Dr. Paxton Burnside has been an Occupational Therapist since 2023, specializing in adult orthopedic and neurological rehab. She worked in outpatient hand therapy, outpatient neurological rehab, as well as specialized in outpatient Parkinson’s care. Dr. Burnside earned a B.S. in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University in 2020 and graduated with a Doctor in Occupational
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. Jaimee Perea Fielder is a registered occupational therapist, specializing in acquired brain injury and low vision rehabilitation with the adult population. She is certified as a low vision therapist, concentrating on neurological visual and perceptual impairments, and as an Advanced Practice Brain Injury Specialist/Trainer. Her passion for helping individuals regain a sense of life
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. 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. Pamela Ann Kasyan-Howe received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Florida in 1993, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University in 1997, and a post professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from South University in 2016. She received an Education Specialist degree for Computing Technologies in Education from
Kristian Llaca has been a practicing occupational therapist for five years working in different healthcare settings ranging from acute care, home health, inpatient rehab and private practice. He graduated from Florida International University with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Since then, Llaca has specialized in the adult neurological population while working at West Gables
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. Eric Hicks joined the occupational therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021. Currently, he is the Program Director and an Assistant Professor for OT Programs on the Austin, TX campus. Dr. Hicks began his career in 2001 as an occupational therapist specializing in geriatric rehabilitation in the skilled