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Dr. Amber R.Z. Astafan, PT, DPT, Certified MDT, Owner

I have now had the privilege of practicing and serving the community members of Lewis County and surrounding areas for over ten years! In that time, I am proud that Journey has developed into a clinic that not only provides Physical Therapy services for hundreds of people every year, but an organization that can give back. We have been able to spend time aiding in career development with school systems. Our providers participate in the local Career Day events and host numerous students from high school and collegiate levels in the clinic. In 2023 we became a host site for the American Red Cross and hosted our first blood drive! Each year, the clinic sponsors teams for the Lowville Youth Soccer, several golf outings for various fundraisers and donates to scholarship programs.

Over the past 10 years I have been able to develop my skills as a provider that's committed to excellence. Several years ago, I became the first Certified McKenzie Method Provider in Lewis County. This method is widely know for spinal treatment of low back pain. However, it's actual focus is on Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment through research for all joints! I have completed all course work available in this Method that is utilized internationally.

Personally, my husband and I are blessed with 2 daughters that attend Lowville Academy. I must admit wearing red is difficult for me, as I was a Beaver River graduate! I have always loved athletics, playing several sports in school and even in college. In high school, I sustained a knee injury with torn ACL and medial meniscus, requiring surgery. This is what ultimately led me to the profession of Physical Therapy! As a mother, organized team sports are difficult to be a part of due to schedule and time restraints. So, I took on competitive body building in 2022. I can train locally on my own time and compete in New York State. I am blessed to have won a 1st place Pro Card for woman over 35 years old in an all-natural organization for my first competition. I have since competed 2 more times.

I look forward to what the next decade holds for myself, as a provider and community member, and Journey PT as a local staple for quality medical services. I am very thankful for all the community members that put their trust in us for their care. The health status of an individual's physical mobility impacts ALL aspects of their life! The Journey Staff and I will continue to strive towards excellence in knowledge and servitude.

Education

  • Clarkson University: Doctorate of Physical Therapy 2011
  • Bachelors of Science, Biology with Distinction 2008
    • Minor in Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Beaver River Central School 2005
  • Certified Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy 2018

Organization Involvement

  • American Physical Therapy Association: 2008-2015
    • Orthopedic Section: 2011-2013
    • Aquatics Section: 2012-2013
  • NY Physical Therapy Association: 2008-Present
  • The Mckenzie Institute USA
    • 2016-present

 

Eliza Zehr, PT, DPT

Eliza was raised in Lewis County, graduating from South Lewis High School in 1996. She lives locally with her husband and 6 boys. She is active in her church and stays busy with her athletic and talented children! She currently practices at Journey as a part time therapist to help with our growing number of patients. Currently, Eliza is furthering her education with specialized training in the McKenzie Method which is used extensively in the clinic. She also completed a post professional bridging program to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Education:

  • Utica College; Doctorate of Physical Therapy 2022
  • Utica College: Bachelor's Of Science: Physical Therapy 2000
  • South Lewis High School 1996
  • McKenzie Institute USA: Lumbar Spine

Drew Baker, PT, DPT

When I decided to pursue a medical career I always knew that I wanted to return home and serve the Lewis County Community; that particular career happened to be Physical Therapy. I immersed myself into the field, working as a PT aide in an outpatient facility during my graduate studies, and completing my clinical rotations in outpatient, short-term Rehab, and long-term Care. I enjoy working with a variety of populations and diagnoses in an effort to progress towards reaching their goals. After graduating with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree I was able to move back and embark on fulfilling my desire to give back to my community.

Education

  • Utica University: Doctorate of Physical Therapy 2023
  • Utica College: Bachelors in Health Studies 2020
  • Beaver River Central School 2017

Jenna Matuszczak, PTA

I recently joined the team at Journey in July 2022 immediately after completion of the Physical Therapy Assistant program at SUNY Canton. As a student, I came to Journey to do a clinical rotation under Dr. Amber so I was thrilled when she offered me a position to start my career with familiar faces. I am passionate about working with all age groups, especially pediatrics and post-surgical rehab patients. I was only student in the program that had the opportunity to complete a pediatric clinical rotation with the children that had behavioral and developmental disabilities ranging from birth-18 years. Outside of the workplace, I enjoy traveling in and out of the country, spending time with family and friends, and staying active with my 2 dogs Kai and Sadie.

Education:

  • Suny Canton: Associate's in Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant 2022
  • SUNY Jefferson: Associate's of Arts: Individual Studies 2019
  • South Lewis High School: 2016

Connor Dickinson, PTA

Since my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to choose a career that fit who I am as a person and the unique attributes I come with. I have always been someone that wants to assist with making improvements in others' lives both physically and mentally. I am an advocate for physical fitness and love to communicate with others. After finding the aspects of being a Physical Therapist Assistant I knew this was something I would love to do. I then applied for college at SUNY Canton for their Physical Therapy Assistant program in the Fall of 2021. During my last semester in this program I had the opportunity to do a clinical rotation at Journey where I have worked since graduating. I am currently continuing my education with a Bachelors in Health and Fitness Promotions at Canton with plans to continue onto Nazareth University in Rochester to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I look forward to meeting the many amazing people this community has to offer.

Education

  • SUNY Canton: Health and Fitness Promotions 2023-present
  • SUNY Canton: Associate's in Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant 2023
  • Beaver River Central School 2021

Dylan Edmonds, PTA

After graduating high school in 2014 I spent a few years exploring different career options through college classes and working full time. I then found out about the career of Physical Therapy and was interested in being able to help people recover through movement and exercise, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and providing quality patient care to the community. I enrolled in the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Suny Canton and graduated in 2024 at the top of my class. As a new grad I am very thankful to Journey Physical Therapy for providing me the opportunity to start my career! I currently live in Croghan, NY with my girlfriend and our Golden Retriever, Nora, whom we love to spend our free time with and take on all of our adventures!

Education:

  • SUNY Canton: Associates in Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant 2024
  • Mowhawk Vally Community College: Associates in Science: Math & Science: 2020
  • South Lewis High School: 2014