Meet Our Vermont Team of Physical Therapists
Our experienced physical therapists provide hands-on care, guiding you to pain relief, strength, and recovery – all with hospitality and heart.
Dr. Emelia P. Brogna
Founder & Doctor of Physical Therapy, BS, DPT
Dr. Emelia Brogna, DPT, is a leading expert in rehabilitation and corporate wellness, known for her innovative and results-driven approach to care.
Specialties: Chronic Pain, Orthopedics, Trauma, Craniosacral Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Holistic Wellness
She began her career at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, treating a diverse patient population with acute injuries, surgical recovery needs, and breast cancer rehabilitation.
Transitioning to outpatient practice, she trained with world-renowned therapist Igor Burdenko, mastering the Burdenko Method of aquatic therapy. After moving to Vermont in 2009, she pioneered a rehabilitation standard of care program for Lyme Disease, addressing a critical gap in patient support.
Emelia holds advanced training in Myofascial Release (John Barnes Method) and is certified in Craniosacral Therapy. She is also certified by the American Institute of Balance in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion (mild TBI) Management for both sports-related and non-sports-related concussions. She has a particular passion for treating BPPV (vertigo) and vestibulopathy.
Beyond the clinic, Emelia is a sought-after corporate wellness consultant, designing programs that help organizations improve employee health, performance, and resilience. She partners with leadership teams to create tailored strategies that address stress management, movement health, cognitive wellness, and injury prevention in the workplace.
Emelia’s ability to blend cutting-edge clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care consistently helps patients and clients achieve meaningful results.
When not working, she enjoys sailing, swimming, cooking, skiing, and traveling with her husband, Tony, and daughter, Grace.
Due to high demand, Dr. Brogna is only accepting self-pay patients at this time.
Dr. Laura Bristol
Doctor of Physical Therapy, BS Nutrition, DPT, Pilates Instructor
Expert in Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Running Injuries, and Foot & Ankle Dysfunction
Specialties: Chronic Pain • General Orthopedics • Shoulder, Foot & Ankle Dysfunction • Running Injuries
A dedicated and compassionate clinician, Laura creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered in their healing journey. She treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from sports-related injuries and post-surgical recovery to chronic pain, ensuring her approach remains at the cutting edge of therapeutic care.
A native Vermonter, Laura earned her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Sciences (2010) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2013) from the University of Vermont. She believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are to develop tailored treatment plans that help them regain function and return to the activities they love.
Laura began her career with a focus on aquatic and land-based therapy, working in an integrative clinic alongside chiropractors, massage therapists, and medical doctors. She expanded her expertise by completing her Polestar Pilates™ comprehensive training in 2019, integrating Pilates into her practice to enhance strength, mobility, and recovery.
She has advanced training in foot and ankle biomechanics through comprehensive training with Gait Happens, deepening her expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
When she’s not working with patients, Laura enjoys hiking, spending time at her family camp on Lake Champlain, skiing (beginner alert!), knitting, long walks with her dog Bruin, traveling, and enjoying fine food with her family.
Dr. Liza Joseph
Doctor of Physical Therapy, B.S. OSHAS, DPT
Compassionate and Evidence-Based Physical Therapist Specializing in Functional Growth and Inclusive Care
Liza is dedicated to partnering with each patient to reduce physical burdens and foster functional growth for both body and mind. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based treatment and patient education, she ensures that every patient feels informed, empowered, and supported throughout their recovery journey.
She earned her B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health Applied Sciences from Keene State College (4.0 GPA) and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont. Her diverse clinical background spans sports-specific settings, general outpatient practice, and skilled nursing facilities, giving her a well-rounded approach to care.
Liza brings in-depth research experience in fall prevention for older adults, RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), and sacroiliac dysfunction treatment. Her capstone research paper examined the validity of telehealth physical therapy (spoiler: it’s valid!).
True to the Wayfinder ethos, Liza’s approach is rooted in compassion, kindness, and inclusivity, ensuring that every patient encounter is both genuine and psychologically safe. She is passionate about working with athletes, weekend warriors, and the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a welcoming space for all individuals.
Beyond the clinic, Liza is actively involved in community service, volunteering with Here to Help, Where to Wheel, and Vermont Ski Adaptive. Coming from a family of healthcare practitioners, her passion for the field runs deep.
A true New Englander, she has lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. When she’s not working, Liza enjoys exploring new restaurants, karate training (as a 3rd-degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate!), and relaxing by the ocean or Lake Champlain
Dr. Daniel Ellis - In Memorium
Doctor of Physical Therapy, BS Exercise & Movement Science, DPT
Dan personified Wayfinder’s spirit of grit and grace through his academic, professional, and personal history of high performance and overcoming personal health challenges.
A native Vermonter, he excelled at the University of Vermont with a 4.0 GPA, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Science in 2013 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015.
Not content with his hard work at UVM, after graduation Dan moved to Eugene, Oregon to pursue an 18-month manual therapy residency with global experts at the Institute of Physical Art’s Functional Manual Therapy program.
He continued to hone these skills while healing patients in Chittenden County through active listening, compassion, and care—helping people quickly return to their highest level of function. His approach reflected Wayfinder’s core ethos. Dan had an exceptional track record of treating a wide range of sports-related injuries, including those from soccer, basketball, equestrian sports, cycling, running, swimming, and triathlon.
He took great joy in working with patients of all ages and abilities, developing individualized solutions to help them return to a better quality of life. For Dan, it was always about meeting people where they were and coaching them through the rehabilitative process. He believed that with open communication and trust, much could be achieved.
Outside of work, Dan found joy in road cycling, swimming, hiking, and spending time with his wife, Nicole, and their two beloved dogs.
We honor Dan each day with our commitment to helping patients find a way through the toughest challenges with grit and grace!
Dr. brogna with Jarret Berman
A note from one of our happy patients:
“The team at Wayfinder is much more than doctors, physical therapists, or wellness professionals. They are healers, whose deep understanding of both people and the human-machine helps them work through the toughest physical challenges.
They synthesize hard science with progressive therapies to find lasting, holistic solutions. And, they are whip-smart - I learned something new every time I walked into the office.
Best of all, they really connect with their clients, creating a fun, safe, and authentic space, where true rehabilitation can flourish.
They have had a profound impact on my life and on those I love. They are far and away the best physical therapists I’ve known - and so much more.”