Steady Strides

Expert Physiatric Care in Baltimore

Steady Strides is a leading medical institute specializing in fall prevention care and stroke rehabilitation. Steady Strides is the nation’s premier comprehensive medical institute for fall prevention. We provide physiatric medical care in outpatient clinics, as well as at nursing homes and adult daycare facilities.

Your Wellness, Our Priority

Physiatrists adapt a ‘whole person approach’ to medical care, collaborating closely with physician colleagues to restore or maximize patient independence. Physiatrists commonly work in outpatient or inpatient settings leading interdisciplinary teams comprising nurses, therapists (physical, occupational, and speech) and social workers.

OUR CLINICAL CARE

Following a fall or stroke, finding all your answers in one place can be challenging. Both fall prevention care and stroke rehabilitation require expertise in medical complexities and functional impairments. At Steady Strides, this is our core focus and specialty.

Our team recognizes that these services extend beyond safety; they're about restoring independence and enabling you to pursue your passions without relying on others. Our mission is to facilitate painless, compassionate, and efficient progress toward your goals.

In a nurturing environment, we prioritize patient education alongside comprehensive care. We recognize that many individuals harbor anxieties about medical treatment, which is why we've meticulously crafted a calming atmosphere and implemented a streamlined scheduling system to ensure minimal wait times. By seamlessly integrating the latest technological advancements with proven traditional techniques, we provide our patients with the finest care in Maryland.

From Assessment to Action

We combine a comprehensive, evidence-based approach with expertise in the biomechanics of human movement to accomplish two key objectives:

1) Diagnose and Prioritize: Our approach enables us to accurately diagnose and prioritize each patient's individual medical and functional impairments.

2) Customized Recovery Planning: Leveraging our understanding of biomechanics and the patient's bio-psycho-social environment, we craft personalized recovery and management plans tailored to their unique needs. This process typically unfolds within one or two visits.

Your Journey, Our Guidance

Every patient undergoes a personalized planning process, wherein strategies are meticulously tailored to their medical history, lifestyle, movement patterns, and daily activities.

Our protocol involves collaborative goal-setting with both you and your family, ensuring that each objective is clearly identified and actively pursued. As the lead physicians overseeing your recovery journey, we take proactive steps to guide you back to mobility and independence.

 OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

OUR CORE VALUES

MEET OUR TEAM

Dr. Atanelov, MD, MS

Founder, CEO & Rehab Physician

Dr. Atanelov specializes in fall prevention, stroke rehabilitation and spasticity management. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Cybernetics and his Masters of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles. Subsequently, he pursued studies in Jewish Medical Ethics and Talmud at the Heiden Institute in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Atanelov completed his medical training at the University of California, San Diego Medical School and underwent residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Following his residency he was recruited to stay on as a full time faculty member with the Johns Hopkins Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). During his tenure, he served as Assistant Program Director, overseeing the training of PM&R physician residents. Additionally, he assumed the role of Director of the PM&R Multidisciplinary Fall Prevention Program at Johns Hopkins. Presently, Dr. Atanelov dedicates the majority of his clinical practice to serving as Medical Director at Steady Strides.

Committed to advancing medical quality, Dr. Atanelov authored the widely acclaimed "Resident's Handbook of Medical Quality and Safety," which garnered significant recognition within the medical community, with 12,000 downloads in its first year of publication. He is particularly passionate about promoting a multidisciplinary approach to fall prevention care, ensuring patients receive the most comprehensive, modern medical interventions available.

Actively engaged in furthering the field, Dr. Atanelov is a member of the State of Maryland Falls Free Coalition, where he played a pivotal role in developing an inter-professional care model for patients at risk of falls in Maryland. A sought-after public speaker and educator, he shares his expertise with both lay audiences and medical professionals on the critical topic of preventing falls in the elderly. Dr. Atanelov remains actively involved in academic research focused on fall prevention, contributing to ongoing advancements in the field.

Languages: English, Russian, Georgian, Spanish, Hebrew.

Amy (Aidel) Cooperman

OT

Mrs. Amy Cooperman brings 26 years of extensive experience as an Occupational Therapist to our practice. She holds a bachelor's degree in art and psychology from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. Amy's esteemed career spans diverse settings, including schools, prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, and residential facilities, where she worked with individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Additionally, she operates a private practice focusing on clients within the autism spectrum.

Amy's approach combines her profound understanding of her clients' needs with a fervent commitment to employing the most innovative and effective interventions available. When conventional methods fall short, Amy's ingenuity shines as she develops new interventions tailored to individual requirements. She has also gained recognition for her entrepreneurial spirit, having created and marketed therapeutic products both nationally and internationally.

Certified in Sensory Integration (SIPT Certification) and as a "Stepping On" Fall Prevention leader, Amy is dedicated to advancing her field. Her groundbreaking contributions to Occupational Therapy are showcased in various publications, including articles in Icare4autism, WhereWhatWhen, and Tachlis Magazine, as well as video profiles on Facebook. Amy's multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication make her a respected leader and innovator in the field of Occupational Therapy.

Maddie Sales

OT

Since joining Steady Strides in July 2023, Maddie finds immense fulfillment in witnessing patients surpass their goals and achieve success. With a Master’s Degree from Towson University, she worked extensively with diverse conditions, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychological issues, across all age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics. Additionally, Maddie obtained certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation training.

At Steady Strides, Maddie’s focus has been on advancing within the profession, particularly in rehabilitation processes, with a special emphasis on fall prevention, stroke rehabilitation, and geriatrics. Beyond enhancing safety and longevity, her priority lies in infusing the rehabilitation journey with enjoyment and excitement for patients as they step into the clinic. Whether teaching individuals to enhance their activities of daily living, demonstrating improved methods for navigating their homes and communities, or instilling safety practices, Maddie’s commitment remains, ensuring that patients eagerly anticipate enriching their lives and achieving previously unforeseen goals.

Chana Weingarden

OTA

Chana graduated from Keiser University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, earning her certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Since settling in Baltimore in 2014, she is deeply committed to serving this vibrant community. Chana's journey in Occupational Therapy is rich and varied, encompassing a broad spectrum of settings. She started her career in skilled nursing facilities, home health, and transitional care units, gaining invaluable experience along the way. Chana is particularly passionate about fall prevention, instilling confidence, and empowering her patients to develop trust in their bodies.

Tammy Brady

PTA

Tammy, a seasoned Physical Therapist Assistant, boasts over 20 years of invaluable experience within the healthcare field. Her professional journey commenced as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant at a local nursing home in Carroll County, where she developed a deep-seated dedication to aiding others in need. It was during her tenure at Carroll Hospital Center that Tammy resolved to further her education, enrolling in Carroll Community College to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. In 2006, she successfully graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, attaining an associate degree in applied science.

Since obtaining her degree, Tammy has embarked on a multifaceted career, showcasing her skills across a diverse array of therapy settings, including skilled nursing, assisted living, home health, and outpatient facilities. She has honed her expertise in the LSVT Big program, a specialized treatment modality tailored to individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Tammy finds fulfillment in her role as a grandparent, cherishing the time spent babysitting her three grandchildren. Additionally, she relishes moments with her husband, six children, and three canine companions. Tammy's interests extend to various outdoor activities, including travel, hiking, and golfing, enriching her life outside of the healthcare realm.

Jennifer Turner

PT, DPT

Jennifer Turner is a highly skilled physical therapist with 17 years of clinical expertise, specializing in the treatment of vestibular dysfunction, orthopedics, and geriatrics. Jennifer's academic journey began at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she pursued psychology while also excelling as a member of the Retrievers NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer team, graduating in 2002. Continuing her education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Jennifer graduated with honors in 2006.

Her professional career commenced at an independent outpatient physical therapy practice and acute inpatient hospital-based practice at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. Jennifer then transitioned to a full outpatient care setting and assumed the role of clinical director at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers. Here, she attained her Level III Balance Master Certification and was recognized for her patient success stories, earning an invitation to present at their national convention.

Presently, Jennifer serves as the Clinic Director and physical therapist at Steady Strides, where she is dedicated to optimizing patient function, safety, and independence, fostering a life free from the fear of falls.