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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

 

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

Isaiah Pominville, PT, DPT, CSCS

I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy passionate about helping people return to the activities they enjoy through evidence-based rehabilitation and strength training.

In high school, a knee injury left me devastated after doctors predicted early arthritis and advised me to give up sports. Physical therapy not only helped me recover and return to sports, but also inspired my career path. While working as a personal trainer in college, I realized that physical therapy would allow me to make a greater impact by combining rehabilitation, movement science, and performance training.

I enjoy helping people with any aches, pains, or injuries—whether acute or chronic, post-surgical, or sport-related. My goal is to help each person relieve pain, restore function, and safely return to work, sports, or daily activities. I’ve gained experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions in the outpatient setting, and I’ve also completed clinical training in acute care and outpatient neurological rehabilitation.

As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), I enjoy combining strength training with traditional physical therapy to create personalized programs that build resilience, restore function, and enhance

performance.

Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, disc golfing, weightlifting, fishing, hiking, camping, watching Marvel movies, and spending time with friends and family.

Education

  • Beaver River High School — Graduated 2017
  • SUNY Oswego — Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Nutrition Minor, Honors Program, Graduated 2021
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University — Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Graduated with Honors, 2024
  • CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist): Since 2023

Emmalee Edmonds, PTA, DPT

I grew up in a small neighborhood outside the Village of Croghan where I attended Beaver River Central School to obtain my Advanced Regents Diploma in 2013. Following graduation, I was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at Utica College where I spent the next 6 years earning my Bachelors of Science in 2017 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2019. I completed my required PT clinical rotations in Evans Mills, Syracuse, and Albany, and quickly realized that I preferred rural living and wanted to return home. I have been practicing at Journey Physical Therapy, PLLC for 3 years now where I have had the privilege of building strong relationships with members of the community I grew up in. Working in a small, outpatient clinic in a rural area has taught me how to be more versatile with the diverse caseload we treat daily and how to be more creative in the exercises that I prescribe to target the individual’s needs.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my husband, Dylan, and our golden retriever, Nora. If I’m not with them, I am volunteering my time

at the Croghan American Legion where I act as the current Auxiliary Treasurer and Membership Chairperson.

Education:

  • Utica College: Doctorate of Physical Therapy: 2019
  • Utica College: Bachelors of Science in Health Studies with a minor in Aging Studies: 2017
  • Beaver River Central School: 2013