About Us

Serving You Since 1990

PJ Therapy Services, Inc was founded in 1990 by PJ Phelps. She worked diligently to provide personalized care and establish a reputation in the community and with local doctors and practitioners as a facility that provided results. In 1992, Brad was a patient of PJ Therapy Services, rehabbing from a high school sports injury. It was during his time as a patient at PJ Therapy that he decided that this was the career path for him. Brad told PJ at that time that "one day I will become a therapist and return home to buy your practice." He did become a therapist in 2001. After working in Athens for many years, he returned home and to PJ Therapy in 2007. In 2008, his dreams and ambitions of serving his community and owning his own private practice came true. Brad Lavender purchased the business and has enjoyed helping members of his community regain function, return to work and play ever since.

Our Staff

Providing Personalized Care and Results

Brad Lavender

PT, ATC, Owner

I am a native of Elbert County, graduating from Elbert County Comprehensive High School in 1995. I attended Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA for undergraduate studies. Upon being accepted into their Physical Therapy program, I transferred to Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah. I graduated with both a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. Passing my state board exam in February 2001, I began work in outpatient physical therapy at St. Mary's hospital in Athens, GA. Shortly after, I transitioned to Athens Regional Medical Center (now Piedmont) working in their outpatient physical therapy department. During my time at Athens Regional, I completed an internship with the University of Georgia Athletic Department and passed the National Board to become a certified Athletic Trainer. In 2007, I pursued my dream of owning/operating PJ Therapy Services, Inc. After working alongside PJ Phelps for one year, I purchased the practice in 2008. Upon coming home to Elberton, I served as the Athletic Trainer for Elbert County Comprehensive High School for 12 years. It has been my pleasure to serve the members of this community that I call home. In 2019, I married my beautiful wife, Heather. Together, we have six children: Hunter, Daniel, Cohen, Nate, Sam and Sophie. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, hunting, fishing and woodworking. I am a member of Elberton First United Methodist Church and blessed beyond measure in both my personal and professional life.

Samanta Martin, PTA, PJ Therapy Services, Inc

Samantha Martin

PTA

I was born and raised in Snellville, Georgia. After completing my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Augusta University, I pursued a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree from Athens Technical College. In 2018, I became a licensed PTA and have proudly worked alongside Brad since 2020. I am married to Bryce Martin of Elberton. Here, we are dedicated to raising our two daughters in St. Mary's Catholic Church. We are constantly reminded of God's good graces in our community of family and friends.

Melissa Mercer

Office Manager

I was raised in Bowman, Georgia and graduated from Elbert County Comprehensive High School in 1991. I have had the pleasure of working at PJ Therapy since September 1990. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to meet so many nice patients over the years. My husband, Todd, and I live in Bowman. Together, we have four wonderful sons: Brett, Tanner, Matt and Luke. I enjoy cooking and spending lots of time at the ball field with my family. We are members of Deep Creek Baptist Church. I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family and community.

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