Doctor of Physical Therapy
Rodrenna Dacus
Front Desk Coordinator
My name is Rodrenna Dacus, born in New York and raised in South Carolina. Growing up, my family continued to visit New York, which blessed me with an opportunity to experience the interesting differences between the two places. It was a fun experience, to say the least, and it has allowed me to live my day-to-day life with an open mind, as everyone and every place is different. I have worked in customer service for over five years, and I enjoy the interactions that come with it because it’s a new adventure every day. My main hobby is working with photography because it allows me to capture the moments I cherish. In addition to that hobby, a few things I like to do with my downtime are traveling, trying new food, and spending time with my loved ones.
irmo@vertexpt.com
Dr. Stephen Bailey
PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Clinical Director
Dr. Stephen Bailey was born and raised in Lexington, South Carolina, where his passion for soccer began at the age of four. He went on to play four years of NCAA Division II soccer at Cedarville University in Ohio and competed in the USL League Two with the Dayton Dutch Lions. During his junior year of college, Stephen sustained a significant Achilles tendon injury that required extensive rehabilitation. That experience ignited his passion for physical therapy and inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping others recover from injury and return to the activities they love.
Stephen earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. While in PT school, he worked as a personal trainer and provided private soccer training for youth athletes throughout the Charleston area. He also served with Medical Campus Outreach (MCO), participating in medical mission trips to Romania in 2023 and Costa Rica in 2024.
As Clinical Director at Vertex Physical Therapy, Stephen specializes in treating orthopedic injuries, including ACL rehabilitation, Achilles tendon injuries, rehabilitation of high school athletes, and soccer-specific rehabilitation. He is passionate about helping athletes safely return to competition through evidence-based rehabilitation, strength training, and performance-focused programming. He also works extensively with soccer players, combining his background as both an athlete and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and athletic performance.
Since 2024, Stephen has led youth soccer injury prevention and strength and conditioning camps during the summer and winter off-seasons, helping athletes improve performance while reducing injury risk. He enjoys educating athletes, parents, and coaches on the role of strength training in long-term athletic development and injury prevention.
Outside the clinic, Stephen enjoys strength training, coaching soccer, volunteering at his church, and spending time with family and friends. He is an Arsenal supporter and can often be found watching matches with fellow fans at the British Bulldog on weekends.
Instagram: @stephenbailey.dpt
stephen.bailey@vertexpt.com
803.973.1717
Dr. Kristen Cherry
PT, DPT
Kristen grew up in Santee, South Carolina, and attended the College of Charleston, where she earned her degree in Biology while competing on the cross country and track teams. It was during this time that she developed a passion for treating runners and young athletes.
She went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. While in PT school, Kristen worked with students and faculty to develop and implement injury prevention strength programs for local athletes.
Kristen enjoys treating a wide range of patients, including active older adults looking to return to the hobbies and activities that bring them joy and independence. Her lifelong participation in sports has fueled her love for movement and her commitment to helping others stay strong, healthy, and injury-free.
Outside the clinic, Kristen enjoys running, surfing, exploring the outdoors, and spending time at the beach or lake with her fiancé, friends, and family.
Instagram: @kcherryperformancept
kristen.cherry@vertexpt.com
803.973.1717
Dr. Kailyn Horn
PT, DPT
Kailyn was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Though she was raised in Greenville, SC, she remains loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues! She completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at North Greenville University in 2016. During her time at NGU, she used her passion for nutrition and fitness to develop the Women’s Fitness Club providing and instructing classes for women across campus to create a space for them to become comfortable and confident in the gym.
Following her time at NGU, Kailyn moved to Columbia, SC and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of South Carolina. Fueled by a growing passion for teaching, Kailyn is currently continuing at USC to pursue her PhD in Exercise Science with a concentration in Rehabilitative Science. She hopes to use this experience and research to help her patients and teach physical therapy students in the future.
In her free time, Kailyn enjoys volleyball, being involved with her church community, traveling the country to hike National Parks, and spending time with friends and family.
Kailyn has been fortunate to gain experience in vestibular rehabilitation and is passionate about providing and raising awareness about vestibular physical therapy. She also finds great joy in helping patients of all populations recover and retain the highest level of function and quality of life so that they can do the things they love for a very long time.
To schedule an appointment with kailyn, please email kailyn.horn@vertexpt.com or call 803.973.1717.
