Meet the Therapist

Monica Walsh Caraciolo, P.T., D.P.T.

Monica earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Touro College School of Health Sciences in Bay Shore in 1999 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University in 2008. Her career began in a small, outpatient Physical Therapy office in Wantagh, NY where she worked with and learned from a master in the art of manual therapy. She worked with other therapists who were dedicated to the same pursuits and it was here that Monica met her colleague and now business partner, Karen Baxter Furno.

Prior to Physical Therapy, Monica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Siena College and worked for five years in the field. The marriage of these professions has been invaluable. “I have noticed over the years that many patients struggle with their loss of function, a change in lifestyle or trying to cope with a debilitating or chronic disease. It is important to listen to people, to hear what their concerns and frustrations are and help them cope with these emotions as we work on returning them physically to full function.”

Karen and Monica quickly realized they had similar treatment styles and similar professional goals. After 3 years of working and learning together, Baxter and Walsh Physical Therapy was born.

Karen Baxter Furno, P.T., D.P.T.

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science Education from North Carolina State University in 1992. She then went on to receive her Physical Therapy degree from the Hogeschool van Amsterdam in the Netherlands during 1997. She has completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in December of 2010. Karen began her career at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where she rotated through acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and traumatic brain injury units while concurrently working at night in an outpatient manual Physical Therapy office in Wantagh.

Karen & Monica both continue their pursuits in manual therapy taking numerous Continuing Education courses that have dealt with shoulder injuries, manual muscle relaxation techniques, with a strong emphasis on women’s health and working with pregnant patients, including high risk pregnancy patients.

Karen & Monica are proud to be a participating member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network. As members of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as The Council of Licensed Physiotherapists, they remain trained in the newest techniques and government issues pertaining to your treatment and insurance coverage. Baxter & Walsh Physical Therapy is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, as well as members of the Wantagh & Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, Long Island Women’s Association and Action Long Island.

Joanne Gowen P.T.A.

Joanne graduated from Nassau Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program in 1981. She has experience in early intervention, joint replacement & geriatric care. Joanne is also educated in Myofacial release with John Barnes P.T. Joanne has 4 years experience with a private school for emotionally disturbed & autistic children. Her experience also includes 4 years of in-patient nursing home rehabilitation, manual therapy and has been in private practice for over 21 years.

Elizabeth Grell, P.T.

Liz earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy at Hunter College in Manhattan in 1982. She has experience in acute and subacute care and early on in her career specialized in pediatrics and neurology. For the last 20 years she has been practicing exclusively in out patient care. She has taken vast continuing education courses including Myofascial Release (MFRI), Functional Orthopedics, MacKenzie Approach to lower back pain (LBP), Pregnancy Fitness and Health and these are just to name a few.

Maureen Brady Pantaleo, P.T., D.P.T.

Maureen graduated from Hunter College in 1982 with her Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy. She worked as a therapist in acute care hospital settings, and home care before deciding that her true love was working in out-patient private practice settings. She enjoys working primarily with patients suffering from orthopedic problems including: myofacial restrictions, musculoskeletal and joint dysfunctions, pain management and postural deviations. Since joining Baxter and Walsh PT, her pregnant patients enjoy the comfort of the maternity table during their treatment. As an advocate of Health and Wellness, she feels it is imperative to address balance disturbances, generalized weakness and obesity. She continues to regularly attend seminars and conferences to expand her knowledge on subjects that would benefit her patients. She recently earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Utica College, graduating May 2011. She maintains her state license both in New York and in Florida.