Ellen Hassert Levine, PT

Ellen became Director after the retirement of her mentor and founder of The Back Clinic, Helen M. Abrams, Med. P.T.   Ellen is a 1979 graduate of the University of Delaware. She has been practicing physical therapy for over 35 years.  She is Bylaws chairperson for the Delaware Physical Therapy Association.

Ellen recently attended “Female Sexual Medicine for the Women’s Health Therapist” at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute in Annapolis, MD on December 7th, 2013.  She is one of the therapists with a specialty in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders.

Mellissa Higgins PT, DPT

Mellissa has been part of The Back Clinic, Inc. team since May 2012 and moved into the position of Lead Physical Therapist in 2022. She earned her BA in Psychology from Widener University in 2008 and continued her education there to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a certificate in Health and Wellness, graduating in 2011. Mellissa was one of the founding members and avid participants of the Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic, a pro-bono clinic in Chester, PA run by student physical therapists.

Mellissa has continued her education concentrating on functional manual therapy and back education through The Institute of Physical Art completing courses in Functional Mobilization, Core First Strategies, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. Most recently, Mellissa earned her Advanced Functional Dry Needling Certification in November 2019.

In the clinic, Mellissa places a strong emphasis on collaborating with her colleagues to provide the most efficient and highest standard of care for her patients. She is dedicated to improving patient’s pain and function with manual therapy and is always looking to improve her practice with continuing education.

Becky Gordy PT, DPT

Becky Gordy PT, DPT earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 2018, after receiving her BS in Exercise Science from the University of Delaware in 2015. Becky previously worked as the Physical Therapist for Goldey Beacom College Athletics from 2018-2020. She has pursued continuing education in the areas of concussion rehabilitation and B Strong Blood Flow Restriction Training through HawkGrips. Becky prefers a collaborative approach to treatment, working closely with her patients to individualize their care as well as drawing from her coworkers’ knowledge in their areas of expertise.

Carole Jennings, PTA

Carole Jennings is our Senior Physical Therapist Assistant. She has been employed at The Back Clinic, Inc since 1989, celebrating over 30 years of service to the clinic. Carole is a 1989 graduate of Delaware Technical and Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. Carole’s special interests include aquatic exercise therapy, vestibular/balance therapy and strain/counter strain techniques. Carole is also certified as a pool operator by the State of Delaware.

Shannon Minshall

Shannon graduated from St. Mark’s High School in 1992. She started at The Back Clinic, Inc. in 1993 as a Physical Therapy Technician and moved into the position of Administrative Assistant over time. After leaving The Back Clinic, Inc. in 2005, she returned in 2012 as Administrative Assistant and has since moved into the position of Office Manager.

Shannon is here to help facilitate patient care from intake to discharge, helping coordinate patient schedules and insurance benefits to allow for a seamless experience here at The Back Clinic, Inc.