Therapy Team

Liz Buffington, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Liz received her Bachelor’s of Health Sciences in 2018 and Master’s of Occupational Therapy in 2019 from Duquesne University. She previously worked in a hospital setting before joining the team here at the Hand and Shoulder Center. Liz is passionate about helping patients return to meaningful daily activities. While not at work, Liz enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Liz enjoys hiking, shopping, and flower arranging.

Paige Clary, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Paige is a 2022 graduate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, where she completed her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science with a Minor in Athletic Training at Malone University in 2018. She was also a four-year starter on the women’s soccer team at Malone University. Before joining the team at The Hand and Shoulder Center, Paige completed a clinical rotation in outpatient hands therapy, inpatient acute care, and a capstone project focused on improving the mental health of veterans suffering from PTSD. These settings provided her with unique and valuable experiences in rehabilitative care. At The Hand and Shoulder Center, Paige treats diagnoses related to the hand up to the shoulder. In her free time, she enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, attending concerts, reading, and playing with her dog.

Andrea Franklin, OTR/L, CHT

Director of Occupational Therapy

Andrea is a 2006 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Prior to joining the Hand & Shoulder Center team in 2012, Andrea worked in an outpatient hand therapy setting as well as a hospital setting, where she gained valuable experience treating patients with upper extremity diagnoses as well as patients in the acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. As a Certified Hand Therapist, Andrea specializes in the treatment of upper extremity injuries/diagnoses from the shoulder to the hand. Outside of work, Andrea likes spending time with her family and friends, reading, attending sporting events, and traveling.

Brilee Kerin, OTR/L, CHT

Occupational Therapist

Brilee graduated from Penn State Behrend with her nursing degree in 2012. She received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Chatham in 2016. Her first job as an occupational therapist enabled her to gain experience working in the hospital setting, rehab setting, and outpatient setting. Brilee joined the practice at the Hand and Shoulder Center in 2017. She gained her certification as a Certified Hand Therapist in 2021. Brilee now works part-time with the remainder of her time being spent raising her two young children, running, biking, and lifting.

Alyssa Knowlson OTR/L, CHT

Occupational Therapist

(Center Township)

Alyssa is a 2014 graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology Neuroscience from The Pennsylvania State University in 2010. Prior to joining the Hand & Shoulder Center team in 2020, Alyssa began her career in a Skilled Nursing Facility before transitioning to a hospital setting and then ultimately as a floating therapist to 20+ outpatient hand therapy/neuro settings where she gained valuable experience treating patients with a number of diagnoses of the upper extremity as well as CVA, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. As a Certified Hand Therapist, Alyssa specializes in the treatment of upper extremity injuries/diagnoses from the shoulder to the hand. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and playing volleyball, pickleball, and golf.