North Charleston Team

Ross Curnett, DPT, OMT-C, Clinical Director

A Rhode Island native, Ross migrated south to Charleston, SC in 2001 to pursue a B.S. in Exercise Science at the College of Charleston. After graduation in 2005, he enrolled at the Medical University of South Carolina and earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2008 and in addition, he earned a Orthopedic Manual Therapy certificate from MUSC in 2013.

In 2010, Ross’s long time dream and vision came to life with the birth of Atlas Physical Therapy in Summerville, SC. Since its inception, Atlas has grown to 3 locations in the lowcountry and proudly strives to be the leader in outpatient therapy services.

Ross is the lead physical therapist and clinical director of the North Charleston clinic and specializes outpatient orthopedics with special interests in manual therapy with emphasis on spinal manipulation and trigger point dry needling.

Ross also has considerable experience with post operative shoulder and knee rehab and has observed multiple surgical procedures (rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction and general shoulder / knee arthroscopy)

Ross spends his free time enjoying an active lowcountry life with his wife Jamie, two boys Chase & Elias, and their dog Izzy. Life is good!

Diane O’Brien, PTA

Diane grew up in Long Island, New York and earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education at L.I. University Southampton Campus. In 1994 she and her husband relocated to Charleston to escape the brutal winters up north.

Growing up Diane was very active in sports. She began playing soccer when she was 10 years old. She received a college scholarship to play for Southampton College. Currently, she is still active playing soccer & has played in the adult league for the City of Charleston for 23 years. Diane’s interest in sports medicine sparked when her mom underwent physical therapy for adhesive capsulitis. In 1994, Diane sustained an injury while playing soccer & had to undergo ACL reconstruction. Her experience in postoperative rehabilitation convinced her to pursue a career in sports medicine.

In 2001, she earned an associate’s degree as a physical therapist assistant from Trident Technical College and has been working in the outpatient setting for over 20 years. She joined the Atlas team in 2011. She enjoys working with patients through the rehabilitation process & helping them to reach their recreational, sport, & functional goals.

Diane currently lives in West Ashley with her husband & 2 dogs. She enjoys being outdoors, camping & going to the beach.

Stephen McGuigan, PTA

A South Carolina native, Stephen grew up in Columbia, South Carolina with his mother, father, and twin brother, Mark. He moved to Charleston in 2005 where he completed his Bachelors of Art in Biology at The College of Charleston in 2009.

After graduation, Stephen enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Trident Technical College earning summa cum laude praise upon completion of his Associate’s in Health Science.
Stephen joined the Atlas Physical Therapy team in 2015 where he enjoys the fast past environment focusing on post-surgical shoulder, knee, and hip rehabilitation.

In his free time, Stephen enjoys the Charleston lifestyle with his wife Leander, daughter Cora, son Walker and their Pitbull mix Camden. He has involved himself in many projects for their new home located in Hanahan, South Carolina and enjoys to spend time at the beach, exercising, and sporting events.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Ninneman, DPT

A Midwest native, Lizzy grew up in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska before attending Marquette University in Milwaukee for college. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. She continued at Marquette for graduate studies and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy in Spring 2023 .

A lifelong athlete, Lizzy enjoys being active and playing sports; she especially enjoys soccer and basketball. These interests led her to the PT profession and her specialization in outpatient orthopedics and sports rehab. Lizzy has experience in treating low back pain and post surgical rehab, specifically knee and shoulders.

I’m her free time, Lizzy enjoys going to the beach, playing soccer, trying new restaurants (she loves recommendations!) and exploring the rich history of Charleston.