Fusion Physical Therapy Clinical Team

dr. derek saltzman pt,dpt,cscs,cktp

             A native of New Bedford, MA, Derek's undergrad training was done at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, obtaining a BS in physical therapy in 1996. In 2010 he completed his post graduate work at the Mass General Hospital Institute for Health Professions, obtaining a clinical doctorate in physical therapy.  Derek has also been certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the gold standard for sports and performance training.  In 2012 Derek completed the required training and certification by the KinesioTaping Association International as a Certified KinesioTaping Practitioner.   He has consulted with Head Trainer, Tom Mulligan of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning regarding the integration of functional movement screening into their pre-season protocol.

            His passion for sports, was a driving force in his choice to become a physical therapist.  After playing varsity baseball at New Bedford high school, Derek wanted to pursue a career which would allow him to stay connected with athletic competition. Helping athletes both competitive and recreational get back onto the field was a natural fit.  

            Derek has extensive experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, serving the Southcoast area in clinical physical therapy for over 20 years. He has served to help an array of patients of all ages recover from surgical and non-surgical injuries, avoid injury and maintain mobility and function through exercise and advanced therapeutic techniques.  Derek's clinical experience also includes home care physical therapy, personal and sports performance training.

kristen BAKER pta

             Born and raised in New Bedford, Kristen attained her Bachelors degree in Health Science from Simmons College in Boston.  After spending some time in the rehab clinic, Kristen discovered a passion for the field of Physical Therapy.  She returned to school and completed her training as a Physical Therapist Assistant at New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, RI.  She has been with Fusion Physical Therapy since it's inception, and remains an integral member of the team.  She has received additional training in KinesioTaping and has clinical experience in both Aquatic and Pediatric physical therapy.

             Kristen has been a lifelong athlete.  She was a standout softball and soccer player for New Bedford High School, and went on to play 3 years of collegiate softball at Simmons College.  After finishing her college playing career she moved into the coaching ranks, spending 4 years as a U17 youth softball coach.   

dr. alexis eusebio dpt, cscs

A graduate of Simmons University in Boston, MA, Alexis earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2016, followed by her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. She has since pursued advanced training in manual and performance-based rehabilitation, completing Level 1 and Level 2 Kinetic Core Dry Needling certifications in 2019. In 2020, Alexis became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, reflecting her commitment to integrating strength training principles into injury prevention and recovery. She is also CPR certified.

Before joining Fusion Physical Therapy in 2022, Alexis gained valuable clinical experience at Marathon Physical Therapy (2018–2020) and Elite Physical Therapy (2020–2022). Her professional interests include orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, with a particular focus on dry needling and ACL rehabilitation.

Outside of the clinic, Alexis brings the same energy and discipline she instills in her patients to her own pursuits. A former collegiate and semi-professional soccer player, she remains passionate about fitness, enjoying strength training, weightlifting, and outdoor activity. When she’s not in the gym or on the field, she loves spending time with her dog and is an unapologetic Taylor Swift fan.

sue dias, pta

Sue Dias brings over a decade of experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation to our team, blending clinical expertise with a passion for fitness and patient empowerment. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Health Science from CCRI, a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from NEIT, and an additional Associate’s in Criminal Justice from BCC.

Sue is a highly credentialed clinician, holding certifications as an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, FMS Certified Specialist, and TRX Certified Instructor. She has worked extensively in both outpatient and inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation settings, with specialized focus in fitness training, orthopedic recovery, and sports rehabilitation.

Affectionately known as “Sergeant Sue” among colleagues and patients, she is recognized for her tough love approach that motivates clients to reach their highest potential. Outside the clinic, Sue is an avid advocate for healthy living, weight training, and proper nutrition. She enjoys all things New England sports, especially hockey, and is passionate about exploring the outdoors through hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing. Sue also loves travel and cultural experiences, and she takes pride in teaching others how to become their own first responders in managing their health and wellness.

cindi a. assad

Cindi holds a BS in Economics from Clark University and brings over 20 years of fitness and wellness experience to our team. She is an ISSA Master Trainer, Ayurvedic Holistic Health Counselor, Nutrition Specialist, Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor, and Yogilates Certified Instructor.

Cindi’s extensive clinical and fitness experience includes leadership roles at the YMCA, as well as instructing and personal training at Boutique Fitness in Mattapoisett and The Bar in New Bedford. She has been an invaluable resource for our physical therapy patients, guiding them seamlessly from rehabilitation to lifelong fitness and wellness. Her approach combines evidence-based exercise, mindful movement, and practical nutrition strategies to support overall health and functional strength.

A lifelong athlete and cheerleader, Cindi’s personal interests include rescuing cats, walking, reading, crocheting, baking with healthy adaptations, spending time with her niece and nephews, and singing to her five cats. Known at Fusion for her boundless energy and positivity, she inspires both patients and clients to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle with joy and confidence.