Dr. Cynthia (Cyndi) Haynes is a pediatric therapist with more than 20 years of experience. She has worked as a clinician and director across diverse settings, including a regional pediatric hospital, pediatric rehabilitation facility, outpatient clinics, early intervention and community preschools, as well as home- and school-based services. As occupational therapy regional director with Employer
Rebecca Caudrillier is an occupational therapy practitioner and educator who earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2009 and her post-professional doctorate in 2025. She brings clinical experience across a variety of practice settings alongside a strong commitment to occupational therapy education and curriculum development. Her research interests focus on anatomy education in
Dr. Rebecca King is an occupational therapist, educator and researcher dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and improving outcomes. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she has held various roles in geriatric rehabilitation, rehabilitation management and administration. Her diverse career includes working in skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities and
Dr. Justine Faghihifar joined the University in 2023 and serves as an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy (OT) programs on the Dallas, TX campus. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and a Master of Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University . Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health, pediatrics, school systems and sensory
Based at the Austin, TX campus, Dr. Maya Clark joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in July 2023. She has experience in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs and has served in leadership roles including program director, graduate coordinator and director of clinical education. Within higher education, Dr. Clark was elected as
Dr. Whitney Reese earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from The University of the Incarnate Word in 2003, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2006 and completed a Master of Science in Kinesiology from AT Still in 2019. Since then, she has primarily worked in the outpatient setting, earning
Dr. Mayra Mendez-Schiaffino received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Kennesaw State University in 2010. In 2021, she earned a post-graduate certification in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In 2023, she received her Doctor
Dr. Nancy Hellman earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in 1990. In 2005 she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Boston University. She completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Russell Sage College in 2022. Her research centered on graduate students’ perception of their persistence
Dr. Rudie Spigarelli has practiced in several outpatient clinical settings including multi-disciplinary, mobile, orthopedic and vestibular clinics. She has experience and certification in concussion management, manual therapy, visual-vestibular functional integration training, clinical instruction and practice management. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Texas Physical Therapy Association and Vestibular Rehabilitation Special Interest Group
Dr. Carmina “Minnie” L. Rafael is a physical therapist with more than 25 years of professional experience. She has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy since 2012 and an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Geriatrics Certified Expert for Aging Adults since 2011. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Dr. Karina Ingegneri graduated from Barry University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. She obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Miami, FL campus in 2019. Currently, she is working toward a Doctor of Education with a specialization in educational leadership with
Dr. Lisa Nichols joined the faculty at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2004 and is the primary instructor for the Skills and Procedures course for both occupational therapy and physical therapy students. She also teaches the online Skills and Procedures course for physical therapy students in the PT Flex program. She