Our Team
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Dr. Mitchell Straub
Dr. Mitchell Straub, owner and founder of Vital Rehab and Wellness has been a practicing Physical Therapist in the State College area for over six years. He has worked in a variety of settings both as a therapist and manager. He has a mission to help lead Centre County older adults through a healthier and more successful aging process by promoting physical well-being. Mitchell is the only practicing Physical Therapist in Centre County who is board certified as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist which allows him to deliver superior results for his clients. He is also on the leadership team for Adult Children of Aging Parents in State College.
“On a more personal level, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Chelsie, and our 2 year old son. I love staying active in the outdoors by snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, or fishing. I am also an avid Penn State fan.”
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Chelsie Straub
Chelsie grew up just outside of Harrisburg. She attended Saint Francis University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health Science with minors in ASL and exercise physiology. She went on to receive her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. After graduation, she moved to State College and has worked locally since. She spent a brief period working with children in a school setting and seven years in inpatient rehab, where she co-led the brain injury program.
“Getting to work with clients in their own home environments. You can simulate home set ups as best you can in the hospital and outpatient clinics but it doesn’t get any better than problem solving right at home where the problems occur. Especially as an Occupational Therapist it’s my job to help evaluate and accommodate not just the person but their environment as well so they can function safely and as independent as they wish where they reside.
I am married with a 2 year old son, a cat and a dog. Solo I enjoy music, writing and photography…pretty much anything creative! As a family we enjoy the outdoors, swimming, hiking, biking and of course movie nights!”
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Dr. Dylan Appleman
Dylan grew up in Roaring Spring, PA. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Penn State, he went on to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Francis University.
“I have experience through clinical rotations in outpatient settings including Orthopedics and Vestibular/Balance as well as an inpatient setting, I recently had a 15-week rotation with Vital! I enjoy working for Vital Rehab because I get to meet my patients in a comfortable environment, their home, and promote a healthy patient relationship to achieve the goal of getting them back to their prior level of function. I recently got engaged in December to my wonderful fiancé, Kelsey, and we have a wedding date set for 2026! I have three wonderful siblings and very loving parents. My hobbies include playing volleyball, playing video games, and traveling.”
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Dr. Kurtis Rooker
Kurtis grew up in Watsontown, PA. He graduated with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University.
“Following high school I would follow in my mother’s footsteps and pursue a degree in Nursing from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Though, after shadowing a physical therapist as an undergrad, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I’d eventually graduate from Slippery Rock University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. The most satisfying aspect of being a PT is knowing that every day I have the ability to make a small impact in the health and well-being of my clients. Most days you’ll find me walking with my wife, renovating our home and/or gardening.”
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Nickol Cleary
Nickol grew up in a small town, Coudersport, PA. She graduated from Saint Francis University and celebrates a career of over 20 years in physical therapy. Her experience spans all areas of PT, including outpatient, inpatient, rehab, pediatrics, home health care, and mobile outpatient services.
“I enjoy working with clients in their homes and communities as it allows me to focus more on their function and wellness as opposed to working with them in a clinic space. I am married with two children and like to spend most of my time outdoors doing things such as biking, hiking and fishing.”
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Quiana McCray
Quiana grew up in Pittsburgh, where she spent most of her life, outside of a few years in Georgia. She graduated from South Hills Business and Technology in June 2021.
“I enjoy working with our team. It is a fun and relaxed atmosphere that also allows for high levels of productivity. I enjoy getting together with the team outside of work as well.
I have a fiancé and two year old daughter whom I enjoy spending time with at the park and taking long drives. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games on my computer.”
Testimonials