Meet the Core Essentials Team!

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Jessica Grochowsky
PT,DPT,MTC,CLT,CMTPT
CEO, CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Jess is a highly skilled Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced certifications in Manual Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, Oncological Rehabilitation, and Dry Needling. Specializing in Breast Cancer Recovery and complex musculoskeletal disorders, she is deeply committed to helping patients reclaim their lives through comprehensive care. She begins each treatment plan with a full biomechanical analysis and a thorough differential diagnosis to establish an individualized and effective plan of care. Dr. Jess is a passionate advocate for helping others achieve the best quality of life and enjoy an active Florida lifestyle. Whether it’s assisting runners and athletes to return to or stay in their sport, helping those in pain regain their mobility, or guiding patients through functional recovery after a cancer diagnosis, she is dedicated to making a positive impact. As a mother of two, she understands the challenges of post-partum life and is committed to assisting fellow moms in their journey to regain strength and vitality. Her holistic approach and personal experience make her an empathetic and effective therapist, devoted to the health and wellness of her patients.

Lisa Baxter
CEO, CO-FOUNDER

John Propes
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING &
CLIENT RELATIONS

John is a proficient communicator with experience in emergency response, dispatch, public relations, retail, and nonprofits. He excels in conflict resolution, customer engagement, and team leadership, consistently surpassing goals and optimizing operations across retail and office environments. With expertise in office management, scheduling, and workflow efficiency, he ensures smooth day-to-day operations while maintaining professionalism under pressure.As a Director of Marketing, John combines his entrepreneurial drive with skills in branding, content creation, and audience engagement. His experience in videography, video editing, and social media strategy allows him to create compelling digital content that enhances visibility and impact. A successful small business owner and event coordinator, he manages budgets, plans seamless events, and fosters strategic partnerships. John’s ability to collaborate across organizations helps him develop effective solutions and deliver quality programs for youth and community initiatives. Whether leading teams, producing digital content, or managing operations, his leadership and problem-solving skills drive success.

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Alecia Caraciolo
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

Alecia, a Jacksonville native, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for health and wellness to her practice. An alumna of Bishop John J. Snyder High School, Alecia cultivated her interest in sports and rehabilitation early on. Committed to serving her local community, she pursued higher education at the University of North Florida (UNF), earning a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. This foundational education in human movement and physical fitness propelled her to further her expertise at Keiser University, where she excelled and earned her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).Alecia has been an integral part of Dr. Jess's team for over five years. Through this collaboration, she has gained extensive experience in delivering patient-centered care and has honed her skills in various therapeutic techniques. Working closely with Dr. Jess, Alecia has developed a comprehensive approach to physical therapy that combines advanced methodologies with a personalized touch, ensuring optimal outcomes for her patients. A seasoned dance enthusiast, Alecia is particularly passionate about working with dancers of all ages. She is dedicated to ensuring that preventive measures are taken to avoid injuries and to help dancers maintain peak physical condition. Her unique understanding of the physical demands of dance allows her to provide specialized care that addresses the specific needs of dancers, helping them to achieve their full potential while minimizing the risk of injury. In addition to her professional achievements, Alecia is a proud and dedicated new mother. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with her career, she brings a unique perspective and empathetic approach to her work, understanding the diverse needs of her patients. Alecia’s ability to harmonize her professional and personal life is a testament to her resilience and dedication. With a robust background in exercise science and physical therapy, Alecia is devoted to helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals, whether they are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving to enhance their overall fitness. Her commitment to her family and community is reflected in her compassionate and supportive care, making her a valued asset to the Jacksonville community.

Alex Negad
PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Alex Negad, PT, is a passionate and dedicated physical therapist committed to helping individuals regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life through personalized, evidence-based care. Known for his compassionate approach and relentless pursuit of excellence, Alex combines clinical expertise with a deep belief in the power of human resilience. He draws daily inspiration from his family—his wife, a scientist devoted to space research, and his child, a recent Georgia State University graduate in computer science. Outside the clinic, Alex stays active on the soccer field, enjoys learning new skills, and cherishes time with loved ones. Whether guiding a patient through recovery or exploring new ways to grow, Alex brings heart, knowledge, and a steady hand to everything he does.

Neisha Charles
RECEPTIONIST

Neisha is the welcoming face of Core Essentials Physical Therapy & Wellness on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ensuring every client has a smooth and positive experience from the moment they walk in. As a first-year college student at FSCJ studying to become a Radiology Technician, she is passionate about healthcare and helping others. Outside of work, Neisha loves exploring new cities, shopping with friends, and discovering the best cat cafés. She also enjoys creative hobbies like jewelry making and collecting stickers and small trinkets. Her friendly personality and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of the Core Essentials team.