About Us
Jeffrey Kessler, MPT, CEO/Owner
Jeffrey Kessler, MPT, graduated from Quinnipiac College in 2000 with his Bachelors in Health Science and then continued on to graduate with honors from Quinnipiac University with his masters in Physical Therapy in 2002. Since graduating, Jeff has worked solely in outpatient orthopedics specializing in clinical rehabilitation for pre and post-surgical patients, over-use injuries, postural dysfunctions and sports injuries.
Jeff has completed numerous manual therapy courses as well as the Selective Functional Movement Assessment to work on restoring lost function and movement. Jeff is committed to lifelong learning by attending classes every year to allow him to stay up to date on the latest proven manual therapy techniques. He works closely with many surgeons and general MD's to provide follow up on their patients.
In his spare time, Jeff enjoys spending family time and vacationing with his wife, Susanne, and their 3 daughters.
Rachel Hopkins, DPT
Dr. Rachel Hopkins, DPT, is a dedicated physical therapist with a strong background in biomechanics and a passion for investigating and solving complex movement-related issues. She graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2018 with a degree in Health Sciences and continued on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac in 2021.
Dr. Hopkins specializes in the McKenzie Method, Mulligan Concept, and Maitland-Australian physiotherapy techniques, with additional expertise in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation. Rachel is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care and takes pride in helping individuals restore their function and movement through personalized, goal-oriented treatment.
Outside of her professional work, Rachel enjoys spending leisurely time with her husband, James, fishing, golfing, and hiking. She is an avid outdoor and gym enthusiast with a history of participating in spring triathlons, Spartan Races, and Tough Muddlers. She is currently preparing to train for her first half marathon. Her active lifestyle reflects her deep belief in the power of movement, both personally and professionally.
Jonathan Stark, DPT
Dr. Jonathan Stark, DPT, graduated from Rutgers University in 2015 with a degree in Applied Kinesiology and continued his education at Drexel University to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2018.
His clinical experience includes training at Quantico Marine Corps Base where he treated hundreds of active-duty service members for chronic and acute orthopedic injuries in both surgical and non-surgical cases.
Dr. Stark has worked with a variety of athletes and has experience working with several NFL and professional athletes. In addition to working with these high functioning populations, Jon completed a clinical rotation at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in the intensive care unit and burn ICU providing physical therapy treatment for some of the most medically complex patients in the hospital.
Jon is a skilled hands-on therapist and earned his soft tissue manual tool and cupping certification (STMT-C) in 2019. He believes physical therapy treatment must be personalized for each individual case and one-on-one attention is essential for patients to achieve their best possible outcomes.
When Jon is not working he enjoys playing sports, going to the beach, and watching movies with his wife and adopted dog and cat.
Mary Ann Connolly, MPT
Mary Ann comes to Maximum Health Physical Therapy with over 20 years of experience in the field of physical therapy. She graduated with honors from Quinnipiac College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Mary Ann has worked in the hospital setting and in private practice primarily specializing in spinal conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Mary Ann has completed multiple manual courses and is certified in cupping and the Graston technique. She has been trained in the McKenzie technique for neck and back injuries. Mary Ann believes in a holistic and patient-centric approach to rehabilitation, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Her dedication to enhancing patient outcomes includes specific exercises along with a hands on approach that consists of manual treatment; myofascial release, strain counterstrain and soft tissue massage.
Mary Ann has 2 kids, Missy and Matthew and a Lhasa Poo, Gizmo. In her spare time, she loves exercising, cooking, being crafty, and gardening. Mary Ann is beginning The Pilates In The Grove Teacher Training Program in January and wishes to acquire the rest of her hours for certification in dry needling this year.
Kristen Steidl, MPT, FMT
Kristen Steidl, MPT, FMT holds both a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology attained in 2001 and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Stockton University, Pomona NJ, graduating in 2003.
She has vast experience in the Physical Therapy field, including comprehensive knowledge in joint replacement rehabilitation, managing and treating neuromuscular diagnoses, conservative pain management, weight management, and kinesiology & rehabilitation of sports injuries.
In addition, Kristen is very interested in sports orthopedic medicine and rehabilitation. She is Level 1 Certified in Fascial Movement Taping (FMT). Prior to her joining MHPT, Kristen has held rehabilitative director and supervisory positions in multiple successful multi-disciplinary Physical Therapy centers. Kristen enjoys problem solving and seeking a complete solution for patient care and enjoys working with other practitioners to create a complete care plan for each patient.
Kristen lives in Morris County with her husband, daughter and their beagles. She enjoys spending time with family especially vacationing down the shore.
Jenna Dizinno, DPT
Dr. Jenna Dizinno, DPT, graduated from Stockton University in 2019 with a degree in Biology and continued her education at Stockton University to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2023.
Dr. Dizinno has had the opportunity to work with a large variety of patient populations. Her clinical experience includes general outpatient orthopedics, sports specific injury in the adolescent athlete and pediatrics with a neuro specialty. She also has had the opportunity to complete her graduate assistantship with a company called GetFit which provides exercise and nutrition classes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Fun fact she is featured on their national website for a follow along zumba class she put together.
Jenna grew up as a competitive dancer and has always wanted a career which combined her love of movement and medicine. She believes that no one should ever have to stop doing what they love because of pain or an injury. Correct training as well as learning how to listen and trust your body is the most important aspect of healing your whole self.
When Jenna is not working, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her dogs Baker, Brody and Luna.