The Carefree Physical Therapy Treatment Team
CYNTHIA DRISKELL, PT
Cynthia Driskell, PT received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Physical Therapy at the University of Missouri in 1979, as well as a BA in Biology at Drury University in 1977. She established Carefree Physical Therapy as a sole proprietor in 1987. In 1996, she was recognized as a Geriatric Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Cynthia is also certified as an Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (2010) and as an ASTYM provider.
Cynthia has a record of extensive participation in the Arizona Physical Therapy community. She is past- President of the Arizona Physical Therapy Association, past-President of the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy, and current chair of the AzPTA State Government Affairs Committee. She is a founding member of Arizona Physical Therapy Provider Network (PTPN).
Cynthia is active in the community with Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills, coach and referee with Desert Foothills Athletic Club, and the Foothills Caring Corp. Cynthia and Walt Murphy live and raise their family in Cave Creek. Away from the office, Cynthia enjoys riding her horse and playing tennis.
AZ License #0921
“Thank you for your training, experience & expertise! I am thrilled I finally have a physical therapist/facility I can rely on should I need services in the future. Very knowledgeable of anatomy & PT techniques to alleviate condition.” KT
Nathan Miller, PT, DPT received his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University in 2008, and his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Arizona State University in 2005. Nathan joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2011. He has continued professional training in orthopedic manual therapy, has 3 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation and is certified in trigger point dry needling. He is interested in a broad spectrum of health, wellness, and prevention activities. Nathan and his 2 children live in north Phoenix with their parrot.
LICENSE #8162
“In just 6 months with Nathan’s help, I’ve recovered from a severe ankle break (eight screws and a plate). He couldn’t have been better in helping it along. We started with me looking like a walk-on for being a Hobbit and ended being able to walk six or seven miles per day. Nathan is a true professional and was fantastic to work with!” RR
“Nathan & Lucy are the best! Thanks to their thoughtful care, I am well on my way back to ‘normal’. Highly recommend them & the entire staff at Carefree Physical Therapy. The very best around!” JP
Chelsea recieved her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at A.T. Still University in 2015, and graduated from ASU with a B.S. in Kinesiology in 2012. She completed an Orthopedic Residency Program through A.T. Still University in 2015-16. Chelsea joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2016 and is continuing her post-graduate education in orthopedic physical therapy. Chelsea, her husband, daughter and son live in north Phoenix. She enjoys exploring outdoors, hiking, biking and playing with her goldendoodles.
Chelsea Symancyk, PT, DPT has a passion for Pilate’s which she loves to share with her patients and clients. She received her training through Polestar, which has special emphasis on the application of Pilate’s based exercise in rehab settings.
It is her goal to improve your posture and guide you in your physical goals. This includes maximizing performance for professional or recreational interests such as hiking, golfing, and swimming as well as increase daily activities abilities, such as housework, yardwork, walking or running.
What is Pilate’s?
Pilate’s is a form of exercise which incorporates low-impact strength and conditioning with significant focus on flexibility and endurance training. Pilate’s aims to improve posture through techniques of spine elongation, improving muscle balance, and core strength.
Who is Pilate’s right for?
Most individuals can benefit from Pilate’s! Chelsea has seen particular success for those who are experiencing chronic pain, may it be from arthritis or other contributors. Pilate’s is a way to break the negative pain cycle so you can integrate back into an active lifestyle with a low-load and graded program. One thing to appreciate the most about this form of exercise, is that the equipment can be used to support you in your movement or as a resistance in your exercise, depending on your level and goals. This allows us to personalize the needs for each client and provide sufficient challenge for lower-level client’s as well as experienced or higher-level athletes.
This is also beneficial when phasing back into recreation after surgery or when recovering from an injury conservatively. If you have specific questions related to your body and appropriateness for Pilate’s don’t hesitate to call our office and ask for to speak with Chelsea.
AZ License #011777
How to get started?
Call our office to schedule a Physical Therapy Pilate’s evaluation. This will include a thorough assessment of your posture, flexibility, strength, and balance. We will review your personal and activity goals in order to personalize your rehab or exercise journey to your needs.
Chelsea’s deep knowledge of her skill was most impressive and for a patient such as myself, I appreciate her willingness to discuss the physiology and purpose for the exercise. I can say I always felt I was in incredibly competent, sensitive and professional hands. She is such an asset to your practice and I am so grateful I was fortunate enough to be paired with such a delightful skilled therapist. CB, 2017
Gillian received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 2015 and Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Midwestern University in 2007. She joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2017 after two years experience in outpatient orthopedic therapy as a Physical Therapist, and six years experience in neurological rehabilitation as an Occupational Therapist. Gillian became a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association in 2023, has professional training in orthopedic manual therapy, and specializes in treating individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. When not treating patients, Gillian works as an assistant clinical professor for NAU’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. She is currently seeking a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health through NAU, focusing her scholarly work on healthy aging, cognition, and Parkinson’s Disease. She enjoys volunteering for a variety of events for people with Parkinson’s Disease, and she is a United States Wheelchair Rugby Classifier. When she has free time, Gillian loves spending it with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.
AZ License #11596
“Very impressed with the professional treatment of the therapist and the facility. The depth of knowledge and programs for Parkinson’s patients is outstanding.” IC
Mary graduated from physical therapy school at Creighton University in 2021 and graduated from Loyola University Chicago with her bachelors in Exercise Science. Mary has completed continuing education for pelvic health including Level 1 and Level 2 courses to address a variety of conditions such as urinary continence, dyspareunia, bladder re-training, fecal incontinence, pregnancy/post-partum, and pelvic pain. Additionally, she loves treating orthopedic conditions and helping patients return to their goals. She is from Chicago and lives in Cave Creek with her husband and golden retriever Killian.
AZ License #31799
“I couldn’t be happier with the service, staff and facilities at Carefree Physical Therapy. The results of my therapy exceeded my expectations and Mary was so accommodating and resourceful.” LS
Lucy Arias has a Bachelor of Arts degree with emphasis on Health and Human Performance from St. Mary’s College of California. She joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2006, after several years’ experience as a PTA in California. She received as Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Gateway Community College and her Arizona PTA certificate in 2014. Lucy, Juan, and their 4 children live in Carefree.
AZ License #011172
“Front desk staff & Chelsea & Lucy were very helpful. The therapy people really listened & remembered the “particulars” of my situation. They were so skilled at individualizing my care & treatment.” CL
Lisa recently from Michigan to Cave Creek in 2020, has been married for twenty five years, and has three children and five grandchildren! She joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2021. Her past work experience consists of HIM supervisor for seven years, medical coder for twenty years with various office experience. She taught a semester of coding at NMU as an adjunct teacher. Lisa has her Associates in HIT, is a certificate in Medical Administrative Assistant, and holds a RHIT credential!
Truly appreciate holistic approach to therapy. Also enjoy that I’m always greeted/eye contact when I arrive (seems rare these days). TG
Jessica moved to Arizona with her family in 2018 from Michigan. She received her education from Baker College and Kaplan University. Jessica has been working in the medical field for nearly 20 years, with experience in Medical Office Management, Billing/Coding and Surgical Scheduling and joined Carefree PT in 2019. She is a dedicated mother and spouse. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her children’s sports teams, checking off her bucket list adventures with family, boating and traveling.
“Very satisfied. I would highly recommend Carefree Physical Therapy.” PG
“Carefree Physical Therapy is my favorite therapy. Beyond professional, courteous, helpful and friendly. NO better place!”
Our dear friend and colleague Ginger Morgan passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015 after a brave fight against breast cancer for 2 years.
A graduate of University of Alabama-Birmingham in 1987, Ginger was very dedicated to her work at Carefree Physical Therapy as a physical therapist’s assistant from 2003 to 2015. Ginger was an integral part of our team at Carefree PT. She was fun, energetic, hard-working, and is fondly remembered by patients and coworkers.
In remembrance of Ginger, we placed a memorial bench on the the Go John Trail in Cave Creek Regional Park. It was one of her favorite trails, that she had hiked with her children Taylor and Katie. We invite you to hike the Go John Trail, enjoy the beautiful desert park, and remember our friend Ginger.
