Meet Our Team
OWNER, PHYSICAL THERAPIST (MS, PT)
Marcus Bacon is originally from Orange, Massachusetts and now resides in Berlin, CT. He graduated from Springfield College in 2002 with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy. With specialization in advanced orthopedic injuries, Marcus decided to fulfill his dream of opening his own physical therapy clinic. His vision is focused on quality of care and improving functional needs.
OWNER, PHYSICAL THERAPIST (MBA, PT)
Steve DeFrancesco is a Berlin native. He grew up in town and attended Berlin High School. Steve attended the University of Hartford, and upon graduation in 1997, he returned to his hometown for permanent residence. Steve has spent the last 25 years developing his physical therapy skills in a number of different capacities. He has his Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy from UHart along with his MBA from Troy University. His dream was to one day own his own practice. In 2008 that dream came true. Steve specializes in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and pilates based rehabilitation. His focused dedication to his craft separates him from the competition.
CLINICAL EDUCATIONAL COORDINATOR, PHYSICAL THERAPIST (DPT)
Michael Johnson (DPT) is a Berlin native. He graduated from Berlin High School in 2005. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science (2009) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2012) from the University of Hartford. Michael is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) under the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and is credentialed as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He also specializes in sports medicine as well as concussion rehabilitation. He is a provider of the Graston technique, Dry Needling, Cupping Therapy and has also spent time performing injury assessments and is trained to perform on-site ergonomic evaluations. Michael joined the Focus team in January 2015 and is currently serving the role of Clinical Education Coordinator.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST (MPT)
Kari Callahan currently resides in Wallingford . She has focused on orthopedics in her last 10 years of practice. Kari's undergraduate work was in Athletic Training with a degree from Castleton State College in 1999. She earned her Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont in 2005. Her sports background coupled with her proximity to a ski resort for 8 years has allowed her to excel in the treatment of various sports related injuries. Kari has also taken post-graduate courses in Postural Restoration (a whole body approach to the assessment of muscle chain imbalances that cause functional pattern limitations), along with Dr. Ma's Integrative Dry Needling Foundation Training course (an approach that considers the systemic neurological relationship of pain and tissue dysfunction as well as sensory nerve modulation and physiology)
PHYSICAL THERAPIST (DPT)
David Reindl is a Berlin native who graduated from Berlin High School in 2005. He went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education in 2010. Following college, he spent several years working locally as a manager at Roger’s Marketplace before deciding to change career paths. Dave completed prerequisite courses at Tunxis Community College and then continued his education at the University of Hartford. In 2019, Dave graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Dave joined the Focus team in June 2019 and has since become certified in dry needling and is a provider of cupping and Graston techniques. He is well versed in treating patients of all ages and conditions. In his spare time, he enjoys strength training. He is the Connecticut state record holder for the United States Powerlifting Association with a deadlift of 611 lbs and total lift of 1485 lbs!
PHYSICAL THERAPIST (DPT)
Dallas Peery is a Massachusetts native and currently resides in Chicopee, MA. He graduated from Chicopee High School in 2013. Dallas attended Springfield College and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science (2017) and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2019). Dallas had the opportunity to complete his outpatient sport and orthopedic clinical rotation in Birmingham, Alabama. While there he worked with athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. Dallas joined the Focus team in the Fall of 2019. He is certified in dry needling and is a provider of cupping techniques. He specializes in orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehab, sports medicine, and return-to-sport rehabilitation. When not at work, he enjoys playing soccer, golfing, snowboarding, and hiking, among other outdoor activities.
OFFICE MANAGER, BILLING SUPERVISOR
Diana Smead is a Berlin native. She graduated from Berlin High School in 2006. She earned a Bachelors degree in Communication from Central Connecticut State University in 2010. Upon her graduation from CCSU she first began her career with Focus in 2011 as our front office receptionist. She held this position for 1.5 years before pursuing her dream of driving cross country to move to California. Nearly five years later, she returned to Connecticut and Focus to become the Billing Supervisor and eventual Office Manager.
FRONT OFFICE RECEPTIONIST
Karen Arnold is a Long Island native but has been a Newington resident for the past 20 years. Karen’s work in the customer service field for over 15 years has given her the opportunity to meet many great people. Karen joined our Focus team in October 2020 and is very excited to be working at the front desk interacting with patients. Her smile will greet you at each appointment; she can assist with verifying and explaining your insurance benefits, scheduling initial and subsequent appointments, and answering any questions that may arise. She loves spending her free time with her 2 children, 2 dogs and visiting with her family and friends on Long Island.