AQUATIC HEALTH AND REHAB - Key Persons
Dr. Alexandria Hess received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019 from the University of St. Augustine in Austin, Tx, and her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Sam Houston State University. Growing up, her father was in the military which gave her a unique perspective on different cultures. She began dancing at a young age which helped her develop excellent body awareness. With her background, she enjoys treating athletes, teenagers, gymnasts, and of course dancers. As a life-long dancer, and now health care professional, she strives to provide an intensive, personal, total body approach to fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness. She has continued to develop her professional skills as a therapist since moving to Florida working with aquatic therapy, manual therapy, and various therapeutic techniques. She has experience working with a variety of populations and treating disorders including specialties like headaches, TMJ pain, amputations, SCI, stroke, and developmental disorders. She also holds certifications in Pilates, Barre, and Aqua Barre fitness. In her personal time, she enjoys taking dance classes, going to the beach, and hanging out with her cat, Link! She hopes to continue to develop professionally and provide the utmost care for patients!
Job Titles:
- Clinic Manager
- Clinical Manager
- Physical Therapist
Dr. Caroline Mahar is clinic manager and physical therapist as well as certified clinical instructor at Aquatic Health and Rehab in the Merritt Island clinic. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2012, graduating with honors. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Stevenson University in Stevenson, MD in 2008. Caroline is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and has resided in Brevard County since 2012. Caroline has taken continuing education in Strain-Counterstrain, Microcurrent Point Stimulation, aquatics, Class IV laser therapy, Craniofacial techniques, and has had extensive manual therapy training from USA while attending PT school. Caroline is very passionate in her field and has experience with pediatric, geriatric, neurologic and orthopedic conditions. She enjoys manual therapy and treating patients with orthopaedic conditions but also has an interest in neurologic conditions. Caroline has had a lifetime passion for dance and was previously a dance instructor before attending school for physical therapy. Caroline is happily married and enjoys spending her free time with her husband and traveling. Certified in SI Joint Dysfunction
James joined the Aquatic Health and Rehab team in December 2014. He is our Medical Insurance Billing Specialist. He is also trained in CPR and is one of the Certified Pool Operators.
Job Titles:
- V.P. of Operations / Office Manager
Lynne is originally from New Jersey relocating to the Cocoa Beach area as a teenager. She attended Cocoa Beach High School and Brevard Community College in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Lynne joined Aquatic Health and Rehab in 2003 as the Office Manager, and was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2010. She is certified in Advanced CPR and Water Safety, as well as office management, collections, medical billing and various areas of medical office administration, and has been a state certified Notary since 1999. In her sparing time she enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- State Certified Speech - Language Pathologist
Ro Olsson is a national and state certified Speech-Language Pathologist who has practiced in Brevard County, Florida for 28 years.
She received a Bachelor's of Science and Master's of Science from Radford University, in Radford, Virginia.
Upon graduation, Ro accepted a position as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Sea Pines Rehabilitation Hospital, an inpatientt/outpatient intense rehabilitation hospital , in Melbourne, Fl. During her 21 years at this facility, she was a very active member of the Traumatic Brain InjuryComa Recovery, Stroke/Neuro, Oncology, Dysphagia and Pain Management teams. She was promoted to Senior Speech-Language Pathologist, in/out patient departments and served as the Student Internship Coordinator, assisting Universities in placement of students in intern/extern positions. She also co-authored and assisted in developing The Neuro-Behavioral Rating Scale and The Initial Speech-Language-Cognitive Assessment.
In 2004, Ro accepted a position at Aquatic Health and Rehab, Merritt Island, Florida. She brings vast and comprehensive experience to this integrative team and stays atop of the most recent research, assessment and treatment techniques. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of cognitive and communicative deficits, dysphagia management and voice rehabilitation. She is optimistic and passionate about her chosen profession, is an integral part of this rehabilitative team and firmly believes that "There is always hope."
Rob is our #1 personal trainer and in charge of our wellness and weight loss programs. He has been with Aquatic Health and Rehab from the beginning. If you have any questions what so ever, Rob is eager to answer your question or do his best to find it!
Terry Shepherd holds graduate from University of Central Florida and from the University of St. Augustine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, a Master of Science in Health Administration, Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Science in Health Sciences. Dr. Shepherd is the owner and practicing therapist of Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation Services, Inc. She opened her practice to offer alternative physical therapy as well as traditional physical therapy in a loving family atmosphere. The practice now offers all disciplines to include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Massage Therapy, Women's Health, Lymphedema Therapy, Pilates with certified instructors/therapists, Aquatic therapy, Aquatic classes, Fitness programs, Nutrition Counseling, and Personal Training. She has recently attended classes at the University of Tennessee and is working towards Certification in Canine Rehabilitation. She is highly trained in all areas through continuing education as well. She holds multiple certifications which include: Lymphedema, WATSU, Ergonomics, Strain/Counter-strain, Manual Therapy, Spine Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, Certified Pool Operator, Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program (AFYAP) Instructor, Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator, Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor Certified Pilates Mat Instructor and Certified in McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis Therapy for Spine and Extremities. She has trademarked her Aquatic Program, AquaMoves™, and is teaching this program to other Physical Therapists. Her specialties include aquatic therapy, program development, manual therapy, pediatrics, orthopedics, spine, sports injuries, alternative therapies to include Strain/Counter-strain and ETPS (Electro-acupuncture), balance, and fitness programming for athletes and the aging. She is also highly trained in Healthcare Management including Managed Care Contracting and Medicare issues. She performs all of her duties in life according to the Lord's will and desire. Her love for life and helping others is shared through encouragement to her patients, staff and all she comes in contact with. To contact Dr. Shepherd,please call 321-453-8484 or email her at tshepherd@aquatichealthandrehab.com.