About Us

Michelle Rodriguez, MPT, OCS, CMPT is the founder and director of Manhattan Physio Group.  She has over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist working with elite dancers, athletes, performers, musicians, and actors.  Michelle graduated with honors in psychology from Amherst College and received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University & UMDNJ in 1999, where she was honored with the APTA Minority Scholarship for Academic Excellence Award.  She became a certified manual physical therapist (CMPT) through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 2004, and attained board certification by the American Physical Therapy Association as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) in 2009.  She completed a comprehensive motor control curriculum, The Movement Solution, in 2013 with Kinetic Control Seminars.  And as a certified GYROTONIC® instructor, she incorporates the movement principles of this system into her rehabilitation of patients.

​​A Gyrotonic Master Trainer is a highly experienced and certified Gyrotonic instructor who is qualified to teach the Gyrotonic Level 1 Foundation Teacher Training Course. They guide and assess new Gyrotonic trainers in understanding the method's principles, teaching techniques, and comprehensive Level 1 curriculum, ensuring they develop the skills necessary to become certified Gyrotonic Trainers. 

Dr. Joan Esposito, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and a professional background in dance and movement sciences. Originally from Minneapolis, she trained and competed in dance before earning her B.A. from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts and studying ballet in Paris. Joan performed professionally with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, in regional theaters, and appeared in the feature film *Love & Other Drugs* before transitioning into physical therapy. Her clinical training emphasized advanced orthopedics and performing arts medicine, with research presented at national conferences and specialized training at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, where she treated Broadway professionals. Also a registered yoga instructor and experienced dance educator, Joan’s clinical focus includes injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance wellness for performing artists, with a special interest in adolescent development.

Santos Acuna, PT, MPT, CMPT, ATC has more than 20 years of physical therapy experience. From the West Coast to the East Coast and with stops along the heartland, Santos has utilized and honed his therapeutic skills. While completing his Physical Education Bachelor's degree with a Certification in Athletic Training , Santos worked as the assistant women's gymnastic coach for USGF affiliated Aztec Gymnastic Club, Grossmont College, and California State University, Chico. Continuing his love in Sports Medicine, Santos Received his Master in Physical Therapy from Chapman University.

Vickie Stambolian, PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist who earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in 2019. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Queens College (2004) and spent more than a decade working in multimedia production. In 2014, she returned to academia to complete post-baccalaureate coursework and earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in preparation for physical therapy school.

A native New Yorker, Vickie brings a long-standing engagement with movement to her clinical work, shaped by training in classical and contemporary dance styles as well as martial arts. Her clinical experience includes providing backstage physical therapy care for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including Sleep No More, The Outsiders, and Buena Vista Social Club. Her clinical interests include movement education and pain science, with an emphasis on helping patients actively participate in their rehabilitation. She plans to pursue advanced manual therapy certification as part of her ongoing professional development.