The mission of Iron City Physical Therapy is to help you lead a healthy, abundant life. Read on to learn more about our staff.
Deborah Lechner, PT, MS, President of ErgoScience/Iron City Physical Therapy
As founder and President of ErgoScience, Inc. and Iron City Physical Therapy, Deborah has extensive experience in physical therapy, functional evaluations, job analysis, post-offer screening, impairment rating and onsite therapy.
Her work has been published in the national and international journals. Deborah is often a speaker at conferences for Healthcare, Safety and Case Management professionals.
Justin Shepherd, PT, CIMT, CEAS, Vice President of Operation and Director of National Clinical Services
Justin has a strong background in the treatment of orthopedic and work-related injuries. In addition, his considerable experience in physical therapy management and clinical teaching makes him a valuable leader of the Iron City Physical Therapy team. His intuitive and personable leadership style, and vast clinical experience help keep our clinics running smoothly. His passion for top quality care and sincere compassion for patients from all backgrounds sets a wonderful example for our therapists.
Wil Simpson, DPT PT, DPT, Cert. DN-1
Wil grew up in Birmingham, AL where he has a background in track & field and basketball. He attended Auburn University and obtained a degree in Exercise Science in 2020. Following Auburn, he graduated from Samford's Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2023. He currently holds a dry needling certification and is pursuing a certification in Pilates. He is certified in the ErgoScience PWPE. Wil enjoys a hands-on approach to treating all of his patients and always finds ways to incorporate exercise and strengthening into his treatment sessions. Wil seeks to individually tailor each session and home program to his clients' goals and needs. Pilates Certified
Matt Homan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, Physical Therapist BS in Biomedical Science, Auburn University, (2011) l Doctorate of Physical Therapy, UAB (2015) l Certified in the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation, Certified in Dry Needling
Matt enjoys being a physical therapist because he loves watching the progress of his patients each visit. Being at Iron City Physical Therapy allow him to utilize manual therapy training to treat orthopedic conditions before and even after surgery. He truly enjoys getting to know his patients and spending time with them as they work on their PT goals together. He strives to help them get back to doing the activities they love to do.
Donna Johnston PTA, CEAS, Clinical Specialist PTA License, UAB (1986) | Certified in the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation and AMA Impairment Rating, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist,
Donna joined ICPT in 2009 as the Physical Therapy Coordinator at our worksite clinic at American Cast Iron and Pipe Company. Since then, she has helped grow our worksite clinic and our community-based clinic in the Mountain Brook/Homewood area. Donna has extensive experience treating both orthopedic and neurologic disorders—especially those who have sustained a work-related injury.
She also excels at performing pre-hire Physical Abilities Tests for companies throughout the greater Birmingham area. Regardless of whether an injury occurs at work or at home, Donna helps her patients address the root cause of the problem so the pain is a thing of the past.
Ali Grohoske PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant PTA license, Sinclair University (2006) l Certified in the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation and Post Offer Testing
Ali brings many years of outpatient care to Iron City Physical Therapy. As patient improve, she celebrates with them as their pain lessens and functionality return. She enjoys the positive team atmosphere here, with everyone helping each other and sharing information. Ali is extensivily trained and certified in different treatment and specialty areas, including soft tissue mobilization, multiple joints, and concussions. She works hard to treat patients effectively and support staff members.
