Gruene

Marcy received her Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant while in the air force. During her 20 years serving, she also completed an Associate of Applied Science in Avionics Systems Technology.

Throughout the course of her career, Marcy has had the opportunity to develop her skills in a variety of venues, including deployment in support of a contingency during Operation Desert Storm, outpatient orthopedics, wound care, pediatrics, and sports medicine. She continues to be passionate about making a positive impact on her patient’s lives. In 2017, Marcy achieved a specialized certification in pain neuroscience education in her pursuit to help others living with persistent pain. She is currently advancing her skills by seeking to attain a specialty certification in orthopedics and manual lymphatic drainage.

Marcy met her husband Jeff while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Over the years, they were blessed with four wonderful children. In her downtime, Marcy enjoys spending time with family, interval training, yoga, listening to music, and participation in church and outdoor activities.

Dr. Melendez attended the University of Texas at El Paso where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2010 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2012. He became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) in 2015. He also became a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2019.

Dr. Melendez enjoys using his education to treat patients of all backgrounds, but especially loves treating lower back pain, neck, and shoulder pain. He takes special interest in pain neuroscience education and manual therapy interventions. Dr. Melendez finds it rewarding to help his patients enjoy their lives without persistent pain.

When not in the clinic, Dr. Melendez enjoys spending time with his wife Elena. They love being active and can often be found outdoors camping, hiking, and traveling. Mexico is their favorite travel destination, but when they’re at home they enjoy searching for the best restaurants in New Braunfels. The couple never misses a chance to visit their hometown – El Paso, Texas.

Alexandra is the Clinic Director at the New Braunfels location.

Alexandra (Ali) Higgins earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). Prior to UIW, she graduated from Vassar College with her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Behavior and a correlate sequence in Religious Studies. She completed her orthopedic residency through Evidence In Motion in 2017 and became a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) in 2018. She has also completed a certification in neurologic clinic practice through NeuroRTI.

Dr. Higgins enjoys working with orthopedic patients of all ages with a particular interest in addressing neurological related pathologies.

A former collegiate basketball and soccer player, Ali participated in two NCAA basketball tournaments and a combined four conference championships. She is currently the only athlete in Vassar’s history to start in conference championships in two different sports. She continues to stay active through Crossfit and enjoys hanging out with her dog, Georgie.

Dr. Tyler J. Tracy earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Texas State University. After graduation, he worked as a government investigator for several years before pursuing a career in physical therapy. He later attended graduate school at Texas State University and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy. He is currently furthering his education in the Manual Therapy Certification program through Evidence in Motion and is working toward becoming an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS).

Tyler believes that the best healthcare is delivered relationally and that ideal treatment is both evidence based and individualized to each client’s unique, functional goals. He has a passion for people, and strives to create a therapeutic alliance with each client he serves.

Tyler’s wife, Carissa, is also a physical therapist who practices in the pediatric setting. Together, they have been blessed with two beautiful children, Jonah and April. Tyler is an avid sports fan, a terrible golfer, and a travel junkie.