Meet The UpCurrentPT Team

  • Dr. Andrew Phillips, PT, DPT, VM-1-4, CS-1

    Doctor of Physical Therapy

    Founder & CEO of UPT

  • Lisa Grangroth

    Patient Care Coordinator & Office Manager

  • Marci Porter, LMBT

    Massage Therapist

Dr. Andrew Phillips, PT, DPT, VM-1-4, CS-1

His Journey:

After a high school sports injury, Andrew (Drew) became enthralled with the healing process during his own Physical Therapy (PT) journey. This led him to pursue various PT positions before opening his own practice. Drew started as a PT Technician in New York, engaged as a PT Clinical/Administrative Manager in Maryland, and served as a PT Marketing Manager in Virginia. Later, Drew attended Neumann University where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. As a licensed PT, he worked in outpatient settings in Pennsylvania followed by North Carolina. While serving in all of these roles, Drew observed limited patient results due to the assembly line practices of traditional PT. His hunger to advance his patient outcomes led him to pioneer a holistic approach to PT which focuses on the interconnectedness of the body, discovering the WHY behind the symptoms, and the implementation of cutting-edge practices. Drew’s specialized approach to PT, which includes Visceral Manipulation and Craniosacral Therapy, has equipped him to resolve patient issues systemically missed by traditional PT practices. Drew’s passion for Physical Therapy and holistic healing through additional therapy modalities has led to outstanding outcomes for his patients who often drive extremely long distances (> 100 miles) for treatment. Drew believes that Physical Therapy should be FUN and is known for bringing about laughter in his patient visits!

Education:

Drew received his:

  • Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science: Pre-Professional at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Neumann University in Aston, PA

Drew continued his learning by completing:

  • Visceral Manipulation (VM) courses through the Barral Institute. He has completed all Visceral Manipulation courses (VM-1, VM-2, VM-3, and VM-4) and is actively pursuing certification in Visceral Manipulation. This therapy best serves patients who struggle with reflux, abdominal pain/cramping/bloating, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, scar tissue restrictions, and more. Drew is passionate about digestion because he believes that disease begins in the gut.

  • Craniosacral Therapy (CS) course through the Upledger Institute. This therapy best serves patients who struggle with headaches and migraines, swallowing difficulties, post-stroke limitations, sinusitis, sleeping disorders, memory deficits due to early-onset Dementia/post-stroke/concussion, vagus nerve limitations/dysautonomia, and more. Drew finds that this hands-on approach is effective in addressing chronic symptoms to significantly improve one’s quality of life.  

Credentials:

  • PT: Licensed Physical Therapist

  • DPT: Doctor of Physical Therapy

  • VM-1: Visceral Manipulation 1 (Abdomen I)

  • VM-2: Visceral Manipulation 2 (Abdomen II)

  • VM-3: Visceral Manipulation 3 (Pelvis)

  • VM-4: Visceral Manipulation 4 (Thorax)

  • CS-1: Craniosacral Therapy 1

Publications:

Drew’s research project entitled “An Evidenced-Based Prescriptive Model for Orthoses or FES for Children with Cerebral Palsy” was published in the Pediatric Physical Therapy Journal and subsequently presented at the Combined Sections Meetings (CSM) for PT.

Get to Know Him:

Drew grew up in Southampton, NY but found his final home here in North Carolina. In his free time, Drew enjoys quality time with his wife Zoie, their son Vander, and the rest of their family and friends. He loves being an active member of his faith community, relaxing on the beach, listening to reggae or informational podcasts, playing pickleball, traveling, fishing, and cooking.

Marci Porter, LMBT

Marci is a skilled and dedicated massage therapist with a passion for enhancing her clients' health and well-being. She began her career in 2004 after graduating from a highly regarded massage program in Michigan. Upon relocating to North Carolina, Marci pursued the rigorous steps required to meet state licensing requirements, reigniting her career with renewed purpose and commitment.

Her expertise spans Swedish, Prenatal, and Thai massage, cultivated through diverse professional experiences in physical therapy and chiropractic offices, private practice, and even with a professional hockey team. Marci is committed to ongoing education and professional growth, ensuring her clients receive the most effective, tailored care possible.

Outside of her practice, Marci enjoys spending time with her family and immersing herself in a good book. She takes pride in being a trusted partner in her clients' wellness journeys, striving to help them achieve optimal health and balance.

Lisa Grangroth

Lisa is a small-town Minnesota native who now calls Wilmington, North Carolina home. Growing up, she dreamed of ocean waves and collecting seashells, never imagining she would one day live in a charming beach town. After high school, following what felt like a clear calling from God, Lisa made a spontaneous move to Wilmington, North Carolina, a decision that proved to be truly life-changing.
Now enjoying life near the coast, Lisa has embraced every moment of her journey in Wilmington and the rhythms of coastal life. Her faith is central to who she is, and she carries a deep love for Jesus, whole-body wellness, and intentional living into every area of her life.

Lisa thrives in supportive roles, keeping days running smoothly, details handled, and creating environments where people feel supported and at ease. Her own healing journey has inspired a deep appreciation for how beautifully God designed the body to heal itself, reinforcing her belief that true health begins with faith, balance, and patience from the inside out.

You’ll often find Lisa soaking up the sun, spending time at the beach, surfing with her local community, reading, prioritizing wellness, and enjoying meaningful time with friends, while striving each day to live with purpose, gratitude, and grace.