Meet the Therapist

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. 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. It was invaluable to work 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.

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.

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."

Her love of learning has led her to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which she will complete in May, 2008.

Karen Baxter Furno, 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 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 and have a strong emphasis on women's health and working with pregnant patients, including high risk pregnancy patients. They are members of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Council of Licensed Physiotherapist, Wantagh & Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, the Long Island Women's Association and are an approved site office for the Hospital of Special Surgery patients.

Frank Garbato P.T., M.S.

Frank graduated from Mercy College Physical Therapy Program in 2003. He has experience in pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics and has strong manual therapy skills. His work experience includes school-based pediatric care with NYC Department of Education since 2003, geriatric care in nursing homes,homecare since 2003 and orthopedic private practice since 2004. He also has post-graduate training in The McKenzie method of diagnosis and treatment for the spine, Strain-Counterstrain and Back Educational Training.

"I enjoy treating at Baxter & Walsh Physical Therapy because it is a practice that allows me to utilize my manual therapy skills and focus on the one-on-one individual needs of my patients."

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.