Mentors
Our neurologic physical therapy residency mentors are committed to supporting residents throughout their time in the program. Click the tabs below to meet our program leaders and mentors in both Chapel Hill and Wilmington.
Karen McCulloch, PT, PhD, Program Director
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Professor, Division of Physical Therapy
Undergraduate School: University of Florida
Graduate School: University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy Emerita
Areas of Specialty Practice: Traumatic brain injury, concussion, entry-level PT education, teaching/learning, clinical reasoning
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I’m a UNC sport fan and cat Mom. I also love gardening, mountain biking, standup paddleboarding, re-upholstering furniture, traveling, getting out and about with friends and my adult kids.
Audrey Czejkowski, PT, DPT, Program Coordinator
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Mentor
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, BSE Industrial and Operations Engineering, Minor in Spanish
Graduate School and Degree: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS), Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
Areas of Specialty Practice: SCI, CVA, MS, seating and mobility
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with my family, our two cats, and friends. I love running, hiking, and playing volleyball. Weekend trips to the mountains or beach are also wonderful!
Stuart Gupton, PT, DPT 
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. Exercise and Sport Science, Minor in Hispanic Studies
Graduate School and Degree: Campbell University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: Acute Inpatient Rehab, SCI
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends, family and my dog Rush. I love being outdoors and exploring new music and concert venues.
Sharon Kemps, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: Boston University, B.S. Athletic Training
Graduate School and Degree: Boston University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Assistive Technology Professional
Areas of Specialty Practice: SCI, seating and mobility, gait training
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with friends and family, DIY home projects and general arts & crafts
Brandon Peer, PT, DPT 
Undergraduate School and Degree: Ursinus College, Major in Exercise and Sports Science, Minor in Biology
Graduate School and Degree: Temple University, DPT
Certifications: Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist II
Areas of Specialty Practice:TBI, Stroke, Vestibular, EDS/POTS
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Reading, playing with my dogs, travel
Samantha Ramger, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Florida, B.S. Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
Graduate School and Degree: Duke University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: TBI, CVA, SCI, vision, gait training, seating and mobility
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Hiking, hanging out with my dog, trying new restaurants and cooking
Rachel Schaal-Wilson, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of North Carolina at Asheville, B.S. Health and Wellness Promotion, Minors in Spanish and Psychology
Graduate School and Degree: Elon University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: CVA, TBI, SCI
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Being outside gardening, taking long walks, doing yoga, and reading
Caitlin Laemmle, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: Penn State University, B.S. Kinesiology
Graduate School and Degree: Western Carolina University, DPT
Areas of Specialty Practice: Stroke, vestibular therapy
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Running, hiking, traveling, baking, and various other art projects
Matthew Pilo, PT, DPT 
Undergraduate School and Degree: SUNY Oswego, B.S. Wellness Management with a minor in Health Science
Graduate School and Degree: Stony Brook University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: SCI, vestibular, Emergency Department
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?Spending time with wife and kids, DIY projects, exercise, cooking, going out to eat
Kimberly Bader, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Pittsburgh, B.S. Rehabilitation Science
Graduate School: Duke University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Parkinson Wellness Recovery
Areas of Specialty Practice: Vestibular, Concussion, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with friends, reading, doing yoga, hiking
Elizabeth Dietra Buxton, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.S. Psychology, Minor in Spanish
Graduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, DPT
Certifications: LSVT-BIG, Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!), Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation
Areas of Specialty Practice: Vestibular Rehab, Post-Concussion Syndrome, Parkinson Disease
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with family, watching movies, doing yoga, cooking new foods
Bryn Kennedy, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: Penn State University, B.S. Exercise and Sport Science
Graduate School: Emory University, Masters of Physical Therapy, DPT
Areas of Specialty Practice: Wheelchair seating, SCI, MS, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, TBI, CVA and postural restoration
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? In my free time I enjoy running, swimming, biking, hiking, cooking and hanging out with my two amazing kids.
Courtney Matrunick, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: Elon College: B.A. Psychology, Minor in Exercise Physiology
Graduate School: Elon University, DPT
Certifications: Aquatic Therapy (CAPTE)
Areas of Specialty Practice: SCI, stroke rehab, wheelchair clinic
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Being outside; biking, gardening, lounging in our hammock. Most activities center around my daughters at the moment
Rachel Donnelly, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: Miami University, B.A. Spanish and B.S. Kinesiology
Graduate School and Degree: The Ohio State University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: Balance and falls prevention, neurodegenerative diseases, vestibular dysfunction, community health and wellness
Kara Cain, PT, DPT 
Undergraduate School and Degree: East Carolina University, B.S. Physical Therapy
Graduate School: A.T. Still University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Certified in LSVT Big treatment for persons with Parkinson’s disease
Areas of Specialty Practice: CVA, complex neurologic diagnoses, degenerative diseases, wheelchair seating and mobility
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Seeing live music, boating to barrier islands, walking the local beaches, enjoying time with my family (husband, adult sons, granddaughter) and friends.
Kenzie Cross, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: Clemson University, B.S. in Health Science: Pre-Professional Health Studies
Graduate School and Degree: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, DPT
Areas of Specialty Practice: Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist, Certified Wellness Coach, CVA Team
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with my family, walking by the water, and going to group fitness classes.
Rachel Page, PT, DPT
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of North Carolina at Wilmington, B.S. Exercise Science, Minor in Psychology
Graduate School: East Carolina University, DPT
Certifications: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: SCI, CVA, TBI, MS, FND, gait and orthotics, and vestibular disorders
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with family, friends and our dog. I have a 1.5 year old girl who keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy reading and spending time outdoors.
Amber Ponnett, PT, DPT
Graduate School: College Misericordia, M.S. and Physical Therapy
Areas of Specialty Practice: SCI, Seating and Mobility, Neuro Disorders, CVA, MS, Balance
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with family and pets outdoors. I enjoy supporting our three boys in sporting events and watching sports. In enjoy running for exercise in spare time.