Meet Our Team at Mariners Landing
Dr. Alina Dawson, DPT and Owner of Full Distance
Meet Alina, owner & CEO of Full Distance, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Geriatric Clinical Specialist, LSVT-BIG Certified, and Registered Yoga Teacher. After being a lifetime fitness guru, playing Division II college basketball and tennis, finishing 18 marathons, completing three full-distance triathlons, and raising three children, she has gained a unique view of how fitness & wellness intertwine. With over 22 years of experience, she has advocated for the integration of personal training and group fitness classes with physical therapy and has educated clients, family, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals on how much exercise equates to how healthy you live. Alina has established a strong foundation with Full Distance but is still discovering new ways for it to become an advanced holistic solution for all to live an active, purposeful, and serene life.
Kristy Woodford, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Kristy Woodford earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Mary Baldwin University in 2021 and undergraduate degrees in Human Development and Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2018. With experience in skilled nursing and home health, she has had the privilege of working closely with diverse clients, assessing their needs, and developing personalized treatment plans to help them lead independent, fulfilling lives.
Kristy is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters who fill her life with joy and energy. Together with her husband, they enjoy time together on their farm, where they tend to animals, garden, fish, and hunt. When she’s not outside soaking up nature with loved ones, Kristy can be found cheering on the Hokies or staying active through workouts, always seeking new ways to balance fun and fitness in her daily life.
Kristy is excited to join the Full Distance Team, driven by her commitment to helping patients achieve independence and improve their quality of life. She’s passionate about assessing individual needs and creating personalized therapy plans that address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Kristy looks forward to collaborating with a skilled team to help clients regain essential skills for daily activities, from self-care to work and leisure. Above all, she is dedicated to empowering others to live healthier, more independent lives through client-centered therapy.
Lisa French Wixted, Yoga Instructor
Lisa is a certified 200 hr. yoga teacher with a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Bachelor's degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, and certifications in K-6th grade, biology, and earth science. Lisa joined the Full Distance in March 2023. In Yin Yoga, she invites mindful awareness, attention and care, and creative ways to use props to support the body. In Gentle Chair Yoga, she invites alignment and variations to help students connect to their inner yoga voice to be confident, safe, and strong. Lisa also helps prenatal and postnatal moms connect to their bodies and little ones while strengthening the family bond in Kids and Baby Toddler Me Yoga. Lisa believes yoga is about connecting with each other while connecting to the breath, body, and mind.
Tracy Travis, PTA
Meet Tracy, a Physical Therapy Assistant with 20+ years experience. Tracy graduated from the College of Health Services in Roanoke and has since worked in acute care, home health as well as outpatient rehabilitation. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her adult children, two dogs, and working in her yard.
Rida Ghani, SPT
Rida received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2019 from ICBS Lahore Pakistan. She was a member of Pak Physio Association from 2021- 2022, working in different clinical settings including outpatient, long term care and home health. Rida is the owner of Al Haq Rehabilitation center for Pediatric and Geriatric Disability.
Jennifer Taylor, Caregiver
Jennifer is a Caregiver at Full Distance and has been in healthcare since 2002. She was born and raised at Smith Mountain Lake.
Elizabeth Allen, OT/R, CLT
Meet Elizabeth, an Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist who specializes in assisting patients with conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, wrist/hand conditions, fatigue, health management, joint replacements, scar tissue, memory and brain fitness, caregiving, leisure participation, community engagement, breast cancer pre/post-surgery, and neurological disorders. Elizabeth obtained her master’s degree from Radford University in 2020 and has extensive experience incorporating recreation, music, and preferred leisure activities into a client's plan of care. She is also a Mariners Landing resident and enjoys engaging in outdoor activities around the community as well as performing on the weekends around the lake as a local singer and musician. Elizabeth's holistic approach to Occupational therapy aligns with our practice, and she has been with the Full Distance team since July of 2021.
Josh Mullen, PTA
Meet Josh, a Physical Therapy Assistant specializing in outpatient orthopedic conditions, along with balance and vestibular conditions. Josh graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelors in Exercise Science and a PTA degree from South University. Outside of treating, Josh loves spending his time with his wife and daughters and enjoys the outdoors. Josh joined our team here at Full Distance in May of 2022 and is currently going to school to become a PT.
Ainsley Price, DPT
Dr. Ainsley Price received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Lynchburg in 2019. With over five years of experience, she has established specializations in general orthopedics, gait and balance training, and vestibular rehabilitation. She is a Forest, VA native and enjoys running, cooking with her husband, and caring for her two cats and chickens. Ainsley is passionate about serving her community and is committed to helping her patients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Jason Mullins, Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor
Meet Jason, a certified personal trainer who specializes in nutrition and senior fitness. He grew up at Smith Mountain Lake, graduated with honors from Staunton River, and played both football and basketball. After serving in the Marine Corps Infantry, he returned home to care for his parents. This experience ignited his passion for promoting health and fitness among seniors. Jason has been with us since June of 2021.
Debbie O'Donnell, Yoga Instructor
Debbie has been practicing yoga for about 15 years. As an educator, she used yoga and mindfulness with her students. In 2019 she completed a course with Resilience Yoga for Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She believes in the mind, body, spirit connection and feels that yoga is one of the best ways to “yoke” the body, mind, and spirit! In the winter of 2022, she completed her 200-hour yoga certification at Vitazen studio here in Hardy, VA. Before she was formally trained, she worked with Dr. Alina Dawson for a year to learn appropriate postures connected to the physics of the body. Alina supported her in her personal practice with body alignment and mechanics. “It is my honor to practice yoga as a trained instructor with others interested in this wonderful practice".
Nono Choden, Office Manager
Nono graduated from James Madison University in the Fall of 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Integrated Science and Technology with a concentration in Industrial Manufacturing Systems. She has experience streamlining administrative processes and enhancing operational efficiency such as managing schedules, coordinating meetings, overseeing inventory, etc. with her experience in different organizational boards and field of study. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs.
Zan Abdin, SPT
Zan received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2019 from ICBS Lahore Pakistan.
Zan was a member of Pak Physio Association from 2021-2022 working in different clinical setting including outpatient, long term care and home health. Zan is the owner of Al Haq Rehabilitation center for Pediatric and Geriatric Disability.
