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 PT
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.