Dr. Melissa Cofer, PT, DPT
Founder & Owner
Director of Therapy Services
Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Melissa is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with clinical experience and specialty training since 2016. She is experienced in providing quality care throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis through lifelong survivorship. She works with patients across many different cancer diagnoses, providing pre-op assessment, post-op rehabilitation, and management of treatment side effects. Her clinical experience includes Texas Oncology, Baylor Scott & White, St. David's South Austin Medical Center, and Oncology Rehab in Denver, Colorado. She is the founder and owner of Sol Center Physical Therapy.
Melissa's treatment approach relies on a team effort between the therapist and the patient. She focuses on empowering patients with education and tools for long-term success in their wellness journeys. She believes that every patient deserves individualized attention to their changing needs, as well as compassionate hands-on care.
Degrees and Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy from Texas State University
Master of Arts in Performance Studies from New York University
Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin
Certified in Lymphedema Therapy by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies
PORi-certified Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist with certifications in:
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation
Pelvic Cancer and Lower Extremity Rehabilitation
Chemotoxicity and Cancer Exercise Management
Melissa is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Oncology and Private Practice sections.
Welcome to the heart of Sol Center Physical Therapy — our team, dedicated to fostering a supportive and healing environment for your comprehensive rehabilitation and wellness journey.
Meet our efficient and detail-oriented Executive Assistant, Kyra, the backbone of our clinic's administrative operations. With a strong organizational acumen and a commitment to seamless coordination, they ensure the smooth functioning of our facility, supporting the entire team in delivering exceptional care and service to our clients.
Kyra enjoys discovering and sharing music and definitely wants to see pictures of your pets.
Alicia is a passionate medically licensed Esthetician providing personalized skincare treatments. She is skilled in a wide range of esthetic procedures and possesses expertise in Oncology Skincare, focusing on skincare before, during, and after Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments.
Whether you are looking for a day to just relax and unwind or address your specific needs Alicia is here to help.
In her spare time, she likes to hang out with family and go on family rides.
With a passion for transforming lives through fitness, Alyssa brings her expertise as our dedicated personal trainer at Sol Center. Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, she specializes in tailoring dynamic workout programs to meet individual goals, ensuring each client experiences a journey of strength, vitality, and well-being.
Alyssa is currently building out a schedule of Foundational Fitness Classes for regaining strength and function post cancer treatment. Contact the clinic for more information.
Amber is a recent Texas transplant joining us from Utah. She received her massage training at the Intermountain Massage Therapy College in Bountiful, Utah. She employs several different
massage modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, myofascial release techniques, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage techniques, cupping, and scraping.
When not massaging, she enjoys pole dance, circus arts, cycling, snowboarding, and spending time with her partner, two children, and her two cats.
"I believe massage is a great way to enhance anyone's quality of life and regular body work can make significant improvements to one's health and wellness."
Amber can also be reached through her personal massage business at phalangesofmagick@gmail.com.
Michele is a physical therapist in private practice specializing in pain care and pelvic health. She graduated from Texas State University with a clinical doctorate in
physical therapy. She also holds a bachelor's and master’s degree in biology. Michele has completed pelvic health training through the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy of
the American Physical Therapy Association. This training included completion of all levels of their pelvic health program, with additional education in pediatric pelvic health and obstetrics.
Michele is also a Therapeutic Pain Specialist, following completion of the Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification program through Evidence in Motion. Prior to her role as a physical therapist, Michele was an educator, instructing incoming collegiate freshman through
upperclassman in the areas of cellular biology and vertebrate anatomy.
Michele provides holistic care, custom tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient, throughout their journey of recovery. Michele works with individuals of all life stages
experiencing bowel and bladder concerns including incontinence, overactive bladder, constipation, and pelvic pain. She also helps patients improve function, re-engage in their lives, and reduce pain when experiencing conditions such as: autoimmune disease, migraines,
fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, cancer, and arthritis.
Her love of teaching is infused into her clinical practice; she enjoys guiding and educating her patients in how to better understand and relate to their bodies and their recovery.
To learn more about Michele and her patient care, please visit www.essential-physicaltherapy.com.
Stephanie is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the State of Texas, who was born and raised in Austin.
Post high school graduation she obtained a scholarship to play volleyball at Huston-Tillotson University and had the opportunity to also play for the USA international Volleyball League in Scotland. She graduated with her Bachelors in Kinesiology at Huston-Tillotson University and continued her education at Texas State University to obtain her Masters in Science and Leisure Services to become a Recreation Therapist.
Stephanie has been a certified Recreation Therapist for 10 plus years, working with all ages in mental health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and community settings. She is also a certified instructor for Chair Yoga, Chair Chi, Drumtastic (drumming while performing rhythmic movements), and is currently studying to be a certified brain injury specialist.
As a recreation therapist, she uses activity-based interventions such as music, art, sports, and other leisure activities to help enhance the clients’ overall quality of life. Additionally, she also coaches a juniors volleyball club in the springtime. Her interests are painting, playing volleyball, playing the clarinet, skateboarding, hiking, exercising, and engaging in other activities with her son.
