Helping You Live Your Best Life
Meet Our Team
Maximize Your Mobility is a Physical Therapist owned and operated practice committed to providing the highest level of care in the home setting. With over 30 years of experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge that we utilize to help you achieve what's important to you.
Dr. Brenda Gailhouse PT, DPT
Owner, Physical Therapist
Brenda has over 30 years of experience in outpatient orthopedics, inpatient rehabilitation, and homecare. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Athletic Training and then went on to earn both a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees.
Brenda established Maximize Your Mobility in 2018 after seeing a need for outpatient Physical Therapy in the home setting. Brenda and her team bring professional Physical Therapy services to people who prefer the privacy and convenience of concierge level PT at home.
In her free time, Brenda loves to travel. More locally, she is an avid golfer and loves music and the theatre.
Dr. Ashton MacFarlane PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Originally from Northwestern PA, Ashton graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science in 2017. She then moved to Boston to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons College in May 2020. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ashton dreamed of becoming a Geriatric Physical Therapist. While earning her DPT, Ashton participated in extensive research surrounding fall risk, dual-task interference, and Urinary Incontinence. Ashton is passionate about fall prevention and helping patients achieve their functional goals to stay active and healthy in their homes! She has extensive experience in creating individualized treatment plans with a focus on strengthening and balance restoration.
In her free time, Ashton likes to spend time with her friends, family, and black cat Ollie. She enjoys skiing, running, boating, and just being outside. She also loves to cook and bake and is always looking for new dishes to make!
Joanna Lackey, PT, MSPT
Physical Therapist
Joanna earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1997/1999. She has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including 10 years of inpatient rehabilitation and 13 years in homecare. She has extensive experience in geriatrics, orthopedics, vestibular therapy, and balance and movement disorders. She is passionate about working with seniors in their homes to restore their independence and optimize their quality of life.
Joanna lives in Brookline with her two teenagers, ages 13 and 16. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends, running, skiing, and exploring Cape Cod.
Dr. Thea Weingarden PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr Weingarden earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University. She began her career in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital where she gained valuable experience treating patients with neurological, orthopedic, cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. She is passionate about empowering her patients to be active members of their communities. She is enthusiastic and strives to make Physical Therapy sessions engaging and fun!
Outside of work, Thea loves spending time with her friends and family, and is often found outside playing tennis, soccer, running, skiing or just enjoying the sunshine!
Emily Engeland, PT, MSPT
Practice Manager, Physical Therapist
Emily earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1997. She began her career at Braintree Rehab Hospital where she specialized in treating patients with neurological disorders, lower-extremity amputation, and Level 1 burns. Emily then temporarily left PT to teach and raise three children.
Emily has worked as the administrator for St. John’s Church in JP and held several volunteer positions including the president of the PTO at Baker School in Brookline. In 2015, she returned to Physical Therapy at Hebrew Senior Life Rehab Hospital in Roslindale on the rehab service unit. In April 2020, Emily began working for Partners in Health in the Massachusetts Collaborative Tracing Program in partnership with the Dept of Public Health to meet the initial public health need for case investigation and contact tracing for Covid-19.
With her varied experience rooted in Physical Therapy, her core values are always centered on client and patient success while making a positive difference in the surrounding community. She is now pleased to join the staff as the practice manager where she looks forward to bringing these skills to Maximize Your Mobility.
Elisabete Tien, PT
Physical Therapist
Originally from Brazil and educated in Taiwan with a degree in Physical Therapy from Taichung Medical University, Elisabete came to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1993 to further her studies in Physical Therapy with research focus on balance assessment and specializing in geriatric rehabilitation. Since then she has worked in many different clinical settings including acute care, Rehab, sub-acute, long-term, and home care. She has found her passion for working in-home care for the past 9 years. Elisabete's clinical interests are to help older adults regain their optimal functional mobility, discover their previous unknown physical potential, and maintain an enjoyable level of physical activity.
In her spare time, Elisabete loves spending time with her family including her 3 teenage daughters and their dog Ginger. She is an avid reader of history books and enjoys antiquing, ice skating, and skiing