Alessandra Portukalian
(PT, DPT, CLT | Clinical Manager)
Dr. Alessandra Portukalian, PT, DPT, CLT, is the Clinical Manager at Elliott Physical Therapy’s Mansfield location. Alessandra completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island (URI) with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, focusing in Exercise Science. She went on to complete her graduate studies at URI, earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). She was an undergraduate Teaching Assistant for an Exercise Physiology course and a graduate Teaching Assistant for two DPT courses, Pediatrics, and Neuromuscular Therapeutics. Alessandra also taught a biweekly senior balance and Parkinson’s exercise class at URI.
During her time at the university, she traveled to London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, where she was able to work with Paralympic athletes, Arsenal and Chelsea Football Club’s training facilities, and learn about the European healthcare system and its relations to the field of physical therapy. Alessandra completed her graduate research regarding the impact of communication skills on physical therapy students entering their first full-time clinical rotations, and was awarded the Dr. Mark J. Rowinski Research Excellence Award.
Alessandra’s clinical experiences provided her with a vast insight into the different physical therapy settings and patient populations. Her exposure to orthopedic outpatient PT included specialties such as aquatic therapy and athletes; particularly hockey players where she was able to work with the Northeast Generals, a Tier II Junior Ice Hockey League competing in the NAHL. Alessandra was also afforded experience at an inpatient acute care hospital and a home health rotation. She took part in several recreational and competitive adaptive sports and programs, including adaptive sailing, surfing, and rock climbing, working with children and adults with different physical and cognitive abilities. Alessandra is passionate about treating patients of all ages, guiding them to reach their desired goals and live their lives to the fullest.
Alessandra is certified in Functional Dry Needling, a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and is a licensed practitioner in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Growing up in Cranston, RI she developed a love for sailing, rock climbing, reading, and spending time with her dog, Toby.