Jessica Thompson PT, DPT

Pelvic Health Physical Therapist

Dr. Jessica Thompson is a 2020 graduate of Mercer University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. A proud Mississippi native, she has worked in the Atlanta metro area for over 3 years as a pelvic floor physical therapist. With the peripartum population being her passion, she co-created Operation M.I.S.T., where she uses wearable technology to detect maternal health problems between OB visits to combat the maternal mortality crisis. In her free time, she co hosts the Operation M.I.S.T. and Core 4 Momentum Podcasts available on all major streaming platforms. She most recently became an Evidence Based Birth®️Childbirth Instructor teaching virtual classes to families nationwide.

Rachel McArthur, PT, DPT, OT

Dry Needling Certified
CAPP-Pelvic

Rachel is a physical therapist of 30+ years and an occupational therapist of nearly 20 years. After receiving her BS in physical therapy at Boston University, Rachel returned to her home town of San Diego but was later drawn by her wanderlust to traveling therapy. While a traveler Rachel explored the country and found her new home in Georgia. She went to Belmont University and received her MS in Occupational therapy and returned to school again to receive her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Rachel has worked as a PT and an OT in several settings: hospitals,private practice, the school system, home health care. She now primarily provides her services as a pelvic physical therapist. After many years of working in the field, Rachel received Certification of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy from the APTA (CAPP). She is also certified to provide dry needling and is certified in LSVT, a specialized program to treat patients with Parkinson's Disease. Rachel spends her free time with her two children and loves caving, kayaking, and stand up paddling.

Alexis Najarro, OTR/L, CPAM

Occupational Therapist

Alexis is an Occupational Therapist who specializes in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. She started her career in healthcare at 18 years old as a Certified Nursing Assistant treating patients at Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital in Charlotte, NC. After being inspired by the rehab specialists she worked alongside during that time, she graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelors in Exercise and Sport Science, and later got her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Boston University's Sargent College. She's been practicing since 2009, treating patients of all ages in all settings, and is passionate about helping people return to doing the things that they love. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys biking, hiking, baking, and crafting. Her favorite people include her husband, two sons, and little dog Ollie.

Avie Churchwell, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Avie is an outpatient physical therapist who is passionate about assisting patients to meet their goals. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, she traveled south to attend the University of Alabama. There she received a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a focus in nutrition. She went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University.
Avie is certified in dry needling. She has continued her education with courses focusing on modern pain science, low back pain treatment, and the integration of hands-on techniques into home exercise programs. In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding, sewing, camping, and cooking.

Erika Belmore PT, DPT, OCS

Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Certified Vestibular Rehab

Erika is an outpatient physical therapist who is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their goals. A south Florida native, Erika graduated from the University of Florida with her bachelor's in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology in 2013 and went on to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2016. She then completed an Orthopedic Residency in 2018 and became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2019. Erika is also certified in vestibular rehabilitation for treating vertigo and dizziness and balance disorders.

In her free time, Erika enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan and cat Lynx, traveling, exercising, watching sports, and playing board games.

Rob West PT, DPT, OCS

Director of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Dry Needle Certified

Rob is the Director of Physical Therapy at Decatur Hand and PT. He graduated from Emory University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is a board certified Orthopedic Specialist. He has extensive experience with strength training, previously competing in strongman and powerlifting. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. In his spare time Rob enjoys working on motorcycles and playing with his dog, Meatloaf. Rob treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions but has a particular interest in hypermobility conditions, TMJ Pain, cervicogenic headaches, and shoulder/ankle injuries.

Rachele Branson, OTR/L, CHT

Owner, Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist

Rachele Branson is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with over 30 years of experience.  After graduating from Indiana University in 1991, Rachele worked at Dekalb Medical Center for 14 years as a therapist and supervisor. She obtained her Certification in Hand Therapy(CHT) in 1996.  In 2005, she opened Decatur Hand & Physical Therapy Specialists.  Her vision in opening the practice was to create a warm and friendly environment where patients receive the highest level of care and enjoy coming to their appointments. She brings to her clients' a wealth of experience in treating the hand and upper extremity.  She is passionate about quality patient care and strives for exceeding all customer needs and expectations. Rachele also serves as the Chair for the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy. In her spare time, Rachele enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their 3 children.

Laura Higgins PT

Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Dry Needle Certified

Laura is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist who has been at Decatur Hand and PT Specialists since 2007. Graduating from the University of Vermont’s Physical Therapy program, Laura became interested in pelvic health early on in her career and is passionate about working with people who have pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, pain and mobility problems due to cancer and pregnancy and post-partum related issues. She feels fortunate to work with people one-on-one, help them have an improved quality of life and be empowered to reach their goals. Laura spends her time away from work with her husband, two kids and rescue pup. She loves yoga, reading and anything outdoors.

Starr Banks PT, DPT, MPH

Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Dry Needle Certified

Starr Banks is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with experience treating pelvic floor, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. Dr. Banks serves primarily as a pelvic health physical therapist at Decatur Hand and PT Specialists, providing care that focuses on pelvic floor dysfunction and pain and pregnancy/postpartum-related conditions. During treatment, Starr emphasizes the importance of looking at the body as a whole in order to address and/or prevent dysfunction. She is passionate about providing 1-on-1 care that empowers individuals on their healing and wellness journey through extensive education and a patient-centered approach. Dr. Banks first received a BA in Anthropology from Georgia State University. She then obtained her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. She later returned to Georgia State University to obtain her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. In addition to receiving advanced training to treat pelvic floor and pregnancy/postpartum-related conditions, she is certified in providing myofascial trigger point therapy (dry needling). She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-Pelvic Health and Neurology sections. When not treating patients, Dr. Banks tries to spend as much time as she can outdoors either walking, running, hiking, kayaking, or just staring at nature. She is also constantly dreaming about and planning her next travel adventure.