Avis is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, movement optimization, and athletic performance. She joins GRIT Physical Therapy after spending the past six years at SHIFT, a comprehensive concierge medicine practice in Chicago, where she served as Head of Physical Therapy. In this role, she oversaw the physical therapy and fitness departments, delivering care for a wide range of orthopedic and sports-related conditions while integrating a comprehensive, data-driven approach to health and wellness-- leveraging detailed medical histories, advanced testing, such as DEXA and VO2, to provide personalized recommendations. 

Avis earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Enterprise, with a minor in Psychology, from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is a board-certified physical therapist with advanced training in techniques including functional dry needling, the Graston Technique®, and blood flow restriction (BFR) training. 

Avis has always been an athlete, with a passion for sports including tennis, soccer, swimming and golf. This background enhances her ability to relate to her patients, understand sport-specific movement patterns, and guide safe, effective return to activity. Avis takes a highly individualized approach to care, combining detailed movement analysis, hands-on manual therapy, and targeted exercise programming to restore mobility, build strength, and optimize overall function. She develops strong, long-term relationships with her patients, helping them address current injuries while supporting lasting performance and resilience.

Outside of the clinic, Avis is a highly competitive platform tennis (“paddle”) player and is currently ranked within the top 40 in the country. She competes in the Chicago women’s league and travels for national tournaments. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, taking local fitness classes, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.