About Us
Dr. Grant and Lauren Smith founded Advanced Manual Therapies in early 2018 with a clear mission: to revolutionize the way people access and experience care for their aches and pains. What began as a family-owned health practice has grown into a trusted community resource, home to some of the best therapists in the state.
Today, AMT offers a comprehensive range of services and techniques designed to reduce pain, restore function, and enhance quality of life. Our expert team provides private, 1-on-1 treatments tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring the highest level of care in a supportive and relaxed environment.
We are proud to be a growing leader in specialized treatments such as Dry Needling, Joint Manipulation, Massage Therapy, Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Cupping, and Body Tempering. By offering these and many other advanced therapies, we help our community live active, healthy, and pain-free lives.
At AMT, your health and well-being are our top priorities. We're here to support you on your journey to feeling your best.
Providers
Osteopractic Physical Therapist
Dr. Grant Smith, DPT, FAAOMPT
Dr. Smith is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist who specializes in the treatment and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Smith earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at The University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and later earned his post-doctorate degree as an Osteopractor and achieved Fellow status with the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy training under renowned Dr. James Dunning.
Dr. Smith was born and raised in the Alpharetta/Roswell area graduating from Centennial HS in 2010 and swam competitively with a local National Team. He enjoys hikes, beach trips, and running with his Lab-mix, Gunner.
Education
American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Osteopractor, 2019
University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine
Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2017
Arizona State University
B.S., Kinesiology, 2014
Activities & Affiliations
• Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
• Assistant Instructor with the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Licenses
Georgia- PT012937
NSCA- CSCS #7248011569
Massage Therapist
Lauren Smith, LMT
Lauren graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in 2015 as a licensed massage therapist who specializes in Sports Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Cupping, and Swedish Massage. She has taken specific courses in medical massage and works in tandem with Dr. Smith to aid in the treatment and rehabilitation for many patients.
Lauren was born and raised in Kennesaw, GA, playing competitive sports throughout her childhood. She incurred many injuries which initially introduced her to massage therapy. After experiencing the advantage of maintaining a balanced life with regular massage treatments improve her overall health, she realized she wanted to help others through massage. She enjoys hikes and trips to the beach.
Education
Atlanta School of Massage
Massage Therapy, 2015
Activities & Affiliations
• Certified Cupping Therapist with the International Cupping Therapy Association
• Member of American Massage Therapy Association
Licenses
• Georgia- MT010529
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Joseph T. Selimo, DPT
Dr. Selimo is an Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist who prioritizes a holistic approach to pain and injury management, avoiding unnecessary procedures, medications, or slowing down. Dr. Selimo earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Seton Hall University with honors in research for biomechanics/lifting techniques and was inducted into the Alpha Eta National Honors Society. Dr. Selimo has nearly a decade of experience in advanced orthopedics, manual therapy and sports rehab. Post-doctorate studies include blood flow restrictive training, dry needling and spinal manipulation.
Although he originates from New Jersey, he now calls Crabapple home. As a former football player and proud family man, Dr. Selimo’s passion for rehabilitating his patients back to the best version of themselves is obvious. Through 1:1 individual care, he is sure to create an exceptional rehab experience.
Education
Seton Hall University
Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2014
Gettysburg College
B.A., Health Sciences, 2009
Activities & Affiliations
• Member of the American Physical Therapy Association
Licenses
Georgia- PT015092
NSCA- CSCS #7247842490
Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Makayla Hurst, DPT
Dr. Makayla Pierce is an alumnus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Before attending physical therapy school Makayla attended Georgia Southern University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Exercise Science while minoring in Psychology. She was born and raised in Georgia calling this state her home.
Makayla has a passion for pelvic floor physical therapy and works to add greater value to each individual through increased knowledge directly effecting the quality of care she provides to her patients. Makayla is a published anatomist in the International Journal of Anatomical Variations after discovering a never-before-seen muscle attached at the pelvis in a human cadaver. Makayla conducted lengthy research to present the muscle, further named Psoas Quartus to a committee of Anatomist at the IJAV conference to bring awareness to anatomical variations as a possible cause of pelvic pain.
When Makayla is not in the clinic treating patients, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and family. Additionally, Makayla enjoys creating new experiences by being outdoors, attending sporting events and exploring new places in the Atlanta area.
Education
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Georgia Southern University
Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Minor in Psychology
Activities & Affiliations
• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1 & 2 Certification, plus Pelvic Floor Dry Needling
Licenses
Georgia- PT015428
Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Cindy Okpegbue, DPT
Dr. Cindy, is a skilled physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health, with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the New York Institute of Technology. Her commitment to women’s health began in school and has continued to shape her career. In addition to her role as a pelvic floor PT, Dr. Cindy holds certifications as a birth and postpartum doula, pre- and postnatal fitness coach, Mercier fertility therapist, breastfeeding specialist, and lymphedema therapist.
Dr. Cindy is passionate about helping women navigate every phase of their health journey, offering a holistic and supportive approach to care.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys weightlifting, running, playing volleyball, and traveling with her fiancée.
Education
New York Institute of Technology
Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2020
Coppin State University
B.S., Sports Medicine, 2016
Activities & Affiliations
• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1 & 2 Certification, plus Pelvic Floor Dry Needling
• APTA Pelvic Health Level 1 & 2, plus Obstetrics
Licenses
Georgia- PT017595
Massage Therapist
Erica Macias, LMT
Erica graduated from Georgia Massage School in 2022. As a massage therapist, she customizes each session based on the individual needs of the client. She does so by incorporating a variety of techniques that may include orthopedic, deep tissue, trigger point and Swedish massage techniques, cupping, and light stretching to alleviate muscle tension, pain and discomfort. In addition, she is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
After graduating high school in Alpharetta, GA, Erica found a passion for all things relating to fitness, health and wellness, and later began to incorporate massage therapy into her own recovery regimen after nearly a decade of weight training. She quickly discovered how beneficial it was for her recovery and overall health and decided she wanted to make the same difference in the lives of others. Along with massage and fitness, some of her favorite things are family, friends, food and the outdoors.
Education
Georgia Massage School
Massage Therapy, 2022
Activities & Affiliations
• Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist
• Member of the American Massage Therapy Association
Licenses
Georgia- MT014257
Massage Therapist
Ally Harlan, LMT, CNMT
Ally graduated from Gwinnett College’s school of massage in 2018. In addition to specializing in neuromuscular therapy and sports massage, she uses a customized and unique approach to massage therapy. Ally’s massages include modalities such as: deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, Kinesiomuscular therapy, and assisted sports stretching. She also enjoys helping people find relief through TMJ massage.
Ally grew up in Loganville, Georgia and graduated from Loganville High School. She is passionate about holistic health and wellness and found herself interested in therapies that promote whole body well-being. After her own healing experiences, Ally committed helping others reach their health and wellness goals through massage and bodywork. In her free time she is an avid gardener, writer, and mom.
Education
Gwinnett College School of Massage
Massage Therapy, 2018
Activities & Affiliations
• Certified Neuromuscular Therapist (NMT Center- 2018)
• Certified in Advanced Myofascial Technique
• Member of the American Massage Therapy Association
Licenses
Georgia- MT012566
Massage Therapist
Monique Grant, LMT
Monique graduated and earned her license in Massage Therapy in 2017.
As a highly skilled and dedicated massage therapist her expertise lies in various modalities, including sports therapy, lymphatic drainage for pre and post-surgical care, NMT & TMJ work. With a passion for helping individuals achieve optimal health and wellness, Monique combines her extensive knowledge of massage therapy with a compassionate approach to provide personalized treatments for her clients.
In the realm of sports therapy, Monique has worked with athletes from various disciplines, including professional athletes, weekend warriors, and individuals recovering from sports-related injuries. Her in-depth understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics
enables her to identify specific areas of tension, tightness, or imbalance and develop targeted treatment plans. By incorporating a combination of deep tissue massage, stretching exercises, and myofascial release techniques, Monique assists athletes in improving
their performance, preventing injuries, and speeding up their recovery process.
A Jamaican native with a drive for success, when she’s not working, in her free time Monique enjoys reading, karaoke, walks with her dog and a good 1000 piece puzzle set.
Education
Gwinnett College School of Massage
Massage Therapy, 2017
Activities & Affiliations
• Certified Neuromuscular Therapist
• Certified in Lymphatic Drainage
Licenses
Georgia- MT013260
office manager/canine therapist
Gunner Smith, K-9
Gunner Smith is a Black Labrador Retriever-mix and ‘Old Soul’ with special skills in providing emotional support and greeting patients as they arrive. He is proficient in many types of greetings including uncontrollable tail wags, gentle kisses, and soft cuddles. He enjoys playing fetch and hide-and-go-seek, going on hikes and jogs, and sunbathing (oh, and ice cubes).
office manager/canine therapist
Oakley Smith, K-9
Oakley Smith is a new addition to the family and to our team here at Advanced Manual Therapies. While she is still in training and spending most of her time working from home, she is a Great Pyrenees puppy who loves her family, her herd, and can already handle her bigger brother’s wrestling moves. While she learns how our office works over the next few months, you may see her from time to time and we hope everyone has a chance to meet her and can make her feel welcome!