Meet Our Staff

Tory Bishop     •   Sarah Meinertzhagen     •   Featured Employee

Physical Therapy Works was started by Tory and Trenton Bishop in 1991 and has grown rapidly to meet the physical therapy needs of the community. Currently we have over 40 employees working in three locations to offer our patients the best care possible. Below you can learn more about our directors who oversee our three main therapy areas: Physical Therapy Works, FIT Works and Therapy Works for KiDS, along with our featured employee. With so many wonderful employees, we thought you might enjoy getting to know them individually

Tory Bishop, PT, DSc, Cert. MDT

Dr. Bishop is the co-owner and president of Physical Therapy Works.

She has a specialty certification in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine; a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy: a Master’s of Science in Community Health Professions, and a Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedics.  The Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedics is an advanced and highly specialized degree which a minority of physical therapists holds.  This doctoral program required various coursework in biometry, orthopaedics, research, case report writing, literature review and required a doctoral dissertation, and internships in medical doctors’ clinics with specialties in spine, radiology, and physiatry.

Dr. Bishop has guest lectured at Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College (TCC).  She currently serves as a board member for advisement of the physical therapist assistant program at TCC.  She is a member of the APTA and the VPTA. Her writings have been published in professional publications and she is highly sought after to speak at functions for local community support groups and professional functions. 

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Sarah Meinertzhagen, BSBA, CPT, IMC

As the Director of FIT Works, Sarah oversees all Health and Wellness programming.  FIT Works provides individualized training, partner training, sports performance, and group classes.  The program also offers a number of specialty services designed to meet the needs of any client regardless of exercise and medical history.  Sarah has been instrumental in the development of the Exercise is Medicine initiative encouraging physicians to prescribe exercise for their patients.  She has further expanded the Exercise is Medicine concept to provide education, testing, and programming for referred patients.

Sarah has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Sport Management and a background in exercise science and health and wellness. In addition to her management responsibilities, Sarah remains very involved with clients.  Sarah brings certifications in Personal Training, Group Exercise, Yoga, and Pilates, along with years of firsthand experience in competitive sports, coaching, and training to FIT Works.  She has a special interest in post-rehabilitative exercise and has pursued advanced education in these areas.  Sarah has spent her entire career in the health and wellness industry.

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Featured Employee

Our reputation as the area’s leader in rehabilitation is a function of our commitment to the need for quality care.  Our professionals provide our patients with the highest quality care available anywhere.  We regularly feature our professionals, in order for you to learn what makes them so special.

Sara Stuffel, OTR/L

Sara Stuffel, OTR/L, graduated magna cum laude from East Carolina University, with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Psychology.  Sara chose Occupational Therapy because it offered the perfect blend of medicine and creativity.  Her interest in health and wellness started when she was a child and grew into a career which allows her to utilize her special talents to help children reach their full potential.

Sara is grateful to be able to help children access the tools they need to be successful and independent.  She accomplishes this mission by approaching children at their comfort level, by talking to them about their interests, providing structure for them and cheering their accomplishments. 

Consistency, accountability, enthusiasm and high expectations are the characteristics which Sara believes allow her to achieve such excellent results with her patients. 

Sara has advanced training in Visual Perceptual Dysfunction and has given numerous lectures on this topic.  She is often called upon by the school system and other pediatric professionals to consult in this specialty area.

For Sara, the best thing about working at Physical Therapy Works is the team of pediatric therapists.  There is a strong feeling of mutual respect and the pediatric therapists often collaborate across disciplines to establish the best course of treatment for patients. 

“I love working with children in the school setting,” explains Sara.  “Nothing is better than waking up in the morning knowing that I am going to improve the lives of the children and families I work with.  The gratification I get from seeing children grow and become independent in their life skills is simply indescribable.  I feel very fortunate to have a career I truly love.” 

Sara Stuffel has lectured in the following specialty areas:
The Occupational Therapists’ Role in Managing Visions Deficits
Vision Therapy and Sensory Integration
Assistive Technology in the Schools
Vision Based Evaluation
Remediation of Reversals

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