We are a unified team of visionary healthcare experts who see a vital and growing need for a singular focus on the health and wellness of older adults.

Mr. Matt Essex, MS, CCN, Founder
Mr. Essex holds undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine and Clinical Nutrition as well as a Master’s Degree in Wellness and Health Promotion, with an emphasis on Geriatrics. During his graduate program, along with being a successful teacher, he conducted a number of independent and collaborative research studies, and was appointed research director of ASU’s strength-based community wellness program, Project SSTRIVE—Seniors Strength Training for Independence Vitality and Energy— which grew to become a nationally recognized community-based research initiative that published significant and meaningful improvements in a range of wellness related functional outcomes for older adults. Since graduating with honors, Mr. Essex has accumulated over 1000 hours of continuing education and clinical experience in Gerontology, Physiology and Nutrition Science, and become one of the few Nutritionists in the State of Arizona (a non-licensure state) that meets the National requirements of a Clinical Nutritionist, a prestigious distinction held only top professionals in this field.

Mr. Essex founded ActiveRx Physical Therapy in 2003 to address the growing need for “wellness-oriented physical therapy” among older adults who want to address the “warning signs” for disability before a major incident occurs such as a fall. Since its inception, ActiveRx has established a proven record of improving physical and functional independence of older adults while simultaneously improving psychological health and quality of life.

Specializations: Gerontology, Metabolic Health, Nutrition

Dr. Wayne T. Phillips PhD, FACSM, Quality Control & Research Director
Dr. Phillips holds an MS in Exercise Science and Sports Psychology from Loughborough University, UK and a Ph.D. in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University, AZ. He is a former Post-Doctoral Fellow and Research Scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, Center for Research in Disease Prevention and also worked closely with the renowned Stanford Health Improvement Program and Prevention Research Center. He was part of a team of behavioral scientists whose research contributed to the development of The Stanford Healthy Lifestyle Program (SHLP), one of the most successful and highly regarded behavior change programs in the United States.

Dr. Phillips is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Exercise and Wellness at Arizona State University, a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, former Chair of their Special Interest Group on Aging, and member of their Strategic Health Initiative on Aging. He has served on the editorial board of a number of aging journals, is a past scientific advisory board member for the International Council on Active Aging and one of their designated aging and wellness experts. Dr. Phillips has advised and consulted extensively on strength, wellness and behavioral issues for more than 30 years focusing predominantly on the development of positive, 'Best Practice' approaches that elicit new thinking in wellness and "Successful Aging".

He has published in excess of 70 research papers on these topics and has presented on more than 200 occasions at national and international scientific and professional conferences related to aging. Dr. Phillips is a founding partner in The STRIVE Wellness Corporation, and Founder of AgeWELL Initiatives, two companies developed out of his extensive body of strength and wellness based behavioral research, and whose mission is to improve the independence and quality of life of older adults.
Read Wayne Phillips' Long Bio
Read Wayne Phillips' CV

Dr. Sean O. Flannagan, PT, DPT, CSCS, Physical Therapy Director — Scottsdale Clinic
Dr. Flannagan earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Arizona State University and graduated ASU with a 4.0 GPA, Awarded “Outstanding Senior of the Year” in 1997. After earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2001, Dr. Flannagan entered into private practice in 2004 and subsequently joined the ActiveRx team in 2007 as its Physical Therapy Director. In conjunction with his clinical and director responsibilities, Dr. Flannagan serves as a clinical instructor for the Arizona School of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Program. He is experienced in exercise and rehabilitation of the entire spectrum of patients, including Olympic athletes and older adults, and supports his patients in achieving their maximum potential.

Specializations: Geriatric Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, Exercise

Dr. Calvin Noonan, PT, DPT, ATC, Head Physical Therapist & Athletic Trainer — Scottsdale Clinic Dr. Noonan received his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Grand Canyon University in 2005, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from AT Still University in 2008. Dr. Noonan believes that patient care should be centered on the individual, and that one on one, hands on care is important to a successful treatment outcome. Each patient is treated as a whole, not just a body part, in order to ensure complete health and recovery. Calvin also believes that a successful treatment plan is one in which the patient is a "partner" in the decision making, in order to foster accountability and long-term success.

Specializations: Geriatric Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, Functional Training