Dr. Cortney Charlesworth earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Georgia and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Georgia. After earning her DPT degree, she completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency in Houston, Texas. She is a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical
Dr. Danielle Brito is a board-certified clinical specialist in Neurology and is currently a full-time instructor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She graduated from George Washington University’s DPT program. Dr. Brito practices clinically at California Rehab Institute where she specializes in rehabilitation of individuals following spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic
Dr. Bansari Thakkar is a physical therapist with more than 15 years of clinical experience specializing in geriatric rehabilitation. She is a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, having integrated clinical expertise with rigorous inquiry into functional outcomes and aging-related impairments. Dr. Thakkar earned a Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasizing research methodology, evidence synthesis, and
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. Amber Brown is currently pursuing her PhD in Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University with a research focus on postpartum pelvic floor recovery, women’s health, and maternal health. She has more than a decade of experience in outpatient and private practice, including seven years as the owner of a private practice before transitioning to
Dr. Archana Vatwani is the Program Director and Professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, TX. Dr. Vatwani holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education and Leadership in Healthcare. She previously
Dr. Hazel Anderson is an Associate Professor and core faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas. Her primary areas of focus include health promotion, fitness and wellness, lifestyle medicine, and behavior change. Since joining the University in 2017, she has taught
Dr. Samantha Sorce earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. She first joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2017 as contributing faculty and transitioned to full-time faculty in 2024. Dr. Sorce has instructed in courses covering musculoskeletal, movement science and
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. Tania Tablinsky has an extensive background in allied health and physical therapy education with a focus on clinical education, program development and accreditation. Her background is in geriatrics and neuromuscular rehabilitation. She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University and holds a bachelor’s in biological sciences from Florida