Susan Peterson, DPT
A native of La Plata, Susan is proud to be able to work with and serve the people of the Southern Maryland community. As the daughter of a nurse she was raised with an understanding of healthcare from an insider’s perspective. This balanced well with the influence from her father, an attorney, who helped her see the importance of being an advocate for those who need it. Susan grew up trying to keep up with her 4 older brothers and was active in softball, basketball, and volleyball. Her interest in sports led to her study Kinesiology at the University of Maryland, College Park and then on to earn a Master and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Susan began her career at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and from there she took an interest in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine.
In almost 20 years as a PT Susan has come to realize that valuing her patient’s time and investment is key to their success. She feels time and attention from the healthcare provider helps patients stay vested in taking care of themselves. Her passion is helping people develop a better understanding of how their bodies move and the need for constant self care through healthy living and exercise.
Chris Peterson, MPT, MBA
Originally from Trumbull, Connecticut, Chris grew up playing basketball and most any other sport he could try. As a high school freshman, Chris suffered a fractured kneecap while playing basketball. Later he underwent major shoulder surgery to correct laxity from multiple shoulder dislocations. These experiences exposed him to the field of Physical Therapy and helped him see he could help people who had been through similar pain and injuries.
He graduated from Ithaca College in 1997 with a Master of Physical Therapy degree. From there, he moved to Baltimore to work at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. This setting allowed him to assist in caring for some of the most complex injuries from the ICU to the outpatient orthopedic Physical Therapy department.
Chris has worked in many outpatient settings and has always had a drive to open his own clinic with the goal of giving his patients the time and attention they deserve while allowing him the freedom to grow as a clinician and be a lifelong learner.
Kailey Gardner, DPT
Kailey joins us from Ithaca, NY where she pretty much grew up in the pool and swam competitively from the age of 8. Hard work certainly paid off and she earned a full scholarship to swim at the University of Vermont where she eventually became the team captain. After college, she continued her swim career outside of the pool during a two-year coaching internship with the Wesleyan University men’s and women’s swim teams. Always having an interest in health and wellness, Kailey went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. Kailey relocated to Charles County to join Peterson Physical Therapy and we are thrilled to have her. Kailey is excited to start her career and help her patients get back to what they love to do.
Stephanie Allen, CPhT, Office Manager
Stephanie grew up in Mesa, AZ and spent her summers in Tijuana, Mexico with her family, so she is fluent in Spanish. In May of 2020 she traded the 120 degree desert weather for the four beautiful seasons here in Charles County, Maryland. She is perusing a degree in Nuclear Medicine, and is also a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher. When she isn’t here at work, going to school, or practicing yoga, she likes to oil paint, draw, and wood burn.
Stephanie brings 13 years of customer service, Pharmacy Operations, Medicare PA approvals, and Office Operations to the team.
