Meet the Team

Michael “Mic” Bender, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CTPS Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Tennis Performance Specialist, Advanced Hip Clinician

Mic is a native of Lancaster County, PA. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a B.S. in Health Science. While attending LVC, Mic enjoyed a successful collegiate tennis career including becoming the college’s first-ever, First Team Academic All American while also earning a Mid-Atlantic Conference Singles Championship. His education continued at Shenandoah University where he earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Mic has completed his board certification in orthopaedic physical therapy (OCS); less than 8% of physical therapists are specialized in the United States. Mic also holds a certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), allowing him to further engage into the active and athletic population with guidance in training techniques, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Areas of specialization and interest for Mic include the management of orthopedic conditions (both surgical and non-surgical), biomechanical analysis of the lower extremity (with orthotic management), and the treatment of chronic tendinopathies and soft tissue disorders. He remains the only clinician locally performing the ASTYM® technique. This technique involves instrumented soft tissue mobilization to address chronic issues such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.

Mic has also completed advanced studies and practice in the care of the hip; he is a designated as an “Advanced Hip Clinician” through the Hospital of Special Services in New York, NY. With special attention to diagnoses such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, hip dysplasia, and micro instability, he confidently offers examination and treatment techniques that are cutting-edge in the world of hip rehabilitation.

Mic has developed a practice niche in performance and treatment techniques of the tennis athlete. He is a Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS) through the International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA), and Mic is currently the only specialist in Pennsylvania. Using a combination of his orthopedic clinical skills, knowledge and study of the game of tennis and its biomechanical demands, and a passion for the sport through years of high-level competition, Mic is able to offer a premier service to the tennis player.

Outside of his practice, Mic enjoys walking his dog, tennis, running, and reading. He resides in Lancaster with his wife and twin daughters.

Gabriel Hughes, PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Gabe grew up in Lancaster County, PA. He attended Slippery Rock University and obtained his clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy preceded by a B.S. in Exercise Science. Gabe has an interest in treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist), cervicogenic headaches, athletic knee injuries, and vestibular (balance) issues within all populations. He is passionate about developing specific and unique goals with every individual to better guide physical therapy treatment.

Gabe has developed an interest in use of manual techniques including instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and static and dynamic cupping, to supplement treatment strategies.

In his free time, Gabe enjoys a wide variety of physical activity including running, hiking, resistance training, golf, volleyball, and pickle ball.

Ronald “Ron” Papson PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Ron is a longtime resident of Lancaster County. He graduated from Gettysburg College with a B.A. in biology before he began his physical therapy training at the University of Pennsylvania. Ron attended Penn State University where he received instruction in health care administration and subsequently attained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Widener University.

Areas of specialization and focus for Ron are lower extremity biomechanics, sports medicine, orthopedics and postoperative joint rehabilitation. He has fabricated orthotics for patients in central Pennsylvania for many years and enjoys the challenge of problem solving for those with complex issues.

Ron has been privileged to work with some of the best competitive runners in the area and provided care to a New York City Marathon winner, Philadelphia 76ers, and astronauts. He initiated one of the first cardiac rehabilitation clinics in Lancaster County. Additionally, the sports medicine clinic he originated in Berks County was among the first to perform pre-season sport’s screenings for high school athletes.

Helping patients achieve their goals remains the most important emphasis of Ron’s clinical practice. He enjoys communicating with his clients, their family members and the physicians participating in the patient’s care in order to facilitate optimal outcomes.

Ron’s family has always been very important to him. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Christopher Papson PT, MSPT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

Chris is a native of Lancaster County. He attended Misericordia University where he obtained his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. He played intercollegiate soccer, basketball and swimming while at Misericordia. After graduation, he spent several years as a staff therapist with a focus on orthopedics and sports medicine before managing a large, local rehabilitation facility.

After the birth of his second child, he gained flexibility in his work/home balance by transitioning to become lead physical therapist at a long term care facility. Chris’s varied work experiences have
given him expertise in many areas of patient care.

He is married to a healthcare professional and enjoys family life as a dedicated husband and father.

Zowie Swartz, BS, PTA Physical Therapist Assistant

Zowie comes to us from York County. She graduated from West Chester University where she earned a B.S. in exercise science. She then continued her education at Central Penn College to earn her associates degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Since graduating, Zowie has developed an interest in general orthopedic conditions, sports related rehabilitation, and improving overall wellness.

LeAnn Witmer, PTA Physical Therapist Assistant

LeAnn was born and raised in Lancaster County. She graduated from Central Pennsylvania College in 2006 with an Associates Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She began her career in out-patient physical therapy followed by many years working in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital and skilled nursing facilities. LeAnn is an APTA certified clinical instructor. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and traveling to new places.

Darci Russell Physical Therapist Assistant

Darci Russell is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated from Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Dance/Movement Therapy from Columbia College in Chicago. Darci has been in practice since 2015 and joined the team at LPTSM in March of 2024. She enjoys working with a wide variety of patients, especially dancers/performers and the geriatric population.

Ryan Smith Physical Therapist Assistant

Ryan grew up in Adams County, PA. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from York College in 2021. Following a career change, Ryan earned his associates degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Central Pennsylvania College in 2024. Ryan has experience in outpatient orthopedics, where he has developed an interest in treating general conditions and sports related injuries. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, golfing, and being in the woods.

Amy Bennett Physical Therapist

Amy, who has lived in Lancaster County since a young age, is a graduate of Hempfield High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy the University of Pittsburgh. In her early career, she worked as a staff physical therapist in an acute care hospital, an outpatient clinic, and a long-term care facility. She was the director of therapy at the long-term care facility prior to taking time off to raise her three children. Since her return to work, she has worked in outpatient physical therapy, treating patients of all ages. With extensive experience in both geriatric care and orthopedic rehabilitation, Amy combines evidence-based practice with individualized treatment to support each patient’s goals. Amy has built her career around helping people move with confidence, recover from injury, and return to the activities they love most.

Outside of the clinic, Amy enjoys running, cycling, golfing, and traveling. Amy and her husband have three grown children.

Lillie Church PT Tech/Patient Service Specialist

Lillie was born and currently resides in Southern Lancaster County. She graduated from Solanco High School in 2020 and has worked many different jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Lillie has a background in competitive and recreational dancing. In high school, she became interested in lifting weights and now has a home gym where she enjoys resistance training. In her free time, she enjoys golfing with her dad, art, and shopping. She plans to complete an associate’s degree in applied health science in the future.

Laura Corkadel Billing and Insurance Specialist

Laura is originally from Chester County. She moved to Lancaster County with her husband and 3 children in 2001. After being fortunate enough to be home with her children when they were young, Laura then gained customer service experience in different fields including healthcare. She joined Lancaster PT in 2020. Outside of the clinic, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, 2 grandchildren, and 2 dogs.

Cindy Ocampo Patient Service Specialist

Cindy was born and raised in Lancaster County. In 1986, she started her career in physical therapy as a physical therapy technician and front office staff member in a hospital setting. She has worked in the physical therapy field her whole career and has been in the front office at Lancaster PT since 2023. In her free time, Cindy enjoys reading, journaling, and spending time with her family.