Middletown, RI
Highbar - Middletown is located next to the Eye Health Center on Valley Road in Middletown. Only 10 minutes from downtown Newport, this clinic is convenient for patients in the Middletown and Newport areas. It features a large open gym with turf and multiple private treatment rooms. Our friendly, compassionate, and highly skilled clinicians will ensure a successful treatment for patients looking to become the happiest, healthiest version of themselves.
Meet the Team
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Clinic Director: Dr. Shawn Blankenship PT, DPT
Dr. Shawn Blankenship has been a Clinic Director in Middletown since 2022. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, post-stroke rehabilitation, and traumatic brain injuries. He’s passionate about connecting with his patients to educate and empower them in their recovery process. When he’s not in the clinic, Shawn enjoys playing golf, running, and road biking
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Katie Pacheco is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, headaches, vestibular, concussions, and balance & falls. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve their movement goals and improving their quality of life.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, kayaking, or fishing. Whenever she’s not exploring the great outdoors, you can catch her cheering on the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. She resides in Tiverton with her husband and puppy.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Headaches
Vestibular
Concussion
Balance & Falls
Katie Pacheco is a Physical Therapist Assistant who specializes in orthopedics, sports-related injuries, headaches, vestibular, concussions, and balance & falls. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve their movement goals and improving their quality of life.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, kayaking, or fishing. Whenever she’s not exploring the great outdoors, you can catch her cheering on the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. She resides in Tiverton with her husband and puppy.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Headaches
Vestibular
Concussion
Balance & Falls
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Jaime Goss is a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, women’s health, headaches, vestibular, balance & falls, dance, neuro, pediatrics, hockey, figure skating, and gymnastics. She has treated patients spanning from 25 weeks gestation in the NICU all the way through age 106! Her passion is to watch her patients transform from being scared, frustrated, or angry to becoming able to participate fully in life again.
In her free time, you can usually find Jaime with her husband, son, and their two tuxedo cats Speedway and Petrie.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Women’s Health
Headaches
Vestibular
Balance & Falls
Dance
Neuro
Pediatrics
Hockey
Figure Skating
Gymnastics
Jaime Goss is a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedics, spine, sports-related injuries, women’s health, headaches, vestibular, balance & falls, dance, neuro, pediatrics, hockey, figure skating, and gymnastics. She has treated patients spanning from 25 weeks gestation in the NICU all the way through age 106! Her passion is to watch her patients transform from being scared, frustrated, or angry to becoming able to participate fully in life again.
In her free time, you can usually find Jaime with her husband, son, and their two tuxedo cats Speedway and Petrie.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Sports Injuries
Women’s Health
Headaches
Vestibular
Balance & Falls
Dance
Neuro
Pediatrics
Hockey
Figure Skating
Gymnastics
Dr. Heather Fontaine is a physical therapist who graduated from Springfield College in 2024. She grew up in Brimfield, MA where she first found her passion for physical therapy attending many appointments in the hospital, outpatient, and home care settings with her mom, Paula. She is dedicated to helping patients return to their prior level of function and beyond, while giving them the tools to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. When she is not in the clinic, you will probably see Heather running around Aquidneck Island preparing for road races anywhere from 5Ks to the marathon.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Running Injuries
Dr. Heather Fontaine is a physical therapist who graduated from Springfield College in 2024. She grew up in Brimfield, MA where she first found her passion for physical therapy attending many appointments in the hospital, outpatient, and home care settings with her mom, Paula. She is dedicated to helping patients return to their prior level of function and beyond, while giving them the tools to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. When she is not in the clinic, you will probably see Heather running around Aquidneck Island preparing for road races anywhere from 5Ks to the marathon.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Running Injuries
Tyler Woodward, PTA is a skilled Physical Therapist Assistant at the Middletown clinic, specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, and spine care. He holds a Bachelor's in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island (2017) and an Associate of PTA from New England Institute of Technology (2021). Additionally, Tyler has earned a PTA Specialty Certification in Orthopedics from Evidence in Motion (2021), further strengthening his expertise in helping patients overcome physical challenges.
Tyler is passionate about assisting patients in regaining their quality of life and getting back to their daily activities and hobbies. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, taking walks with his dog, Bruni, and exploring new foods as a self-proclaimed foodie. A dedicated Boston sports fan, Tyler attends most Patriots games.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Soft Tissue Disorders of the Hip
Tyler Woodward, PTA is a skilled Physical Therapist Assistant at the Middletown clinic, specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, and spine care. He holds a Bachelor's in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island (2017) and an Associate of PTA from New England Institute of Technology (2021). Additionally, Tyler has earned a PTA Specialty Certification in Orthopedics from Evidence in Motion (2021), further strengthening his expertise in helping patients overcome physical challenges.
Tyler is passionate about assisting patients in regaining their quality of life and getting back to their daily activities and hobbies. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, taking walks with his dog, Bruni, and exploring new foods as a self-proclaimed foodie. A dedicated Boston sports fan, Tyler attends most Patriots games.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Soft Tissue Disorders of the Hip
Dr. Bryan Raksnis PT, DPT, MDT is a dedicated physical therapist working in our Middletown clinic. With specialties in orthopedics, headaches, sports injuries, spine, and extremity injuries, Bryan brings a wealth of expertise to his patients. He holds a Bachelor of Science (2017) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of New England and is certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), being one of only four certified practitioners in Rhode Island.
Bryan is an active member of the McKenzie Institute International and APTA. He is passionate about helping individuals return to their best selves and educating them on the body’s mechanics. His research has been published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and he has spoken at APTA events.
Outside of work, Bryan enjoys surfing, snowboarding, sailing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Headaches
Spine
Extremity Injuries
Dr. Bryan Raksnis PT, DPT, MDT is a dedicated physical therapist working in our Middletown clinic. With specialties in orthopedics, headaches, sports injuries, spine, and extremity injuries, Bryan brings a wealth of expertise to his patients. He holds a Bachelor of Science (2017) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of New England and is certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), being one of only four certified practitioners in Rhode Island.
Bryan is an active member of the McKenzie Institute International and APTA. He is passionate about helping individuals return to their best selves and educating them on the body’s mechanics. His research has been published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and he has spoken at APTA events.
Outside of work, Bryan enjoys surfing, snowboarding, sailing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Headaches
Spine
Extremity Injuries
Natalie Briggs, PT, DPT, PSP is a physical therapist at Highbar Physical Therapy’s Middletown clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, both from Seton Hall University. Natalie is also certified as a Primary Spine Practitioner through the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of the North American Spine Society (NASS).
Specializing in orthopedics and spine care, Natalie is passionate about helping her patients reach their goals. She enjoys learning each patient’s story, uncovering their motivation, and creating a personalized plan to guide them back to optimal health.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys swimming, running, competing in triathlons, and spending time with her two boys and two dogs.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Aquatics
Natalie Briggs, PT, DPT, PSP is a physical therapist at Highbar Physical Therapy’s Middletown clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, both from Seton Hall University. Natalie is also certified as a Primary Spine Practitioner through the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of the North American Spine Society (NASS).
Specializing in orthopedics and spine care, Natalie is passionate about helping her patients reach their goals. She enjoys learning each patient’s story, uncovering their motivation, and creating a personalized plan to guide them back to optimal health.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys swimming, running, competing in triathlons, and spending time with her two boys and two dogs.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Spine
Aquatics
Rebecca is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at the Middletown clinic, with specialties in orthopedics, sports injuries, and pediatrics. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Roger Williams University (2019) and earned her PTA degree from Bay State College in 2021. Rebecca is currently pursuing her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and is a proud member of the Rhode Island APTA.
Rebecca loves being a PTA because it allows her to help people achieve their goals, find joy in movement, and improve their quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys running, strength training, and reading. A dedicated Dolphins fan, she brings her passion for health and fitness into all aspects of her life.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Pediatrics
Rebecca is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at the Middletown clinic, with specialties in orthopedics, sports injuries, and pediatrics. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Roger Williams University (2019) and earned her PTA degree from Bay State College in 2021. Rebecca is currently pursuing her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and is a proud member of the Rhode Island APTA.
Rebecca loves being a PTA because it allows her to help people achieve their goals, find joy in movement, and improve their quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys running, strength training, and reading. A dedicated Dolphins fan, she brings her passion for health and fitness into all aspects of her life.
Specialties:
Orthopedics
Sports Injuries
Pediatrics
Dr. Jennifer Alves is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic health for women. She has been a Registered Massage therapist for over 25 years. She previously worked as a caseworker with teens at risk and has experience working with women with PTSD, EDS, and sexual trauma. She developed a curriculum for self esteem that she taught in a woman's prison and believes in a wholistic approach when treating her patients.
Dr. Alves loves all kinds of music and artistic endeavors. Don't be surprised if you find her dancing in her office.
Specialties:
Pelvic Health for Women
Low Back Pain
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspareunia
Stress and Urge Incontinence
Fecal Incontinence
Prolapse
Vaginismus
Urinary Retention
Dr. Jennifer Alves is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic health for women. She has been a Registered Massage therapist for over 25 years. She previously worked as a caseworker with teens at risk and has experience working with women with PTSD, EDS, and sexual trauma. She developed a curriculum for self esteem that she taught in a woman's prison and believes in a wholistic approach when treating her patients.
Dr. Alves loves all kinds of music and artistic endeavors. Don't be surprised if you find her dancing in her office.
Specialties:
Pelvic Health for Women
Low Back Pain
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspareunia
Stress and Urge Incontinence
Fecal Incontinence
Prolapse
Vaginismus
Urinary Retention
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