Our Team

Dr. Helen Robertson  

PT, DPT, OCS, CFL1, CSCS                           

Helen opened River City Performance Therapy in 2021. After working in a variety of outpatient orthopedic clinics, she was inspired to start a clinic that would allow for individualized patient care that was flexible to each of her patients’ symptoms, situations, and lifestyles. She believes treatment improves when she can take the time to listen to her patients’ stories and conduct in-depth assessments - both of which allow her to focus on functional interventions that maximize her patients’ potentials. 

About Helen

When she’s not treating patients, you can find her training and coaching CrossFit; exploring local trails; cheering on the Tarheels; and trying to convince her 3 year old nephew to start weight lifting. She’s an optimist, a maximizer, an IPA enthusiast and a chronically curious researcher.

Education

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - BS - Psychology, Exercise and Sport Science

  • University of the Pacific - Doctorate of Physical Therapy 

  • Virginia Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Institute - Orthopedic Residency

  • Dry Needling Certified (American Academy of Manipulative Therapy)

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association) 

  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

 

Dr. Spencer Kalman 

PT, DPT                                    

Dr. Spencer Kalman is a physical therapist who discovered his passion for improving quality of life while working in a rehabilitation science lab as an undergraduate at George Mason University. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in physical therapy. Since graduating from DPT school in 2022, he has worked with patients managing both orthopedic and neurological conditions. Spencer is committed to meeting patients where they are and tailoring care to their individual needs. He integrates manual therapy, dry needling, and exercise to help clients restore function and enhance overall well-being.

Spencer enjoys treating a wide range of conditions, with a special interest in working with runners, Hyrox athletes, basketball players, and golfers.

About Spencer

In his free time, Spencer enjoys running marathons, exploring new bourbons, cheering on New York sports teams including the Knicks, Rangers, Mets, and Jets, and spending time with his wife, Madeline, and their golden retriever, Ranger.

Education

  • George Mason University - BS - Rehabilitation Science

  • Mary Baldwin University - Doctorate of Physical Therapy 

  • Dry Needling Certified (American Academy of Manipulative Therapy)

 

Dr. Kyle Kirby               

PT, DPT, CSCS                                         

Dr. Kyle Kirby is a physical therapist who first became interested in rehabilitation during high school through a technical center program in athletic training. He went on to earn his BS in Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Lynchburg. He enjoys working with active individuals of all ages and providing individualized exercise programs combined with manual therapy treatments such as dry needling and spinal manipulation to support recovery, build confidence, and help patients reach their goals.

Kyle enjoys working with people who lead active lifestyles, including recreational athletes and powerlifters, and adapts his approach to support their training and goals.

About Kyle

In his free time, you can usually find Kyle lifting weights, enjoying an iced coffee, cheering on the Washington Commanders, or spending time with friends and family.

Education

  • Virginia Commonwealth University - BS - Exercise Science

  • University of Lynchburg - Doctorate of Physical Therapy 

  • Dry Needling Certified (American Academy of Manipulative Therapy)

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association) 

 

Kathryn Lerman, MPH

Kathryn has spent over a decade in the health, wellness, and fitness industry, beginning as a competitive swimmer and swim coach before expanding into personal training, group fitness instruction, and fitness program management. Her experience also includes overseeing business operations at a wellness center and holding a digital health management role.

Her background in both kinesiology and nutrition gives her a unique perspective on helping clients move well, recover fully, and build sustainable habits. She specializes in working with people focused on health and longevity, especially those returning to fitness after a break, navigating injury recovery, or managing chronic or acute health conditions. 

Kathryn believes that the best results come from individualized, evidence-based programs that adapt to each person’s needs, lifestyle, and goals. She blends her expertise in exercise science, nutrition, and behavior change to create training that not only supports performance, but also long-term well-being.

About Kathryn

When she’s not training or leading operations, you can find Kathryn spending time with her partner and their two dogs, trying out a new fitness class, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She’s a life-long learner, a lover of good food, and someone who believes movement should be both purposeful and fun.

Education

  • William & Mary - BA - Kinesiology & Health Sciences, Government

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Masters in Public Health - Nutrition

  • Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified

  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer