Our Team – Best Physical Therapy NYC
Owners
PT, MSPT, Co-owner
Deanie received her masters in physical therapy from New York Medical College in 2000 after completing a post-baccalaureate pre-health program at Columbia University and a bachelor in communication from the University of Delaware. Deanie has more than 20 years of experience with sport-related injuries, post-surgical rehab, and orthopedic and neurological disorders. In addition to her clinical work, Deanie was a co-founder of GallopNYC, a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities, as well as a director for a camp for individuals with Huntington’s Disease. Deanie is a recent graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. An avid runner, Deanie has completed several marathons.
Marcus Forman
PT, DPT, Co-owner
Marcus graduated from Syracuse University in 1991, and in 1997 he earned his physical therapy degree at Daemen College, where he was awarded a sports physical therapy scholarship. Marcus interned in sports medicine at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital, then spent four years at HealthSouth at Lincoln Center, where he treated dancers, athletes, and performers. In 2001, Marcus founded Forman Physical Therapy within La Palestra/The Center for Preventive Medicine, and later teamed up with Deanie to form Centurion. Marcus has also been a clinical instructor for New York University’s and Columbia University’s physical therapy programs since 1998.
Practitioners
Joanna Binney
PT, DPT, Pilates Instructor
Joanna majored in biology at Harvard College with a minor in performing arts. She danced professionally with the Richmond Ballet in Virginia and at Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre in Boston, while completing Pilates instructor training with Boston Body Pilates and teaching at several studios in the Boston area. After nearly ten years dancing, Joanna entered Columbia University’s doctorate program in Physical Therapy where she completed clinical rotations at New York Presbyterian Hospital and here at Centurion Physical Therapy. She was thrilled to join the team as a therapist in 2020.
Christina Carchidi
Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer
Christina is a movement professional with over 30 years of dance experience. She graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, with a B.F.A. in dance and continued her dance training at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater while she performed as a professional dancer. She obtained her comprehensive Pilates certification in 2008. She has worked as a Pilates instructor and Pilates Manager for Equinox while continuing her studies in Pilates, yoga, anti-gravity, Thai bodywork, and dance. Christina also obtained an AMFPT personal training certification in 2000.
George Vafiades
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
George Vafiades has been a personal trainer and coach for the past 25 years. He graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Anatomy and Physiology and holds a certification with NSCA. Among numerous other accomplishments, George has completed 6 Ironman competitions. His ability to listen to his clients’ needs first and then apply them to a specialized fitness program has separated him from other trainers. He believes if you create a fitness routine that you look forward to doing, it will become an essential part of your day.
Eilish O’Sullivan
PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
Eilish graduated from Princeton University with a degree in psychology. As a rower there, she became interested in core strengthening and sports injuries. She went on to the MGH Institute of Health Professions to obtain her doctor of physical therapy degree. She worked at Hospital for Special Surgery for 7 years, where she developed expertise in the treatment of post-operative patients and sports rehabilitation. Eilish then worked for Dr. Bryan Kelly at HSS for 7 years specializing in management of patients with conditions of the hip. She has authored many publications, including Sport Hip Injuries: Diagnosis and Management, and has lectured internationally on return to sport. Eilish is board-certified in both orthopedic and sports physical therapy, with a passion for evidence-based practice and manual therapy.
Aubin Sullivan
PT, MSPT
Aubin brings 20 years of experience to our physical therapy team. The inspiration of her clinical profession is based on her own experiences with physical therapy when pursuing a dance career and later as an endurance athlete. Aubin majored in dance at NYU Tisch School of the Arts then attended Hunter College with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. She received her Masters of Science in physical therapy from Touro College in Manhattan. Aubin has many top 3 overall and age group placings in triathlons, raced as a category 3 cyclist in criteriums to multi-day stage road races, and has competed in multiple marathons. Her experience as an accomplished athlete provides her with a unique perspective on what competitive and recreational athletes go through when confronted with injuries. She has helped hundreds of athletes recover so they are able to return to an active lifestyle and/or high performance. Aubin continues to learn by pursuing formal coursework with an emphasis on manual therapy. She also frequently uses Pilates concepts in her treatment methods. Aubin strongly believes that to be an effective therapist, she needs to combine her clinical knowledge and experience with creativity and encouragement specific to each individual patient.
Support Staff
Delia Travieso
Medical Billing Manager
Delia uses her strong knowledge of medical insurance carriers to streamline the insurance process by proactively checking benefits, determining coverage, and efficiently processing medical claims, ensuring a seamless patient experience.
Salena Liles
Medical Coordinator
Salena is your first point of contact at Centurion. She assists with everything from scheduling appointments to managing billing, providing a positive experience so patients can maximize their treatment time.