Rod Newman, MS, CCRP

Rod received his master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Rehabilitation from the University of Florida in 1992. He began his professional career as a Certified Athletic Trainer. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Rod moved to Nashville, Tennessee for his athletic training career. Rod served as a certified athletic trainer at The Lipscomb Sports Therapy Center, Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University, and he also worked with the U.S. Soccer Men’s Under-21 National Team and the U.S. Soccer Men’s Olympic Team in the mid 90’s.

His career began in human medicine, but his love for animals led to the building of Canine Rehabilitation of Nashville in 2006.

Rod shares his home with his wife, Shannon, as well as their dog and cat, Leo and Baby Bear. In his free time, Rod enjoys trivia nights, watching Formula 1, supporting the Nashville Soccer Club, and playing chess.

Mary Ergen, DVM - Director of Rehabilitation

Mary Ergen, DVM has been practicing veterinary medicine in the Sumner and Davidson County area for over 40 years. She started in a pet and farm animal practice in Hendersonville but moved to Goodlettsville in 1986 to start Companion Animal Hospital.   She sold that practice in 2021 and retired from full-time veterinary medicine in 2023. When she was the owner of Companion Animal Hospital, she and Dr. Libbye Miller decided to explore offering pet rehabilitation services.  Companion Animal Hospital offered the first underwater treadmill treatment in the Nashville area in 2009.  Dr. Ergen realized the huge demand for rehabilitation services and soon partnered with Rod Newman MS, CCRP to take over this service through Canine Rehabilitation of Nashville.  Dr. Ergen is happy to be reunited with Rod and help continue to provide pet physical rehabilitation in Middle Tennessee. When she is not working, Dr. Ergen loves to garden, walk her dogs, and travel.