171 Kempsville Road (Near light rail station)
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: (757) 351-6020
Fax: (757) 351-6021
Michael Pedersen LPTA, C-PS, Clinical Director
Michael Pedersen was born and raised in Hampton Roads. He graduated from South University with his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. At South University, he was class Vice President and Director of Communication and Community Outreach. He was awarded South University’s Leadership Award upon graduation. He was a part of the Nansemond River High School swim team coaching staff from 2012-2018 and the school’s Tennis Team coaching staff from 2014 – 2017. Michael was also a part of the coaching staff for the Tsunami summer league swim team from 2012-2021. He is an avid competitive Brazilian JiuJitsu practitioner and enjoys staying active.
He is the current Clinical Director for the Therapy Networks Janaf location. His physical therapy interests include chronic pain, migraine, and sports performance patients. Manual therapy and the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) are his advanced education and enjoyment areas. He is a certified myofascial decompression (cupping) therapist and is also a certified performance specialist through the Champion Physical Therapy program.
Laurie Johnson, PT, CMTPT
Laurie is one of the founders of The Therapy Network. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Laurie earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1984 from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She spent the next five years working in a local hospital setting. She then relocated to Tidewater and worked in an outpatient orthopedic practice for the next few years. Laurie has helped grow The Therapy Network, serving as Clinic Director as new locations opened. Laurie developed specialist skills in treating both chronic and acute spinal conditions. Her practice areas include headaches and soft tissue injuries. Laurie serves as a consultant to TTN staff therapists on challenging, non-responsive conditions. Laurie coordinates Continuing Education for the therapists and is a key player in physical therapist recruitment. She enjoys volleyball, but after 20 years of passionate play, she spends most of her spare time with her children.
Rona Beck, PT, MSPT
Education
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY Graduate: Master’s in Physical Therapy, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY
Professional Development/ Certifications
Fall Prevention
Concussion Management
Professional Interests
Neurology
Rona was born in upstate New York. She earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy in 1996 from Ithaca College. Upon leaving Ithaca, she worked as an in-patient rehabilitation therapist in Alexandria Louisiana. After moving to Virginia Beach, Rona continued as an inpatient therapist for ten years with a clinical emphasis on neurological rehabilitation. In 2017 Rona joined The Therapy Network. Her extensive experience with inpatient and neurology fits perfectly with The Therapy Network’s need for a lead Fall Prevention Therapist. Since joining The Therapy Network, Rona has also gained her certification in Concussion Management. In addition to being the leas therapist for Fall Prevention and Concussion Management, Rona has a special interest and training in Vestibular rehabilitation and is trained in McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine with the hope of achieving certification in the next year. When Rona is not helping patients succeed, she enjoys playing volleyball, boating with her family, paddle boarding, and traveling.
Roberto Villarreal, PT
Roberto grew up in Austin, Texas, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Texas – San Antonio. He started his career at The Therapy Network in January 2017 as a physical therapy technician. He furthered his passion for physical therapy by attending Old Dominion University, where he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Roberto rejoined The Therapy Network team as a Doctor of Physical Therapist in 2022. His special interest includes working with athletes, and he has a special interest in shoulder rehabilitation. He enjoys connecting with patients and being part of their success toward healthier and happier lives. Prior to attending physical therapy school, Roberto spent six years in the United States Navy, serving Naval Special Operations. He enjoys coffee, movies (especially Marvel), and talking with other veterans and active duty members about their life experiences and physical well-being. He currently lives in Virginia Beach with his wife and two girls. He enjoys staying active by lifting weights and cycling in his spare time.
Melissa Baka, PTA
Melissa was born and raised in Virginia Beach. She attended Salem high school and was a gymnast, cheerleader, and a part of the VPAA dance department. During her personal time, Melissa is a dance teacher and choreographer for Moonlight Dance VA. Melissa attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. While pursuing her undergraduate education, Melissa enjoyed her time as a professional arena football dancer for the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets. Melissa graduated from South University with her Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant. During her time at South University, she was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award. Melissa became a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) because she has a passion for helping people regain their strength, mobility, and confidence. Her physical therapy interests include treating patients with Chronic Pain and Orthopedic Populations. Manual therapy and the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) are her areas of advanced education and enjoyment. Melissa became interested in PRI during her clinical rotation with TTN. After becoming a licensed PTA, she returned to the TTN family. Melissa is excited to use her education and PRI focus to enhance the lives of dancers in the Virginia Beach community.