FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Jenny is the founder and owner of Rise Up Performance Therapy. She landed in Erie, PA in 2017 when her husband took a residency as an orthopedic surgeon at UPMC for 5 years. During this time Jenny struggled to find a PT position that she was truly passionate about so she decided to open Rise Up. "My mission for Rise Up and my promise to every single one of our patients is 1-on-1 customized excellent care." Our care is truly unmatched in the region and we are honored to treat the Erie community. Jenny has since moved from the Erie area to follow her husband as he continues to pursue his career as an orthopedic surgeon. She visits Erie a few times per year and is very involved in the day-to-day operations.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST & OWNER

Buffy initially started with Rise Up in 2019 and specializes in treating chronic pain, especially cervicogenic headaches and TMJ issues, shoulder pain, pelvic and hip pain, and hypermobility conditions. Buffy has also immensely enjoyed the experience of providing educational and hands-on care for our pregnant clients.

In 2021, she was given the opportunity to become co-owner of Rise Up with our founder Jennifer Doyle, and she is now excited to officially join the women’s health team and provide excellent pelvic health care with a whole-body approach. Having extensive experience with the use of soft tissue mobilization and cupping, Buffy also has an advanced certification in dry needling from Integrative Dry Needling (IDN). Buffy has also completed training with Herman and Wallace Institute.

Buffy is the mother of three young children and has personally experienced how impactful and healing pelvic health care can be during and after pregnancy.

Elizabeth Darling is a physical therapist and athletic trainer. She has been practicing for over 20 years and has a unique set of skills and experiences.

She has worked with USA Gymnastics as a medical provider for 20 years and is currently the Medical Director of the rhythmic gymnastics program. She has traveled extensively with the National Team and has covered numerous World Championships and Olympic Games. She developed a Physical Preparation Program and Movement Screen for rhythmic gymnasts.

In addition to her work with USA Gymnastics, she has also worked extensively with dancers including the Mercyhurst University Dance Department, the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company, River North Dance Company, and the Broadway touring companies of Wicked, Movin’ Out, The Lion King, and The Color Purple.

Darling, does not just work with high-level athletes. She is also an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and certified lymphedema therapist. She has worked in sports medicine and orthopedics, and she developed a breast cancer wellness program that helped patients become aware of risk factors for developing lymphedema and then perform self-care programs that help prevent lymphedema from developing and progressing.

She believes in treating the whole person and not just treating their pain. She loves being a physical therapist and the process of generously listening to her patients and developing programs that help people return to their highest level.

WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPIST & DOULA

Carly earned her clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Saint Francis University 2016. Having experience in rehabilitation, early intervention, and additional doula training through DONA International, Carly wants to blend her passions to provide women with a full spectrum of support through preconceptions all the way to postpartum. Carly is in pursuit of further certification, specified in Pregnancy, Obstetrics/Intrapartum topics, and Postpartum Physical Therapy interventions. She values a holistic approach to care, providing information and support through alternative and complementary strategies, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes and lower rates of medical intervention. Having birthed her son at home, Carly understands the importance of autonomy and the role of a doula combined with physiological knowledge of the human body. Carly loves attending, witnessing, and holding space for women at birth and during the precious early days of the postpartum stage.

DRY NEEDLING CERTIFIED

Meet Krys, a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for patient care and recovery. After graduating from Girard High School in 2010, Krys decided to pursue higher education in the local area and attended Gannon University. There, Krys obtained an Undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Having worked in both short and long-term rehab centers, as well as acute care settings, Krys brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a commitment to providing exceptional care, Krys strives to go above and beyond to help patients achieve their optimal health, aiming for nothing less than a full recovery.

In addition to being a skilled physical therapist, Krys specializes in creating custom orthotics for individuals with unique foot pain needs. Going beyond traditional approaches, Krys explores innovative treatments to ensure comprehensive solutions for patients.

Outside of the clinic, you can find Krys indulging in their passion for soccer and cherishing quality time with their family. Committed to continuous professional development, Krys is currently working towards certification from the prestigious McKenzie Institute in the McKenzie Method, further expanding their expertise and enhancing patient outcomes.

DRY NEEDLING & GOATA CERTIFIED

Fascinated with human movement and anatomy, Rocky Escajadillo (aka Rock The Muscle Doc) inherently knew pursuing a career in Physical Therapy was his destiny. Consistently competing on the baseball diamond and in the classroom landed him a scholarship to Christian Brothers University in his soulful, southern hometown of Memphis, TN. Once his collegiate academic and athletic career was complete, Rocky went on to pursue his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Graduating in 2012, Rocky began his career in an outpatient orthopedic clinic where he made it his mission to get his hands on every patient he encountered on a daily basis. This drive for one-on-one quality care ultimately led to him attaining his Certification in Dry Needling in 2014. He prides himself on providing an optimal patient experience for the population he serves. Rocky seeks to discover “What really matters most?” for his clients as they pursue their journey to maximize physical health and wellness. His goals are to “Educate and Empower” his community with exceptional service.

He and his wife Buffy (also a Physical Therapist) moved to Erie in August 2015 to be closer to family. They have a daughter, Emelia, a son Gabriel, and a newborn daughter Ruby. Rocky enjoys spending time with his family, working out, playing Frisbee Golf, and walking his dog Dottie Lou.

Women’s Health & Orthopedic PT

Rachael grew up in Millcreek. She graduated from McDowell in 2015. In 2019, she obtained her Bachelors in Exercise Science, and in 2021, her Doctorate in Physical Therapy both from Slippery Rock University. Beginning her career in acute care, treating a variety of patients primarily in the ICU, she had made the switch to outpatient care following the birth of her daughter. This changed has allowed her to spend more time with her family doing all the activities they enjoy together. This includes hiking, camping, boating, and hunting. She is also an avid reader despite having less time for this hobby recently.

Rachael initially decided to study physical therapy following an ACL injury playing basketball resulting in surgery and countless PT visits herself. She found a passion for discovering the intricacies of the human body. She is determined to give the best quality care to her patients for return to prior level of function whether that is to return to a hobby or sport or to improve balance and independence.

PELVIC FLOOR & LYMPHEDEMA TRAINED

Shari, a native of Harborcreek, graduated from Mercyhurst Northeast in 2003. Since then, she has had the opportunity to provide compassionate and customized care that is rooted in her “whole person” philosophy from the acute setting to long-term care.

Upon joining Rise Up in 2021, Shari has received extensive training in lymphedema care, as well as myofascial release, cupping, and corrective interventions for mobility and core stabilization, and this mom of two takes particular interest in treating both an athletic population, as well as individuals who experience chronic pain. Shari’s passion for providing excellent one-on-one care has created an interest in blending her extensive skills into pelvic health. She has undergone specialized training in the pelvic floor through Herman and Wallace Institute.

This energetic mother of two sons is honored to have the privilege to provide specialized pelvic floor care to our community.

DANCE REHABILITATION SPECIALIST

Christina graduated from the University of Findlay with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Prior to earning her DPT, she graduated from Mercyhurst University with an Associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistant and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. Christina is trained in Stott Pilates (mat and reformer) and holds certification from New York City's Westside Dance Physical Therapy specializing in dance rehabilitation.

Her experience and passion for dance, paired with her expertise in physical therapy, have provided her with the opportunity to be a lead ballet instructor and conditioning coach for USA Rhythmic Gymnastics. Here she has the opportunity to work with athletes from the national team as well as young hopefuls at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY.

Christina's extensive dance training led her to attend the prestigious Pennsylvania Governors School of the Arts in 2007. She has traveled throughout the USA to train with Paul Taylor, Boston Ballet, Point Park University, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Christina has traveled throughout Europe performing and furthering her dance training. She performed with Holland America Cruise Line and Stiletto Entertainment.

These experiences give her a unique perspective when evaluating and developing treatments for her clients. Treating dancers does not stop in the clinic however. Christina works closely with many of the local dance studios, Mercyhurst University dance department, and Seiche Dance Collective for movement screens and injury prevention. You can often find Christina at many local dance performances: backstage, in the audience, and occasionally on stage herself.

Ryan is an Erie native who joined the Rise Up team in 2026. He has nearly 15 years of clinical experience since receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Gannon University in 2013.

His professional development has led to a primary focus in spine care: back pain, sciatica, neck pain, etc. In 2016 he received his certification in the McKenzie Method from the McKenzie Institute of America, and in 2017 his Orthopedic Clinical Specialty from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

In 2025, Ryan achieved status as an International Diplomat of the McKenzie Method through the McKenzie Institute International, becoming one of fewer than 600 physical therapists in the world with this designation.

In addition to spine patients, he also enjoys working with endurance athletes of all kinds and levels: from recreational to weekend warrior to elite. Having completed several marathons and three full-distance Ironman triathlons (and countless other local races of all distances), Ryan can empathize with the trials and tribulations of training and injury recovery.

Ryan and his wife live locally and enjoy taking advantage of Erie activities year round, but especially in the summer: walking, running, hiking, golfing, kayaking, and cycling. In the winter, you can find them out on skis or snowshoes, or inside and warm, hanging out with their cat, Winston.

He is always excited to help people in his community recover, and get back to full function!

BILLING SPECIALIST & OWNER

Becky joined Rise Up in 2022 and became co-owner in 2025. She serves as the practice’s Billing Specialist and Human Resources Manager, bringing with her a strong background in finance and business. After years in the corporate world, Becky felt a pull toward healthcare, driven by her passion for helping people in a more meaningful, personal way.

Inspired by watching her sister, Jenny—Rise Up’s founder and director—build the practice from the ground up, Becky saw firsthand how it grew from a solo provider into a team of highly skilled, exceptional therapists delivering truly personalized, one-on-one care. Knowing she wanted to be part of that journey, Becky made the transition and has been an integral part of the team ever since.

Becky is dedicated to helping patients understand their health insurance benefits and billing, making what can often feel overwhelming much more approachable. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is married and a proud mom of two young children, along with two dogs who keep life lively. In her free time, she loves staying active through hiking, biking, and reformer Pilates.

Front Desk Receptionist (12th Street Clinic)

Front Desk Receptionist (Sinai Sports)