About Us

Daniel “Danny” Burkhart, MS, OTR/L

Danny is the founder of Elite Occupational and Physical Therapy. He graduated from Shenandoah University in 2010 where he earned his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Danny has specialized in treating hands and the upper extremity (elbow, shoulder, wrist) for the past 10 years and has practiced in South Carolina, Florida, and Maryland.

Danny opened Elite Occupational and Physical Therapy in 2020 to better serve the expanding population in North Myrtle Beach and feels passionately about providing the best possible care and outcomes to all his patients. Danny takes pride in being the only practitioner in NMB to specialize in dysfunction of the upper extremity. Danny has years of experience in fabricating custom finger, hand, wrist and elbow splints (orthotics). Danny understands the complexity of the hand and upper extremity and continues to further his education in this area to provide the most up to date evidence based treatment for those he serves.

He resides in North Myrtle Beach and enjoys spending time with his wife Emily and daughter Austen, along with being outdoors, golfing, fishing, cooking, and exercising.

Ellen “Elle” Destefano, DPT

Elle is a Physical Therapist who graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2016. She is an Otago balance provider, and she is certified in LSVT BIG, a program for improving balance and mobility for people with Parkinson’s disease or similar conditions. She plans on getting her dry needling certification this year as well.

Elle has extensive experience working with patients with both neurological and orthopedic conditions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her turtle, her dog and pursuing different art projects.

Michael von Kampen, COTA

Michael von Kampen is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Michael spent 4 years in the Army as an Airborne Medic then moved to Wilmington to earn his degree in Occupational Therapy. Michael has over 20 years of experience ranging from home health, outpatient, and inpatient rehab therapy.

Michael enjoys volunteering with the Avian Conservation Center, skydiving, traveling, skiing, golfing, white water rafting, and (a true NMB favorite!) shagging.

He is passionate about providing individualized and unparalleled therapy to all of his patients.

Kayla Gardner M.S. OTR/L, CPAM

Kayla is an Occupational Therapist who obtained her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY. Kayla primarily works with orthopedic conditions and is certified in Physical Agent Modalities to enhance your therapy success.

Outside of work, Kayla likes being outside, going to the beach, and spending time with family and her cats.