Meet Our Team
Gateway Physical Therapy & Wellness employs top physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, aides and exercise specialists. Our staff's experience, dedication, and commitment to individualized care sets our practice apart from the “one size fits all” rehabilitation model.
Rachel Welch, MSPT
Rachel Welch is the owner and treating physical therapist at Gateway, roles she has proudly held since 2016. Born and raised in Lenox, MA, Rachel began her career in 2003 at a fast-paced sports medicine and orthopedic center in California. She has since practiced in outpatient clinics across the country—from Hawaii to Boston—gaining a broad depth of experience before returning home to bring high-level care to the Berkshire community.
Rachel is known for her intuitive approach to treatment and her ability to see patients as whole individuals rather than just a diagnosis. She is passionate about injury prevention, movement education, and helping patients not only recover, but thrive. A lifelong learner, Rachel prioritizes continuing education and clinical excellence, and has built Gateway into a collaborative team of curious, skilled clinicians dedicated to delivering exceptional care.
Outside of the clinic, Rachel can often be found on local sidelines coaching, cheering, and supporting young athletes. Between treating patients, leading Gateway, and sipping coffee, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters.
Jennifer Dort, MSPT
Jennifer Dort began her physical therapy career in Berkshire County in 2003 and has worked alongside Rachel Welch for nearly a decade. She specializes in vertigo and vestibular rehabilitation and brings broad clinical experience across pediatrics, aquatics, acute rehabilitation, neurology, and orthopedics. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University in 2003.
Jennifer is known in the clinic for her enthusiasm, positive energy, and deep commitment to her patients. She takes great care in listening to each individual’s story, thoroughly assessing their needs, and creating personalized treatment plans that help patients regain confidence and independence. Her attention to detail and genuine investment in patient progress make her a trusted provider and advocate for those under her care.
Outside of work, Jenn is an avid runner, passionate skier, and enthusiastic traveler. She enjoys staying active with her family and brings the same energy and motivation she values in her own life into every patient interaction.
Elizabeth (Liz) Joppru Fowler, DPT
Elizabeth "Liz" Joppru Fowler is a dedicated and skilled physical therapist with a passion for improving her patients' quality of life through evidence-based care. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sage Graduate School and a Bachelor's in Science from Russell Sage College. Liz has been an integral part of Rachel Welch's outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice since 2012, where she has gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of patients. Throughout her years at Gateway, she has attended numerous adult and adolescent orthopedic continuing education courses and with a strong foundation in musculoskeletal therapy, Liz has sought out specialized training in various areas to enhance her clinical expertise. She has advanced certifications in the McKenzie Method, Pelvic Floor and Women's Health, and Pregnancy and Postpartum care. She also has additional training in Pilates and Yoga Tune Up, all of which contribute to her holistic approach to healing and personalized approach to physical therapy.
Stephanie Merwin, PT
Stephanie Merwin graduated from Northeastern University in 1999 and has been practicing physical therapy in the Berkshires for over 25 years, primarily in outpatient clinic settings. Through a combination of extensive clinical experience and continuing education, she has developed a strong foundation in treating a wide variety of orthopedic injuries across all age groups. Her areas of focus include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, postural stability, and the development and progression of individualized injury prevention and rehabilitation exercise programs.
Stephanie has extensive experience treating both general orthopedic conditions and sports-related injuries, with an emphasis on injury prevention, safe exercise progression, and return-to-activity training for patients of all ages and activity levels.
She grew up in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and relocated to the Berkshires after graduating from college. It was there that she met her husband, and together they are raising their three sons. Outside of patient care, Stephanie enjoys photography, reading, and traveling with her family.
Emily Rada, DPT
Emily Rada, a proud 2024 graduate of the University of Hartford who grew up in Great Barrington and has returned home to serve the community that shaped her. Her passion for helping others began in high school, where she discovered the perfect combination of her love for sports, human movement, and healthcare. This early inspiration led her to pursue physical therapy, where she found a deep appreciation for guiding people through recovery and restoring confidence in their bodies.
During her clinical training, Emily worked under the mentorship of Rachel Welch and her team, an experience that solidified her commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care. She has a particular interest in orthopedic rehabilitation and enjoys helping patients recover from injuries, improve strength and mobility, and return to the activities they love, whether that’s sports, work, or everyday life without pain.
Now living in Great Barrington with her husband and their dog, she is excited to give back to her hometown and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of her community.
Rachel Pulaski Philp, PTA
Rachel Pulaski Philip is a Physical Therapist Assistant with over 16 years of experience in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation. She has been a treating therapist at Gateway since 2017, where she is known for her hands-on approach and commitment to individualized, high-quality patient care. Rachel specializes in myofascial release, women’s health, and pelvic floor rehabilitation, helping patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.
She is also a licensed massage therapist and now offers restorative full-body massage services at Gateway, expanding the clinic’s focus on whole-body wellness and recovery. Rachel is dedicated to empowering patients through education, targeted exercise, and manual therapy to promote long-term function and well-being.
Outside the clinic, Rachel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design and continues to create, exhibit, and sell her artwork. Her artistic background brings creativity, precision, and attention to detail to her clinical practice.
Nichole Bliss, PTA
Niki Bliss has been a resident of Berkshire County since relocating to the area in 2019 after meeting her husband. Originally from the Adirondacks, she grew up with a strong appreciation for outdoor activity and athletics. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Utica College in 2006, where she played collegiate ice hockey and gained firsthand experience with sports performance and injury recovery.
Inspired by her own athletic and rehabilitation experiences, Niki pursued a career in physical therapy and graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Berkshire Community College in 2022. She brings energy, compassion, and motivation to the clinic, helping patients feel supported and confident throughout their recovery.
Outside the clinic, Niki enjoys running, hiking, and staying active. She is passionate about helping patients move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities they love.
Crystal Townsend, PTA
Crystal Townsend is a Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated from Berkshire Community College in 2023. She has always been passionate about helping others and developed a strong interest in human movement, functional recovery, and empowering patients to regain independence in their daily lives. Her approach in the clinic is centered on encouragement, education, and individualized care, ensuring each patient feels supported and confident throughout their rehabilitation journey.
As a lifelong learner, Crystal is committed to continuing her professional development and staying current with evidence-based practices in physical therapy. She takes pride in being part of a clinic that values collaboration, excellence, and patient-centered care. Crystal feels fortunate to work alongside a team that shares a common mission: helping every patient achieve their highest possible level of function and quality of life.