Dedicated to helping you live your Best Life.
Dedicated to helping you live your Best Life.

Meet Our Team

The physical therapy we provide stands above that of our competitors.  Our expertise in manual therapy can help you beat your pain more quickly and get you back to your active lifestyle.  We would love to work with you!

Nichole King, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Nichole King is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA where she has devoted over 10 years of practice to Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.  She has a specialty certification in Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling (MFTrPDN) and is a Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT),  which support her treatment style of one-on-one expert care to help each client recover more quickly in order to return to a fulfilling and inspired lifestyle.

 

After 10 years of directing outpatient clinics in the corporate world, Nichole has begun a new journey as an owner with Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, where she is truly able to live out her passion of providing patient specific programs and addressing individual needs. Nichole’s mission speaks for itself….to provide community education and comprehensive whole-body treatment to meet and advance wellness/fitness goals so that she can take patients to the next level, helping  them to “Live Their Best Life.”  Nichole is Direct Access certified, which allows patients immediate access to physical therapy, saving time and money, and ultimately resulting in quicker recovery.

 

She provides in-services and educational seminars throughout Hampton Roads for various organizations to reach her community, especially those who are restricted to their access to health care.

 

While serving as an ambassador with GIELD INC, the Global Institute of Empowerment and Leadership Development, whose mission is to enrich educate and empower quality leaders within the church and society for today and tomorrow, she recently lead the health component  to a children’s summer camp in Norfolk, VA.

 

Nichole practices what she preaches by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is currently a natural bodybuilding competitor, holding a professional title with the American Natural Bodybuilding Federation, as well as representing various organizations as a sponsored athlete.

 

When Nichole is not working toward establishing her legacy in the health field, she is active in her local church and enjoys traveling, listening to live music, being outdoors and spending time with her family and friends. 

Gina Meyer, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Gina has been a leader in the field of outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine, providing the highest quality, patient-focused care since 2003. In her early career, Dr. Meyer practiced across many states, becoming an experienced manual therapist with multiple orthopedic specializations. She is a published researcher in outpatient rehabilitation. She founded Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine on the East Coast in 2012 and Rise Pacific Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine on the West Coast in 2016.

Dr. Meyer has a true passion for helping her patients get back to doing the things they love. This pursuit led to her role as founder and host of the Rise Resolute Podcast, a podcast designed to connect women through female athletes’ stories of grit and perseverance. Dr. Meyer believes that being active is a privilege that enhances our lives in so many ways. She is an avid runner and advocate for movement and running, which has countless physical and mental benefits, including improved stress management and decreased anxiety/depression, which is more important than ever at this time.

Gina founded the non-profit ARC (Active Resolute Connected) based on her passion for breaking barriers and empowering women by improving their mental/physical health and overall well-being through movement/running. 

 

Outside of the clinic Gina loves music, hiking, golfing, skiing, being outdoors at the beach and in the mountains, cooking, and spending time with her four children, her husband, and her dog.   

Sarah Nalepa, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Sarah received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Biology from the University of Virginia. She then went on to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2018. Sarah started on the physical therapy track due to a personal history of sports-related injuries sustained from running and rowing over the years. She is particularly passionate about working with runners and has worked with many during her years of practice in both Washington DC and Virginia Beach. She has continued her education as a physical therapist with courses in functional dry needling, blood flow restriction and the treatment of runners. Outside of outpatient sports-related injuries, Sarah has a background in early intervention (ages 0-3 years old) and pediatrics as well as in pelvic health therapy. When Sarah isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as with her 8 year old vizsla, Reina.

Jasmine Angeles, PT, DPT 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Jasmine was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area. She received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from George Mason University where she grew her passion for physical therapy. After gaining experience in the field while working as a physical therapy technician, she further went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in 2024. During her time at ODU, she enjoyed volunteering with Aid Another Adaptive Program as well as becoming a member of the Alpha Eta National Honor Society for Allied Health. Jasmine spent her second clinical experience at Best Life and is thrilled to be returning to the Best Life family. She enjoys connecting with patients and being a part of their journey to return to the activities they enjoy and to improve their overall quality of life. She looks forward to expanding her clinical skills throughout her time here. Outside of the clinic, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out, and trying different coffee shops and bakeries. 

Lexi Hart, PT, DPT 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

 
Dr. Lexi Hart earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Old Dominion University in 2024. Prior to this, she earned her B.S. in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science Concentration from James Madison University in 2020. Lexi’s clinical experience is primarily in the outpatient orthopedic setting with her final clinical rotation in an outpatient sports medicine setting. She continues to pursue these areas through a variety of continuing education courses. Lexi is passionate about getting to know each patient to customize treatments according to their specific goals and needs. This approach ensures that her therapy sessions are not only effective but also aligned with the unique aspirations of every individual she treats. Lexi's enthusiasm lies in supporting patients through their rehabilitation journeys and beyond. She is dedicated to helping them maintain overall wellness and activity levels in their daily lives, ensuring they can continue to thrive long after their rehabilitation process is complete. Lexi's background as a multi-sport athlete equips her with a deep understanding of the physical demands athletes face. This experience allows her to provide highly specialized physical therapy services tailored to athletes seeking to recover and enhance their performance. Outside of the clinic, Lexi enjoys spending time with her friends and family, running/working out, going to the beach, and being outside!
 

Katie Kirkman, PT, DPT 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Katie Kirkman is the Clinic Director at our Potter's Road location. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Penn State University in 2017. She went on to earn her Master in Anatomy and Clinical Health Science from University of Delaware in 2018 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of Delaware in 2019. She has previously worked at outpatient orthopedic clinics in the surrounding area and the DC region. She has worked with a variety of patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions (including low back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff repairs, stress and urge incontinence, dyspareunia, and more). She has completed several different continuing education courses including pain neuroscience education, PNF, pelvic floor, and pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist program to continue to expand her knowledge. Outside of the clinic, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time with her two dogs, working out on the Peloton, and going to the beach.

Stacey Willoughby, LPTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Stacey is ART (Active Release Techniques) certified. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania in 2007. Throughout college and following graduation she worked as a Rehab tech in a variety of PT settings ranging from geriatrics, aquatics to general orthopedics. She also participated in many marketing events as well. She continued her passion for fitness as a certified Personal Trainer from 2007-2012. Stacey then furthered her education by earning an Associates degree in Allied Health from Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2015 where she then became a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Stacey is a member of the Physical Therapy Association and has experience in outpatient sports rehab, general orthopedics, pediatrics, and geriatrics. She has also had clinical experiences in acute care focusing on neurological rehabilitation and home health.

 

Education:

  • Associates in Allied Health, Virginia Beach, VA, Physical Therapist Assistant, 2015
  • American Fitness Professional Association,Certified Personal Trainer, 2007-2012
  • Widener University, Chester, PA, Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2007

 

Specialties and Areas of Interest:

  • Return to Sports Physical Therapy for the athlete
  • Manual therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • SI joint pain
  • Balance and gait 
  • Neck & Back, Plantar Fasciitis, Shoulder & Knee Pain
  • Taping techniques to inhibit/activate muscles, decrease pain, and promote stability within the joint

Brittany Hall, LPTA 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Brittany received her Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Science from American Military University in 2013, while living in Guam. She has always had a passion for health, physical fitness, and helping other achieve their personal goals. Prior to starting the PTA program she worked in Florida managing a health and wellness center. This position inspired her to transition towards physical fitness and rehab, there she furthered her education by earning her Associate's degree from Gulf Coast State College where she became a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. She previously worked in San Diego at an outpatient clinic. In her spare time Brittany enjoys volunteering out in the community with Habitat for Humanity and volunteering at local shelters. She likes to keep active by going to the gym, hiking, taking her dogs to the beach, and really anything outdoors. 

Jesscia Rapoport, LPTA 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Jessica is a native of Chesapeake, VA and outside of earning her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Education from Radford University in 2017, she has remained local in the Hampton Roads area. Jessica has always had a passion for health, fitness, and helping others achieve their personal goals. She furthered her education by earning her Associate’s degree from South University in 2020 where she became a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. Through her clinical experiences, she has worked in a variety of settings allowing her to gain experience working with all patient populations. Jessica is certified in the Barbell Rehab Method and looks forward to continuing to grow her clinical skills. Outside of the clinic, Jessica enjoys spending time at the gym, hanging out with family and friends, road trips to the mountains to camp/ hike, or just staying local to enjoy the sunshine at the beach or on a boat.

Krickett (Kristen) Kopas, LPTA 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Krickett (Kristen) Kopas received her Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in Forestry and after 13 years of wildland firefighting, she returned to school to acquire her Associates in Applied Science at Arapahoe Community College in Littleton CO; shortly after she received her license for Physical Therapist Assistant.

 

Krickett has been a Physical Therapist Assistant for 15 years and has worked in orthopedic outpatient clinics her entire career.  Krickett's strengths are with educating each patient body/postural awareness during functional activities, and empowering patients to manage their own pain.  In addition Krickett uses the whole body wellness approach versus just treating the body part in question. 

 

Outside of work Krickett enjoys gardening, surfing, searching for shells and backpacking/camping.  Krickett is also an avid premiere league spectator; you will have to guess what team she follows.

 

Specialties and Areas of Interest:

PRI

Myofascial Release/Energy Work

Taping techniques to inhibit/activate muscles, decrease pain, and promote stability within the joint

 

Location

Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

Visit us at any of our two Virginia Beach locations:

 

2404 Potters Rd, #400, 23454

 

Flex Gym 4020 Bonney Rd #112, 23452

 

Or in Norfolk:

Iron Asylum 1200 N Military Highway, 23503

 

Don't let pain keep you from living your Best Life.

Call to today to schedule an appointment:

office: 757-961-5888 

fax: 757-340-6210

 

Or use our contact form.

Direct Access

You can receive physical therapy at Best Life Physical Therapy without a doctor's prescription (and we can still bill through insurance).  This saves both time and money. Schedule an appointment today.

News and Programs

At Best Life Physical Therapy, we are plugged into latest in physical therapy news and techiniques.  You can trust that the latest reasearch and cutting-edge techniques are being encorporated into your treatment plan.  We also offer specialized programs to meet your needs.  

 

Check our latest updates and

browse upcoming programs.

Tips

Questions about your first appointment? Find out more information below.

Frequently Asked Questions.

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Visit us at any of our two Virginia Beach locations: 2404 Potters Rd, #400, 23454 Flex Gym 4020 Bonney Rd #112, 23452 or in Norfolk: Iron Asylum 1200 N Military Highway 23502 Main Office: 757-961-5888 Fax: 757-340-6210 LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.