A team of dedicated Doctors of Physical Therapy specializing in neurologic PT
Learn more about each of us below.
Dr. Vanessa Kaczmarek, PT, DPT, NCS
I'm Vanessa Kaczmarek, PT, DPT, NCS, founder of Neuroactive Therapy and Wellness.
Funny enough, a career aptitude test in high school told me to be a physical therapist. What it didn't tell me is where I would land as a PT. My passion for neuro rehab came during my clinical rotations, when I started working with people recovering from stroke and living with Parkinson's, MS, and spinal cord injury — and found the most resilient people I'd ever met. People who defy the odds and work relentlessly to regain function and abilities. I've built my career around them since.
I've practiced for over a decade across the entire continuum of neurologic care — acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, and home and community-based settings. That range of experience has helped me to understand the entire path that my clients take in the healthcare system, an insight that helps me to fill in the gaps in that system. I treat and have experience with the full spectrum of neurologic conditions, with the deepest experience and specialization in spinal cord injury, brain injury, vestibular disorders, and Parkinson's disease.
I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina in 2013 and my Bachelor's in Human Performance from Florida Gulf Coast University. In 2018, I became a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) through the APTA in order to deepen my knowledge and commitment to neuro rehab. I'm also a PWR! Moves certified therapist for Parkinson's-specific exercise and have completed advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation for vertigo, dizziness, and balance dysfunction. I also have training in dry needling to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Teaching is the other half of my work. I've mentored in a neurologic clinical residency program, lectured on neurologic topics for continuing education, and I help train physical therapy students in hands-on clinical skills. These opportunities help me keep my skills and knowledge current while giving me extra opportunities to talk about neuroplasticity (my favorite topic).
I love neuro PT because I get to partner with each patient to problem solve how to maximize their function and return to things that bring them joy. No two days are the same, creativity is the hallmark of neuro PT, and I get to learn and grow with each new patient. Outside of work you'll find me chasing my two sons, hiking, exercising, eating my way around Birmingham, and traveling whenever I can.
Dr. Nicole Cockerill, PT, DPT
I am Nicole Cockerill PT, DPT. I grew up in Illinois, where I met my husband (fun fact, we have been together since 8th grade!). An injury playing high school sports brought me to physical therapy as a patient. It was there that I learned that this career is a beautiful mixture of two of my favorite things, teaching and physical fitness. I love getting to help people regain strength, confidence and independence with their mobility.
I earned my Bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Spanish from The University of Alabama in 2018. Roll tide! I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 2021. Through my clinical rotations in school I developed a passion for working with individuals with neurologic conditions. Since then I have worked exclusively with individuals with neurologic conditions in acute care, inpatient rehab and outpatient settings.
I truly enjoy getting to know my patients, understanding their goals, and using my creativity, knowledge, and the evidence to help empower them to achieve their goals.
I have additional certifications including LSVT BIG, a treatment protocol for persons with Parkinson’s disease, and Level 1 dry needling, a technique used to help manage pain and muscular dysfunction.
When not in the clinic, you can find me snuggling my new baby girl Rowan, running with my dogs, or spending time with my husband Riley. I am so excited to be part of the Neuroactive team! 
Dr. Meredith Allan, PT, DPT, NCS
I am Meredith Allan, PT, DPT, NCS, a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with over a decade of experience in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation, specializing in various neurologic conditions. I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and my Bachelor’s Degree from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. Before becoming a physical therapist, I trained and performed as a professional ballet dancer, which gave me a deep understanding of movement, balance, and body mechanics. After an injury led me to physical therapy, I discovered a new passion for helping others regain mobility and strength.
I am known for my attention to detail, creativity, and my persistent drive to accomplish goals through outside-the-box thinking. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of providing clinical instruction and mentorship to several students and co-workers. I’ve also been involved in organizing and delivering interdisciplinary education on behavioral management techniques to optimize the care of patients with various neurologic conditions.
In addition to my clinical expertise, I’m a certified Pilates instructor, which allows me to integrate alternative movement-based treatments into my therapy approach. I am deeply committed to empowering individuals to achieve their mobility goals, guiding them to regain, reframe, or even surpass their expectations of being an active and engaged participant in their own lives. Through personalized support and encouragement, I strive to help others unlock their full potential and embrace a life full of movement and possibility. My unique blend of neurological rehabilitation, dance, and Pilates makes me an invaluable asset to the Neuroactive Team.
When not working with patients or teaching Pilates I can be found enjoying life with my family. I enjoy the outdoors, a good spontaneous dance party, and eating good food. 
Dr. Liz Wylie, PT, DPT, NCS
I’m Liz Wylie, PT, DPT, NCS and I’ve been a physical therapist for over 15 years, specializing in neurologic rehabilitation. I’m a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with extensive experience working with individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other complex neurologic conditions.
I’m passionate about helping people regain function and independence, and I truly value the connections I build with my patients along the way.
In addition to my clinical work, I serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where I teach courses focused on neurologic examination and treatment. I also co-founded Alabama’s first Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency and UAB’s first PT residency program. Mentoring residents and students is one of the most rewarding parts of my career—I love supporting their growth in clinical reasoning, leadership, and teaching.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and daughter. We love exploring new places in Birmingham and traveling whenever we get the chance.
Now offering occupational therapy services
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Abby Baker, MOT, OTR/L, CAPS
I am Abby Baker, MOT, OTR/L, CAPS, an occupational therapist with 14 years of experience helping individuals with neurological diagnoses regain independence and quality of life.
After completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Missouri, I spent the first 12 years of my career at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, working with individuals with spinal cord injuries and other diagnoses in inpatient, day program and outpatient rehabilitation settings. My expertise includes upper extremity splinting and casting, post-operative upper extremity reconstruction care and teaching, from clinic to university settings. As a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS), I am uniquely qualified to consider a client's function in the context of their home environment and recommend modifications to the environment when necessary to optimize accessibility, safety and independence. My therapy passion lies in complex neuromuscular re-education focused on maximizing potential by challenging the whole body to improve performance in everyday activities.
As a new transplant to Birmingham, I am thrilled to bring expert care to clients in home and community settings to help them feel capable and empowered in their daily activities and roles.
When I’m not in the clinic, I can be found with my nose buried in a book or meandering with my family around a bike path, nature trail or soccer field.