Sara Acheson
PT, DPT, OCS, CLT-UE, CES
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, Lymphatic Massage, Perimenopause/Menopause Joint Pain, Personal Training, Prospective Surveillance
Sara graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 from Emory University. She then completed an orthopedic residency and became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2017. Sara then obtained her lymphedema certification in the fall of 2017 and fell in love with breast cancer rehabilitation in this course. Sara then completed an upper extremity athlete fellowship with a focus on breast cancer treatments. She valued a stronger understanding of the upper body to improve her ability to treat patients with a breast cancer diagnosis. Since 2019, when Sara completed her fellowship, her passion of working with cancer patients has continued to grow which has led her to forming her own business today.
Sara believes in the Prospective Surveillance Model of Care. This model focuses on meeting with patients prior to starting cancer treatment and following them throughout treatment to help maintain their quality of life and prevent severity of side effects. Sara believes in being proactive and helping a patient feel a sense of control in the midst of a life changing diagnosis.
In her free time, Sara loves spending time with her husband and two young children. She also enjoys being outside, traveling, and staying active.
Stephanie Stahr
Orthopedics, Pelvic Rehabilitation, Perimenopause/Menopause Joint Pain
Stephanie graduated from The George Washington University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After graduating, she worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD as a Wound Care Physical Therapist in the Inpatient and Outpatient settings. She later transitioned to working for a Home Health agency across Northern Virginia providing both wound care and traditional PT services.
Becoming a parent broadened her professional interests to include pelvic health. This interest grew more while living abroad and growing her family in Germany. There she experienced a different model of care for both the pre and post-partum stages. Upon returning to the US, she completed training through the Herman and Wallace Institute and practiced in the outpatient setting in Orthopedics and pelvic health.
Stephanie joined Athena Wellness so she can provide the type of care that resonates with her; holistic, individualized and low stress.
Outside of work you’ll find Stephanie having fun with her husband and 2 children. She has also discovered a love for the sport of Olympic weightlifting and enjoys getting stronger and challenging herself with the barbell!
My Journey Begins
Athena Wellness was born from my passion for a holistic, patient-centered care during and after cancer treatment, creating a space where care and compassion come together seamlessly.