DR. RORI ALTER, DPT
(founder & CEo)

Dr. Rori Alter founded PRS to help everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors to people of all ages and activity levels obtain optimal health and wellness. 

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Starting Strength Coach (SSC)

• Strength and Nutrition Coach

• Competitive Athlete

Dr. Rori Alter, PT, PRSS, SSC, is the Founder & CEO of Progressive Rehab & Strength, where she provides evidence-based coaching and rehabilitation for individuals across all stages of life and performance. A Doctor of Physical Therapy, PRS Clinical Coach (PRSCC), and Starting Strength Coach (SSC), and experienced strength and nutrition coach, she specializes in helping clients move from pain, injury, or uncertainty to confidence, resilience, and consistent progress. Her clientele ranges from competitive powerlifters to everyday individuals pursuing health and strength goals, including pregnant and postpartum women and older adults who value long-term independence, wellness, and performance.

An internationally ranked powerlifter and lifelong athlete, Dr. Alter brings a unique perspective that blends high-level competitive experience with clinical expertise. She has earned podium finishes on both national and international stages, including a silver medal at the IPF Classic Bench Press World Championship. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Human Physiology) from Boston University, she is recognized within the strength and rehabilitation communities for her precise, results-driven approach. Clients seek her guidance for her ability to integrate performance, injury management, and sustainable training into one comprehensive system.

IPF Classic Bench Press World Championship 2019:
4th Place 72kg Women Open

IPF Classic Bench Press World Championship 2018:
Silver Medalist 72kg Women Open

Arnold Classic SBD Pro Am 2018:
2nd Place 72kg Women Open

Arnold Classic SSP Nutrition Pro Raw Bench Press 2018:
2nd place Women Open

Arnold Classic Sling-Shot Pro American 2017:
1st place 72kg Women Open

USA Powerlifting Raw National Championship 2016:
4th place 72kg Women Open

USA Powerlifting Raw National Championship 2015:
4th place 72kg Women Open

2015 USA Powerlifting Raw Open Rankings:
7th place 63kg Class
7th place 72kg Class

USA Powerlifting Pro Raw Challenge at The 2015 Arnold Classic:
3rd place 72kg Women Open

USA Powerlifting American Open 2014:
1st place 75kg Women Open

USA Powerlifting Raw National Championship 2014:
5th place 72kg Women Open

Dr. Alyssa Haveson, DPT

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• CSCS, FMS-Level 2, USA Powerlifting Club Coach

• Personal Strength and Powerlifting Coach

• Internationally Competitive Powerlifter

• USA Powerlifting Category II International Referee
  
  With over a decade of coaching and clinical experience, Dr. Alyssa specializes in helping clients move well, recover from injury, and unlock their full physical potential. Her work spans from everyday individuals building strength and health, to older adults seeking long-term independence, to competitive and recreational lifters pursuing performance goals. Known for her ability to integrate rehabilitation with progressive strength training, Dr. Alyssa guides clients seamlessly from recovery back to higher-level training.

  As both a decorated athlete and a USA Powerlifting Category II International Referee, Dr. Alyssa brings a deep understanding of the sport and its demands to her practice. She has represented the United States on the world stage, earning podium finishes at national and international championships, including first place at the North American Regional Powerlifting Championships and multiple top placements at the Arnold Classic and USA Powerlifting Nationals. Dr. Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Temple University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from MCPHS University. Her combined expertise as a clinician, coach, and athlete allows her to deliver comprehensive, results-driven care to every client she works with.
  
  USA Powerlifting Pro Raw Challenge at The Arnold Classic 2016:
  4th place 57kg Women Open
  
  USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals 2015:
  7th place 57kg Women Open
  
  NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships 2015:
  1st place 57kg Women Open
  
  IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships 2015:
  8th place 57kg Women Open
  
  USA Powerlifting Pro Raw Challenge at The Arnold Classic 2015:
  2nd place 57kg Women Open
  
  USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals 2014:
  2nd place 57kg Women Open
  
  IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships 2014:
  10th place 57kg Women Open
  
  USA Powerlifting Raw Challenge at The Arnold Classic 2014:
  1st place 57kg Women Open
  
  USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals 2013:
  5th place 57kg Women Open
  

dr. breanne maruca, pt

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy

• Certified Labor Doula

• Certified Lymphedema Therapist

• Female Strength & Powerlifting Health Specialist

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Dr. Bre specializes in guiding individuals through every stage of life and health, from new parents navigating pregnancy and postpartum recovery to older adults training for strength and independence. Dr. Bre has extensive experience supporting both men and women managing cancer, chronic illness, and complex medical conditions, helping them regain function, reduce symptoms, and pursue their fitness goals with confidence. At Progressive Rehab & Strength, she empowers her clients to continue training safely and effectively—whether they are returning from injury, addressing pelvic health concerns, or seeking long-term health and strength.

A lifelong athlete with a background in gymnastics, dance, and competitive team sports, Breanne later developed a passion for barbell training and coaching. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Saint Francis University, and went on to complete the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s accredited Women’s Rehab/Men’s Health residency program before becoming a Board-Certified Specialist. After connecting with Dr. Rori Alter at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting, she united her expertise in pelvic health with her love for strength training. Today, Breanne is recognized for her ability to integrate rehabilitation, medical considerations, and progressive strength coaching—helping everyday people and athletes alike train with resilience, confidence, and longevity.

dr. John Petrizzo, dpt

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Full-time Professor at Adelphi University

• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

• Starting Strength Coach (SSC)

• Personal Strength and Powerlifting Coach

• Competitive Powerlifter

With nearly two decades of experience in the fitness and rehabilitation fields, he has helped individuals of all backgrounds, from everyday lifters to competitive athletes and older adults, train with confidence, overcome injury, and achieve lasting strength. Dr. John is particularly recognized for his expertise in recovery and return-to-training after biceps and triceps tendon tears and repairs, making him a sought-after resource for lifters facing these challenges. His approach blends clinical knowledge, hands-on coaching, and practical problem-solving to help athletes return to training safely and effectively.

A lifelong athlete, Dr. John played collegiate football at Hofstra University, where he earned his B.S. in Exercise Science before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the New York Institute of Technology. Since 2012, he has competed in powerlifting while also contributing to the advancement of the field through research and education. Dr. John has published multiple studies in peer-reviewed medical and exercise science journals, served as a long-standing member of the Starting Strength Coaches Association Science Committee, and is widely respected for his academic leadership, mentorship, and evidence-based approach to strength training and rehabilitation. His unique combination of scholarship, clinical expertise, and competitive athletic experience makes him a trusted authority in the strength and rehab communities.

Jason Donders, BS
(COO & Marketing manager)

• Bachelor of Science, Sport Management & Business

• 10+ Years of Sports Marketing & Business Experience

• Competitive Powerlifter
  
  

  Jason joined the Progressive Rehab & Strength team in April of 2019 to help advance the community and experience for our customers and social communities, as well as assist the business in further refining its strategies and administrative systems. Jason also serves as an educator within our Google Suite for Barbell Coaches & Business Best Practices courses in our Blackboard Online Education system.
  
  Jason has a passion for the strength sports (and sports overall) which has led him on a career path in sports business and marketing. His experience and abilities were brought to PRS to further build and grow the business, as well as create efficiencies for our community, clients, and clinical coaches.
  
  Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a Minor in Business from St. John’s University. He began his work in the sports industry in 2010 in Ticketing Operations, and transitioned to Analytics & Digital Marketing in 2012. His experience and resume includes stops with a Minor League Baseball franchise, a NBA team and major arena, an international horse racing organization and currently with one of the top fantasy sports and wagering businesses in the world.

  
  As someone who discovered PRS from his own injury and pain woes (he’s been a client since 2016!)  and competing in the USAPL as a 93/105kg powerlifter since 2015, Jason brings a unique understanding of the powerlifting realm and unique experience from a client and athlete perspective.