Meet Our Team
Shanell Lavery (she/her)
Yoga Teacher
Dr. Amy E. Smith, PT DPT RYT (she/her)
Founder/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Amy E. Smith is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Founder of Roots Physical Therapy. She has 15 years of experience providing comprehensive physical therapy services to patients throughout the lifespan. She holds advanced certifications and specializes in the areas of orthopedics, pregnancy and postpartum care, care during perimenopause, pelvic health and pelvic floor dysfunction for all genders, LGBTQIA++ trans health and functional dry needling.
She utilizes the biopsychosocial approach to managing chronic pain and complex musculoskeletal conditions. Amy obtained her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification in 2018. She combines her skills as an experienced, evidence-based movement specialist with principles of mindfulness, meditation and yoga to provide an individualized, comprehensive, integrated and holistic approach to healing.
Amy is the Co-Owner of Roots along with her wife Emily. They live in Pawtucket, RI with their two daughters Callie and Maggie, their pup Tito and two cats, Jebby and Yazoo. Amy enjoys live music, March Madness, traveling and exploring and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Jaclyn Plante PT, DPT, OCS, RYT (she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Jaclyn Plante is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, with six years experience in rehabilitation. She completed her Bachelor’s of Health and Science Studies in 2013, and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac University in 2016.
Her primary expertise is orthopedics and sports medicine, but a passion for yoga drives an integration of mindfulness into her practice. She has completed 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020 with Coral Brown, and also holds certification in Buti Yoga. She has experience teaching both formats in individual and group settings, and enjoys combining elements of these practices to create a specialized and individual rehab program.
Jaclyn resides with her family in a quiet corner of the state, and outside of work enjoys paddleboarding in the summer, skiing in the winter, and practicing yoga daily.
Eunice David, RYT
(she/her)
Yoga Teacher/Psychotherapist
Drawing from her background in community mental health, Eunice infuses her classes with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Beyond mere physical practice, her sessions are immersive experiences, emphasizing self-love, body positivity, and mental wellness.
With a dynamic teaching style, Eunice empowers her students to embrace their bodies fully, celebrating their uniqueness with every movement. Whether on or off the mat, she inspires confidence and self-discovery.
Yalith Axelson, CPT, RYT-500
(she/they)
Yoga Teacher
Yalith prioritizes playfulness and joyful movement in her yoga practice. She completed her 200hr yoga teacher training with Yoga of Energy Flow in Cambridge, MA followed by her 300hr yoga teacher training at Jala Studio in Providence, RI. She is also a NASM certified personal trainer and loves to combine traditional yoga with a more contemporary approach to mobility, stability, and strength. Yalith is HAES-aligned and is passionate about presenting movement in a way that goes against harmful diet culture messaging. She is also neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and committed to making her classes inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Danielle Voight, LMT (she/her)
Massage Therapist / Yoga Teacher
Danielle is a licensed massage therapist and 200 Hour RYT with a passion for helping others find physical and energetic balance. She received her certificate in massage therapy from Lincoln Technical Institute in 2012 and her 200 hour RYT in Puskar India later that year. In 2014, she was attuned to reiki levels I&II. Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing used to promote relaxation and stress relief. Danielle has returned to India several times to complete additional trainings in meditation and Ayurveda, which is the system of medicine used in India.
As a massage therapist, Danielle uses a variety of modalities to cater to her clients needs, including deep tissue, relaxation, reiki, and trigger point therapy. She delivers intuitive and individualized therapeutic treatments with a focus on well-being and enjoys learning and continuing to develop her skills to better serve her clients.
Danielle’s main goal is to help people continue doing the things they love, and to live happier, more mobile lives by utilizing the benefits of massage, reiki, and yoga.
Dr. Sylvie Le, PT DPT (she/her)
Yoga Therapist/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Sylvie Le, Doctor of Physical Therapy & Certified Professional Yoga Therapist, has been dedicated to bridging the gap between yoga and healthcare since 2015. Sylvie combines her love for movement, body work, meditation, and healing to create educational and therapeutic classes to help people move, feel, and be at their best.
Sylvie received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Springfield College in 2009 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Sage Colleges in 2010. She is a graduate of the Professional Yoga Therapy Institute and is certified in teaching Medical Therapeutic Yoga. Additionally Sylvie has also completed training in Pelvic Floor PT through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, underwent extensive Yoga Teacher Training at an ashram in India, and has become certified in Thai Yoga Massage in Northern Thailand. Syivie is a lover of the arts and creative movement, and really enjoys teaching anatomy and combining her skills to help others better understand their own bodies and minds.
Dr. Kristina (Kay) Mastrocola, PT DPT (she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy/Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Kay Mastrocola is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified lover of all things breakfast and Buzz Lightyear. Originally from Central Jersey, Kay moved to the Midwest to earn her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science and Health Care Ethics as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. Before moving to RI, she worked in Chicago as an Orthopedic and Pelvic health Specialist.
Kay is passionate about the intersection of mind and body and has extensive training in trauma informed care. Her expertise includes the treatment of generalized and complex pelvic floor conditions, gender affirming care, EDS and dysautonomia. Her holistic approach to treatment allows individuals of all ages and identities to achieve the pain free and fulfilling lifestyle they deserve.
Outside of work, Kay spends her days trying out local coffee shorts (recommendations welcome!!), traveling and snuggling her golden retriever, Zeus.
Sophia Pray, (she/her)
Yoga Teacher
Felice supports people to move from stress and overwhelm to invite more calm into their lives. Working within the lenses of coaching, yoga, statics and other ways to relax the nervous system, she is known for her nonjudgmental and supportive way.
Felice is a 500 hour certified yoga teacher and certified Embodied Psychosexual Practitioner, a gentle approach that supports individuals to experience more pleasure in their bodies and minds.
A former New York City Lawyer (!!) she understands the intensity of this modern life. Felice teaches classes, workshops and works with people 1-on-1.
Contact us to learn more!
Julie Cloutier
(she/her)
Yoga Teacher
Julie is a 500 hour certified Hatha Vinyasa Yoga teacher. She completed her first Hatha Yoga teacher training in 2005. This foundational training inspired a lifelong interest in further study. Julie has completed coursework in yin, restorative, rope wall and chair yoga. Her teaching is greatly informed by her time studying and practicing with her primary teacher, Theresa Murphy.
Emily C. Smith, MS, CCC-SLP (she/her)
Co-Owner / Speech Language Pathologist
Emily Smith is an experienced Speech Language Pathologist specializing in improving cognitive and communication function at Roots. Her goal is to help people organize their thoughts and attention and devote time and energy on the details that matter most. She offers insight, education and specific strategies to effectively and efficiently problem solve and manage their daily activities, recreational activities and work related activities.
Emily is Co-Owner of Roots. She is responsible for all things financial and operational, a visionary who created the look and feel for our space, and is an integral part of our ongoing growth and development.
Dr Rachael Giordano, PT DPT OCS (she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy/Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Rachael Giordano is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Originally from the Philadelphia area in PA, Rachael earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from the Penn State University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. Rachael moved to Providence, RI 8 years ago and currently resides in South Kingstown, RI with her partner Garrett, her daughter Millie, and 2 pups (Toad & Fig).
Her expertise includes sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, pelvic floor and pelvic health physical therapy, and concussion rehab. She is certified in integrative dry needling.
Rachael is known for her gentle demeanor and committment to evidence based practice to identify the cause of both acute and chronic pain. She is passionate about helping people gain control of their conditions and living their life to the fullest. Rachael is also a former CrossFit coach
Rachael enjoys spending her days outside with her daughter and her pups, taking advantage of living close to beaches, kayaking, and becoming a foodie.
Dr. Jacayia Austin Cuartas, OT-R/L (she/her)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Certified Lactation Counselor
Dr. Jacayia Austin Cuartas is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Certified Lactation Counselor that is passionate about supporting the breastfeeding dyad. She has lived in many states in the US like New York, Florida, Massachusetts and Arizona. Jacayia completed her BA in Spanish at the University of Florida, then her doctorate at MGH IHP in Boston and now has settled here in Rhode Island. Jacayia has experience working in a pediatric outpatient clinic specializing in infant feeding. She also treated clients with overall developmental delays related to their fine motor, visual motor, oral motor, cognitive and social emotional development. Jacayia works part-time at Women and Infant’s hospital as a lactation counselor in the NICU where she supports nursing parents to build their supply and reach their feeding goals.
Jacayia is trained in the Beckman Oral Motor protocol and has taken continuing education to support bottle feeding skills and body work for better breastfeeding. Jacayia is currently completing her certification to become a certified educator of infant massage and loves to share her knowledge with her community.
Jacayia loves to design, sew, knit, learn languages, travel, and enjoy delicious food. She wants to explore the beauty of Rhode Island by going to beaches and visiting local restaurants and shops.
Jillian Walsh
(she/her)
Pilates Instructor
Jillian is Joining Roots Physical Therapy in August, we’re so excited!!