About Us
Our mission is to improve lives by helping our patients reach their maximum potential, not only to survive, but to THRIVE.
Thrive Sampson Physical Therapy and Wellness is a private practice that has our community and the patient as the primary focus. We desire to provide services that are in direct response to the needs of our community and our mission is to enhance lives and return people to their maximum potential so that they can not just survive, but THRIVE in life.
Meet the Team
We wish to offer services that focus on addressing your current impairments, preventing future impairments, and promoting healthy habits of living to assist each individual patient in enjoying their life more fully, thriving and not just surviving.
It is important to us to create a happy, healthy, and warm environment for everyone, placing the patient, and our community at the forefront of what we do. Our goal is to provide best personalized patient care and provide education and resources to help our community to thrive.
Leah Palmer Aycock, PT, DPT
Dr. Leah was born and raised in Clinton, NC. Even after moving away for some time after college, Leah fell in love with the people and the inviting community of Sampson County. So much so that she and her husband decided to settle in Clinton, NC, and call it their home as well.
Leah received a Bachelor of Science in Dance Science and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography & Performance from Elon University. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University and then came back home to Clinton where she worked as a Physical Therapist at Sampson Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation for 5 years.
Leah has always had a true passion for people and helping them reach their optimal self. Throughout her practice, she has enjoyed seeing a variety of patient diagnoses from pediatrics to geriatrics and enjoys the challenge of being able to see anyone who walks in the door with any type of pain or impairment.
In her spare time, Leah enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason and their 2 year old daughter, Palmer. She enjoys spending time outside, gardening, working in the yard, and spending quality time with her family near and far.
Melissa Whaley, PT, DPT
Dr. Melissa was born in Riegelwood, NC. She received her B.A. in Exercise and Sport Science from UNC Chapel Hill and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Campbell University. She moved to Clinton and got married to her husband, Nathan, in 2024 and has been a member of the THRIVE team ever since.
Her favorite part of being a physical therapist is helping people get back to doing the activities they enjoy most. She enjoys treating patients of all ages but particularly enjoys working with athletes and the geriatric population. She especially enjoys treating orthopedic conditions and vestibular disorders. Outside of work, Melissa can be found playing volleyball, at a ballgame with her husband, or at the beach.
Carrington Anderson, PTA
Carrington is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Campbell University and Physical Therapist Assistant from Fayetteville Technical Community College. With a heart for helping others, Carrington enjoys working with patients of all ages—from pediatrics to geriatrics—treating a wide range of diagnoses and building meaningful relationships along the way. Carrington is committed to supporting her patients on their journey to better health and mobility.
Outside the clinic, Carrington loves spending time with her husband, Josh, and their daughter, Lily. Together, they serve in worship and production at their church. She also enjoys relaxing with friends and family and embracing the joy of everyday life.
Greg Beddingfield, PTA
Greg Beddingfield was born in Raleigh NC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from UNCW and then an ACL tear and repair motivated him to earn his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant from Nash Community College. He has worked in a variety of settings and specialties including neuro, orthopedics, concussion recovery, and sports rehab.
Greg was brought to Clinton by his wife, Logan, who was born and raised right here. Outside of work he can be found enjoying a sporting event, trying a new restaurant, performing in local theatre, and playing with their two children, Jonah and Arden. Greg has a passion for building relationships and seeing people get back to being themselves after injury.
Bethany Williams - Office Manager
Bethany has been with us since Day 1 and is a bright light in our office, ensuring you have a positive experience from start to finish. As our Office Manager, she is involved in each step of your therapy experience and can direct you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Bethany went to our own Sampson Community College where she studied General Occupational Technology. What she enjoys most about her job is witnessing our patients overcome obstacles and transform to their best self. “I also love our Thrive team and the positive environment I get to be a part of on a daily basis.” When she is not in the office she loves being a new mom and spending time with her son Hayden, taking him swimming and going on new adventures together. She is also an active member of her church, Mt. Gilead Baptist. She also enjoys getting her nails done, shopping, her two chihuahuas, hanging out with friends, family and her sweet nephew Wesley.
Ana Foday - Billing & Insurance Specialist
Ana Foday was born in Los Angeles California and raised in Northern Virginia. She has been working in the field of physical therapy since 2011 and earned her medical and coding certification from NC State. With years of hands-on experience, Ana is passionate about helping patients navigate the complexities of insurance and ensuring that insurance never becomes the barrier to receiving quality care. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, taking outdoor walks, watching documentaries, and listening to her favorite podcasts.
Proudly Serving Sampson County and Surrounding Areas