Emerald Coast Physical Therapy

Dr. Joshua Stricklen grew up in Northwest MS where his hobbies were playing sports, hunting, and fishing with his dad and older brother, along with discussing the latest book he read with his mom. After high school, he attended Northwest MS Community College and obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education in 2011. He then attended the University of Mississippi where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science in 2015. After working for a few years in residential construction with his dad, he attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where he obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2021. After graduation, he moved to the panhandle with his fiancé and began working at Emerald Coast Physical Therapy. He earned his certification in Dry Needling in 2023. When Dr. Stricklen is not in the clinic he enjoys watching movies of any genre, the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Braves, and Ole Miss Rebels football and baseball teams. He also enjoys getting out in nature to hike, hunt, fish, and paddle board as a way to get exercise and relax.

Dr. Fulghum received her doctorate in Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and has had over a decade of experience in Orthopedic physical therapy. She has been certified in dry needling and has undergone further training to specialize in the Pelvic Floor and to become a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. Her passion is to empower people from all backgrounds and walks of life that struggle with pelvic floor or orthopedic dysfunction to restore their health and improve their quality of life. The body is an amazing structure that desires movement, all it needs are the right tools and education to set it back into motion. Katie is originally from Georgia and received her undergraduate in Exercise Science at the University of Georgia. She is a Georgia Football fan during the fall season and enjoys visiting family in Atlanta. She has 3 kids and her husband is in the Airforce stationed at Eglin. Besides spending time with family, Katie likes to travel, cook, eat great gluten free food, and work out.

Barb is a highly experienced physical therapist, having graduated from Arcadia University near Philadelphia, PA. She has successfully treated patients of all ages, with a wide range of orthopedic and sports injuries, and has extensive expertise in post-surgical rehabilitation. Her specialties also include treating gait and balance disorders, myofascial pain syndrome and crevicogenic headaches. With certifications in kinesiology taping from Rock Tape and dry needling, Barb's skill set is unmatched. She has previously worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer for high school and college athletics, futher endhancing her qualifications. Apart from her professional achievements, Barb has been a valued resident of Panama City since 2007. She relishes the opportunity to explore the local trails, beaches, camping sites, and loves spending time with her furry companions.

Dr. Anessa Leyva grew up in south Florida where she spent most of her time playing competitive junior tennis. Anessa went on to play NCAA Division I tennis for Siena College in Albany, NY where she earned a BA in psychology in 2019. After working for a couple of years as a tennis instructor, she then went on to Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2024. She has also earned a certification in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management from the American Institute of Balance in 2024. Anessa first came to us as a student physical therapist in 2022 where she completed her first full time internship. During the process she fell in love with the panhandle and ECPT. Outside of the clinic, Anessa enjoys staying active by playing tennis, running, hiking, and snorkeling. She also enjoys slowing down and relaxing at the beach, reading, and watching her favorite tv shows.