Our Staff

Jonathan Cole, DPT, CEO

Dr. Jonathan Cole, DPT, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University. His research on comparing the force production of joints in the lower extremities while running at a steady pace versus accelerating or decelerating was published in the Journal of Applied Biomechanics. After working in the clinical setting for eight years, Dr. Cole became the clinic director of Appalachian Physical Therapy – Pinehurst. In June of 2024, he purchased the clinic with his wife, Felicity, and founded Paragon Physical Therapy.

Dr. Cole is a dedicated professional with numerous certifications and professional memberships. He is a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist, Certified in Dry Needling with a specialty in Trigger Point Dry Needling, a Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, and a specialist in treating internal dysfunctions and systemic disorders of the human body. He uses a balanced approach to physical therapy, incorporating hands-on treatments and his expertise in biomechanics and kinematics to restore correct movement patterns, improve function, and maximize results for his patients. Dr. Cole has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, North Carolina Chapter, and member of Orthopaedic and Sports sections since 2010.

Dr. Cole is a local advocate for the profession of physical therapy, frequently giving presentations and seminars on various topics to our local community and at the clinic to help educate the public on what physical therapy is, how it can improve our national healthcare system, and the importance of preventative care. If you wish for Dr. Cole to present on a topic to your local community, do not hesitate to ask!

Continuing Education

Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation Level I: Treatment for common biomechanical dysfunctions including painful musculoskeletal movements, tendinopathies, neck and back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and many others.

Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation Level II: Treatment for complex movement disorders, nerve entrapments, proprioceptive disorders, joint pain at rest or in static positions such as when driving, prolonged sitting or standing, or pain when lying in bed, and other complex musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation Level III: Treatment for internal dysfunctions including musculoskeletal pain related to the visceral structures and organs, widespread pain in multiple areas of the body, pain that has not been resolved with traditional medical and physical therapy treatments, conditions that cannot be explained through medical investigations, and dysfunctions of the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, endocrine, and hemapoetic disorders as they relate to the human fascial system.

Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation Level IV: Treatment of autonomic dysfunction via the external systems in the superfiscial fascia and internal systems related to internal, insertional, and visceral fasciae. This includes the lymphatic and immune system, adipose and metabolic systems, and cutaneous and thermoregulatory systems.

Myopain Seminars Dry Needling levels 1-5: Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist. Accomplished learning dry needling treatments to treat myofascial trigger points in all musculature of the body, including extremities, head/jaw/face, neck and the trunk.

Structure and Function Dry Needling to incorporate static dry needling to augment inflammatory and healing processes, and neuropathic dry needling to diminish neuropathic pain.

Vestibular rehabilitation specialty courses to treat benign positioning vertigo (BPV), peripheral vestibular dysfunction (damage or pathology to the inner ear), and central vestibular dysfunction (vertigo caused by injury to the central nervous system).

Felicity Cole, AAS

Felicity Cole is the dedicated practice administrator and co-owner of Paragon Physical Therapy. She began her journey in the medical field in 2012, working as a transcriptionist at Appalachian Physical Therapy. She furthered her education by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Administration from Sandhills Community College in 2013.

Felicity’s career includes valuable experience as an office manager in Bluffton, South Carolina, where she worked in both chiropractic and physical therapy offices. In 2019, she returned to Appalachian Physical Therapy as an office manager. In June 2024, she and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Cole, DPT, purchased the clinic and transformed it into Paragon Physical Therapy.

In her current role, Felicity focuses on human resources, insurance verification, and maintaining patient records in the electronic medical records (EMR) system. Her attention to detail and organizational skills ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.

Outside of work, Felicity enjoys spending time with her dogs, engaging in arts and crafts, and gardening. Her diverse interests and professional expertise make her an integral part of the Paragon Physical Therapy team.

Brooks Brady, DPT, ATC

Dr. Brooks Brady earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from James Madison University, where she graduated in 2001 and continues to be a licensed Certified Athletic Trainer. Dr. Brady then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2009, graduating Magna cum Laude. During her academic career, she received several prestigious awards, including the Physical Therapy Scholarship for Excellence.

Dr. Brady brings a wealth of experience to Paragon Physical Therapy as an original PT that transitioned from Appalachian Physical Therapy, having joined the team in May, 2020.

Dr. Brady is a dedicated professional with numerous certifications and memberships. She is certified in dry needling, LSVT BIG, and has been a licensed physical therapist in North Carolina since 2011. She is also a long-standing member of the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association and the APTA, and has been a certified athletic trainer since 2001. Her commitment to continuous education is evident through her extensive list of continuing education courses, including advanced dry needling, Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation, and concussion management.

Dr. Brady has contributed to the field through her publication on functional mobility assessment for children and adolescents with lower extremity amputations in Pediatric Physical Therapy. She has also been a guest speaker at the Women of the Pines health symposium and actively participates in community service.

At Paragon Physical Therapy, Dr. Brady utilizes her diverse skill set and extensive experience to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care, helping patients restore movement patterns, improve function, and achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Continuing Education

LSVT/BIG Certification: research-based approach to treating Parkinsons Disease in order to improve and maintain mobility and function.

Titelist Performance Institute: Biomechanical and medical approach for assessing and improving golf-specific mechanics.

Structure and Function Dry Needling: trigger point dry needling, static dry needling to augment inflammatory and healing processes, and neuropathic dry needling to diminish neuropathic pain.

Jennifer Smith, PT

Jennifer Smith, PT, brings 26 years of experience as a physical therapist to Paragon Physical Therapy, where she has been a valuable team member since joining the team prior to the transition from Appalachian Physical Therapy in September of 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Vermont in 1998.

Jennifer has a rich professional background, having owned and operated her solo practice, Progressive Physical Therapy in Bennington, Vermont, from 2010 to July 2023. Jen then relocated to NC with her family where she now works at Paragon on a part-time basis. She specializes in chronic pain assessment and treatment, following the principles of the biopsychosocial model, and has a keen interest in women’s pelvic health.

At Paragon Physical Therapy, Jennifer continues to offer her expertise, evaluating and treating a variety of diagnoses, with a focus on chronic pain and women’s pelvic floor dysfunction. She integrates a comprehensive approach to each client incorporating an advanced and multi-faceted approach to establish confidence throughout their healing process.

Jennifer is committed to professional development and has pursued extensive continuing education, including courses from the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, Beyond Pain Education, and Hermann & Wallace for pelvic floor therapy, making her a highly skilled and dedicated member of the Paragon Physical Therapy team.

Continuing Education

Structure and Function Dry Needling: trigger point dry needling, static dry needling to augment inflammatory and healing processes, and neuropathic dry needling to diminish neuropathic pain.

Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor levels I and II for treatment of Women’s pelvic pain, incontinence, and pain during intercourse.

2021, 2019: Attended Beyond Pain Education seminars. Attended the 2021 Psychophysiologic Disorders Association conference.

Linden Daiss, DPT

Dr. Linden Daiss earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Taylor University in Indiana. She then pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Augusta University in Georgia.

Dr. Daiss transitioned to Paragon Physical Therapy from Appalachian Physical Therapy, where she joined the team in 2019. She brings a wealth of clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics, providing comprehensive care to her patients.

Her commitment to professional development is demonstrated through her continuing education, which includes specialized training in Strength and Conditioning, Women’s Pelvic Health, and the Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation levels I and II. Additionally, Dr. Daiss has completed advanced Dry Needling courses through Myopain Seminars and Structure and Function.

At Paragon Physical Therapy, Dr. Daiss utilizes her diverse skill set and extensive training to deliver patient-centered care, helping individuals restore movement, improve function, and achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Continuing Education

Stecco Method Fascial Manipulation Level II:Treatment for complex movement disorders, nerve entrapments, proprioceptive disorders, joint pain at rest or in static positions such as when driving, prolonged sitting or standing, or pain when lying in bed, and other complex musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Myopain Seminars and Structure and Function Dry Needling: trigger point dry needling, static dry needling to augment inflammatory and healing processes, and neuropathic dry needling to diminish neuropathic pain.

Barbell Rehab Method: optimizing barbell lifts and addressing pain through a comprehensive 4-step framework. This training enhances her ability to support active individuals, allowing them to stay engaged in exercise while managing pain and progressing toward full function.

Sammie, Director of Smiles

Sammie, our delightful Husky Mix, has been part of our clinic since 2020. He has a big heart and an even bigger personality. Sammie’s role as Director of Smiles involves brightening everyone’s day with his playful antics and endearing charm. His favorite activities include chasing toys and cozying up in his bed.

Jet, Chief Play Officer

Jet is a lively Poodle mix (yes, we are surprised too!) who joined us in 2024. As the Chief Play Officer, Jet is always ready for a game of fetch or a playful run. His energetic personality and boundless enthusiasm make him a favorite among our patients. Jet loves to meet new people and never misses an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face.

Ellie, Director of Serenity

Ellie, our gentle Golden Retriever, has been with Paragon Physical Therapy since 2023. She excels in her role as Director of Serenity, providing a calming presence to everyone she meets. Ellie is especially skilled at comforting those who may feel anxious or stressed, offering a gentle nuzzle or a soft cuddle to help ease their worries.

Maggie, Chief Cuddle Officer

Maggie, a sweet and affectionate Golden Mix, joined our team in 2023. As the Chief Cuddle Officer, Maggie’s specialty is snuggling. She has an innate ability to sense when someone needs extra comfort and is always ready with a warm hug. Maggie’s loving nature makes her a hit with patients of all ages, particularly those undergoing longer treatments.