Our Team

Skilled, hands-on care to help you move better and live pain-free.

Care That Looks Beyond the Symptoms

A team committed to helping you return to the things you love.

At Knox Physical Therapy, our mission is to provide skilled, hands-on care that optimizes movement and participation in the things you love to do. We do not stop at symptoms—we work to understand the root cause of pain and create a personalized plan for your recovery.

Meet the Knox Physical Therapy Team

Dedicated professionals serving Cedar Bluff, Karns, and Downtown Knoxville.
Joseph "Lee" Easley

Joseph "Lee" Easley

DPT, Cert DN, Owner

Joseph “Lee” Easley is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Owner of Knox Physical Therapy. He is passionate about helping people live pain-free lives and educating them on the root causes of their pain. His goal is to provide treatments that lead to lasting pain relief. Outside of work, Lee enjoys spending time with his family, learning to fly planes, and dreaming of building a cabin in Alaska.

Katie Koren

Katie Koren

Director of Marketing and Events, PTA

Katie Koren is a physical therapist assistant and the director of marketing and social media at Knox PT. She has been with Knox PT for the past 6 years, initially working as a PTA. Over the last year, she has transitioned into focusing on bringing her passion, creativity, and strategic insight to our digital presence and overall marketing efforts. Katie is dedicated to continuously exploring the latest trends in social media and digital marketing to ensure that our clinic remains at the forefront of the industry. She grew up in Grainger County and attended South College, where she received her degree to become a PTA. Currently, she lives in Karns with her husband, Clark, and their two daughters, Emmy and Murphy. On weekends, Katie enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Kingsley Scott

Kingsley Scott

Office Manager

Kingsley is our Office Manager, and most likely the first smiling face you will see when you walk in the door. She is passionate about delivering exceptional service and helping someone any way she can, whether that be at work or not. Kingsley has her Associates in Science, and is currently working towards receiving her Bachelors in Business. Kingsley resides in Karns with her family and dogs. On the weekends and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, watching sports, and spending time with her friends and family.

Justin Handmacher

Justin Handmacher

Billing Manager

David Kramp

David Kramp

Patient Care Coordinator

Mary Ridgeway

Mary Ridgeway

DPT

Mary is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist at our outpatient clinic. She graduated from South College as a doctor of physical therapy and has unique expertise in sign language, enhancing the therapeutic experience for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. Mary enjoys working with all patients, especially pediatric patients, those with neurological conditions, and runners. She has lived in Knoxville for 16 years with her husband and their 5 children. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with her family.

Olivia Carithers

Olivia Carithers

PTA

Olivia earned her degree from South College and began her career as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in April. She is passionate about enhancing the well-being of others and aims to empower individuals to lead pain-free lives. Olivia enjoys working with the elderly and patients facing balance and gait challenges. Outside of work, she loves playing golf, spending time outdoors, and exploring new restaurants in Knoxville.

Nick Moore

Nick Moore

DPT

Kalie Heftka

Kalie Heftka

DPT

Cameron Matheny

Cameron Matheny

DPT

Sharon Howard

Sharon Howard

LMT, Kinesiologist

Mason Silvestri

Mason Silvestri

PTA

Michelle Kiles

Michelle Kiles

MPT

Harrison Howell

Harrison Howell

DPT

Jessica Blankership

Jessica Blankership

PTA

Austin Reynolds

Austin Reynolds

DPT

Brody Crowley

Brody Crowley

Kinesiologist

Bonnie Bastian

Bonnie Bastian

PT

Christine Kear

Christine Kear

DPT

Andrew Baker

Andrew Baker

PTA

Lee Easley

Lee Easley

DPT, Owner

Sarah Gardner

Sarah Gardner

PTA

Sarah Gardner is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) with a passion for helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. She has extensive experience in various therapeutic techniques and is committed to providing personalized care. Sarah holds a degree in Physical Therapy Assisting and is certified in multiple rehabilitation modalities. Her clinical specialties include post-surgical recovery, sports rehabilitation, and pain management. Sarah is known for her compassionate approach and ability to motivate patients throughout their recovery journey.

Kelsey Hornick

Kelsey Hornick

DPT

Kelsey Hornick is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a focus on providing personalized care to her patients. She has extensive training in various therapeutic techniques and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their rehabilitation goals. Kelsey is passionate about educating her patients on their conditions and empowering them to take an active role in their recovery. She has a strong background in sports rehabilitation and manual therapy, and she enjoys working with patients of all ages.