Meet Our Staff

Dr. Scott founded Next Level in 2010 hoping to bring a personalized, modern, research-based approach to chiropractic care and physical therapy to the Pittsburgh area.  In private practice since that time, he enjoys working with pain and injury of all types assisting his patients in getting back to doing what they love. Next Level is constantly growing and evolving. The future vision for the company is to create a truly patient-centered, integrated pain solution system in Western Pennsylvania through technology and strategic partnerships with the best local physicians.

Certifications include:  

•  Adjunct Professor Palmer College of Chiropractic 
• Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP) ​ 
• Full-body certified in ART (Active Release Technique)  
• Member of the ART Ironman Provider Network  
• Member of the ART Elite Provider Network  
• Certified SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) Provider  
• Titleist Certified Level II Medical Professional   
• USA Rugby ICIR (Immediate Care in Rugby) Certified 

Dr. Scott received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006 where he majored in Chemistry.  He then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2010.

Dr. Palmieri is passionate about improving the lives of his patients through sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. He has worked with all levels of athletes ranging from weekend warriors to those in Major League Baseball and the NFL.

 Certifications  include:

• Full-body certified in ART (Active Release Technique)
• Member of the ART Elite Provider Network
• SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
• FAKTR (Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab) 
• Rocktape FMT 1&2 Certified
• CF-L1 Trainer
• ClinicalAthlete Weightlifting Certified Coach
• Training Think Tank Movement
   

Dr. Palmieri received his Bachelors of Science degree from Grove City College in Grove City, PA where he majored in Biology and played on the Varsity Football Team. He then attended Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic.

Lauren is a Physical Therapist who has a diverse background in sports medicine and pediatrics and enjoys working with anyone from children to athletes. As an endurance athlete herself, Lauren's passion lies in treating endurance athletes and assisting in the recovery process. She has worked with all levels of athletes from professional to college to high school and weekend warriors. Her special niche is working with adaptive athletes and helping individuals break down barriers.

Credentials Include:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher
• RRCA Certified Running Coach
• USATF Level 1 Certified Coach 
• CF-L1 coach
  

Lauren received her Bachelors of Science degree from Virginia Tech where she studied Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise Science and was the student athletic trainer for the baseball team. She then attended Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After practicing for a few years she decided to go back to school at Slippery Rock University obtaining her Masters in Adapted Physical Activity.

Dr. Bergquist has had the opportunity to work with current and former athletes of all ages and skill levels. He understands that the basic biomechanical forces that govern motion in the body of an elite level athlete, also create the basic movements of every day life such as sitting, standing, and walking. Dr. Bergquist's goal is to implement care that acts as a catalyst to speed the process towards recovery and optimal performance, while also providing patients with education and tools that promote self-reliance.

Certifications Include:

• Full-body certified in ART (Active Release Technique)
• Certified IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
• FMS (Functional Movement Screening)
• Certified SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
• Certified FMT (Fascial Movement Taping) Level 1&2
   

Dr. Bren Bergquist received his Baccalaureate of Science in Biology from Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he was also a 4-year letter winner on the football team. He then attended Life University in Marietta, GA where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic.​

Dr. Minella is passionate about improving his patients’ quality of life through integrated care. Functional rehab and soft tissue modalities continue to provide his patients with sustained and long-lasting results. Dr. Minella has treated a variety of athletes ranging from high school competitors to NFL, MLB, and NHL athletes.

Certifications include:

• Full-body certified in Nimmo (Trigger Point Therapy)
• Certified in Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Member of National Academy of Sports Medicine
• Certified in Custom Stabilizing Orthotics
• NASM Certified Weight Loss Specialist
• Whole Foods Nutrition Certified
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer 

Dr. Minella received his Bachelor of Science from Washington & Jefferson College in 2008 where he majored in Psychology. He completed his post baccalaureate at LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine) in 2009. He then attended New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2014.

Dr. Braudis has played many sports throughout his life, which has given him a strong foundation and understanding of biomechanics. He has had the opportunity to work with athletes of all ages and skill levels from novice to professional. Dr. Braudis' goal is to expedite recovery process to return to normal everyday life or playing ability, while providing patient education to understand what their injury is and give them the tools to help maintain and prevent similar injuries in the future. 

Dr. Braudis received his baccalaureate of science in biology from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, where he also played hockey. He then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic.

Shona is a Physical Therapist who has a passion for treating patients with the intent to return them to the activities that bring them joy.  She has a background in sports medicine and treating the general population. Shona has also worked with athletes of all levels, ranging from recreational to professional, however, her special area of interest is working with barbell athletes. Shona has been a part of the Crossfit community since 2013, competing in local competitions as well as sanctioned Olympic weightlifting and Powerlifting meets.    

 Credentials Include:    

• USA Weightlifting Level 1 and 2   
• The Barbell Rehab Method      

Shona received her Bachelors of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied Natural Science and was a student athlete for their track and field program. She then attended Gannon University for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and started her career in a sports medicine facility. 

Lindsay is a Physical Therapist who has a special interest in getting her patients back to the activities that they love doing. She enjoys helping to get her patients stronger and modifying activities so that the patient can continue doing the activities they love as a part of their rehab. She is active in the Crossfit community and enjoys getting athletes back to working out pain free.  She has a special interest in rehabbing back and shoulder injuries, especially within the Crossfit population.  

Credentials Include:

• Cert- Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete
• CF-L1 Coach

Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She then obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She has worked throughout her career to stay up-to-date with the latest physical therapy research and treatments and has experience treating a variety of populations.

 Valerie is a Physical Therapist who has a passion for movement in all forms and enjoys helping her patients move more and move well. She has experience working with dancers, CrossFit athletes, and the general population with orthopedic injuries. With her wide knowledge of ballet including pointe work, she excels in working with dancers of all skill levels. Valerie has been a member of the CrossFit community since 2018 and has a passion for helping her patients to take their own fitness to the next level.

Credentials Include:

• USAW-L1 coach 
• CF-L1 Coach
• Certified Bodiography Dance Movement Therapy Facilitator

Valerie received her Bachelor of the Arts degrees from La Roche University where she studied Biology and Performing Arts. Throughout college, Valerie danced professionally with Bodiography Contemporary Ballet Company. She then attended the University of Pittsburgh for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. During physical therapy school, Valerie began personal training as well as coaching CrossFit, which she continues outside of working as a Physical Therapist.

Patrick is a physical therapist with a specialized background in orthopedics. Having personally experienced the limitations of persistent low back pain as a young athlete, he was inspired to enter the field of physical therapy. Patrick's expertise centers on working with competitive and recreationally active individuals of all ages to promote resiliency and confidence in the body. He is particularly passionate about assisting field sports athletes in returning to activities they enjoy.

Patrick received his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Misericordia University where he was a student-athlete for the men’s soccer team. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Misericordia University, graduating in 2022.

Teresa is a Pittsburgh native with a passion for athletics and fitness.  Her aim is to work with athletes and patients in order to help individuals become more functional and efficient both in competition and everyday life.

Certifications Include: 

• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Full-Body Certified in Active Release Technique (A.R.T)
  

Teresa received her Bachelor of Science from Grove City College in Grove City, Pa. While she was there she majored in Exercise Science and played on the Women’s Varsity Basketball Team.

 Tianna enjoys working with patients of all conditions and abilities. She also has a passion for learning the specifics of sports injuries as they relate to the individual. Her goal is to tailor exercise prescription to the individual’s needs and goals. 

Her credentials include:

• Member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Member of American Physiological Society 
  

Tianna received her Bachelor of Science from Slippery Rock University in 2018 where she majored in Exercise Science. While at Slippery Rock, Tianna completed research projects related to cardiovascular risk factor assessment, and ballistic exercise training.  

Connie is a 2019 graduate of Laurel Technical Institute's Massage Therapy Program.  While Connie has experience in relaxation techniques, Massage Cupping, Thai Massage, and Hot Stones, she finds it very rewarding to use her Therapeutic techniques to help her clients restore functional movement, aid in muscle recovery, and deal with chronic pain. 

Certifications Include:

• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Certified Massage Cupping Practitioner
• Thai Yoga Massage Provider
• Personal Training and Group Personal Training 

 Connie believes that wellness isn't just the physical body but also the mind and spirit.  Connie loves staying active through running, yoga, kayaking, & ice skating. Her two teenagers keep her on her toes and young at heart! 

 Heather was born and raised in Wexford, PA on her family's farm. She attended Duquesne University and graduated in 1997 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She then worked as a Physical Therapist in various settings including, inpatient rehabilitation, school-based therapy, and home health. This has given Heather experience treating clients of all ages who struggle with pain, orthopedic and neurological issues. She has always prided herself on her ability to connect with her clients and help them to meet their goals.

After 24 years Heather stepped away from Physical Therapy and returned to school to complete her education in massage therapy at Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy with a focus on neuromuscular massage. She is now a Licensed Massage Therapist, and comes to the profession with a unique perspective on injury recovery and functional mobility.

Heather resides in Wexford with her husband and 2 teenage daughters.

Kaitlyn is a Licensed Massage Therapist from Pittsburgh who graduated from Everest Institute in 2012. 

She specializes in deep tissue and myofascial massage for clients with chronic pain and injuries. She is also certified in prenatal massage and cupping. 

Jesse was born and raised in Butler. He is an IUP graduate with a BA in criminology. After serving in the U.S. Army Infantry, Jesse completed Butler County Community College Massage Therapy program with his goal to help people move better and feel better. 

• Licensed Massage Therapist
• CrossFit Level 1 
• Burgener Strength Weightlifting Level 1

Jesse has been involved in Health and Fitness since 2013 and also currently works as a CrossFit trainer. You can also find him competing at local CrossFit competitions! In his spare time, Jesse is staying active outdoors or working on his Jeeps.