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. Matt Cooper is a Physical Therapist as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He received both his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Since then, he has acquired certifications in dry needling and spinal manipulation. He enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic conditions and believes in a holistic, evidence based, and individualized approach to best meet his patient's needs.

About Matt

In his free time, you can find Matt attending CrossFit classes, playing ice hockey, running the occasional marathon, and hanging out with his fiance and two kittens.

Education

• Virginia Commonwealth University - BS - Exercise Science

• Virginia Commonwealth University - Doctorate of Physical Therapy 

• Dry Needling Certified (American Academy of Manipulative Therapy)

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

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

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