About Us
Leadership Team
After graduating from Furman University and gaining his Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of Mobile, Paul Hecker gained experience practicing in Virginia, New York, and Charleston before returning to the Upstate and opening Elite in 2006. He continued to pursue higher education, earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015. While he’s not treating patients or managing the business, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and improving his golf handicap!
Upon completing his undergraduate degree at Eastern University and obtaining his Masters of Physical Therapy at Drexel University, Ben Hangen practiced in an outpatient orthopedic setting before moving to the Upstate of South Carolina in 2004. With over 20 years of experience, Ben continues to seek further training in manual therapy techniques and performance training. After becoming a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, he went on to complete his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and his Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2021. Outside of the clinic, Ben is a CESA coach and a youth leader with his church. He also enjoys being outdoors, camping and fishing, golfing, or woodworking.
An experienced clinician, Stella has devoted over 30 years toward being a leader in the field of physical therapy. Originally from New York, Stella previously owned and operated her own business practice, focusing on physical therapy, fitness, wellness, and recreation. She has extensive manual training and specialized in orthopedic, pre-diabetic, and chronic disease management. Upon moving to South Carolina, she quickly developed rapport in her local community through Elite and with her church family. When she is not managing our Station Drive office in Anderson, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Mac completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University before moving to the Upstate of South Carolina. He is currently working toward obtaining his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), as it allows him to further expand his knowledge base in treating a variety of patients. While he's not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, Porter & Kobe, golf, and cooking and creating new recipes.
Elizabeth is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in upstate NY. She has obtained advanced certifications in dry needling and manual therapy, and is in the process of obtaining her Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). Elizabeth enjoys treating a wide variety of patients and conditions including neck and back pain, athletic injuries, and balance conditions.
Chris earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees for Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. He has over 20 years of clinical experience with most of that being spent in the Greer, SC area. While earning several manual certifications along the way, Chris likes to treat his clients with an individualized comprehensive approach. When not in the clinic, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and riding his bike.
Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Clay received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Following completion of his DPT, he and his wife spent time as a traveling therapists working in 8 different states, gaining experience in a variety of settings where it became clear to him that outpatient orthopedics was the most enjoyable setting to work in. He obtained his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2021. Outside of the office, he is an avid Mississippi State Bulldogs fan, an active member of Grace Church downtown, and a travel enthusiast, visiting 33 countries and counting.
Upon completing both undergrad and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania, Connor moved to South Carolina to join the team at Elite. After gaining two years of hands-on experience, Connor continued his education by obtaining his Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2021. Connor is passionate about helping all of his patients return to their sport or hobbies following Physical Therapy. Outside of Elite, Connor enjoys distance running, cycling, backpacking, and playing fetch with his dog Barley.
Mary Kay completed her undergraduate degree from Erskine College with a degree in Accounting and Sports Management. After receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of St. Augustine, she has since worked in outpatient orthopedic clinics incorporating her background in manual therapy with a wide variety of patients from children all the way up to professional athletes. As she continues to gain knowledgeable experience at our Rushmore Drive office, she is also currently in the process of obtaining her Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). When she is not spending time with her family, she enjoys running, anything outdoors, dancing, and eating all different types of food.
Tabatha joined Elite in 2011 after graduating from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While Tabatha is a native of Greer, SC, she has lived in several different areas including Germany, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Tabatha now serves as our General Manager and helps to ensure that we continue to provide an enjoyable experience to both our patients and our Elite Team. While at Elite, Tabatha obtained her Masters in Business Administration from North Greenville University. When she is not in the office, Tabatha enjoys exploring the Upstate and spending time with her family.
Originally from Clinton, South Carolina, Sally Kate Felts is an alumnus of Presbyterian College with a degree in Business Administration and University of Louisiana-Lafayette with a Masters in Business Administration. Having joined Elite right out of college, she has had the opportunity to experience a variety of roles within the company, including patient services, office management, human resources, and marketing. Currently, she works with Elite in project management. Outside of the office, she and her family enjoy discovering the many restaurants, attractions, and activities the Upstate has to offer!
Originally from Columbia, SC, Andrew Mitchum earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Coker College in Hartsville, SC. He then went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina. His current goal to become certified and fellowship trained in manual therapy, as he is currently in the process of obtaining his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). During his down time, Andrew enjoys serving at and working with the youth at his church. Andrew also likes outdoor activities to include participating in any type of sport such as baseball, kickball, whiffle ball, and golf.
After graduating from Furman University and gaining his Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of Mobile, Paul Hecker gained experience practicing in Virginia, New York, and Charleston before returning to the Upstate and opening Elite in 2006. He continued to pursue higher education, earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015. While he’s not treating patients or managing the business, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and improving his golf handicap!
Upon completing his undergraduate degree at Eastern University and obtaining his Masters of Physical Therapy at Drexel University, Ben Hangen practiced in an outpatient orthopedic setting before moving to the Upstate of South Carolina in 2004. With over 20 years of experience, Ben continues to seek further training in manual therapy techniques and performance training. After becoming a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, he went on to complete his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015 and his Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2021. Outside of the clinic, Ben is a CESA coach and a youth leader with his church. He also enjoys being outdoors, camping and fishing, golfing, or woodworking.
An experienced clinician, Stella has devoted over 30 years toward being a leader in the field of physical therapy. Originally from New York, Stella previously owned and operated her own business practice, focusing on physical therapy, fitness, wellness, and recreation. She has extensive manual training and specialized in orthopedic, pre-diabetic, and chronic disease management. Upon moving to South Carolina, she quickly developed rapport in her local community through Elite and with her church family. When she is not managing our Station Drive office in Anderson, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Justin completed his undergraduate programs at Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and a Master’s degree in Youth Development Leadership. After receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from South College in 2017, Justin joined the staff at Elite. His current goal is becoming certified and fellowship trained in manual therapy, and is in the process of obtaining his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). When not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing golf, cycling, and cheering for the Clemson Tigers.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Mac completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University before moving to the Upstate of South Carolina. He is currently working toward obtaining his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), as it allows him to further expand his knowledge base in treating a variety of patients. While he's not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, Porter & Kobe, golf, and cooking and creating new recipes.
Coming Soon!
Elizabeth is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in upstate NY. She has obtained advanced certifications in dry needling and manual therapy, and is in the process of obtaining her Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). Elizabeth enjoys treating a wide variety of patients and conditions including neck and back pain, athletic injuries, and balance conditions.
Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon!
Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Clay received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Following completion of his DPT, he and his wife spent time as a traveling therapists working in 8 different states, gaining experience in a variety of settings where it became clear to him that outpatient orthopedics was the most enjoyable setting to work in. He obtained his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2021. Outside of the office, he is an avid Mississippi State Bulldogs fan, an active member of Grace Church downtown, and a travel enthusiast, visiting 33 countries and counting.
Coming Soon!
Upon completing both undergrad and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania, Connor moved to South Carolina to join the team at Elite. After gaining two years of hands-on experience, Connor continued his education by obtaining his Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2021. Connor is passionate about helping all of his patients return to their sport or hobbies following Physical Therapy. Outside of Elite, Connor enjoys distance running, cycling, backpacking, and playing fetch with his dog Barley.
Justin completed his undergraduate programs at Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and a Master’s degree in Youth Development Leadership. After receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from South College in 2017, Justin joined the staff at Elite. His current goal is becoming certified and fellowship trained in manual therapy, and is in the process of obtaining his Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). When not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing golf, cycling, and cheering for the Clemson Tigers.
Coming Soon!
Mary Kay completed her undergraduate degree from Erskine College with a degree in Accounting and Sports Management. After receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010 from the University of St. Augustine, she has since worked in outpatient orthopedic clinics incorporating her background in manual therapy with a wide variety of patients from children all the way up to professional athletes. As she continues to gain knowledgeable experience at our Rushmore Drive office, she is also currently in the process of obtaining her Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT). When she is not spending time with her family, she enjoys running, anything outdoors, dancing, and eating all different types of food.
Coming Soon!
Tabatha joined Elite in 2011 after graduating from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While Tabatha is a native of Greer, SC, she has lived in several different areas including Germany, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Tabatha now serves as our Operations Manager and helps to ensure that we continue to provide an enjoyable experience to both our patients and our Elite Team. While at Elite, Tabatha obtained her Masters in Business Administration from North Greenville University. When she is not in the office, Tabatha enjoys exploring the Upstate and spending time with her family.
Originally from Clinton, South Carolina, Sally Kate Felts is an alumnus of Presbyterian College with a degree in Business Administration and University of Louisiana-Lafayette with a Masters in Business Administration. Having joined Elite right out of college, she has had the opportunity to experience a variety of roles within the company, including patient services, office management, human resources, and, her personal favorite, marketing. Currently, she is responsible for overseeing partnerships with local physician group, as well as implementing collaborative relationships in the communities we serve. Outside of the office, she and her husband enjoy discovering the many restaurants, shops, attractions, and activities the Upstate has to offer!
