Hubbard

Dr. Matthew Jacobs, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Matt graduated from Slippery Rock University in May of 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Matt completed a clinical rotation focused on manual therapy before accepting a position as a home health physical therapist. The home health position provided Matt with experience treating a wide array of pathologies. Specifically, Matt worked with many patients acute post surgical including: hip replacements, knee replacements, lumbar fusions and cervical fusions. Matt also gained experience with trauma, stroke and neurological patients.  Matt worked in the home health setting for the last 4 years before moving on and starting here at Action Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Inc. Matt currently lives in New Castle, Pennsylvania with his wife Amber and son Noah. 

Bob Murphy, PT

Owner

Bob is one of two co-founders of Action Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Inc. Bob embraces the concept of evidence-based medicine. In treating physical therapy patients, he draws upon current research, to incorporate scientifically validated methods into his daily practice.

Early in his career, Bob focused a portion of his treatment efforts to help rehabilitate athletes with various sports injuries as well as a patient population with neurological issues such as Cerebral Vascular Accident, Cerebral Palsy and Traumatic Brain Injuries.  

Bob earned his licensure as a Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) in 1987 from Penn State University, Shenango Campus.  In 1992, Bob went on to graduate and obtain licensure as a Licensed Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.  He also holds a certification in the John Barnes Technique for Myofascial Release.

Bob and his wife, Kristine, live in the Hubbard area and have two sons named Brian and Dylan.  They are proud to have their company be a part of the community in which they reside.

Mandy Flynn, PTA

Floor Supervisor

Mandy is a 2011 Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant graduate of Penn State University, Shenango Campus. Her interests include off-roading in her Jeep, Jimmy Buffet, and anything Sun, Sand, & Surf related. Mandy has been a part of the Action Physical Therapy team since 2011.

Ryan Lacey, PTA

Clinical Manager

Ryan graduated from Butler County Community College in 2016 with an Associate of science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.  Ryan enjoys being a part of his patients healing process and seeing them progress throughout their program. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and their dog.

Valerie Sarvis, PTA

Valerie graduated in 2011 from Pennsylvania State University Physical Therapist Assistant program and an Associates in Science degree. Valerie served as a vice president of her class and raised funds for programs such as the medical equipment recycling program of Mercer county. Valerie also runs the stroke recovery program through neuromuscular re-education for individuals with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions.

Brittany Zambrini, PTA

Brittany is a 2007 graduate of Hubbard High School and has been a lifelong Hubbard resident. She graduated from YSU in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, and from Penn State Shenango’s PTA program in 2019.

 Brittany’s interest in Physical Therapy came about from her own running injuries and then watching her grandfather try to regain lost function from a stroke. While attending PTA school she became fascinated with the critical thinkning that goes into helping patients recover from injuries, and knew she was getting into a field where she could help make a difference in people’s lives.

 In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She also loves trail running, hiking, crocheting, and snuggling with her dogs.

Alura Dillon, PTA

Alura graduated in 2019 from Pennsylvania state university with an associate of science degree in physical therapist assistant. Alura enjoys treating all patient populations. In her free time she enjoys coaching competitive cheerleading and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.  

Denise Creed-Burns, PTA

Denise graduated in 2008 from Penn State Shenango with an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant. Denise has spent 13 years in therapy working with patients in nursing home , inpatient and outpatient settings. She enjoys seeing patients achieve their goals and enjoy pain free lives . In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and being outside working in her yard .

Tiffany Miller, PTA

Tiffany graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in 2010 and graduated from Penn State Shenango Physical Therapy Assistant program with an associate degree in 2013. Tiffany enjoys working with a lot of different kinds of patients from orthopedics to neuro and has worked in many different settings.  

In her free time Tiffany enjoys spending time with her husband, son, dog and family. Tiffany enjoys spending time outdoors, playing piano and crafting.  

Brian Appel, AT, ATC, ITAT

Director of Athletic Training

Brian is originally from Mansfield OH, where he attended Ontario High School.  While in high school he grew an interest in sports medicine and volunteered for four years learning about the field. 

Brian attended Kent State University from 2005-2009, earning a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training.  He completed the NATABOC examination in 2009 earning the ATC credential.  While in college he was the President of the Organization of Athletic Training Students.  He also was a member and on the executive board for The Delta Chi Fraternity.

After graduation, Brian spent a four week stint with the Cleveland Browns assisting with OTA’s.  He then gained employment with HMHP working with Champion High School.  Since joining the Action team he has been the Athletic Trainer with Champion Schools and more recently with Hubbard High School.  Brian has also completed the required training for the ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer Program.  Brian is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling.

Brian currently resides in Champion with his wife Anne and his son Caleb and daughter Hannah.  He enjoys being outdoors, whether it is cycling or just relaxing around a campfire. 

Derek Gustovich, MAT, AT, ATC

Derek is a two time graduate from Youngstown State University with a Master's in Athletic Training in 2021 and a Bachelor's in Exercise Science in 2012. He is the athletic trainer at Brookfield High School.  In his free time he enjoys going hiking, traveling, working out, playing video games and guitar.  His future plans are to become certified in Integrative Dry Needling.  

Austin Baker, MAT, AT, ATC

Austin graduated from Youngstown State University in 2022 with his Bachelor's in Exercise Science and again in 2023 with his Master's in Athletic Training. Austin enjoys hiking and walking with his two dogs, working on outdoor projects, and spending time with friends and family. A goal of his is to become certified in Integrative Dry Needling.