Meet Our
Faculty
Our network of faculty spans the country, from Florida to Texas to California—and beyond. USAHS boasts the country’s largest teams of OT and PT faculty-practitioners, who draw from their diverse expertise to develop our blended learning components—the online coursework and real-world lab activities. Our faculty members have vast experience as clinicians and researchers, and they share a passion for educating and mentoring the next generation of practitioners.
Select from the filter options below to find practitioners that are relevant to your area of interest.










Jacqueline Achon, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CSRS, CFPS


Rachelle Agatha, CPA, EdD, MBA


Vibhor Agrawal, ATP, PhD


Sunddip Aguilar, EdD


Iman Akef Khowailed, PT, MPT, MPH, DSc


Mansoor Alameri, PT, MPT, PhD


Halah Alateeq, PhD, CCC-SLP


Faris Alshammari, PT, MPT, NCS, PhD


Kefah Alshebber, PT, MS, PhD


Rocio Alvarenga, EdD, OTR


Hazel Anderson, PT, DPT


Brent Anderson, PT, PhD


Catherine Andrea, PT, MPT, EdD


Karen Aranha, PhD, OT


Monna Arvinen-Barrow, PhD, CPsychol AFBPsS, UPV Sert.


Mohammed Ata, PT, DPT, PhD, C/NDT


Darryn Atkinson, PT, PhD


Monique Aylor, MS, CCC-SLP


Bindu Balakrishnan, MSc, PhD


Elizabeth Barnes, OTR/L








Pamela Bayliss, PT, DPT


Claribell Bayona, OTD, OTR/L


Bradley (Brad) Beauvais, PhD, MBA, FACHE


Norman Belleza, PT, DPT, PhD


Christina Bertran, OTD, MSOT, OT/L


William (Allan) Besselink, PT, DPT, PhD, Dip. MDT


Edward (Ed) Bezkor, DPT


Fabian Bizama, PT, MPT, PhD


Elise Bjork, PT, DPT, SCS


Angela Labrie Blackwell, PhD, OTR


Yvonne Body, PT, DHSc














Jeffrey (Jeff) Bolles, PhD, MBA, MA, MCHES


C. Alex Bonhomme, PT, DPT, DSc


Aaron Bonsall, PhD, OTR/L


Nicole Booher, MOT, OTR


Laura Bostock, MOT, OTR/L














Caitlin Boyd, MOT, OTR, CBIS


Lakeisa (Keisa) Boykin, DHSC, MBA/HCM, OT/L


Jonathan Bray, PT, DPT, MS


Sean Brim, PhDs, OTD, MOT, OTR/L


Kaelee Brockway, PT, DPT


Kim Broussard, PhD, OTD, OTR


Nichel Brunder, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CLT


Macy Burr, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CAS


Heather Bushnell, PT, DPT, MPT


Eilish Byrne, PT, DSc


Tiffany Bystra, MS, OTR/L


Kelli Cabrera, OTD, OTR/L, CHT


Meredith Cadra, EdD, ATC, CSCS














Christopher Cale, PhD, MEd, MS


Derrick Campbell, PT, DPT, ScD


Ashley Hall Campbell, PT, DPT


Helen Carey, PhD, MSc Adv OT, OTR








Sarah Cartwright, DNP, MSN-PH, BAM, RN-BC, CAPA, FASPAN


Fernando Castillo, PT, DPT, PhD


Lisa Chase, PT, PhD


Teka Clark, OTD, MOT, OTR/L


Demetrius Collins, PT, DPT, LAT, ScD


Andrew Concors, PT, DPT, MBA


Cody Cox, OTD, OTR/L, MEd














Zoe Crawford, PT, DPT, NCS


Jacqueline (Jackie) Crossen-Sills, PT, PhD


Jennifer Crowder, DSc, OTR


Edla da Silva, PT, MSc, PhD


Catherine (Cat) Daniel, MOT, OTR/L


Matthew (Matt) Daugherty, PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA


Jessica De Brun, OTD, MOT, OTR/L


Rose (Rosie) DeFeo, PT, DPT, EdD, PCS, ATP


Elizabeth DeLuca-Berg, OTD, OTR, CAPS


Kristen (Kristy) Demers, PT, DPT


Brent Denny, DPT


Todd Dickman, DPT, PT


Jennie DiGrado, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT


Heather Disney, PT, DPT, PhD


Manuel (Tony) Domenech, PT, DPT, EdD


Kristin Domville, OTD, MOT, OTR/L


Joseph Donnelly, PT, DHSc


Marcio Dos Santos, PT, MSc, PhD


Janice Dunlap DNP, ARNP, AGPCNP-BC, ACNS-BC


Natonya Early, PT, MSPT, PhD


Tomas Eberle, PT, DPT


Christopher Ebner, MS, OTR/L








Leonard Elbaum, PT, EdD


Elizabeth (Beth) Ennis, PT, EdD, PCS














Shannon Estes, PT, DPT


Pamela Evans, OTR, MBA, DBA


Jennifer Eyer, MOT, OTR


Jessica Fagan, OTD, OTR/L


Valerie Faul, MOT/L


Eman Fayed, PhD, MS


F Scott Feil, PT, DPT, EdD


Katelyn Fell, MOT, OTR/L


Antonette Fernandez, DrOT, OTR/L, CNDT


Germaine Ferreira, PT, DPT, MSPT


Jaimee Fielder, OTD, OTR, CLVT, CBIST


Christine Fiestas, PhD, CCC-SLP


Laura Finkel, MS, CCC-SLP


Maureen Fischer, OTD, OTR/L


Julia Forsberg, MPAS, PA-C














Rachael Fox, OTD, MSOT, OTR


Brittani H. Freund, PT, DPT, PhD


Gretchen Gabbert-Downs, PhD, CCC-SLP


Mohan Ganesan, PT, PhD


Miguel Garcia, PT, DPT, EdD


Christian Garcia, PT, DPT


Steven Gerardi, OTD, PhD, OTR


Angela Gibson, EdD


Sharon Glover, OTD, OTR/L


Pedro Gonzalez-Cabrera, PhD, MS














Michelle Gorenberg, OTD, OTR/L


Amanda Grant, PT, DPT, MTC, CLT


Melissa Green, PT, DPT


Mary Jan Greer, PhD, OTR


Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, PhD, OTR


Vanessa Grijalba, OTD, OTR/L


Shannon Groff, PhD


Raquel Guarino, MS, CHT, OTR/L


Zeida Gutierrez, PhD, MHS, OTR/L


Marcia Hamilton, OTD, MSHS, OTR/L, BCTS


Cecelia Hammond, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Cecelia Hammond has many years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and has been an American Nurses Credentialing Center certified FNP since 2008. Her FNP background includes


Dwight Hampton, MBA, MS, BSN, RN-BC
Dwight Hampton is president and chief executive officer of Hampton Executive Consulting, LLC. He works across multiple healthcare segments to help organizations achieve their clinical, operational and financial objectives, as


Marianne Hanover, PT, DPT


Nancy Hellman, DPT, EdD
Dr. Nancy Hellman earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in 1990. In 2005 she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Boston University.


Janis Henricksen, PT, DPT, ScD
Dr. Janis Henricksen has been a licensed, practicing physical therapist since graduating from Texas Woman’s University with her Master of Science in 2001. She began her career at Methodist Dallas


Johnanna Hernandez, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Hernandez has many years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and academician. She has developed graduate nursing curricula and taught online advanced nursing courses for many years.


Claudia Herrera, DPT
Dr. Claudia Herrera joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021. She is a graduate of ABC Medical Center, Mexico City, where she received her Bachelor of


Amy Herrington, DNP, RN, CEN, CNE
Dr. Amy Herrington has 30 years experience as a registered nurse. Her passion is patient safety and improving patient outcomes utilizing evidence-based solutions. This passion drove her practice as an


Eric Hicks, PhD, MS, OTR
Dr. Eric Hicks joined the occupational therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on the Austin, TX campus in 2021, where he is an Assistant Professor


Melanie Hill, PT, DPT


Nickole Hines-Staples, MA, CCC-SLP, BIES


Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, ATP/SMS


Whitney Hohman, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L
Dr. Whitney Hohman has worked as occupational therapist in a variety of adult and pediatric settings, but her primary focus has been on acute care, intensive care practice and primary


Timothy Holley, DHSc, MSOT, OTR/L, CBFC


Karina Ingegneri, DPT, ATC/L
Dr. Karina Ingegneri graduated from Barry University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. She obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine


Christopher Ingstad, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, ATC, FAAOMPT
Dr. Ingstad graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education with emphasis on Athletic Training. He is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) through


Ashleigh Ish, MOTR/L
Ashleigh Ish has clinical experience in pediatrics, specifically in school-based therapy and early intervention. Prior to joining the University, she was the lead therapist and director for school-based therapy. Ish


Christopher J. Ivey, PT, MPT, MS, EdD
Dr. Christopher Ivey received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Humboldt State University. He completed his Master of Physical Therapy at


Hatem Jaber, PT, MPT, DSc
Dr. Hatem Jaber is an Assistant Professor in the Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS). Prior to joining USAHS, he


Deborah Jackson, PT, PhD, OCS, CMP, ATC
Dr. Deborah Jackson earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Athletic Training in 1980, from Lock Haven State University. She completed a Master of Education in Sport Medicine


Rebekah Jarrar, OTD, MA, MOT, OTR/L


Amie Marie Jasper, PT, DPT, PhD
Dr. Jasper graduated from Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy from AT Still University (ATSU). She


Lisa Jenkins, PT, MPT, BBA
Dr. Lisa Jenkins is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Florida. She has held previous certifications as a Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and in Healthcare Compliance (CHC). She


Maureen Johnson, PhD, MS, OT/L, BCPR, C/NDT, CHSE-A


Lindsey Johnston, PT, DPT
Dr. Lindsey Johnston teaches courses in patient/client care management and physical therapy for the integumentary and lymphatic system. Prior to joining the university, she practiced full time in an acute


Ellen Jones, PhD
Dr. Ellen Jones obtained her Doctor of Clinical Health Sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She has experience in school health education, community health, state public health administration,


Edward J. Kane, PT, PhD
Dr. Edward J. Kane is a Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer and licensed Electromyographer. Dr. Kane obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Zoology), a Master


Pamela Kasyan-Howe, OTD, OTR/L, EdS
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,


Rachel Keith, PT, DPT
Dr. Rachel Keith graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training in 2005. She went on to complete her














Mark Kelso, PhD, LLM
Dr. Mark Kelso became a contributing faculty member at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2018. Before joining USAHS he taught undergraduate, graduate and doctoral classes


David J. Kempfert, DPT, OTR
Dr. David J. Kempfert has become a comprehensive clinical therapist with content expertise in orthopaedic, sports and manual rehabilitation. His diversity includes being a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist and


Amy Kennedy, MS, OTD, OTR/L
Amy Kennedy, MS, OTD, OTR/L is a Doctoral Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) on the San Marcos, CA campus, where she








Marcia (Marti) Kessack, PhD, RN, HCM, PPA
Dr. Marti Kessack started in the healthcare field in 1986 as an emergency department charge nurse and has been an educator since 2003. She has taught an exhaustive list of


Mohamed Khallaf, PT, DPT, MS, PhD
Dr. Mohamed Khallaf is Associate Professor in the University of St. Augustine’s for Health Sciences (USAHS) Austin, TX Campus Doctor of Physical Therapy flex program. Dr. Khallaf earned his Master


Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Dr. Khan is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Miami Campus. Her specializations include women’s and pelvic health, neuro-rehab, geriatrics and behavioral health. Dr.


Lesley Khan-Farooqi, PhD, OTD, OTR/L


Charles (Chuck) Kimmel, MA, LAT, ATC
Chuck Kimmel brings more than 35 years of leadership and clinical experience to the online classroom, including his service as National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) president, secretary/treasurer, district director, and


Heather King, DPT


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.


Lindsay Kozicz, MHS, PA-C
Lindsay Kozicz, MHS, PA-C is an early clinical trials/phase 1 advanced practice provider at the Livestrong Cancer Institutes. She is a board-certified physician assistant who specializes in oncology. Since graduating


Neeraj Kumar, PT, DPT, PhD
Dr. Neeraj Kumar is an Associate Professor in the College of Rehabilitative Sciences at the University of St. Augustine, Dallas Campus. He has a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy (1996) from


Lori Kupczynski, EdD
Lori Kupczynski, EdD, serves as a faculty member in the areas of research methodology and educational leadership. Prior to this position, she has served over 20 years in higher education


Elizabeth (Beth) Lambert, MOT, OTR
Beth Lambert attended undergraduate studies at San Jose State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She then obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy at Washington University


Nicholas (Nick) LaRosa, PT, DPT, EdD


Kersten Laughlin, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Laughlin is an occupational therapist who has a passion and interest in working in geriatrics, behavioral and mental health. Her passion for working with these populations stems from the


John Layne, PT, DPT, MTC
Dr. Layne became a full-time instructor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2016. He currently is involved in teaching anatomy, biomechanics, and modalities at the St. Augustine, FL


Joseph Leech, PT, DPT, DSc
Dr. Joseph Leech earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2007. He subsequently earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree


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


James Lewis, PT, MS, ScD
Dr. James Lewis is a licensed physical therapist and an educator. He has more than 20 years of experience in outpatient orthopedic treatments and has mentored and taught physical therapists


Karen Leyva, PT, DPT


David Liguori, DNP, NP-C, ACHPN
Dr. David Liguori joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021 as a full-time Assistant Professor. His previous higher education experience includes core graduate faculty at Ramapo


Kristian Llaca, EdD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CSRS, BCTS, CHSE
Kristian Llaca has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for 5 years working in different healthcare setting ranging from acute care, home health, inpatient rehab, and private practice. He graduated from


Ashlee Loewen, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Dr. Ashlee Loewen has been an American Association of Nurse Practitioners board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) since 2011, and she has served a variety of clinical and academic organizations. Her


Arlenys Loffredo, MS, OTD, OTR/L


Shannon Logan, PT, DPT


Elaine Lonnemann, PT, DPT, MTC
Dr. Elaine Lonnemann has served as a contributing faculty member in online courses for the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program since 2002. She has been involved in teaching in


Scott Love, PT, DPT, DHS, MPT
Dr. Scott Love grew up on a family farm in Pennsylvania. He was an automotive mechanic before starting college at age 34. He earned a Bachelor of Health Science and


Ellen Lowe, PT, BSPT, MHS, PhD
Ellen Lowe brings 45 years of physical therapy experience to USAHS. She graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She earned her Master of Health


Jose Antonio Lozano, MD, OPA, FSA
Dr. Tony Lozano earned his medical degree from the Universidad de Monterrey (UdeM) in Monterrey, Mexico and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the State University of Nuevo Leon,














Betty Lucente, PhD, MS, RN
Dr. Lucente has 30+ years’ experience as a healthcare leader serving as a chief nursing officer and vice president of professional services for a regional medical center. Dr. Lucente has


Kathleen A. Luedtke-Hoffmann, PT, MBA, PhD
Dr. Luedtke-Hoffmann holds an MBA and PhD in Physical Therapy emphasizing Administration. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Luedtke-Hoffmann worked in a variety of rehabilitation settings in supervisory, management and


Jason Lum, ECML, JD, MPP
Jason Lum graduated from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the University of California, Berkeley, with graduate degrees in public policy and law, respectively. He also completed intensive executive


Susan MacDermott, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Susan MacDermott has more than 15 years of experience as a practicing therapist and educator. In addition to her role as a core faculty member and Doctoral Coordinator in


Dana Madalon, OTD, OTR/L
Dana Madalon has been an occupational therapist for more than 25 years. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1992 from Indiana University and holds a master’s degree from Quinnipiac


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


Tamala (Tammy) Marcin, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA
Dr. Tammy Marcin received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Indiana University, Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University


Robyn Martin, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-F


Cecilia S. Martinez, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Dr. Cecilia Martinez graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy and began her career working in the acute care and in-patient neuro-rehab settings.


James (Jim) Mathews, PT, DPT, PhD
Dr. Mathews has more than 20 years of experience in acute care, long term-acute care, skilled nursing facility and outpatient settings and more than 10 years of full-time experience teaching


Hope McCarroll, OTD, MOT, OTR


Michelle McCraney, EdD
Dr. Michelle McCraney joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2019 and currently serves as a Contributing Faculty and dissertation chair/committee member in the Doctor of Education


Erin McIntyre, OTD, OTR/L


Keegan McKay, OTD, MOT, OTR


Martina ‘Tina’ McNulty, PhD, OTR/L
Tina McNulty, PhD, OTR/L is an educator, researcher and clinician energized by occupational therapy’s ability to positively change the lives of people with complex conditions. Dr. McNulty earned her occupational


Keith B. McWilliams, OTD, OTR/L, DRS


Ashley Bourque Meaux, PhD, CCC-SLP


Karen Menard, PhD, OTR/L
Dr. Karen Menard joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in January 2012 as a contributing faculty member and accepted the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Director


Mayra Mendez-Schiaffino, OTD, MS, OTR/L














Erin Menefee, DPT
Dr. Erin Menefee, a graduate of San Diego State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2017 as a contributing faculty


Jaynee Taguchi Meyer, OTD, OTR/L


Nicole Miller, PT, DPT
Dr. Nicole Miller became an assistant professor for the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2017 after serving as a contributing faculty


Marilyn Miller, PT, PhD
Dr. Miller is a physical therapist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certified Geriatrics Clinical Specialist. Dr. Miller graduated from Wisconsin State University with a Bachelor of Science in physical


Jacqueline Moore, PT, MPT, DSc
Dr. Jacqueline L. Moore is an orthopedic board-certified physical therapist with 22 years of clinical experience. Dr. Moore received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the US Army-Baylor University


Matthew (Matt) Morretta PT, DPT


Gwen Morris, OTD, OTR
Dr. Gwen Morris has completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida (2009), a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from


Khalil Mrabe, OTD, OTR/L, MEd
Dr. Khalil Mrabe is an instructor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on the Miami, FL campus. As a professional within the therapy industry, Dr. Mrabe possesses


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


Angelina Muñoz, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Angelina Muñoz has been practicing occupational therapy since 2004. Her clinical focus has been in pediatric practice with diverse populations. Dr. Muñoz has practiced throughout Southern California and Southern


Maeve Murtagh, MS, CCC-SLP


Jessica Nakos, MOT, OTR
Jessica Nakos is passionate about occupational science, nature-based occupations and occupational therapy education. Her clinical experience includes In-Patient Psych, In-Patient Spinal cord injury, and skilled nursing facility settings. She also


Lisa Nichols, PT, EdD, MHS
Lisa Nichols joined the faculty at the University of St. Augustine in 2004 and is the primary instructor for the Skills and Procedures course for both occupational therapy and physical


Deann O’Lenick, PHD, CCC-SLP


Katherine (Katie) O’Hara, MSOT, OTR/L
Katie O’Hara is an Affiliated Faculty member at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Prior to working in academia, O’Hara worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in an


Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Orozco Arteaga is a Doctoral Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy programs on the San Marcos, CA campus. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of


Erica Ortiz, MCD, CCC-SLP
Erica Ortiz has been a Clinical Educator at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences since the Fall of 2021. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from


Corey A. Oshikoya, MED, ATC, CSCS, EMT-B
Corey Oshikoya is the assistant athletics director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer at Loyola University in Chicago. Prior to joining the university, he served as an assistant athletic


Precious Osuoha, PhD, OTR, ECHM
Dr. Precious Osuoha is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette earning a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Exercise Science. She attended the University of


Karen Park, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Karen Park has extensive experience in pediatric practice in a variety of service settings including early intervention, clinic, school, hospital and outpatient children’s mental health. She is Board Certified


Cory Parker, PT, DPT
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


Amanda Parrish, PT, DPT
Dr. Amanda Allen Parrish is a graduate of Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2016 as














Meredith Parry, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Dr. Meredith Parry became a member of our Online Contributing Faculty for the Master of Health Science, Master of Health Administration and Doctorate of Education Programs after completing her Doctorate of Education at the University


Christienne Parten, OTD, MEd, OT
Dr. Christienne Parten has been a clinical instructor in the Occupational Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on the Austin campus since August 2018. Prior


Kristina Paula, DrOT, OTR/L
Dr. Kristina Paula has been practicing occupational therapy since 2015. She graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then completed her Master of Occupational Therapy


Erik Perez, OTD, OTR


Mitchell (Mitch) Perez, PT, DPT
Dr. Mitchell Perez received his Master of Physical Therapy from Florida International University in 2006 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Arcadia University in 2018. Dr. Perez has been


Gabriela Perez, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Dr. Gabriela Perez is a core faculty instructor in the Occupational Therpy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami campus. She entered the role of


Cheryl (Cherie) Peters-Brinkerhoff, PT, EDD, MPT, MHA
Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos campus in 2008. A graduate of Loma Linda University in California in 1978, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff received her


Gary (Mark) Petersen, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Petersen is an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy program on the San Marcos, CA campus. He brings more than 12 years of experience working in both clinical practice


Thais Petrocelli, OTD, MHA, OTR/L


Leiselle Pilgrim, PT, DPT, EdD, MPH
Dr. Leiselle Pilgrim is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Science’s Miami campus Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Pilgrim received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in


Evan Pucillo, PT, DPT, EdD
Dr. Evan M. Pucillo joined the faculty at the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences in 2017. Prior to joining USAHS, Dr. Pucillo served as a research associate and


Kellan Quigley, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Kellan Quigley, OTD, MS, OTR/L, is an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at USAHS. Dr. Quigley was the Lead Occupational Therapist and Clinical Coordinator for multidisciplinary rehabilitation services at Strive! Rehabilitation/Ocala Health


Caprice Quinones, PT, DPT
Dr. Caprice Quinones has taught at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences since 2020 as a contributing faculty member and transitioned to core faculty at the Miami, FL


Carmina (Minnie) Rafael, PT, DPT
Dr. Carmina “Minnie” L. Rafael is a physical therapist with more than 25 years of professional experience. She has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy since 2012


Madeline Ratoza, PT, DPT
Dr. Madeline Ratoza has diverse clinical experience in various settings, including outpatient pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, acute care and adult and pediatric home health. She joins the University of St. Augustine


Ryan Reed, PT, DPT
Dr. Reed attended Tulane University in New Orleans and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1997. Dr. Reed then attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences


Mary Pat Reed, MS, CCC-SLP
Mary Pat Reed graduated with her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) from the University of North Texas in 2007 and has worked in pediatrics for most of her














Whitney Reese, PT, DPT


Heather Rennerfeldt, OTR/L
Heather Rennerfeldt completed her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD in 2005. Following a year as an adjunct instructor in the


Felicity Macahilig-Rice, PT, DPT
Dr. Rice joined the University in 2017 as contributing faculty in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Biophysical Agents, Integumentary and Analytical Anatomy courses. She became a full-time faculty member as Academic


Terri Roberts, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CLT


Bonnie Rogulj, PT, DPT
Dr. Bonnie L. Rogulj completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, graduating with honors, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University. Presently, Dr. Rogulj is


Hermes Romero, PT, DPT, PhD
Dr. Romero received his Bachelor of Science from the Cuban University of Sports Sciences and his Master of Science from California University of Pennsylvania, and then received his Doctor of


Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C
Dr. Michael Roscoe is an experienced physician assistant (PA) educator and clinician. He has been a PA for more than 20 years, with a primary specialty in emergency medicine. He








Danielle Rosenzweig, PT, DPT
Dr. Danielle Rosenzweig is a physical therapist, educator, mentor and researcher focused on neurological rehabilitation and National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) success. She is passionate about helping students launch their


Jeffrey A. Rot, PT, DHSc, OCS
Dr. Rot graduated from Shenandoah University in 1993 with a Masters in Physical Therapy. He completed the Institute of Physical Therapy’s Manual Therapy Certification program in 1996. In 1997, he


Kelly Roy, MS, CCC-SLP
Kelly Roy has worked as a clinical educator with the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences since 2019. Her clinical and research interests include speech sound disorders, literacy and


Melissa Rudd, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Melissa Rudd has practiced outpatient mental health care for more than 10 years. Before joining the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2022, she worked with Veteran’s


Christine Salmon, PT, DPT, EdD
Dr. Christine Salmon has more than 11 years of combined teaching and clinical experience in physical therapy, including more than five years providing clinical instruction for students from the University


Robert (Bob) Salvatori, PT, DPT, DSc, MBA
Dr. Robert (Bob) Salvatori joined the Austin, TX campus Doctor of Physical Therapy program core faculty in 2022. He possesses more than 40 years of clinical experience specializing in general


Summer San Lucas, PT, DPT, DSc
Dr. Summer San Lucas received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from Westmont College in 2001. She graduated from Loma Linda University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in


Jorge E. Sarmiento, PT, MS, MBA-HCM
Jorge Sarmiento joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in the spring of 2013 as a contributing faculty member teaching Administration and Management. He became a core faculty


Eric Sarrett, PhD, OTR/L, MOT, MPHIL, MA
Dr. Eric Sarrett graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2001 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. He has more than 15 years of patient care experience serving clients


Meghan Savage, CCC-SLP, PhD
Meghan Savage, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. Dr. Savage, who is located on the Austin,








Kathryn Sawyer, PT, PhD
Dr. Kathryn Sawyer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies from the University of Texas in 2004. She subsequently earned a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from


Kristin Schaffer Mendez, PhD, CCC-SLP


Megann Schooley, PT, DPT,
Dr. Megann Schooley graduated Suma Cum Lade with a Bachelor of Arts from Lynn University where she was captain of the Women’s National Championship Soccer Team, twice an Academic All-American


Erin Schwier, OTD, EdD, OTR/L


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


Laurie Shimko, PT, MPT
Laurie earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy 1996 at Barry University. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association/Florida Physical Therapy Association member since 1990(PTA 1992-1996). Laurie


Christine Sibley, MBA, EJD
Christine Sibley has been a Contributing Faculty member since January 2018. She is currently the Assistant Vice-President, Reimbursement for Atrium Health (Carolinas HealthCare System) in Charlotte, NC. Christine entered the


Lacey Sims, OTR
Lacey Sims earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Sims began her career in


Kunal Singhal, PT, PHD
Dr. Kunal Singhal joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021. He is a licensed physical therapist, active researcher and passionate educator who has taught in Doctor


Vickie M. Lorensen Skinner, DHA, CHCP
Dr. Vickie Skinner has more than 25 years of experience in operations and training with the U.S. Army Reserve. As a Lieutenant Colonel, she serves the 11th/ 108th Training Battalion


Kayla Smith, PT, DSc


Mary Smith, PhD, OTR/L
Dr. Mary Smith’s teaching expertise is in the following areas: adult neurological and cognitive rehabilitation, functional anatomy, culture and disability, and community-based practice to underserved and diverse populations. She has


Gabriel Somarriba, PT, DPT, EdD
Dr. Gabriel Somarriba joined the faculty in 2009 as an adjunct professor on the St. Augustine, FL campus. His area of clinical specialization is pediatrics, with a focus on Cerebral


Sonya SooHoo, PhD
Dr. Sonya SooHoo currently teaches the Women’s Health and Wellness: Journey across the Lifespan course for graduate students in the Master of Health Science, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Transitional


Cathleen (Kate) Soper, PT, BSPT, DBA, MS


Lacey Spark, OTD, MOT, OTR/L
Lacey Spark attended the University of Oregon and Pacific University for her undergraduate career before earning her Master of Occupational Therapy from Pacific University in 2010. After graduation, she worked


Rudie Spigarelli, PT, DPT
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


Anderston St. Germain, OTD, MS, OTR/L
Dr. St. Germain received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology from Concordia College in Minnesota. From 1999 to 2005, he worked in an inpatient pediatric psychiatric mental health


Jenna Street, MS, ATC
Jenna Street is the coordinator of Sports Medicine Clinic Operations for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). After finishing her master’s degree, Street completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship with the


Dakota Studley, PT, DPT
Dr. Studley graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2017. She currently works in in-home physical


Peyton Sykes, PT, DPT


Loren Szmiga PT, DPT
Loren Szmiga, PT, DPT received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and earned her doctorate in Physical Therapy and Manual Therapy Certification


Behdad Tahayori, PT, PhD
Born and raised in Iran, Dr. Tahayori studied physical therapy at Master’s level at Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. He did his PhD in Kinesiology and Neuroscience at


Sarah Talbot, MPAS, PA-C
Sarah Talbot is a board-certified physician assistant whose career has focused on working in orthopedic surgery and pediatric surgical subspecialties. She has also enjoyed working in the allergy/sinus setting and


Claire Uke, MOT, OTR/L
Claire Uke is a licensed and registered occupational therapist with school-based experience serving parents and children from diverse backgrounds. She has dense technical knowledge on a variety of topics and


James A. Viti, PT, MSc, DPT
A graduate from the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 1984, Dr. Viti received his Manual Therapy Certification from the Institute of Physical Therapy in 1991. He completed his manual


Helene Vossos, DNP, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Helene Vossos is a nationally board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, nurse educator, author and nursing leader. She began her journey caring for others 30 years


Amy Walters, PT, DPT
Amy Walters graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Psychology in 1996. She then went on to physical therapy school at the University of Texas Medical Branch


Monica Watford, OTR, PhD
Dr. Watford has a background in mental health and neuroscience. Her focus has been stroke and cognitive rehabilitation in older adults. She has been a practicing occupational therapist for eight


Thomas (Thom) P. Werner, PT, MA, PhD
Dr. Thomas “Thom” Werner joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2012 and has over two decades of experience in private practice. He completed a Bachelor














Margaret Wicinski, PT, DPT, EdD
Dr. Margaret Ann Wicinski is an assistant professor in the Flexible Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the St. Augustine campus. Before joining the university full time, she worked as


Elizabeth (Liz) Wilson, OTD, OTR
Dr. Liz Wilson became the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Department of Occupational Therapy at the university in 2018. She started at the university as a guest lecturer and then


Sean Witkin, PT, DPT


Kathy H. Wood, PhD
Wood has twenty-five years of experience in higher education and almost forty years of healthcare management experience including positions in for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations (hospitals; physician practices; long-term care


Ryan Wooley, PT, DPT
Ryan Wooley, PT, DPT is a physical therapist (PT) and educator who is passionate about delivering individualized, evidence-based physical therapy care to diverse populations. Dr. Wooley received his Doctor of


Heidi Woolley, MSOT, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Woolley is an experienced educator & occupational therapist with 20+ years of clinical and administrative experience in various clinical settings. She graduated with honors in 1994 with her Bachelor


Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L


Jeffery Zahavich, PhD, CEP, ChPC
Dr. Jeffery Zahavich has a background in health promotion, exercise science and applied health research with more than 15 years of experience developing evidence-based health, fitness and wellness programs for