St. Augustine, FL
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.
Mayra Mendez-Schiaffino, OTD, MS, OTR/L
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
Blanche Leeman, EdD, OT/L, CHT
Dr. Blanche Leeman joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as an Associate Professor in the Flex Occupational Therapy (OT) program in 2023. Prior, Dr. Leeman was a contributing faculty member in the Post-professional OT program as a capstone advisor. Dr. Leeman started her occupational therapy career in 1997, working in hand therapy
Dana Kolbfleisch, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Dana Kolbfleisch earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned a specialty certificate in health and wellness in occupational therapy from Salus University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Health
Cheryl Sheffield, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CHAMP, CDP, FPS
Dr. Cheryl Sheffield has 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist in Canada and the United States. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2018, where she transitioned from a contributing faculty member in the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program to core faculty in the Master of Occupational
Cathleen (Kate) Soper, PT, DBA, MS
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
Heather Bushnell, PT, DPT, EdD, MPT
Dr. Heather Bushnell earned her Master of Physical Therapy, transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Education from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) St. Augustine, FL campus. Dr. Bushnell has more than 10 years of clinical practice in acute care and seven years in a hospital-based education position. Before
Kaylee Munch, MOT, OTR/L
Kaylee Munch earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Dayton. She later attended the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy. She has experience in nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation and home health. Her primary practice area has been outpatient hands, focusing on
Garrett Mandel, PT, DPT
Dr. Garrett Mandel completed his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2009. He attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2013. After graduating, Dr. Mandel spent two years living and working in New Orleans, LA where he practiced at an outpatient
Lisa Nichols, PT, EdD, MHS
Dr. Lisa Nichols joined the faculty at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2004 and is the primary instructor for the Skills and Procedures course for both occupational therapy and physical therapy students. She also teaches the online Skills and Procedures course for physical therapy students in the PT Flex program. She