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Why We're Different
Ask yourself these questions:
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Are you tired of that nagging ache or pain that is limiting how you move?
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Are you frustrated that you have been told that all you need to do is rest. Or, even worse, that since it hurts that you should just stop doing what you love?
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Do you want to be more active but feel like you’re limited by injury or mobility?
We are just as tired and frustrated as you are at all the bad advice that's out there and that you're not as active as you could be! That’s the District Performance & Physio difference. We were founded on the belief that the answer to an injury shouldn’t be “just rest it.” And it should never be “you can’t go back to doing that anymore.” The true answer is to find out WHY the injury happened in the first place, and get you back to what you were doing—even better than before.
We believe in challenging your expectations of physical therapy to give you an experience and outcome that is better than you imagine. That means we will defy what you think of physical therapy and how it can improve your life. Your experience with us will be different from what you expect from a typical health care visit. You and your physical therapist will work as a team to reach your goals and redefine your perceived limits. Whether you were injured yesterday or have been in consistent pain for years, District Performance & Physio in Washington DC determines the source of your distress, helps it heal, and prevents it from happening again.
If you are a CrossFit athlete, we’ll get you back in the gym and setting a new PR. If you are a runner, we’ll get you on the road, faster than before. If your goal is to start being more active, we’ll guide you there and KEEP you active.
Are You a:
Active Gym Member
Who wants to stay fit and active in the gym, pilates studio or yoga studio? You might use exercise as your stress reliever and need to stay as active as possible.
Frustrated Person
Who understands that you shouldn’t have to be limited in what you like to do and that pain doesn’t have to be a part of your everyday life?
Busy Professional
Who wants to get out of pain or back in the gym but doesn’t have a lot of time to waste with treatments that don’t work or spend an hour of physical therapy exercises every day?
Adult Athlete
Who has a day job, but also wants to stay competitive for your next event or race without being slowed down by nagging injuries?
Crossfit Athlete
Who loves the community and workouts and wants to stay as healthy as possible while also hitting that next PR? You need someone that understands what CrossFit is and don’t want to be told to stop lifting.
Meet The Team
Jesse Lewis, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Movement and exercise have always been at the heart of Jesse Lewis’s life. As a physical therapist and strength coach, he saw too many active people sidelined with the same advice: “just rest.” Frustrated by that limitation, he founded District Performance & Physio to be different — a place where busy, high-performing people could get fast, personalized solutions that keep them moving.
Today, Jesse no longer sees clients directly. Instead, his focus is on something bigger: building the strongest PT team in DC. His number one responsibility is finding and developing therapists who are not only highly skilled, but who carry forward his vision — and, in many ways, are even better than he is.
That vision shapes everything at DPP: fitness-forward care, one-on-one attention, and a results-driven culture where patients don’t just recover — they come back stronger
Ashlee Kim, PT, DPT
Navy Yard Clinic Manager
Ashlee brings both expertise and heart to every session she leads. As a proud JMU and Duke alum, she’s trained extensively in pelvic floor therapy, vertigo, dizziness, and post-concussion rehab. Currently training for Olympic weightlifting competitions, Ashlee knows firsthand what it takes to push through challenges and come back stronger. Outside the clinic, she’s a dog mom, aspiring home baker, and explorer of DC’s best dog parks.
Nicki Ferramosca, MSPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Nicki blends her background as a collegiate soccer and rugby player with deep clinical expertise. Certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), she has a special passion for helping golfers move and play their best. Her treatment approach combines manual therapy, Trigger Point Dry Needling, exercise, and neuromuscular re-education. Outside the clinic, you’ll find her tackling Barre, running, HIIT workouts, or her newest challenge—the tennis court.
Ariella Pohl Bickell, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Ariella is a dedicated advocate for pelvic floor health and loves helping people through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She also works with runners, lifters, and anyone whose pain or injury has kept them from staying active. A marathon runner herself, she understands the highs, lows, and everything in between that comes with training. When she’s not in the clinic, she’s likely out hiking, skiing, or weightlifting.
Emily Blum, PT, DPT,OCS
Physical Therapist
Emily’s path to physical therapy started as a competitive dancer battling multiple injuries. That experience—plus earning her Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist board certification—fuels her mission to help patients hit their goals and celebrate every win. Emily also specializes in pelvic health. Outside the clinic, she’s often reading with her two cats, Connor and Carly, running through Meridian Hill Park, or sweating it out in group fitness classes.
Brian Goodwin, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Brian grew up in Virginia Beach before earning his degrees at Virginia Tech and Shenandoah University. He has specialized training in male pelvic floor therapy and certification in golf rehabilitation—helping both weekend warriors and golfers stay at the top of their game. His approach weaves together exercise, manual therapy, and education to keep people moving. Away from work, Brian enjoys DC’s food scene, working out, exploring outdoors, and catching sporting events.
Meredith Harris PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Meredith thrives on getting athletes back to the sports they love. With a sports residency and a board certification in Sports Clinical Specialization, she ensures every patient leaves fully prepared to return to play. She has a special connection to tennis and even travels as a physical therapist for the USTA professional circuit. Off the court, you can find her weightlifting, skiing, reading, or cheering on her Philadelphia teams.
Leah Cohn PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Leah loves helping people stay active, whether they’re recovering from surgery, training for a new goal, or managing chronic pain. She combines exercise, education, and hands-on treatment to help clients feel capable and confident. A DC native, Leah recently returned after two years in Atlanta. Outside the clinic, she enjoys trying new workout classes, checking out restaurants, hiking with her puppy Cabo, and spending time with friends and family.
Fatima Maxwell PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Fatima brings both orthopedic and pelvic health expertise, working with people of all genders to help them meet their goals and feel empowered along the way. A former collegiate and semi-professional soccer player, she has a lifelong passion for sports and fitness. New to DC, she’s excited to explore the city, join community workouts, play soccer, and cheer on her Louisville Cardinals.
Sheri Jean PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Sheri is a California native who has called Northern Virginia home for the past eight years. She takes a fitness-forward, whole-person approach that helps her clients feel strong and in control—not sidelined. Sheri specializes in women’s health and fitness athletes, guiding them back to the workouts and activities they love with confidence. When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local CrossFit gym or exploring new restaurants around the DMV.
Tyrone Bryant
Client Success Manager
Tyrone is one of the first friendly faces you’ll meet at District Performance & Physio. Born and raised in the DMV, he’s passionate about creating lasting impressions and helping people feel comfortable from the start of their journey. Outside the clinic, Tyrone loves to travel, discover new cultures, and connect with people wherever he goes.
Alex Adams
Client Experience Coordinator
As our Client Experience Coordinator, Alex makes sure every new client feels welcome and supported. Her goal is simple: match you with the right therapist so you can reach your goals faster. A Takoma Park resident, Alex lives with her husband (who owns a fitness business) and is inspired by her favorite Serena Williams quote: “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.
Maria Garcia
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I'm Maria, the Administrative Assistant at District Performance & Physio. I'm proud to be a part of a team that's dedicated to helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. In my role, I provide essential support to the team and serve as a point of contact for clients, ensuring that their needs are met and their questions are answered. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, trying out new recipes, and exploring my creative side through various art forms.
The answer to an injury shouldn’t be “just rest it.” And it should never be “you can’t go back to doing that anymore.” The true answer is to find out WHY the injury happened in the first place, and get you back to what you were doing—even better than before.
This Free phone consultation with one of our physical therapy experts is something that we offer to people who are nervous or skeptical about physical therapy - unsure of its benefits or if it is right for them. If that sounds like you, then please start with a free phone call so that we can work with you to find out what is wrong and what can be done--- without any risk on your part.