Dr. Karen Leyva has been a licensed physical therapist since 1994 when she earned her degree in physical therapy from California State University, Long Beach. She subsequently earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica. With more than 30 years of experience in sports and orthopedic physical therapy, her career has
Dr. Christopher Wise is a board-certified specialist in Orthopaedics (OCS), a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), a certified manual therapist and a certified athletic trainer. Before joining the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in August 2024, Dr. Wise was the founding chair and program director for the
Dr. Kristine (Kristi) Hanks received her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Master of Science and Transitional doctorate degree in physical therapy from Marymount University, and Doctor of Health Sciences (Education) from Radford University. As a practicing physical therapist, she has experience in multiple settings for 25 years, including acute care,
Dr. Jessica Phung obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biophysics from the University of California San Diego and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS). Her clinical experience has been in various settings including inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedics, and in delivering concierge physical therapy care to
Dr. Cassandra (Kassi) Nelson is an occupational therapist, researcher and educator focused on improving the lives of individuals through holistic, client-centered treatment. In addition to her experience in ICU, acute care, inpatient behavioral health, outpatient adults and specialty pediatrics, she holds specialty certifications in neurology (CNS), ergonomic (CEAS I), oncology (STAR), functional movement (FMT), healthcare
Dr. Jerome Higgs is a Bahamas native and earned his Bachelor of Science with a minor in Chemistry from Voorhees University. He later pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cellular Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), focusing on the therapeutic potential of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells expressing osteoprotegerin variants
Dr. Blaise Bourgeois completed his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2015 before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2017. In 2018, he returned to USAHS to further his expertise in manual therapy to earn
Dr. Laura Siviter has clinical experience treating in a variety of outpatient manual therapy and neurological settings, and possesses experience treating high-level sports athletes. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). Additionally, she holds manual therapy and dry needling certifications from the University of St. Augustine for Health
Dr. Chad Schmeeckle is a clinician, mentor, educator and researcher specializing in post-operative rehabilitation for athletes of all ages and skill levels. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. With more than five years of clinical experience, he has worked extensively with high school to
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. Sean Witkin earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy from California State University in 2012 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2017. He has been a licensed Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) since 2012. Dr. Witkin
Valerie Faul obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2005. With extensive experience in various healthcare settings such as outpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab and home health, including assisted and independent living facilities, she specializes in upper extremity (UE) dysfunction, particularly of the shoulder.