Staff

dr. grant levermore PT, DPT tpi m2/f2

Owner/Physical Therapist

Grant is originally from Fairport, NY. He graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with his B.S. in Health Science and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). While at Nazareth College, Grant was an outside hitter for their elite Men’s Volleyball team, competing in two NCAA Tournaments and cultivating his passion for working with athletes at all levels.

Professionally, Dr. Levermore has experience working with high level athletes at the Division I & Division III levels. He is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) for golf performance. He also has experience working with post operative joint replacements, neuromuscular conditions (MS, Parkinson’s, and Stroke), and general musculoskeletal injuries (back pain, neck pain, joint pain, etc.).

Grant is passionate about teaching everyone that walks in the door about their condition and their body so they can become experts. His goal is to have his patients leave each appointment further educated about their condition.

dr. thomas difilippo pt, dpt tpi

Owner/Physical Therapist

Tommy is originally from East Aurora, NY. He graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), and from Denison University with a B.A. in Physical Education/Athletic Training. As a former collegiate athlete, he has a particular passion for sports performance training and physical therapy, in particular with golfers of all abilities.

Tommy is certified through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) in golf performance and rehabilitation. He is firm believer in golfers of all abilities investing in their physical capacity and abilities at the same level as their technical abilities and equipment. Not all golf swings should look the same, but your golf swing should match your body’s capabilities.

Dr. DiFilippo was previously an aide at step by step in his years prior to being a PT! In his down time, you’ll find him on the golf course or playing some pickup hockey. He is a diehard Buffalo Bills fan patiently awaiting Western New York’s first Super Bowl!

Dr. Michelle bauer pt, dpt

Clinic director/physical therapist - warsaw

I am originally from Marilla, NY. I have my Bachelors of Science from Gannon University and graduated with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Daemen University in 2014. Since 2015, I have been working for Step by Step PT as a Physical Therapist and clinic director.

I currently live in Warsaw with my husband and 4 children. My hobbies include running and playing sports with my husband and children.

paul gurgol mspt, cmt

Clinic director/physical therapist - akron

I am is a graduate from D'Youville where I earned A BS and Masters in physical therapy. I went on to train further In orthopedics and became Certified in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) through the International Academy of Orthopedic medicine

I continued My training becoming certified inthe Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) evaluative technique, along with becoming a certified pitching mechanics instructor, in order to develop pT programs to assist the throwing athlete improve performance and reduce injury. My ultimate goal is helping individuals and athletes prevent orthopedic injuries, rather than focusing solely on treatment once an injury exists.

Paul is currently a pitching coach for a Lancaster-Depew little league team and assists the baseball program at NCCC with a pT conditioning program for their pitchers. 

Along with his love for orthopedic physical therapy, Paul is the author (and illustrator) of the Zero the Hero! children's book series which combines great inspirational stories for children with instructional information regarding exercise and baseball.

Dr. gianna cavalier pt, dpt

Clinic director/physical therapist - attica

Hi, my name is Gianna and I am originally from Long Island, NY! I received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Utica College in 2020 and moved to the Buffalo area shortly after. I am a Primary Spine Care Practitioner in NY state. My clinical interests include orthopedic conditions, geriatric care, post operative care, and fall prevention. I have spent a lot of time throughout my professional career working with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. I love learning new ways to achieve your personal goals and improve your quality of life. I look forward to working with you!

angel bowman, pta

Physical therapist assistant - attica

I was born and raised in Batavia, NY and have lived in Attica, NY for almost 8 years with my son. I have spent the last 13 years in the health care field, working with a wide variety of patients, doctors and families. I decided to return to school in 2017 and graduated with my Associates degree from GCC in 2020.

I enjoy spending a lot of time with my friends and family, and cheering for my son at all of his sporting events. I love country music, exploring new restaurant's, adventuring anything outdoors, and of course, the Buffalo Bills. 

I started working for Step by Step before I graduated, starting with my temporary licensure, and have been here ever since! I love working for such a small, personal company, where we all feel like family. I truly enjoy meeting every person who walks in our clinic doors, and I always look forward to helping each person reach their goals!

jayna wright, pta

Physical therapist assistant - akron

Bio coming soon!

cathy bergholtz, pta

Physical therapist assistant - warsaw

My name is Cathelyn (Cathy) Bergholtz. I grew up in Perry, NY and graduated from PCS. I enlisted in the Army in 1994 where I spent from 1994 to 2000 in active duty then Army National Gaurd from 2000 to 2002. 

I worked at Manor Oak Nursing Home until they closed in 2003 and decided to go to college. I attended GCC in their PTA program and graduated in 2006. I worked at Step by Step while still in college and after graduation, I started working for the company full time and been here ever since. 

My hobbies include going for walks with my dogs and spending time with family, especially my daughter.

shelly semmel

business manager

I am a lifelong resident of Warsaw NY, graduating in 1992. i obtained my associate’s degree in applied science at Genesee Community College in 1994. I Met My husband in got married in 2000 and have 2 boys. I started working for Step By Step Physical Therapy in May of 2006 and have been with the company for over 18 years. I love spending time with friends and family in my spare time.

Rebecca Ward, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

BIO coming soon!

ANne gates

office assistant

I am local born and raised! living in Warsaw and went to Warsaw central  schools. I like to do things with my friends and my daughter and love to play cards. I love working at  Step by Step because we have a great staff and patients and I enjoy working with everyone in my home town of Warsaw.

debbie graham

office assistant

My name is Debbie and I have worked at Step by Step for 8 years! I enjoy meeting and greeting all the clients that come in for therapy mainly at the Akron clinic. My husband and I own a farm with 30 acres.  I have 3 adult children whom are all married and I have 3 grandchildren. When I'm not working, I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, hunting and doing crafts.  I especially like to spend time with my children and grandchildren.

Hailee Lowe

office assistant

Hi! My name is Hailee Lowe. I graduated high school from Alexander Central School in 2020. I continued my education at Roberts Wesleyan College studying Exercise Science and coaching along with running track and field. I graduated from Roberts in May of 2024. In my free time I like to spend my time outside, with my family and friends, and doing crafts. I also like to run and doing many physical activities. Step-by-Step physical therapy is a great place because of their small and tight community. The staff are very supportive and want the best for each of their clients. 

INSPIRING STRENGTH and BUILDING community through effective physical therapy