Staff

Meet Our Staff

  • Andy Ciarletta, PT
    Owner

    Andy Ciarletta graduated from Quinnipiac College in 1995 and is currently the Owner of Step Ahead Physical Therapy. He has over 25 years experience treating Orthopedic and Sports Medicine injuries. Andy has extensive knowledge and expertise in manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobilization, trigger point therapy, muscle energy, cupping and graston techniques as well as implementing individualized exercise programs to optimize full recovery. His company philosophy is to provide a one-on-one treatment approach in order to ensure a positive environment in which the patient can recover quickly and resume their normal life activities.

    Andy treats a variety of injuries with areas of specialty including post-surgical conditions, knee and shoulder injuries. He treats patients in the Marblehead office.

  • Karen Deane MSPT

    Karen received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Duke University in 2000. She has focused her physical therapy career on treating patients with orthopedic and sports injuries. Karen believes in a holistic approach to health and enjoys helping clients recover from all types of injuries. She empowers her patients to take a more active role in their health through educating them about how their body functions and injury prevention. She is also certified in Pilates and she uses this training to help her patients improve their posture and enhance their core strength. Karen is also very proficient in treating the complex TMJ dysfunction.  She treats  patients in our Cambridge office.

  • Barbara Simmons PT

    Barbara graduated from Northeastern University and has been practicing for over 30 years. Throughout her career, she has continued to advance education by attending yearly training focusing on lower extremity and foot biomechanics, lumbopelvic and sacroiliac dysfunction, taping techniques, rehabilitation and core fitness. She strives to keep her orthopedic clinical skills congruous with evidence-based research.  Barbara's  approach is to be client-centric and tap into an individual's unique capacity for disease prevention and injury healing through education, manual therapy and 1:1 guidance. She feels it is very important to help a patient understand their disability, recognize how posture and ergonomics affect symptoms, and learn how to prevent re-injury. The main objective is to empower people to help themselves. Barbara treats patients in our Marblehead office.

  • Kristen Mortensen MPT

    Kristen received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in 2001. She practiced physical therapy for 10 years in South Carolina, most extensively in an outpatient orthopedic setting. She utilizes manual therapy and exercise interventions as part of her rehab programs. She has experience in treating a wide variety of injuries with emphasis on upper extremity and spinal conditions. Kristen also worked as a running coach, personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Kristen’s passion for fitness and healthy living, along with her caring personality and attention to detail help to motivate her patients to feel better while restoring their function. Kristen treats patients in our Marblehead office.

  • Andrea Heafitz MSPT

    Andrea received her BA from UMASS at Amherst and her Master’s in Science degree in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2000. She has practiced in CT at Danbury and Stamford Hospital outpatient centers treating patients of all ages with a variety of neurological and orthopedic conditions. In addition, she has worked at a private orthopedic practice where she enhanced her manual therapy skills and exercise programs. She is certified in Stott Pilates mat and reformer which she incorporates in her treatments always focusing on posture, core strength, and safe body mechanics.  As of 2023, she has completed the highest level of training in IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) becoming a Graston Technique Specialist.  She treats her patients out of the Marblehead office.

  • Dina Kacandes PT

    Dina has been in clinical practice for over 35 years after graduating with a degree in physical therapy from Ithaca College. Over the years, her education has included a post graduate residency and training from the Institute Of Orthopedic Manual Therapy- The Norwegian System with a focus on soft tissue and joint mobilizations and incorporating exercise interventions.  In addition to an extensive knowledge base in general orthopedics, she has spent many years  intensively educating in the subspecialty of women’s health.  This includes treating women across the life cycle for postpartum issues,  pelvic health dysfunction and breast cancer treatment related conditions, including lymphedema.  

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

  • "I am so impressed with Step Ahead PT in general and Becky specifically. These guy treat you for a full hour for the same price (unlike 30 minutes at other place, sometimes even 2 people in those 30 minutes). They had informed me that my tendonitis will take 2-2.5 months and that is exactly the amount of time it took for me to start feeling better. I absolutely love it and will be coming here for all my PT needs."
    Spandan S.
  • "Andy is the BEST! I have had chronic hamstring issues for decades. It affected my knee and hip as well. I have tried different therapies for many years and I had pretty much given up thinking I will never be able to jog again or be without pain. I recently had knee surgery and then through a friend I was lucky enough to find Andy!"
    T.H.
  • "Step Ahead PT in Marblehead is a wonderful facility with expert therapy. I have been going there off and on for years for back and hip ailments. Andy is the best. He has over 20 years experience with therapy and is always right on with his observations, evaluations, course of therapy and at home routines that will help and cure your aches and pains."
    Jacqueline R.
  • "I recently underwent knee replacement surgery. Andy has been extremely helpful with my rehabilitation. His expertise has enabled me to heal much quicker than I had expected. I most definitely recommend Andy for any Physical Therapy that one requires."
    Jackie P.
  • "Andy draws on his vast experience and knowledge, which includes cutting edge techniques. He is personable, has a great bedside manner, and he truly cares and takes pride in his work. I always looked forward to my PT sessions, which have recently ended. I am now recovered from acute on chronic neck and shoulder issues, and my quality of life is better than I hoped for. Thank you, Andy!"
    Eric F.
  • "I have seen Andy for several different injuries throughout my high school and collegiate basketball career. He has helped me get through every single one— from back pain/stress fracture/spasms, chronic ankle pain, hip flexor issues, and a broken ankle. With a combination of hands-on treatment, to providing exercises and protocols to follow, to helping you find the perfect way to smoothly get back to activity, Andy will successfully help you get back to feeling 100% and back to your daily activities."
    Emily F.
  • "I’ve spent several decades in front of a computer, which can cause many issues. I’ve been working with Andy for a couple of years now, and his PT has really helped me reduce the pain and discomfort in my shoulders/back and hands. He’s a kind person too, and that goes a long way in this crazy, fast-paced world!"
    Carrie T.
  • "This is the best PT practice I’ve experienced. The therapists are hands on and completely focused on outcome. The environment is very personalized so if your tired of being treated as simply a number or if you are looking to return to or continue an active lifestyle, you need to come see Andy and his team."
    Al Wilson
  • "I discovered Step Ahead PT through a yelp recommendation, and have not been disappointed. I was in a serious car accident in November, and by January I was back to my intense workouts under the guidance of Andy (Owner of Step Ahead). Each session was tailored specifically for me and around getting me back into my pre- accident strength."
    Abbi B.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Find Out When We Are Open

Cambridge Location

Monday:

9 AM – 5 PM

Tuesday:

9 AM – 5 PM

Wednesday:

8 AM – 5 PM

Thursday:

9 AM – 5 PM

Friday:

8 AM – 5 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Marblehead Location

Monday:

7 AM – 3 PM

Tuesday:

8 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday:

8 AM – 2 PM

Thursday:

7 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday:

8 AM – 2 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed