The Team
Mike Stella
Owner
It all started when…
I was an injured HS athlete. A once promising local talent…derailed by injury… Knee torn up…athletic future in serious doubt…
I slipped through the cracks in the healthcare system… I went to countless therapists, doctor’s, and alternative health practices looking for an answer as to why I was unable to reach my prior level of performance. Why, despite all my effort, was I still in pain and unable to compete with the pre-injury version of myself. Unfortunately for me, I ended up stuck on the hampster wheel of doctors who didn’t care, chronic pain, poor performance and seemingly no answers…
So I changed paths. A journey to find answers for myself. I went on a mission to be the best sports medicine practitioner I could be. On a mission to heal as many people as I can with my head, my hands, and my heart. So that no athlete or active person would ever suffer the same fate. Not on my watch.
The Movement Underground is built by athletes, for athletes, to give you a ONE STOP SHOP for all things performance rehab, training, and recovery! Our highly trained team, and network of the best providers in the area, makes sure that you get the best possible outcome. Whether you are a competitive athlete, or someone who simply wants to reclaim their body. The only way to do that is for us to TEACH YOU.
It is my sincerest hope that once you’ve given us a try, we will EARN your trust, and be in your corner for life.
Let’s do this. Together… We can BE UNBREAKABLE.
-Mike Stella
Brian Harder
BS, ATC, PES, FRCms
Brian is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) as well as a Sports Performance Coach (PES), and Corrective Exercise Specialist certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Currently, he serves as the Clinical Director for The Movement Underground, assisting Mike in all facets of staff education, and ensuring the team is on the cutting edge of sports medicine and performance training. He is a Hofstra University graduate in Athletic Training and sports medicine, and has spent over 10 years in the fitness industry with a wide variety of clients from high school/college athletes to adult recreation enthusiasts. Brian’s aim is to always understand you, your goals, and how best he can share his knowledge to guide you in your movement journey. In addition to a wide variety of Manual Therapy skills, honed under Mike Stella’s tutelage, he is an expert mobility coach, holding advanced certifications in Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) and Kinstretch.
Anthony Pranzo
LMT, CPT, FRCms
Anthony Pranzo is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Personal Trainer with an expertise in Myofascial Release Techniques and Mobility training. Anthony began his career in Massage and Movement as a frustrated high school baseball player who suffered a UCL Tear needing Tommy John Surgery. Throughout the rehab process, and dealing with loss of mobility and chronic pain, Anthony began to think…”There has to be a better way to help athletes and people move and feel better.” He enrolled in massage school, and sought out an internship with Mike Stella, years before The Movement Underground was born nearly a decade ago. Since then, Anthony has become one of the best bodyworkers and mobility coaches on Long Island, with a deep understanding of movement, and arsenal of manual therapy techniques at his disposal, if there is a way to progress someone, Anthony knows how to do it. Don’t ever let pain or poor mobility stand in the way of your goals. Schedule some time on Anthony’s table, and with some coaching and guidance, you will feel and move the best you ever have. In his free time, you can find Anthony dealing on the mound in local mens baseball leagues, surfing the local breaks of Long Beach, playing with his dog Shea (names for Shea Stadium), and researching the latest conspiracy theories to share with the rest of the staff.
Dr. Dean Cucurullo
PT, DPT, PES
With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College and specialized training as a performance enhancement specialist, Dean is dedicated to helping you achieve your highest level of physical function and well-being. His approach is rooted in combining evidence-based practices with personalized care, making him a standout in the field of physical therapy.
Dean’s journey into physical therapy was deeply influenced by his own athletic experiences. As a high school soccer player, he worked with Mike Stella, whose innovative methods inspired Dean to pursue a career where he could bring world-class care to every patient, every session. This experience ignited his passion for transforming physical therapy and delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.
Throughout his career, Dean has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals, from athletes eager to return to peak performance to seniors aiming to maintain their independence. His holistic approach goes beyond physical recovery, emphasizing preventive measures and lifestyle modifications for long-term health benefits.
Dean’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that you receive the most effective and current treatment options available. His dedication to staying updated with the latest advancements in physical therapy reflects his unwavering commitment to your success.
Outside of his professional life, Dean is an active enthusiast. He played four years of collegiate soccer as a center back for Molloy College and SUNY Purchase. In his free time, you’ll find him enjoying soccer, basketball, beach volleyball, and running – activities that reflect his commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming to enhance your athletic performance, Dean is here to guide you every step of the way with expertise and a compassionate touch.
Matt Forman
BS, CPT, FRCms
Matt Forman is an ACE (American Council for Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer who graduated form the University of Delaware with a major in Exercise Science, and a minor in Strength and Conditioning. He also holds a Certification as a FRC Mobility Specialist. Matt’s passion for fitness and training began as a local standout soccer player, but after a hip fracture, learned he was meant for helping people get the most out of their rehab, training and life. While at Delaware, Matt worked with a variety of Division 1 athletes including Football, Track & Field, Soccer, and helped the Men’s Basketball program take home a conference championship in ’21. Matt currently is an up and coming competitive bodybuilder as well as pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Matt helps coach clients at The Movement Underground in corrective exercise, and is an integral part of the design and implementation of Strength & Conditioning programs.
Jordan Idaspe
BS, CPT
Jordan Idaspe is a Certified Personal Trainer though the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Cortland in Fitness Development. A college basketball player, and 4 year Varsity Standout at Herricks High School, Jordan found his passion for training and fitness through years of adversity, and people doubting his ability to play competitive basketball. Jordan never believed the doubters, and instead turned towards his work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile to prove his metal. Jordan believes that with some grit, hard work, and a little enthusiasm, athletes can achieve way more than they think. When you come to the Underground, you will always get 110% effort and enthusiasm from Jordan in every session as well as attention to detail. His passion for learning, growing, and moving is infectious, and its sure to be a good workout with Jordan leading the charge!
Chris Tessitore
General Manager
Chis is the General Manager of The Movement Underground. If Mike Stella represents the Soul of the Gym, then Chris represents its Heartbeat. Chris is in charge of not only the day to day operations, scheduling, billing, but also ensuring that every client is greeted with a smile, a laugh, and everything they need to get better. His journey at the Movement Underground began as a client, a standout pitcher for SUNY Old Westbury where he unfortunately suffered a torn UCL and underwent Tommy John Surgery. Through rehab and program guidance from Mike Stella and the Movement Underground Staff, Chris returned to highly competitive baseball throwing harder than he did pre-injury and topping at 97mph. He completed his collegiate career and moved on to pitch professionally, winning 3 championships in 4 years and garnering a playoff MVP award for the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds & New Jersey Jackals. Chris is not only an OG client, but has walked the path of many clients at TMU, understanding the pain, injury, and rehab process better than most.
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