Physical Therapist Belle Vernon PA (724) 243-3728

Dr. Emilio Galis

Dr. Emilio Galis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Health Sciences from Duquesne University in 2012 andhis Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2014 from Duquesne University. Dr. Galis previously worked in Rockville and Gaithersburg Maryland for 3.5 years as a physical therapist and clinic director. He also has worked in the Pittsburgh region for the last 2 years. Dr. Galis has a primary focus on individualizing every treatment and plan of care to meet the specific needs of each patient and uses multimodal approaches of treatment to help patients improve their function and reach their personal goals. He strongly believes that increased time spent with each patient and hands on therapy is vital to the rehabilitative process. It is also vital to explain to and educate the patient on each treatment given and what its purpose is specific to each pathology he treats. Dr. Galis is a native of the Mon Valley and credits his success and passion to his upbringing and strong tight knit family. Dr. Galis has over 5 years of experience treating a variety of orthopedic conditions and pathologies and has a definite interest in working with athletes of all levels. He has had a lot of experience working specifically with professional boxers. He has also treated a variety of NFL players throughout the course of his career.

Dr. Krystal Savarino

Dr. Krystal Savarino received her bachelor in science in Athletic Training from West Virginia Wesleyan in 2005 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Slippery Rock University in 2008. Krystal then obtained her Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from West Virginia University in 2015.

Dr. Krystal has 13+ years of experience in both the orthopedic setting, as well as the home healthcare setting. She has vast experience with a variety of different diagnoses and injuries, but specializes in orthopedic and sports injuries with an emphasis on manual therapy. She enjoys working closely with her patients to develop individualized treatment plans that decrease pain, restore function and meet the patient’s goals. She remains devoted to giving quality patient care to each individual and enjoys nothing more than building a rapport with patients and helping them achieve positive rehabilitation outcomes.

Dr. Savarino went to Charleroi high school, where she lettered in soccer, basketball and softball prior to continuing on to play soccer for 4 years at West Virginia Wesleyan. She is looking forward to returning to the Mon Valley to start the next chapter of her career at Elite PT!

Dr. Steve Kilgore

Dr. Steve Kilgore received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University in 2008, and went on to obtain his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marymount University.

Steve spent the initial 10 years of his career in the Northern Virginia area working primarily in a Physical Therapist owned Outpatient Orthopedic setting. During this time, he has gained experience in treating a wide range of patients and diagnoses. Steve has experience in treating athletes, weekend warriors, post-operative, balance, amputee, and vestibular patients. He is also specifically certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation and trigger point dry needling. Steve’s treatment approach is focused on providing hands-on care with treatment plans developed to cater specifically to each patient’s individual and unique needs.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife Jenna, daughter Isla and dog Rocky. With his family, he enjoys spending time outdoors, cross training, and of course rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams.

Steve grew up in a small town in Northwestern PA which has provided him with a great appreciation for family and close friends. Steve looks forward to connecting with the community and helping patients meet their goals.

Dr. Alicia Galis

Alicia Galis is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Athletic Trainer who recently joined Elite Physical Therapy’s team in September 2021. Prior to this, Alicia spent 8 years working as an outpatient physical therapist where she provided a wide variety of treatments for postsurgical procedures, orthopedic/athletic injuries, neurological impairments, vertigo therapy, balance/proprioceptive concerns and concussion rehab.

Alicia received her Athletic Training bachelor degree from Duquesne University in 2009. She continued her journey at Duquesne University and then obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2012.

Currently, Alicia is a mother of two: Brielle (6) and Ben (2). She has been happily married to her husband, Andy, since May 2014.

Growing up as a former Monessen Lady Greyhound who graduated in 2005, Alicia loves and appreciates her Mon Valley roots. She is looking forward to helping her beloved community members get through whatever life circumstance they may be experiencing.

Christina Belusar PTA

Christina Belusar received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Penn State University in 2014. Christina went on to obtain a Geriatrics and Aging certification with a special focus on the modern management of the older adult. She is also a Certified Clinical Instructor for PT/A students enrolled in various Pennsylvania Universities, providing on-site education at healthcare facilities in accordance with specific degree requirements. Working within the Pittsburgh and Mon Valley regions, Christina brings 3 years of experience as an Orthopedics and Sports based outpatient clinician and 4 years of experience in Skilled/Acute Care rehabilitation. Christina is dedicated to improving the patient’s individualized therapy experience and practicing clinical excellence through her commitment to education and research, both on a personal and professional basis.

Jessie Symons PTA

Jessie received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from California University of Pennsylvania in 2022. Jessie completed her clinical rotations at Bradley Physical Therapy in Washington, Mt. Macrina skilled nursing facility in Uniontown, and finished at Elite! Jessie grew up in the Mon Valley and is excited to make a difference in people’s lives as a new graduate.

Patty Smith

Patty Smith Patty Romito Smith brings 40 years of professional administrative management to the front desk of Elite. Her personal customer service approach to each of our clients allows us to provide premier service for scheduling, insurance issues, and other support. Most recently, she served 17 years as an administrative assistant for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 57. Prior to that, Patty worked for 18 years as a Deli Manager for Giant Eagle, and five years as a secretary at the former Charleroi-Monessen Hospital. Patty is a lifelong resident of Charleroi. She and her husband, Joe, have two adult daughters and four grandchildren.

Jaclyn Mitrik – Office Manager

Jaclyn Smith Mitrik brings nearly a decade of experience as a surgical technician to the team at Elite. Jaclyn was a standout basketball player at Charleroi High School who went on to study at ITT Technical Institute, formerly Computer Technical Institute. Jaclyn trained as a surgical technician and following graduation worked in the operating rooms at Butler Memorial Hospital, Jefferson Regional Hospital, and Adventist Hospital in Maryland. Jaclyn’s experience as a healthcare professional, and her technology training, make her a dynamic member of our team. She and her husband, Andrew, have two children.

Dana Galis

Dana Romito Galis brings a lifetime of experience to Elite Physical Therapy as both an athlete and medical professional who has a keen understanding of the body and the way it moves. For 16 years, Dana studied dance and movement, excelling in ballet, tap, jazz and pointe under the direction of Marlene Celaschi. Her interest in health and wellness grew after she spent six years as a pharmacy clerk. Dana has studied various holistic therapies including acupressure, aromatherapy (certified), coning, myofascial release, reflexology, and Reiki. In 2010, she went on to train as a nationally certified massage therapist at the Baltimore School of Massage, where she graduated with honors. In addition to joining the team at Elite, Dana operates her own boutique massage therapy business with clients in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Dana and her husband, George, are the parents of two adult children, Dr. Emilio Galis, founder of Elite Physical Therapy and Wellness, and Zachary Galis.