Dr. Paxton Burnside has been an Occupational Therapist since 2023, specializing in adult orthopedic and neurological rehab. She worked in outpatient hand therapy, outpatient neurological rehab, as well as specialized in outpatient Parkinson’s care. Dr. Burnside earned a B.S. in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University in 2020 and graduated with a Doctor in Occupational
Dr. Birendra Dewan is a physical therapist and movement scientist whose work focuses on bridging movement science and clinical practice by translating principles of biomechanics and motor control into meaningful applications for rehabilitation. He joined the faculty at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in the summer of 2026 as a core faculty
Dr. Vanessa Duran earned her Bachelor of the Arts in Neuroscience with a minor in medical humanities from Earlham College. She attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and obtained her Doctor of Occupational Therapy. She is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with expertise in orthopedic rehab, focusing on physical disabilities related
Dr. Cassidy received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2008 from Gannon University in Erie, PA. She became a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist in 2017. She was previously the Facility Director at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Rehabilitation Institute (formerly Centers for Rehab Services) Balance and Vestibular Clinic at UPMC Eye and
Dr. Eryn Jayatilaka (formerly Dr. Tracy) earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Alabama in 2016 and went on to receive her Occupational Therapy Doctorate in 2019 from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She began her career working in the Medical, Burn, and COVID ICUs at UF Health Shands Hospital
Dr. Bansari Thakkar is a physical therapist with more than 15 years of clinical experience specializing in geriatric rehabilitation. She is a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, having integrated clinical expertise with rigorous inquiry into functional outcomes and aging-related impairments. Dr. Thakkar earned a Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasizing research methodology, evidence synthesis, and
Dr. Nishi Patel, OTD, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist and educator with more than 15 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience across diverse practice and educational settings. She holds a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Shenandoah University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree
An East Texas native, Dr. Adrian Bueno moved to Denton, Texas, in 2009 to pursue her undergraduate education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2014) and a Master of Occupational Therapy (2016) from Texas Woman’s University, as well as her post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (2026) from the University of St. Augustine for
Dr. Megan Hutson began her career as a travel therapist working in acute care. Shortly after ending her first travel assignment, she found her passion for adult neurological rehabilitation. She has vast experience across the care continuum, working in the acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and home and community settings. She earned a Bachelors of Science
Dr. Katie Campos joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as a core faculty instructor for the Hybrid Immersion Program in 2025. Dr. Campos is a board-certified Neurological Clinical Specialist and LSVT BIG Certified Clinician with more than 10 years of experience across acute care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient adult rehabilitation. She completed
Anna Golombek, MS, CCC-SLP (she/her/hers), is a Clinical Coordinator for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Master of Speech-Language Pathology program on the San Marcos, CA campus. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Music (Vocal Performance) from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Master of Science in Clinical Speech-Language
Dr. Hazel Anderson joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2017 and serves as a core faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Austin, Texas campus. She has taught a variety of courses, including Patient Care Management I, Biomechanics, Applied Anatomy, Evidence-Informed Practice, and Wellness & Health Promotion.