Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists support students' needs in the areas of gross motor, sensorimotor and mobility development that impact access to the curriculum. Service delivery models include direct services, consultation, motor groups, training for staff members and evaluations of equipment needs for positioning and mobility.
School-based Physical Therapists work as part of the educational team to support preschool through young adult students in the following areas of development:
- Gross Motor
- Sensory Motor
- Mobility
- Positioning
Our Therapists
Ann Marie Ferron, DPT
Annie Ferron is a licensed physical therapist as well as a certified athletic trainer. She received a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Merrimack College in 2008 and a doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011 from Franklin Pierce University. Annie worked at a healthcare center with the geriatric and pediatric population, including school systems, outpatient pediatrics, aquatic therapy, and short-term inpatient therapy. She began working for EASTCONN in 2016, assisting children with various motor delays. Ms. Ferron can be reached at
Tracy Gustafson, BS, PT
Tracy Gustafson received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford in January 2002. Tracy has worked in a variety of settings including short-term and long-term inpatient rehab and outpatient orthopedics and has assisted in athletic training and aquatic therapy at the high school level. She has been working with EASTCONN since 2008. Tracy has worked in diverse setting ranging from specialized programs to public schools. She has worked with children from 3-21 years of age with varying physical and emotional disabilities. You can reach Ms. Gustafson at
Leah Luginbuhl, MSPT
Leah Luginbuhl received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2003. Her passion throughout her career has been working with the pediatric population. Prior to working at EASTCONN, she worked at CT Children's Medical Center for 10 years where she provided direct services and performed evaluations in both the outpatient and acute care settings for the birth to 21 population. She also worked with the Pain Relief Program where she focused on pain management for children and young adults. She is currently also employed in the Birth to Three program where her focus is on enhancing development in the children she serves. Within EASTCONN she enjoys working with students and educators to improve gross motor skills within the educational setting. Ms. Luginbuhl can be reached at
Misty Murdock, BS, PT
Misty Murdock received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University of Boston in 1998. Prior to working for EASTCONN she worked providing direct services in an acute care, acute rehabilitation, subacute care and outpatient departments. In the outpatient she worked with a variety of patients including pediatrics in the clinic and in an aquatics program. She has worked for EASTCONN since 2008, working with a variety of students. She works with students on gross motor skills including assistive devices to support students’ access their school environment and improve their motor skills to maximize their participation in PE classes and in their classrooms throughout the school day. Ms. Murdock can be reached at
Kathryn Rymsza, PT, DPT
Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2010 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018, both from the University of Connecticut. She investigated the effect of minimalist footwear on balance, and she extrapolated her research to a sensory-based treatment protocol for toe-walking in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While studying, she volunteered at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme, CT working with children with disabilities. Katie works in EASTCONN’s Autism Program. Katie can be reached at
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