Our Staff
Bonnie Gateau, PT, CSCS - Founder and CEO
Bonnie Gateau attended the University of Maryland at Baltimore and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1983. She founded Gateau Physical Therapy in 1987, which grew from a 400 square foot facility to a 4000 square foot facility in Lusby. A second office opened in St. Mary's in 1993 and is now located in Lexington Park. Bonnie is experienced in treating the pediatric population, has strong manual skills including myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation and strain counter-strain. She is proficient in treating orthopedics, sports and occupational injuries. She emphasizes one-on-one treatment and strives to build strong relationships with every patient.
Anita McCullum, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant, Lusby
Anita is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant on staff at Gateau Physical Therapy. She earned an Associate of Science degree at the Physical Therapist Assistant program in Vincennes University in Indiana in 1987. She has been practicing as a PTA since that time with experience in both in-patient and outpatient care. She is skilled in treating orthopedic injuries and is experienced in various manual therapy techniques including, Myofascial Release and Strain-Counterstrain.
Anita works at the Lusby Office Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Lindsay Lavato, DPT - Lead Physical Therapist, Lusby
Lindsay is a Physical Therapist on staff at Gateau Physical Therapy's Lusby office. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences with a minor in Biology from Daemen College in Buffalo, NY in 2005. She graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Daemen in May 2007. She has enjoyed working in a variety of settings including outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics and skill nursing facilities. She is a Women's Health specialist and treats a variety of diagnoses including urinary incontinence and pelvic pain. Lindsay works full time in our Lusby Office.
Ellie Sweum, PTA, CPT - Clinical Director, California
Ellie is a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant at Gateau Physical Therapy. In 1998, she earned an Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant from Butler County Community College in Pennsylvania. She recently earned her Personal Trainer Certification from ACE. Before joining Gateau, Ellie enjoyed 10 years in Arizona working in orthopedic, sports rehab, in-patient, out-patient and pediatric settings. Her professional interests include orthopedics, manual therapy, and pediatrics. She also works with athletes of all ages in the Sports Perfomance Enhancement program and ACL Injury Prevention program. Ellie currently works full-time in the California office and is the manager of the Medically Oriented Gym at Gateau PT.
Danielle M. Leclerc - Physical Therapist, Lusby
Danielle is a licensed Physical Therapist at Gateau Physical Therapy. She earned her Bachelors of Health Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1993. Danielle started her career in Physical Therapy as a Contract Therapist traveling across the USA and working in a variety of settings including Outpatient Orthopedics, Inpatient Stroke Rehab, Home Health, Acute Care as well as Skilled Nursing Facilities. Upon returning to Maryland in 2000, she has continued to build her skills in, but not limited to Orthopedics (neck, back, shoulder and joint replacements), Vestiblar Rehab/BPPV, as well as Manual Techniques including Strain-Counterstrain and joint mobilization. Danielle will work full time in ourLusby office.
Julie Potter, PTA-Physical Therapist Assistant, Lusby
Julie is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at Gateau Physical Therapy (GPT). She graduated from the College of Southern Maryland with an Associate of Applied Science degree in 2010 through the Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education (CACHE) Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program here in Maryland. She received her PTA license from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Board of Physical Therapy Examiners in 2011. Her clinical rotation experience through the CACHE PTA program included inpatient care {acute & subacute} and outpatient care {aquatics & orthopedics}. Julie has begun her career in physical therapy here at GPT and has treated a wide range of pre, post and non-surgical patients. Her talents lie in a variety of PT modalities and interventions which include utilizing ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, massage, and heat & cold. She has a strong interest in joint replacements and manual therapies. A goal of hers is to become proficient in various taping techniques to include McConnell and Kinesio. Julie also plans to pursue continuing education with a focus on Myofacial Release & Craniosacral Therapy.
Julie works full-time Monday through Thursday in our Lusby office.
Molly Sullivan, MPT-Physical Therapist, California
Molly is a licensed Physical Therapist at Gateau Physical Therapy. She earned both her Bachelors degree in Health Sciences and her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. She graduated May 2011 and is excited to gain experience here at Gateau. She is interested in sports therapy, orthopedics, and vestibular rehabilitation. Molly works full time in our California office.
View Molly's CV
Meghan Okoniewski, DPT-Physical Therapist, California
Meghan is a licensed Physical Therapist at Gateau Physical Therapy in Lexington Park. In 2010 she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. Meghan began her career in Physical Therapy at Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, CA treating patients with a variety of diagnoses including joint replacements, stroke and spinal cord injuries. She was part of a trauma team collaborating with other medical professionals to safely mobilize medically complex patients and advance them towards the next step in their rehabilitation process. Meghan joined the Gateau PT team in May, 2011 and is excited to build her career in the field of outpatient rehabilitation. Her professional interests include sports medicine, pediatrics, and neurological rehabilitation. Meghan works full time in our California office.
View Meghan's CV
Crystal Carter, PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant, California
Crystal is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Gateau Physical Therapy in California. She earned an Associates Degree in Applied Science at Northern Virginia Community College in 1999. She has worked in Industrial Rehabilitation for 10 years. She is also currently a Licensed Massage Therapist. Crystal works full-time in our California office.