MEet our team
Ben Graves, PT, DPT, COMT
Dr. Graves grew up in the hill country and has been in New Braunfels since 2008. He earned a BS in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University and then a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Hardin Simmons University. He has his Certification in Manual Therapy (COMT) from the Manual Therapy Institute. He also minored in Spanish and spent time in Mexico developing his Spanish. He has had the opportunity to take multiple mission trips to Mexico and Costa Rica. Dr. Graves has also completed his Neuro IFRAH Certification, LSVT BIG Certification, and Dry Needling Certification.
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Dr Graves started out his career in PT in the outpatient setting, primarily treating orthopedic injuries with a focus on return to work programs. He then had an opportunity to move into rehab where he found a passion for patients with neurological conditions. The last few years he has returned to the outpatient setting where he has enjoyed working with patients to restore them to the lives they love. His treatments are driven by his patients goals and life roles, whether that be athlete, employee, or grandparent . In addition to his manual therapy certification, he has certifications that are specific to brain injury and Parkinson's disease. His understanding of neurological conditions have helped him treat all of his patients with a more holistic approach.
Throughout his career Dr. Graves has had the opportunity to mentor students from multiple physical therapy programs and enjoys developing community programming that focus on rehabilitation and wellness beyond the discharge from therapy.
Dr. Graves is married to his wife Laura and they have three children, Kyle, Leah and Kaylee. Ben is active at Oakwood Baptist Church and serves in the Children’s Ministry and sees clients for Volunteers in Medicine. He enjoys community service projects where he can use his hands to help others.
MICHAEL KERESZTES, PT, DSc, OCS, CMPT
A graduate from Indiana University, Dr. Michael Keresztes completed his BS in Anatomy & Physiology, Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University, Berrien
Springs, MI, and his Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University. Dr. Keresztes received his Certification in Manual Therapy from The North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, and his Executive Program in Private Practice Management Certificate from Evidence in Motion. In 2018 he became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Additionally he is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling for the Upper & Lower Quarter.
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Dr. Keresztes has focused his career in the areas of rehabilitation for spine, sport, and orthopedic conditions. He is passionate in integrating his expertise with manual therapy and evidence based practice to expedite the recovery and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. He also focuses on injury prevention both in the sports arena and work force empowering patients to assist in the maintenance of their impairments. Dr. Keresztes also has been involved in the mentoring and teaching of PT Interns from the Army Baylor PT program, Texas State University, Andrews University, UT Health Science Center at SA, and the University of the Incarnate Word. He currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member with the University of the Incarnate Word and the interview team for the Texas State University Physical Therapy Program. Additionally, he is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Texas Physical Therapy Association, and the Orthopedics Section of the APTA. Most importantly, Mike is a man of faith, and father to two amazing boys.
Privileged to serve and provide both clinical excellence and premier customer service to those entering MINT Physical Therapy. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we may be able to "restore you to MINT condition".
B. Cody Raygoza, PT, DPT, COMT
Raised in Cibolo Texas and Germany as a member of a career Air Force family, Dr. Raygoza graduated
from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Exercise Sports Science in 2015. He then earned his
Doctorate of Physical Therapy from his alma mater in 2019. Over the past 5 years, he has been working
in San Marcos and New Braunfels.
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Dr. Raygoza serves as our clinical director of our New Braunfels East clinic. His primary clinical experience has been with general outpatient orthopedics, post-surgical rehab, and sports-specific rehabilitation, often employing various manual therapy techniques, dry needling, and IASTM. He recently completed his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT). Additionally, he is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Raygoza and his wife Meagan are proud parents of their son, Brendan, born in March of 2021. Dr. Raygoza enjoys playing the guitar while leading worship with his wife at their church, going for hikes with his dog Dakota, woodworking, hunting, and home improvement projects.
Dr. Raygoza is looking forward to restoring you to "MINT" condition.
Larissa Thompson, PT, DPT
Dr. Thompson is a native Texan. She earned her BS in Biology from Texas A&M University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Her graduate research project involved a case study with body weight support treadmill training for patients post stroke. After graduation, she focused her continuing education on the treatment of patients with neurological deficits, gait training, and amputee rehabilitation. She has completed her dry needling certification and Neuro IFRAH certification in order to further her ability to help her patients restore normal movement patterns.
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She began her career in inpatient rehabilitation, where she especially enjoyed helping patients progress their goals in order to return home with improved function and independence. Dr. Thompson had the opportunity to begin treating patients in an outpatient setting, and enjoys the ability to progress specific goals and advanced gait training. She finds joy in restoring patients to the things that they love, whether it's walking their daughter down the aisle, or participating in a 5K. Additionally, she is passionate about educating her patients so that they have a better understanding of the interventions, and how they will positively affect their outcomes.
Larissa is married to her husband Stephen, and they have three wonderful children. Her faith is an integral part of her life. She enjoys teaching bible classes and finding ways to serve others. She looks forward to serving you, and helping you meet your goals.
Chris Stehle, PT, DPT, COMT
Dr. Stehle grew up in the Canyon Lake/Spring Branch area. He received his BS in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology, from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Previously a wildland firefighter for the state of Texas, Dr. Stehle found his passion for physical therapy, and he graduated from Texas State University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019.
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Since graduating, Chris has worked in an outpatient facility in the San Marcos/New Braunfels area with an emphasis in sports rehabilitation, post-operative rehab, and general outpatient orthopedics. He is certified in dry needling and utilizes a variety of manual techniques for joints/soft tissue to improve movement mechanics. Additionally, he is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association.
Outside of the clinic, Chris enjoys being outdoors hunting, fishing, or working on projects. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends and his dog, Finn. Dr. Stehle looks forward to meeting with you and improving your quality of life.
SAMANTHA AYALA, PT, DPT
A Texas transplant, Dr. Ayala was born and raised in New Jersey. She moved to Texas to attend Texas State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in both Secondary Education and Chemistry. She went on to teach High School Biology in the Central Texas area for 7 years (5 years at NBISD, Go Unicorns!). After realizing her passion for teaching and serving her community extended beyond the classroom, she changed career paths and earned her Doctorate of Physical
Therapy at UT Health San Antonio.
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Dr. Ayala’s primary interests in the field include treating patients with neurological deficits, gait
imbalance, and general deconditioning. Sam is a LSVT BIG certified clinician as well as an American Institute of Balance vestibular rehabilitation certified therapist (AIB-VRC). She finds fulfillment in
getting to know her patients and helping them achieve their goals and restore their mobility.
Outside of the clinic, Sam and her husband Andrew enjoy spending time with their 2 children, Harper
and Beckham. They enjoy doing all things outdoors and staying active in their church and community.
Sam looks forward to the privilege of helping you meet your therapy goals.
SUSAN BAILEY, PT, DPT
Dr. Bailey was born in Texas, raised in Montana, and returned for college receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Her completion of an advanced rehabilitation internship landed her a job in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Susan’s career interests led her to an outpatient physical therapy setting where she received training in osteopathic manual therapy at a private clinic residency program in San Antonio.
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While working as a licensed physical
therapist, Susan sought a Master of Education in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology from the
University of Texas at Austin. Susan participated in the FAMILY Heritage study, which involved
cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal responses to aerobic exercise training. Susan has also
completed her Postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T.S.U. with research in blood flow
restriction therapy. As a licensed practicing physical therapist since 1989, Susan has worked
predominantly in the New Braunfels/Schertz area in part- or full-time capacities while raising her family.
Clinical experience includes neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, manual therapy, dry needling, and corrective exercises to obtain optimal movement, followed by re-education to improve function. She
practices an evidence-based patient-centered approach to treatment with emphasis on patient
education. Susan has been a guest lecturer at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. She is a member
of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association. Susan is
married with five children and has made New Braunfels her home since 1992. She enjoys her church
community and participates in many organizations. Susan is involved with the New Braunfels community
outreach for families in need and the homeless. She enjoys running marathons, including Boston. Susan
loves the outdoors and when not camping and hiking, she spends time with her family as well as caring
for her dogs, goats, chickens and cows. Susan’s main goal is to get her patients well… so they can live a
full and healthy life!
Abigail "Abbey" Kelling, PT, DPT
Dr. Kelling was born and raised in the San Antonio area. She attended Texas A&M University, earning her BS in Molecular & Experimental Nutrition. She became a published author, as well as an Aggie Research Scholar, for research regarding tumor proliferation and the effects of exercise on postmenopausal breast cancer. Dr. Kelling then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University and completed her Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery certification to help restore quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and parkinsonisms.
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Dr. Kelling has had clinical opportunities in acute rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedic, and outpatient neurological settings, with additional experience assistant-teaching Rocksteady Boxing and PWR! classes for therapy. She is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association. Abbey seeks to establish meaningful relationships with her patients and empower them to lead lives that restore their function and purpose-driven passions. Outside of the clinic, she loves running, weight-lifting, playing worship music on the piano, and being in the great outdoors. Dr. Kelling looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your therapy goals!
Daniela Cotter, PT, DPT
Dr. Cotter was born in El Salvador, raised in San Antonio, and obtained her Bachelor of Exercises and Sports Science from Texas State University in 2020. She proceeded to follow her passion for physical therapy and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hardin Simmons University in 2023.
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Dr. Cotter is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is passionate about working with both orthopedic and neurological conditions. She seeks to create an environment that provides personally tailored treatments that are specific to each patient's passions in order to return to doing what they love. Outside of the clinic, she loves playing her ukulele, being outdoors, and finding a good coffee shop. She looks forward to serving you and helping you achieve your goals!
