Staff

Marcia Spoto PT, DC and her husband, John Spoto DC, established STAR Physical Therapy in 1983, where she engaged in full-time clinical practice for over 15 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Daemen College in Amherst, New York and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa. She is board-certified as a clinical specialist in Orthopaedics. She is Professor Emerita of Physical Therapy at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY and is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh in the Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP) program. In addition, she is a consultant for Spine Care Partners, LLC as well as for Excellus Blue Cross & Blue Shield in Rochester, NY. Dr. Spoto has been a member of the faculty of the Excellus BC & BS Spine Care Pathway program.

John Ciavaglia received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Daeman College in 1988. Upon graduating, he took a position as a staff physical therapist at Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, New York. In June 1989, he became an employee of STAR Physical Therapy. John is currently a Senior Physical Therapist for our practice and has a special interest in orthopedic manual therapy. He has attended numerous continuing education seminars emphasizing the teaching of McKenzie, Cyriax, Mulligan, Maitland, Lazlett, Mennell, Janda and Travell. He has been a Clinical Instructor at STAR for several college and university physical therapy programs. He is also a recent participant is the pilot program for "Primary Care Specialist" training through Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Email: jciavaglia@star-ny.com

Anthony Mencucci graduated from Daeman College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Since graduating, he has been employed in private, orthopedic settings including clinics in Dover, Delaware and in Rochester, New York. He joined the staff of STAR Physical Therapy in July 1998. Anthony specializes in functional rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pathologies with concentration on closed chain eccentric strengthening for lower extremity injuries. He is active in the promotion of education as a clinical instructor and as a participant of continuing education seminars.

Kali Spoto LaRue received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University at Buffalo in May of 2007 where she was also a Division I Rower. She has been part of the STAR team since 2007 and became owner of the practice this year. She is a member of the APTA and certified as a clinical specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). In addition, she has experience as an adjunct faculty member of Nazareth College and has served as a clinical instructor for many students’ clinical rotations. She completed the “Primary Spine Care Specialist” training sponsored by Excellus BCBS and maintains a special interest in spine health. Her other professional interests include manual therapy techniques, Pilates and Yoga integrated rehabilitation, postpartum care, running injuries, and health promotion. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, hiking, travel, good food and spending time with her husband and 2 small children.

Email: kspoto@star-ny.com

Heather received her Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science in 2003 from Daemen College and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Daemen College in 2004. Since that time, Heather has focused her practice in outpatient orthopedics, specializing in evaluation and treatment of the spine. She became McKenzie Certified in 2007 and was recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2010. In addition to orthopedics, Heather also evaluates and treats patients with vestibular and balance disorders. She strives to use evidence-based practice to evaluate and treat all patients with an emphasis on functional training and injury prevention. She joined STAR Physical Therapy in December 2011.

Email: hchatt@star-ny.com

Andrew Opett received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from SUNY Geneseo (1996), a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Nazareth College (2000), and a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Nazareth College (2001). He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University in August 2012. Andrew joined the STAR team in June of 2001. Andrew is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy and Health Sciences department at Nazareth College. Andrew teaches course content that includes Differential Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Orthopedics. He is certified as a clinical specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). He is certified as a kinesiotaping practitioner by the kinesiotaping association of America. Andrew serves as the chairperson of the Ethics committee and serves on the Awards committee for the New York State Physical Therapy Association. Andrew has also served since 2008 as a delegate to the New York State Physical Therapy Association Delegate Assembly.

Steve graduated from Genesee Community College in 1992, earning an A.A.S. Degree and has been a practicing physical therapist’s assistant for fourteen years. In addition to his college education, Steve has had further training in closed chain kinematics, McKenzie and has performed contract therapy and in-services for Visiting Nurse Service. In 2000 he joined STAR and in 2004 received certification through U.S. Weightlifting as a weightlifting and sports performance coach.

Email: skoch@star-ny.com

Jamie Spoto graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. While at Indiana, she was a four-year member of Indiana’s Division I Rowing team. After graduating in 2009, she coached the freshman women for Bucknell University’s Division I Rowing team. Jamie joined the STAR staff in December 2010, she is manages the front office and oversees the day to day operations at STAR and Anchor.

Stephanie graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2016 with Bachelor degrees in both Exercise Science and Psychology. While at UNH, she also received a minor in Nutrition and was a five-year member of UNH's Division 1 basketball team. Stephanie joined the STAR team in September of 2016 and is in the process of receiving her CSCS certification. Her career interests include functional fitness training, sports performance, fitness and nutritional assessments, and nutritional counseling.