Our Mission

"The Centers' mission is to give
personalized treatment, care
and encouragement to our
patients and gym clients so
they can feel better and
achieve their optimal levels of
fitness and function.”

Brendan Sullivan, Owner

Empire Health & Wellness Center

Brendan Sullivan - Owner, PT, CSCS

Brendan began practicing physical therapy in 1997 after earning his degree from Utica College of Syracuse University.  Shortly after graduation, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  Brendan is an adjunct faculty member with Albany Medical College and started Empire Health & Wellness Center in 2000.  He is an Albany native who enjoys exercise, snowboarding and boxing fitness in his free time.

 Areas of Clinical Expertise

       • Vestibular Rehabilitation & Balance Training

       • Sports Physical Therapy & Sport Specific Training
       • Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment

Gretchen Milanese - MSPT

Gretchen received her MSPT, Master of Science in Physical Therapy, from Springfield College and earned a Certificate in Healthcare Management from SUNY Brockport. She has taken professional development coursework to enhance treatment techniques for shoulder, knee and spinal conditions. A native of Oswego, NY, Gretchen was inspired to enter the profession after spending considerable time with the athletes her father trained as a soccer coach.

  Areas of Clinical Expertise

       • Women's Health
       • Manual Physical Therapy
       • Gait Training & Fall Prevention

William Milhizer - DPT

Bill completed his undergraduate degree at SUNY Oneonta and received his DPT, Doctorate in Physical Therapy, from Sage Graduate School. While in graduate school, Bill provided fitness services as a staff member at Empire Health & Wellness Center. Now, he is enjoying a rewarding physical therapy career that allows him to make a difference in people’s lives.

  Areas of Clinical Expertise

       • Orthopedic Physical Therapy
       • Workplace Wellness
       • Personal Fitness Training

Betty is a our Office Manager and a graduate of Hunter College. Prior to joining Empire Health & Wellness Center, she was an admissions coordinator at Albany Medical College for 13 years. She enjoys gardening and trading recipes with patients and clients. Those who have attended the Member Appreciation Open Houses have enjoyed some of her delicious and nutritious food.

Lorraine is our Billing Specialist and works as a liaison with patients’ insurance companies. Her expertise helps patients to optimally utilize their insurance benefits and ensures that all necessary paperwork is submitted. This frees patients to focus on their treatments.

Judy is our Appointment Coordinator. As our patient/client liaison, she works diligently to accommodate patients’ requests. She cheerfully answers the phones, schedules appointments, acquaints new patients/clients with our facility and does myriad other tasks at the front desk. Judy loves spending time with her teenage daughter and enjoys equestrian sports.