DPT
Nicholas (Nick) McGarry grew up in southeast Pennsylvania and spent an almost equal amount of time on the coast of New Jersey. He completed his undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. He subsequently achieved his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. During his graduate-level clinical rotations, he gained significant experience in different clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. In his career as a licensed physical therapist prior to joining Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services, he gained extensive experience practicing in Pennsylvania and Virginia in various clinical environments, including SNIF, outpatient orthopedics, and sports and performance rehabilitation, which allowed him to hone his evaluative and clinical treatment skills in caring for patients with a wide variety of diagnoses and conditions and at different stages of the rehabilitation process.
Dr. McGarry’s diverse background and clinical experience provide him with the tools to effectively treat a variety of patient populations, including patients with chronic pain, and neurologic, neuromuscular, and orthopedic diagnoses. While providing skilled manual treatment and exercise instruction to improve mobility and mechanics, Nick’s treatment approach emphasizes patient education to empower patients to independently manage and improve their conditions and make long-term, sustainable changes. Nick effectively strives to break down complex diagnoses into their component parts to facilitate patient understanding and success in rehabilitation.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time on the water, especially with friends and family.
Lauren Tidwell, PT, DPT
Lauren Tidwell graduated from the University of North Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology while studying in the Honors Program. During her first two years of undergraduate study, Lauren was a competitive collegiate swimmer. She would find her passion for physical therapy and eventually go on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Baylor University.
Dr. Tidwell started her practice as a physical therapist in Texas, treating individuals of all ages and with a wide range of diagnoses, from acute injuries to various conditions of chronic pain. She developed a passion for educating her patients about their diagnoses, as well as interventions applied in physical therapy and strategies that can be independently employed by patients to manage symptoms and achieve goals of rehabilitation. She has extensive experience treating patients with chronic pain, arthritic conditions, myofascial dysfunction, joint replacements, upper and lower extremity joint disorders, Fibromyalgia and conditions of sensitization, acute injuries, spinal disorders, post-operative rehabilitative needs following various orthopedic surgery types, and variety of other musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. She uses a combination of manual treatment techniques, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to individualize each patient’s plan of care for the achievement of specific goals of relieving pain, improving independence with symptom management, and maximizing daily function.
When not working as a physical therapist, Lauren enjoys time at the lake, puzzling, trying different exercise classes, and spending time with friends and family.