Dr. Carlos J. Berio, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS
Executive Director, SPARK Physiotherapy
Physical Therapist / Strength, Conditioning and Fitness Professional

Carlos is among the most highly trained Personal Fitness Professionals in the Metro D.C. region.  He has been training clients across a very wide spectrum of fitness levels since 1998.  Carlos earned his Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland at College Park and subsequently earned his Master's Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the George Washington University.  His education is rounded out by a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from Marymount University.

Carlos' passions lie in the advancement of fitness and human performance by implementing sound principles in functional exercise and nutrition.  His clients have undergone astounding aesthetic transformations.  However, Carlos derives the most satisfaction from the realization that his clients and others around him become comfortable with the technical aspects of proper functional exercise, therapeutic activities and nutrition. 

Carlos is a Physical Therapist and Master Personal Fitness Trainer at SPARK Physiotherapy.  His responsibilities include the advancement of functional outcomes for his patients and the achievement of his client's personal wellness goals. 

In addition, Carlos aspires to develop and retain the best Personal Fitness Training Team that the northern Virginia area has to offer. 

"SPARK Physiotherapy exists to bridge the gap between pathology and performance."

D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy
Marymount University, Arlington, VA

M.S. Clinical Exercise Physiology
George Washington University, Washington, DC

B.S. Kinesiology
University of Maryland at College Park, MD

• Member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Member of the Orthopedic Section of the APTA
• Member of the Private Practice Section of the APTA
• CONTINUING EDUCATION Including:
  - Recent Advances in the Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee                          
  - Manual Therapy of the Upper Extremity 
• Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA
• Certified in CPR and AED by the American Red Cross

Elizabeth Polis, PT, MPT
Physical Therapist / Wellness Consultant

Elizabeth is a licensed Physical Therapist with years of
orthopedic PT experience specializing in spinal pathology. 
She recognizes that each patient needs individualized care and has therefore studied a diverse range of manual techniques.
She values the importance of one on one time between the
patient and the therapist.  Elizabeth is committed to giving each patient the focused attention they deserve to address their impairments and to set wellness goals.

Elizabeth strives to live a lifestyle that promotes wellness.  Elizabeth’s goal is to provide patients with the highest quality of individualized rehabilitation and introduce them to their body’s true potential.

“From Prevention to Performance-Optimal Health is Achievable”

Education:

tD.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy (2010)
University of St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL

M.P.T. Master’s Degree of Physical Therapy
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

B.A. Nutrition and Sociology
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

• Member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Vice President of Student Physical Therapy Association                                                    
• CONTINUING EDUCATION Including:
  - Musculoskeletal and Spinal Care                                                                                      
  - Craniosacral Therapy-Level  1-Upledger                                                                          
  - Upper Extremity Manipulation-E1- S.V. Paris                                                                  
  - Introduction to Spinal Manipulation-S1- S.V. Paris     
  - Advanced Spinal Manipulation-S2- S.V. Paris                                                         
  - Psychology of Health and Exercise                                                                                  

Rodney J McIlwain, MS, CSCS, CPT
Senior Personal Fitness Trainer

Rodney McIlwain has been working with clients for more than a decade.  He is a dedicated health and fitness professional.  In 1999, he received a BS in Kinesiology at the University of Maryland at College Park. While at Maryland, he was a decathlete on the varsity track and field team.  In 2002, he earned a MS in Exercise Physiology, from the George Washington University.
He is currently certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

In 2007, he became a trainer in the Nike SPARQ trainer network. Prior to working as a Fitness Director for the DC area's largest health club, he gained valuable experience working in a physical therapy clinic.

Rodney's expertise is in injury rehab and sport-specific training.

“Resistance training is important for everyone and should be done by everyone."

M.S. Clinical Exercise Physiology
George Washington University, Washington, DC

B.S. Kinesiology
University of Maryland at College Park, MD

• Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) by the NSCA
• Nike SPARQ trainer
• Certified in CPR, AED and First Aid

Ethan Stern, BA, CPT
Personal Fitness Trainer

Ethan Stern is an avid exerciser and life-long athlete.  His passion
for personal fitness and health led him to pursue National certification as a personal fitness trainer so that he may help
others realize their true physical potential through exercise and proper nutrition. 

After attaining his personal training certification from the
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) he sought to
separate himself from the pack as a fitness professional.  Ethan pursued training in advanced exercise techniques and progressions through the SPARK Physiotherapy Personal Fitness Trainer Mentorship program; An intense one on one training program with Physical Therapist and Master Personal Fitness Trainer, Dr. Carlos J. Berio.  He completed this rigorous experience with flying colors. 

The knowledge and hands on experience he gained during this advanced training opportunity places Ethan among the top fitness professionals in the region.

“When it is obvious that your goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals,
adjust the action you are taking to attain those goals.”

B.S. Integrative Studies
George Mason University, VA

• Member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (CPT) by NASM
• Certificate of Training in Interpersonal Skills:  Developing Effective Relationships,                      
• Certified Outreach Specialist using OraQuick and OraQuick Advance HIV testing
• Contemporary Concepts in Mental Health, Mid Atlantic AIDS Education Training Center and the Northern VA HIV Resource and Consultation Center
• Certified in CPR, AED and First Aid