Meet the Team

Travis Deabay PT, DPT, CMTPT

i, I'm Travis, the founder and owner of Deabay Physical Therapy. I am from Millinocket and have always loved the State of Maine, the outdoors, golf, and generally staying active. An interest in both medicine and fitness are what drew me to the field of physical therapy. I earned my doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Husson University in 2013 and began my career working in Rhode Island and Virginia before returning back to Maine in 2016. I have focused my advanced training in the functional movement screen and selected functional movement assessment (SFMA) system. This approach is designed to perform an in depth movement analysis to get to the route cause of the problem. Expanding on this was the Titleist performance institute certification to help golfers move better and perform better. Other specialty coursework includes vestibular rehabilitation, trigger point dry needling, and Graston technique.

I have recently returned to Husson University in the capacity of an Adjunct Instructor in the PT program and enjoy helping students learn the craft while also learning from them. Outside of work I enjoy golfing, fishing, skiing, canoeing and spending time with my wife and two kids.

Travis Deabay PT, DPT, CMTPT

Heather Lander PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Lander graduated with a Masters of physical therapy and Bachelors of health science in 2007 from Husson University. She continued her education and attained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Husson in 2012. Throughout her 17 years of clinical experience, Dr. Lander has worked and developed a range of experiences in orthopedics and sports medicine, treating conditions from impingement, tendonitis, strains, and sprains to post-operative repairs and replacements. Heather is energetic and has a passion for improving the quality of life of her patients on an individual basis through the use of manual treatment, therapeutic exercise, muscle energy technique, and neuromuscular rehabilitation techniques. Her focus is to provide a fun and energetic therapeutic experience where individuals are not treated as patients, but family. Heather has even been known to show up to work as a flamingo or grinch to lift the spirits of her coworkers and patients. She believes that a positive attitude is a critical component to her patients recovery in achieving their goals and a higher level of functional independence. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, skiing, and volunteering in her community.

Erin Lachance O'Connor
MSPT, LMT

Physical Therapist

Erin is an experienced physical therapist who specializes in:
·       Geriatric care, including osteoporotic and post-op recovery
·       Helping runners, dancers, teens, and young adults stay active
·       Post-concussive care and rehabilitation
·       A manual therapy & patient-centered approach
A native of the Bangor/Brewer area, Erin's love for movement started early as a dancer, leading her to a career in physical therapy. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Husson University in 2002 and later became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2008, integrating a wellness-based approach into her patient care.
When she's not helping patients move and feel better, Erin enjoys gardening, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her husband, three daughters, and their lovable dog, Ziggy!

Chad Howland
PT, DSc, DPT, SMT, CMPT

Physical Therapist

Chad has been a licensed physical therapist for twenty years. His clinical experiences include orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, spanning private practice to large hospital settings within New England. Chad obtained multiple degrees in physical therapy throughout his career, including post-professional training in orthopedic manual physical therapy and dry needling. Chad is currently an assistant professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Husson University, where he teaches human anatomy and clinically based courses in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Outside of the clinical setting, Chad enjoys outdoor recreational activities, coaching youth baseball, and umpiring Little League Baseball.

Michelle Slike PT, DPT, EdD

Physical Therapist

Dr. Michelle Slike is a licensed physical therapist who enjoys working with patients across a variety of settings, with experience in orthopedics, oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and neurological rehabilitation. She is passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and gain confidence as they work toward their goals.
Alongside her clinical work, Dr. Slike also serves as an Assistant Director and Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Husson University. Teaching allows her to stay current with evidence-based practice and bring the latest knowledge and techniques directly into patient care.
Dr. Slike earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Husson University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She has advanced training in lymphedema therapy and oncology rehabilitation.
When she’s not in the clinic or classroom, Dr. Slike enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs. She loves coaching youth sports, staying active, and watching basketball whenever she gets the chance.