Dr. Courtney Rivadeneira is an Instructor and Associate Director of Clinical Education with over a decade of experience as a practicing physical therapist, and clinical instructor. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Morgan Ascher is a licensed physical therapist with more than five years of experience in clinical practice and education. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, orthopedics and sports medicine. Dr. Ascher’s
Dr. Joshua Tizon is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist with expertise working with patients with pain and orthopedic conditions. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2018 and returned to USAHS to assist in instructing the anatomy lab in 2019. He has worked primarily
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. 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. 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
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. Cory Parker has a passion for sports and teaching. This led to his career in helping others as a CrossFit trainer, where he developed skills in functional movement with proper load and form. In December 2018, Dr. Parker graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences.
Dr. Soper has a background in orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions with more than 30 years of clinical practice. She obtained her Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and Leadership from California Intercontinental University in 2021. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences core faculty as an Assistant Professor in 2022. Her
Dr. Meredith Cadra is a University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) alum, where she earned her Doctor of Education in 2017 with dissertation research surrounding interprofessional education and collaboration. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Barry University. Her professional career includes clinical fieldwork as a head athletic trainer conducting clinical outreach