Orthopedics

USAHS Program Director, DPT Program—Austin, TX Campus Christopher Wise, PT, DPT, MTC, ATC, PhD

Christopher Wise, PT, DPT, ATC, PhD

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

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Assistant Professor Kristine (Kristi) Hanks, PT, DPT

Kristine (Kristi) Hanks, PT, DPT

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,

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Jessica Phung, PT, DPT

Jessica Phung, DPT

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

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Doctoral Coordinator Assistant Professor

Cassandra (Kassi) Nelson, OTD, MBA, OTR, CNS, CEAS I

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

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Blaise Bourgeois, PT, DPT, MTC

Blaise Bourgeois, PT, DPT, ScD, MTC

Dr. Blaise Bourgeois earned his Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where his dissertation investigated the construct of clinical bravery and its role in physical therapy practice. He previously completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and holds a Bachelor of

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Instructor Laura Siviter, PT, DPT, MTC

Laura Siviter, PT, DPT, DSc

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

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Chad Schmeeckle, PT, DPT

Chad Schmeeckle, PT, DPT

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

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Rebecca (Becky) King, EdD, OTD, MSOT, OTR, Doctoral Coordinator, Assistant Professor, OT Programs

Rebecca (Becky) King, EdD, OTD, MSOT, OTR

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

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Associate Director of Clinical Education, Instructor Sean Witkin, PT, DPT

Sean Witkin, PT, DPT

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

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Valerie Faul, MOT/L, USAHS

Valerie Faul, MOT/L

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.

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Affiliated Faculty Whitney Reese, PT, DPT

Whitney Reese, PT, DPT

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

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Jennifer Eyer, MOT, OTR

Jennifer Diminuco, OTD, OTR, CHT

Dr. Jennifer Diminuco’s professional experience includes working in the outpatient setting focusing on upper extremity rehabilitation and neurological rehabilitation at multiple clinics in San Diego, CA and Dallas, TX. During her work as a clinician, Dr. Diminuco has served as a Level II occupational therapist (OT) fieldwork clinical instructor through various universities. Her most recent

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