AG inc.

Ross Dover, PT, OCS, Owner-AGPT

Ross took over ownership of AGPT in February of 2015 from the previous owner Pat Ford. Ross has a lot of experience in physical therapy beginning in 1984 working at UCLA medical center after graduation from Cal State Northridge/UCLA PT program. He then moved to San Luis Obispo, worked at General Hospital, then bought Morro Bay Physical Therapy. He enjoyed adding a fitness center to physical therapy as he developed FitnessWorks/TherapyWorks.

After becoming an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, he has devoted his time to helping patients move toward their most optimum physical functions with proven and up to date techniques. As he has worked over his career, he has increasing gratitude to the patients who are willing to work toward recovery, and to the medical community that cooperate to find the best health care solution to their patients.

Ross is grateful that his home in his career came with a family of dedicated, dependable and talented professionals whose common goal is to provide the best care for patients possible.

Melissa Wheeler, PT

Melissa Wheeler is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedics and pelvic floor. Melissa graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York receiving training in advanced orthopedics and later completing coursework through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institution.

When Melissa is not working with patients, she enjoys rock climbing, biking, and snowboarding with friends. To further her knowledge, Melissa often reads books on nutrition and enjoys cooking healthy meals. As a want-to-be-wine connoisseur, Melissa is excited to explore vineyards in Central California.

Tom Newell, ATC

Tom earned a bachelors degree in Physical Education and Kinesiology from Sonoma State University in 1993. He spent 6 yrs in collegiate, amateur and professional athletics as well as physical therapy clinics before landing on the central coast in 1996. Tom and his wife, Betsy, came to the central coast after the baseball season to be near Tom’s parents while awaiting the birth of their first child. Tom and Betsy now have 3 children and have been married 25 years. They have two college age children and one in junior high. The Newell’s are active members of Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande. Betsy is a children’s pastor and Tom has served on many different teams and boards at GBC. Betsy and Tom like to serve their community through GBC, hang out with friends and family, travel, watch baseball, cook, eat, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor areas of the central coast. Tom enjoys helping people achieve better health and function as evidenced by his 21 years here at Arroyo Grande Physical Therapy.

Susan Norris Starr-Office Manager

Susan has been involved in the health fields for 28 years. She has certifications in Medical Assisting and Massage. She also studied psychology and art. These interests became a career path for her as she worked for medial doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists. She was involved with the art of healing ever since and found her calling working in the physical therapy setting.

Susan grew up in Orcutt and cherishes her multi generation family connection to the Santa Maria Valley. She grew up riding motorcycles and horses, played softball and did a lot of camping. She especially enjoys fishing at Lopez lake.
She has two talented children Cassie and Jesse and their dog Sadie.

Her employer, her coworkers and hundreds of patients know Susan as the person who is the most knowledgeable, accurate when dealing with insurances and billing. All who know her also realize that she works hard in order to participate in the transformation of patients to be the best that they can be.