Meet Our Team
Dr. Amy E. Smith, PT DPT RYT (she/her)
Founder, Co-Owner/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Amy E. Smith is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Founder of Roots Physical Therapy. She has 16+ years of experience providing comprehensive physical therapy services to patients throughout the lifespan. She holds advanced certifications and specializes in the areas of orthopedics, pregnancy and postpartum care, care during perimenopause, pelvic health and pelvic floor dysfunction for all genders, LGBTQIA++ trans health and functional dry needling.
She utilizes the biopsychosocial approach to managing chronic pain and complex musculoskeletal conditions. Amy obtained her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification in 2018. She combines her skills as an experienced, evidence-based movement specialist with principles of mindfulness, meditation and yoga to provide an individualized, comprehensive, integrated and holistic approach to healing.
Amy is the Co-Owner of Roots along with her wife Emily. They live in Pawtucket, RI with their three spunky and amazing kiddos Thomas, Callie, and Maggie, their pup Tito and two cats, Jebby and Yazoo. Amy enjoys live music, March Madness, spontaneity, traveling and exploring and spending time with family and friends.
Emily C Smith, MS, SLP, CCC (she/her)
Co-Owner/Speech Language Pathologist
Emily C. Smith is a Speech Language Pathologist with 20+ years experience improving the cognitive and communication functions of adults across the lifespan. Her goal is to help community members organize their thoughts and attention and devote their time and energy to the things that matter most. She offers personalized insight, education and specific strategies to efficiently and effectively help clients problem solve and manage their daily, recreational and work related activites.
Emily is Co-Owner of Roots along with her wife Amy. She is known as the “Jill of All Trades”, responsible for all things financial, operational, and physical. She is the Visionary who created and nurtures the look and feel of our gorgeous therapeutic space. Emily is an integral part of our ongoing growth and our success, helping us move from a specialty physical therapy practice to Providence’s leading holistic health and wellness center that we are today.
She is a mom of three, enjoys cooking, hiking, live music, traveling, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.
Dr. Rachael Giordano, PT DPT OCS (she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy/ Pelvic Health Specialist/ Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Rachael Giordano is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Originally from the Philadelphia area in PA, Rachael earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from the Penn State University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. Rachael moved to Providence, RI 8 years ago and currently resides in South Kingstown, RI with her partner Garrett, her daughter Millie, and 2 pups (Toad & Fig).
Her expertise includes sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, pelvic floor and pelvic health physical therapy, and concussion rehab. She is certified in integrative dry needling.
Rachael is known for her gentle demeanor and committment to evidence based practice to identify the cause of both acute and chronic pain. She is passionate about helping people gain control of their conditions and living their life to the fullest. Rachael is also a former CrossFit coach
Rachael enjoys spending her days outside with her daughter and her pups, taking advantage of living close to beaches, kayaking, and becoming a foodie.
Dr. Sylvie Le Collins, PT DPT PYC (she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy/Pelvic Health Specialist/Yoga Therapist
Sylvie Le Collins, Doctor of Physical Therapy & Certified Professional Yoga Therapist, has been dedicated to bridging the gap between yoga and healthcare since 2015. Sylvie combines her love for movement, body work, meditation, and healing to create educational and therapeutic classes to help people move, feel, and be at their best.
Sylvie received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Springfield College in 2009 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Sage Colleges in 2010. She is a graduate of the Professional Yoga Therapy Institute and is certified in teaching Medical Therapeutic Yoga. Additionally Sylvie has also completed training in Pelvic Floor PT through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, underwent extensive Yoga Teacher Training at an ashram in India, and has become certified in Thai Yoga Massage in Northern Thailand. Syivie is a lover of the arts and creative movement, and really enjoys teaching anatomy and combining her skills to help others better understand their own bodies and minds.
Dr. Jaclyn Plante, PT, DPT, OCS, RYT (she/her)
Dr Jaclyn Plante is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Yoga Teacher, and the manager of Roots Yoga + Movement. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac University in 2016.
Her primary expertise is in orthopedics and sports medicine, with a passion for yoga that blends mindfulness, therapeutic and somatic based movement into her treatment style. She is dry needling certified and a certified somatic movement specialist. She completed her 200 hour RYT with Coral Brown in 2020 and has had specialty training in Buti Yoga. She enjoys combining each of these elements to create specialized and individualized rehab programming.
Jaclyn resides in a quiet corner of the state with her family, often spending weekends in her family’s camp in NH to paddleboard, camp, ski, and enjoy nature’s playground.
Colin Aina, CSCS*d (he/him)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist/Performance Coach
Dr. Kristina (Kay) Mastrocola, PT DPT (she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy/Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Kay Mastrocola is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified lover of all things breakfast and Buzz Lightyear. Originally from Central Jersey, Kay moved to the Midwest to earn her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science and Health Care Ethics as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. Before moving to RI, she worked in Chicago as an Orthopedic and Pelvic health Specialist.
Kay is passionate about the intersection of mind and body and has extensive training in trauma informed care. Her expertise includes the treatment of generalized and complex pelvic floor conditions, gender affirming care, EDS and dysautonomia. Her holistic approach to treatment allows individuals of all ages and identities to achieve the pain free and fulfilling lifestyle they deserve.
Outside of work, Kay spends her days trying out local coffee shorts (recommendations welcome!!), traveling and snuggling her golden retriever, Zeus.
Dr Kim Daniels, PT DPT RYT (she/her)
Dr. Kim Daniels, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching experience. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tufts University in 2022 and specializes in pelvic health and orthopedic care.
Kim integrates her clinical expertise with her yoga teaching to support mindful, individualized movement. She is passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies through practices that honor each person’s unique anatomy, needs, and goals.
Originally from New Hampshire, Kim now lives in Rhode Island with her husband and their dog. She enjoys spending time outdoors year-round.
Lauren Fiske, MSC, RYT (she/her)
Client Experience Specialist, Yoga Teacher
Jillian Walsh, NCPT (she/her)
Pilates Instructor
Jill provides 1:1 Reformer + Mat Based Pilates and teaches Group Mat Pilates Classes at Roots. She is a nationally certified Pilates teacher with over 15 years of experience. She is comprehensively trained through Balanced Body with additional eduction in pelvic floor health and pre and postpardum exercise. Jillian is also endorsed by the Tummy Team as a functional core specialist.
Jillian started practicing Pilates 23 years ago after a back injury. She understands the importance of honoring your body and working where you are at. Her classes will emphasize form and proper engagement to train your body to move with greater easy and efficiency. Come to work but leave feeling taller, stronger and ready to tackle the rest of your day!
Britt Colwell, RYT (she/her)
Yoga Teacher
Britt Colwell (RYT 200) is a trauma-informed yoga instructor with a passion for accessible, mindful movement. Her classes blend slow, breath-led flow with a focus on nervous system regulation and intuitive movement. Britt creates a welcoming space where students of all backgrounds can reconnect with their bodies, build resilience, and move with intention.
Kim Bernardo, RYT (she/her)
Certified Yoga Teacher
Kim Bernardo is a 500-Hour certified yoga teacher, and also holds certifications in Grief Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Meditation and Yin. Her focuses are mainly on Vinyasa, Gentle, Yin and Grief. Her practice, passion and knowledge of yoga and meditation has grown over the years and she loves to spread that knowledge to others. She deepens her practice by maintaining a personal practice and taking extra workshops to keep learning. Kim’s classes are always a judgmental free space, and a place for her students to learn and explore new areas.
Dr. Jacayia Austin Cuartas, OTR/L (she/her)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Certified Lactation Counselor
Dr. Jacayia Austin Cuartas is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Certified Lactation Counselor who leads our popular Infant Massage Series at Roots. Jacayia has experience working in a pediatric outpatient clinic specializing in infant feeding and developmental delays related to their fine motor, visual motor, oral motor, cognitive and social emotional development.
Jacayia loves to design, sew, knit, learn languages, travel, and enjoy delicious food. She wants to explore the beauty of Rhode Island by going to beaches and visiting local restaurants and shops.
Jayna Klatzker, LICSW, RYT (she/they)
Yoga Teacher, Licensed Social Worker
Jayna is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who uses movement, meditation and breath as a therapeutic approach to help support folx dealing with anxiety, stress, and issues with neurodiversity.
She uses the *Subtle Yoga method of slow, repetitive, rhythmic movement accessible to all bodies of various sizes, and mobility.
Jayna has over 40 years of experience as a clinical social worker, during which time she dedicated much of her practice to working within the LBGTQIA++ community. She remains a strong ally today.
Her extensive experience, her fun-loving personality and her sense of humor creates an inclusive and enjoyable environment which holds a safe place for all class members to enjoy.
Jazeon Johnson, RYT (she/her)
Yoga Teacher
Jazeon is a certified Yoga Instructor and Yoga Nidra Practitioner. Movement practice has become an integral part of her life. She often says “Yoga saved my life, and dance saved my soul.” With a background in both yoga and dance, Jazeon specializes in mindful and sustainable movement, beginner foundations, breathwork, and meditation.
She believes yoga is for everyBODY and loves helping clients to feel embodied, to see their true strength, and to feel empowered to show kindness to their bodies and themselves!
Her classes are invigorating, restorative, and supportive. Outside of the studio, you’ll find her dancing Kizomba any and everywhere!
Britney Carroll, RYT (she/her)
Yoga Teacher
Britney has been teaching with Roots since the day our studio opened! For over 20 years, she’s found yoga to be a deep companion and steady guide through life’s twists and turns.
Britney believes yoga should be accessible to everyone. Her approach centers on creating a safe and accepting space with a calm presence and a warm smile to help all feel welcome. In her classes, whether a sweaty vinyasa flow or a soothing restorative practice, students are encouraged to slow down and find both compassion and confidence exactly as they are.
Britney completed two 200-hour training sessions throughout 2015 and 2016 in Mobile, Alabama. She trained in the Live Love Teach methodology with Glow Yoga and in Hatha Toga with Shanti Warrior Living Yoga. Since then she has continued her training in areas such as Yin and Restorative yoga, as well as trauma recovery. She values multiple pathways toward wellness.
Emily Desrosiers, LMT, MLD-C (she/her)
Licensed Massage Therapist
Emily Desrosiers, LMT, MLD-C, Reiki Master/Teacher (she/her) is a Licensed Massage Therapist who has been practicing since 2021. She takes a thoughtful, client-centered approach to care, with a focus on helping individuals move out of pain and back into a more comfortable, functional relationship with their bodies.
Her work is grounded in an understanding of fascial restrictions, compensation patterns, and the role of the nervous system in chronic tension and pain.
She has continued to refine her practice through specialized training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD-C) and myofascial release techniques, including Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). She integrates these approaches with therapeutic massage to support mobility, reduce discomfort, and promote overall balance within the body.
Emily also brings a background in energy work as a Reiki Master/Teacher, incorporating subtle, nervous system–supportive elements into her sessions to help clients shift into a more restorative state. She particularly enjoys working with individuals experiencing chronic pain, as well as those who are beginning to explore bodywork for the first time. She values collaboration and believes massage therapy can play an important role alongside movement and rehabilitation practices in supporting long-term, sustainable change.
Outside of her work, Emily is an avid dancer who finds joy in movement as a form of expression and connection. She also enjoys spending time in nature—camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors—and has a deep love for animals. She hopes to one day expand her practice to include animal massage therapy.