Staff

Josh graduated from High Point University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.  He received his doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore . He has received extensive training, including Certifications with the American Back Pain Center, American Balance Institute and Leduc Lymphedema Management.

Josh has been practicing for 15 years and has a proven track record for dedication in his patient’s recovery.  His experience allows him to treat a multitude of pathologies, including but not limited to, sports medicine injuries, spinal disorders, headache and migraines, vestibular dysfunction, neurological impairments and lymphedema management.

“Helping patients recover from various pathologies is one the most rewarding aspects of my career.  At Tidewater Physical Therapy in Centreville, our focus is to deliver an individualized and one-on-one experience that will optimize a patient’s rehabilitation and improve their quality of life.”

Mark is a Physical Therapist in practice since 2002 and in DE since 2003. He obtained his master’s in physical therapy at University of Maryland, Baltimore. His focus is on orthopedics. He is trained in McKenzie therapy and emphasizes manual therapy and body mechanics. He is also certified in Therapeutic Dry Needling utilized to assist in the reduction of muscle restriction. He treats patients of all ages with customized programs to help patients achieve their goals with consideration for whole person and not just a diagnosis.  He enjoys cycling, skiing, fitness and family.

Bob Cairo is the clinical director of our Ocean View location. He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 1990. Bob received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Delaware and his Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (MEP) and Cardiac Rehabilitation from Springfield College in Massachusetts. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (PT) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Additionally, he is a Certified Active Release Technique® provider (ART®).

Bob is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a certified exercise technologist with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Bob is experienced in the McKenzie and Maitland programs, mobilizations of the neural system, and trigger point muscle release.

He specializes in the areas of orthopedics, geriatrics, neurological disorders, sports medicine, and post-surgical and joint replacement rehabilitation.

Brian Mielke is the Clinical Director of the Easton Clinic.  He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 2010. Brian received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Brian specializes in manual therapy of the spine, myofascial release, strain counter-strain, extremity mobilization, and sports rehabilitation.

Personally, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife Mandi, sons Sam and Jack, and daughters Cameron and Harper. Brian also enjoys spending time outdoors, playing volleyball, and cheering on his favorite sports teams the Baltimore Orioles, the Maryland Terrapins and the Washington Redskins.

Jacob Cannon, DPT received a Bachelor of Science from Salisbury University and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland.  He specializes in manual therapy, post-operative physical therapy, return to sports and joint mobilization.  Jake has the perfect blend of academic excellence, practical experience and a compassionate approach.  He is dedicated to delivering effective, personalized physical therapy services to his patients.

In his personal time, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley and their son Cooper.  He loves being outside with his dogs, playing golf, fishing and reading.

Craig Joachimowski is the Clinical Director of our Seaford, Delaware location and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Hand Therapist and credentialed as an Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist.  Craig joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 1993 after receiving his BS in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware and Competency in Vestibular Dysfunction from Emory University.  As one of the very few Therapists with certifications in OCS and CHT,  Craig uses specific techniques and splinting to treat hand conditions like nerve injuries; tendinitis; post-operative rehabilitation following tendon, artery and nerve repairs; ligament reconstruction; fractures and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).  Craig completed his DPT through the College of Saint Scholastica.

Shawn Carter is the Clinical Director of our St. Michaels location. He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 2008. Shawn received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Salisbury University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He is also a certified clinical instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association and teaches as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Physical Therapy. He has completed training for ASTYM treatment from Performance Dynamics®, Inc, which is a regenerative soft tissue therapy that rebuilds and heals the soft tissues of the body.  Shawn is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.

Shawn specializes in general orthopedic, lymphedema, sports related, pre and post surgical therapies as well as treatment for chronic pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, low back and neck pain, and injury prevention. Personally, Shawn and his wife are active in the St. Michaels community, helping coach youth sports and volunteering with several other local organizations.

Alex Eberspacher is a Physical Therapist and the Clinical Director of our Cambridge location. Alex received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Salisbury University in 2004. He gained several years of experience in the field of Physical Therapy, working as a rehab tech until going back to school to further his Physical Therapy career. He became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2011 after graduating from Chesapeake College.

Alex joined the Tidewater Physical Therapy team after graduation in 2011, working as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at our Cambridge clinic. While continuing to work as a PTA, Alex enrolled at Neumann University of Pennsylvania in the Physical Therapy Doctorate program in 2013.  In 2016, Alex graduated from Neumann University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and became a licensed Physical Therapist. He has many years of experience working with orthopedics, sports injuries, joint replacements, geriatrics, vestibular issues, gait and balance deficits, and other conditions. Alex was born and raised in Dorchester County and is proud to serve Dorchester and its surrounding area.

Matthew Greene is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and the Clinical Director of our Harrington location.  He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 2016.  Matt received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Maryland, College Park and his doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from The University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.  Matt has worked in acute care, home health and outpatient settings.  He specializes in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, comprehensive lymphedema treatment and conditions involving balance and gait.  Personally, Matt loves spending time with his wife, Michelle and his son, Parker. He is an avid golfer and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through Titleist® Performance Institute. He is also a fan of the Ravens, Orioles and The University of Maryland athletic programs.

Mark Haviland is the Clinical Director of our Denton, MD location. He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 1991.

Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (PT) from the University of Maryland in Baltimore.

He is a member of the orthopedic division of the American Physical Therapy Association. Mark’s interests focus on the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and neurological disorders, sports injuries, post surgical and joint replacement rehabilitation, auto accident injuries and work-related injuries.

Personally, Mark enjoys fishing, hunting and coaching lacrosse.

Krzysztof Krajewski, DPT (Kristof) hails from Poland, graduating from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology with a Master of Mechanical Engineering in 2007.  After arriving in the U.S., Kristof attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and graduated in 2017 as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.  Working in various outpatient settings and skilled nursing facilities since 2012, has afforded Kristof a wide range of experiences in the many levels of care needed to rehab a patient.  Kristof has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2014 and specializes in orthopedic and sports injuries, pre- and post-operative care, soft tissue mobilization, fall prevention and balance and gait impairments.

Brian Prettyman, DPT is the Clinical Director of our Chester, Maryland location. Brian received his Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Salisbury University in 2013.  Brian gained experience in the field of Physical Therapy, working as a technician with Tidewater, until going back to school to further his career. In 2017, Brian received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He specializes in manual therapy, multi-trauma therapies, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), balance, pre- and post-operative care, joint replacement therapies, sports and orthopedic therapy, stroke rehabilitation, vertigo and TMJ dysfunction. Personally, Brian is a huge sports fan – particularly of the Baltimore and Kansas City based teams. He is also an avid runner and enjoys woodworking in his free time.

Hannah received her BS in Biology from St Mary’s College of Maryland in May 2019. She then received her DPT graduate degree from Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia in May 2022. Hannah specializes in women’s pelvic health physical therapy such as urinary/fecal urgency and incontinence, pelvic pain conditions, post-oncology radiation and/or chemotherapy patient populations, pregnancy and postpartum; orthopedic conditions such as joint replacements, post-surgical care, various orthopedic injuries, balance/gait disorders, and neurological impairments.

Prior to PT school, Dr. Porter was an exercise technician at Tidewater Physical Therapy in Seaford. Hannah is from Denton, Maryland, and is a fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Capitals. She also enjoys playing piano, eating crabs, and relaxing at the beach.

Joe Whalen is the Clinical Director of our Lewes location. He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 1986. Joe received his Bachelors of Science and a Certificate of Proficiency in Physical Therapy (PT) from the University of Delaware. He is also a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (CMOT) through the Institute of Graduate Physical Therapy in St. Augustine, FL.

Joe is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Special Section for treatment of Geriatric patients and specializes in Geriatric exercise, manual therapy for the geriatric patient and advanced techniques in strain-counter strain treatment. Joe uses an eclectic approach combining his training in joint mobilization, counter strain, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, soft tissue mobilization, and trigger point treatment to effectively treat all types of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Hannah Yoder is a Physical Therapist at our Harrington, DE location. She joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 2016. Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, her Master of Science in Anatomy and Clinical Health Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT),  all from the University of Delaware, Newark, DE.  She is also a member of the Delaware chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Hannah’s interests focus on sports medicine, orthopedic conditions and vestibular rehabilitation. Personally, Hannah enjoys spending her free time with her family, watching sports, being active outdoors and going on road trips.

Craig Joachimowski is the Clinical Director of our Seaford, Delaware location and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Hand Therapist and credentialed as an Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist.  Craig joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 1993 after receiving his BS in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware and Competency in Vestibular Dysfunction from Emory University.  As one of the very few Therapists with certifications in OCS and CHT,  Craig uses specific techniques and splinting to treat hand conditions like nerve injuries; tendinitis; post-operative rehabilitation following tendon, artery and nerve repairs; ligament reconstruction; fractures and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).  Craig completed his DPT through the College of Saint Scholastica.

Jim Downs is the Founder, Senior Partner and CEO of Tidewater Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Associates, PA and its sister company, Tidewater Electromyography (EMG).  He founded Tidewater Physical Therapy in 1984 in Easton, MD as a Medicare-certified rehabilitation agency.

Today, Tidewater Physical Therapy has grown to 14 outpatient locations across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.

Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (PT) from the Medical College of Virginia and his Doctor of Science in Clinical Electrophysiology (DSc) from Rocky Mountain University. He is Board Certified in Clinical Electrophysiology (ECS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. During his career Jim has held several local and national offices with the American Physical Therapy Association and has served two terms on the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. He has also taught the EMG/Nerve Conduction course work at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for over 40 years and has lectured nationally in the same field. Jim has practiced in the specialty of Clinical Electrophysiology for over 50 years, where his prime interest is in differentiating among peripheral nerve lesions, plexus level lesions and root level lesions, as well as evaluating other neuromuscular involvement, such as generalized peripheral neuropathy, primary muscle disease, myoneural junction deficit and motor neuron involvement. Personally, Jim resides in Rehoboth Beach, DE with his wife and yellow lab. They have one daughter who is a landscape architect.

Rodney Schlegel, PT, DSc (Hon), ECS provides Electromyography and Nerve Conduction testing for Tidewater Physical Therapy primarily at its Salisbury, MD. He joined Tidewater Physical Therapy in 2018.

Rod has been in the physical therapy field for over 60 years. He served in the United States Airforce as an active duty medic and physical therapy technician from 1957-1961. After his time in active duty, he enrolled in University of Maryland’s School of Medicine, School of Physical Therapy. He was graduated from the University of Maryland in 1964. In 1989 he became Board Certified as an Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In 2011, he was granted an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions for excellence in clinical practice, contributions to the profession and contributions to the specialty of clinical electrophysiology (electroneuromyography).

Professionally, Rod has been involved in many organizations, groups, and committee’s pertaining to his specialty that include: Founding member, Chair and Director of the Hand Rehabilitation Section of the APTA; Founding member, Chair, and Vice President and Board of Governors of the American Congress of Electroneuromyography; Vice Chair of the APTA Section on Electrophysiological and Electrokinesiological Measurements (SEEM); Chair of SEEM Task Force on Specialization in Electroneuromyography; Member of American Physical Therapy Association Task Force on Definition of Physical Therapy Practice; Member of Committee for Standardization of Electrophysiologic Evaluation Nomenclature; Member on Task Force on Development of Competencies for PT Electromyographers; Member Section on Clinical Electrophysiology Continuation Committee; Liaison to Food and Drug Admin for electromyographic devices; Member Editorial Board for Journal of Clinical Electrophysiology; Chair Committee on Peer Review and Standards of Practice for PT electromyographers; Member of American Physical Therapy Association Specialty Council on Clinical Electrophysiology; and Member and Chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.