Melissa Buffer, MSPT, CNPT

Melissa, MSPT, CNPT and Founder of the practice has been an orthopedic physical therapist and dance medicine specialist based out of the Boston/Cambridge area since 2006. Before creating the Buffer Trenouth practice, Melissa found, built, and managed a bustling outpatient clinic for a small local company in 2007. She then brought her specialty to a corporate Physical Therapy company through 2019. 

In 2019, Melissa opted to trade in her long hours and intense commute to curate a space geared towards what she is most passionate about: a full body synthesis with a strong anchor in centering the physical body with the brain’s natural intentions. 
Because every body and story is unique, Melissa uses a creative approach to treat the full body in an engaging and collaborative way, from the inside out. Melissa uses a wide range of manual techniques, hands on neuromuscular retraining and re-educating, and a specific corrective exercise prescription to ease movement, balance the body, and reduce pain. She is passionate about restoring optimal alignment, incorporating a full body, multi system approach. She works with clients of all ages and abilities and is very active in the dance and circus communities in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area.

She continues to stay involved with her former dance company, Rainbow Tribe, and is a member of The Boston Dance Alliance and The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. 

Melissa is a regular yoga and pilates student and incorporates these disciplines into her PT practice. Her husband Jason Trenouth is her PT mentor and is also a physical therapist on the Buffer Trenouth team. The two have 2 wonderful daughters together, Anabelle and Rose. 

Ashley Drake Weiss, PT, DPT

Ashley Drake Weiss, is a physical therapist and certified nutritional physical therapist. She believes in developing a holistic view of the patient - rather than just focusing on a single, isolated body part. It is her belief that when we address the root cause of pain or dysfunction, patients are able to heal faster and achieve full, long-lasting results. 

Ashley enjoys curating effective and creative treatment plans that are specifically crafted for each patient based on their goals. By utilizing a hands-on approach, not only in the form of soft tissue mobilization, she is able to promote proper movement patterns and facilitate neuromuscular retraining. Getting to know her patients and being the person to help them reach their goals is what makes her excited to be a PT. 

Her clinical interests also include pregnant and post-partum individuals. 

When not focusing on the body, she loves to cook, bake, practice yoga, and spend time with her husband and toddler.

Jason Trenouth, MSPT

Jason, MSPT, is a lifelong athlete with nearly 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and certified ergonomist. He played elite soccer and national level rugby for many years and “retired” to a fully decorated running career, including multiple marathons.  Jason has worked in almost every type of facility imaginable, from a max-security prison to a 5000 square foot sports clinic. 

His unique experience as an athlete, a physical therapist, as well as a certified ergonomist - combined with his limitless passion for the body, lends to an effective treatment that guides the body back to its most efficient, natural movement. 

Jason combines his compassionate care and unmatched energy to help you identify the root and guide you to a full body restoration in far less time than a typical PT plan.

When not working on the body, Jason is dedicated to his family, his garden and living a healthy lifestyle.

Laura pempkowski, DPT

Laura Pempkowski, is a physical therapist specializing in orthopedics with certifications in vestibular rehab, dry needling, and ergonomics.

With 8 years of experience in outpatient care and backstage clinical rehab, Laura brings expertise in varied patient populations and performing arts. Her personalized approach focuses on identifying stressors, postural deviations, and providing comprehensive care to address aches and pains. Laura emphasizes health literacy and patient education, ensuring clients feel informed and empowered during their PT sessions.

Her kind and upbeat personality creates motivating and compassionate care, making sessions enjoyable, educational, and productive.