Dr. Tahayori was born and raised in Iran and earned his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. He completed his PhD in Kinesiology and Neuroscience at Indiana University Bloomington, where he studied spinal plasticity and inhibitory mechanisms in the spinal cord using noninvasive electrophysiological techniques to improve motor
Dr. Marcio dos Santos joined the the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) as an Associate Professor in 2019. He graduated in Physical Therapy and obtained his Master of Science in Human Physiology in Brazil. Upon obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science from University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City. Dr.
Dr. Mohamed Khallaf is a professor in the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Austin, TX campus Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy program. With a career spanning more than 20 years in education, Dr. Khallaf’s contributions extend beyond the classroom, as he has actively engaged in teaching physical therapy both internationally and nationally.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar is an Associate Professor in the College of Rehabilitative Sciences on the Dallas, TX campus. He has a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy (1996) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India; a master’s degree in sports physiotherapy (1998) from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India; a PhD in rehabilitation science (2009) from
Dr. Helen Carey has been an occupational therapist since 1990 and joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in March 2020 from the United Kingdom. With extensive clinical experience in mental health and physical fields, she developed a special interest in neurology and built clinical services in acute, outpatient and community settings, with
Dr. Summer San Lucas received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from Westmont College in 2001. She graduated from Loma Linda University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2005 and Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy in 2012. She is an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic and pediatric
Dr. Elbaum is a faculty member for the residential Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the Miami, FL campus. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, a Master of Music in Music Therapy and a Doctor of Education in Exceptional Education. He has served as a Research Fellow and a Visiting Scientist at the
Dr. Gabriela Perez entered the role of teaching as a lab assistant in 2018 and came onboard at the University as full-time faculty in March 2020. She started her career as a physical therapist assistant in 2009 and remains practicing. Dr. Perez earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on health and fitness,
Dr. Mohammed Ata is an Associate Professor with the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Prior to joining the University, he worked as an adjunct Associate Professor at City University of New York. Dr. Ata earned his bachelor’s degree, Master of Science in Physical Therapy and Doctor
Dr. Rosie DeFeo is an Associate Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) on the Miami, FL campus. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2007, Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2010 from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, as well as her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Dr. Khan specializes in women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation, working with women from adolescence to older adulthood. Clinically, she supports pregnant and postpartum women through post-cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, post-op hysterectomy, mastectomy, menopause and aging. Her practice addresses the distinct health challenges marginalized communities face, advocating for holistic well-being through integrated therapy and lifestyle
Jessica Fagan, OTD, OTR/L, graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2013 and Doctor of Occupational Therapy in 2017. She is a licensed occupational therapist with experience in adult and geriatric rehabilitation. Dr. Fagan has worked with neurological injuries, geriatrics, adult rehabilitation and polytrauma. She