Clinicians who chose this specialty on purpose.

Dr. Chloe Giordano, PT, DPT

Founder of Neuro Nation PT

Chloe brings a passion for neurologic rehabilitation that extends beyond the walls of the home. She is dedicated to providing personalized, in-home care that empowers individuals on their journey to improved mobility and function. Her background includes a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Elon University and specialized training in neurology under neurologic clinical specialists at an intensive rehab hospital accredited in stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, pain, and general medical rehabilitation.

Awards & research: Snow Approach Foundation Change Maker Award 2023. Finalist for 2023 Hillsborough Business Person of the Year. APTA CSM 2019 poster presentation on Guillain-Barré Syndrome recovery.

Dr. Deanna DeMarco, PT, DPT

Executive Director, Florida Operations

Deanna leads Neuro Nation PT's Florida operations, bringing together deep clinical expertise and a lifelong commitment to helping people reclaim their mobility and independence. A board-eligible neurologic specialist, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University and completed a neurologic residency at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, FL.

At Neuro Nation PT, she is focused on building a Florida practice known for exceptional patient outcomes and a team-first culture.

Awards & research: APTA Mary McMillan Scholarship Award. APTA North Carolina Outstanding PT Student Award. Ben F. Massey, Jr. Student Scholarship. Research presented at local, state, and national conferences.

Dr. Alys Giordano, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS, PhD

Lead Vestibular Therapist & Research Lead

Dr. Alys is a Physical Therapist and Professor at Elon University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she has led courses in neurologic and geriatric content. She is double board certified in neurologic physical therapy as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) and Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS), with a keen understanding of neurologic conditions and a commitment to enhancing patient well-being. She also holds a PhD in healthcare administration and education.

Selected research: Knuckles et al. (2022) virtual assessments in Parkinson's Disease; Wilson et al. (2023) mixed and virtual reality obstacle clearance in older adults. Many more publications.

Dr. Andrew Newnam, PT, DPT

Physical Therapy Lead, Raleigh / Durham

Dr. Andrew is a physical therapist who is PWR!Moves certified. He brings a diverse background in both inpatient hospital and outpatient clinic settings, and is committed to maximizing patient outcomes for people diagnosed with neurologic conditions in an in-home setting. A North Carolina native, he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from ECU and has served as Adjunct Faculty at East Carolina University's Physical Therapy Department.

Presentations: Physical Therapy Evaluation & Treatment of Cerebellar Ataxia. Presented at the North Carolina Physical Therapy Conference.

Dr. Da'Rell Andrews, PT, DPT, NCS

Physical Therapy Lead, Chapel Hill / Hillsborough

Dr. Da'Rell is a physical therapist with a strong background in neurologic rehabilitation. He is board certified in neurologic physical therapy as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS). He brings valuable experience from inpatient hospital settings, including intensive care, brain injury rehab, and stroke rehab. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Duke University School of Medicine and has worked with patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, and ALS. His calm and encouraging presence helps patients feel supported and motivated throughout their recovery.

Recognition: 3x PETALS Nominee for Outstanding Patient Care at WakeMed Rehab. Developer of an AFO inventory management system to support inpatient care.

Alison Schuster, OTR/L

Lead Occupational Therapist

Alison is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with 18 years of clinical expertise specializing in complex neurological recovery. She brings a high-level background from world-renowned institutions, including the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and UNC Health Care. She is passionate about providing client-centered care that helps individuals with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and stroke regain their independence and quality of life within their own environments.

Leadership: Chair of the Spinal Cord Injury Taskforce at UNC Health Care. Emerging Leader Academy Graduate (2021). Clinical Specialist & Mentor in the Burn Fellowship and Level II student supervision program.

Dr. Emiliano (Emi) Chirigliano, PT, DPT

PRN Physical Therapist

Emi joins Neuro Nation PT from Duke University Hospital, where he currently works as an acute-care physical therapist, treating some of the most medically complex patients in the region. That work includes safely mobilizing critically ill patients on ECMO, LVADs, and mechanical ventilation, an environment where reading subtle changes in a patient's status and progressing them safely is everything.

Emi is LSVT BIG certified, a specialized, evidence-based approach that helps people with Parkinson's Disease and other neurological conditions move better and reclaim independence. He also brings hands-on vestibular rehabilitation experience for patients dealing with dizziness and balance disorders. Fluent in Spanish and English, he is deeply committed to expanding access to great neuro care.

Beyond the clinic: Published research on closing health disparities in neuro-rehabilitation for Hispanic patients. Coaches soccer, including adaptive programs for children with cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.

Colleen Calleson

Office Manager

Colleen is the Office Manager for Neuro Nation Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is often the first person you'll talk to, keeping scheduling, client communication, and day-to-day operations running smoothly so our clinicians can stay focused on care.