PT BEYOND 2020 - Key Persons
Adrian brings his 15 years experience successfully helping people achieve their goals, to your doorstep. After helping people achieve their dream job, establishing a successful HR company in his area, he moved on to a more ambitious idea: Help people help themselves; With the right information they needed to make a substantial change in their health and personal habits. With over 7 years of experience leading the Natural Slim Franchise, helping people regain control of their health and metabolism with the right diet, he understands the importance of having the right information about your body to fix what needs to be fixed, or improve what needs to be improved. ¨I realized that with the right information, people can make better decisions for themselves and their body. That's why diagnosis is so important. Good diagnosis saves lives¨ Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. He is also a musician, and if you ask, he might sing you a song with his guitar, piano or a capella.
Alex is a Marketing expert who brings over 6 years of experience in both digital and traditional marketing to Hands-On Diagnostics. Alex graduated from Ohio University, completing a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology. Alex is also a very skilled videographer and photographer with over 10 years of experience of creating multimedia projects.
Alex is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but currently resides in Oahu, Hawaii. When Alex isn't hard at work, you can often find him outdoors or playing his guitar.
Job Titles:
- VP Marketing & Advertising
Amanda is a Marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in both digital and traditional marketing. She graduated from the University of Montana with high honors, completing a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Minor in Digital Media.
She is from the beautiful state of Montana, and currently resides in Hawaii (another beautiful state). Needless to say, Amanda loves the outdoors and can usually be found there in her free time.
Dr. Cahoon hails from North Carolina where she earned her Biology and Physical Therapy degrees from Campbell University and Western Carolina University, respectively. Remaining in her home state of North Carolina, Dr. Cahoon is also the owner of Total Body Therapy and Wellness as well as Total Body Diagnostics. Her passion in revolutionizing the Physical Therapy field has led her to achieve proficiency and acknowledgement as a Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer through the Alliance for Physician Certification and Achievement. Dr. Cahoon's continued desire to better serve her community as well as bolster her repertoire of clinical skills, has led her to become a specialist in Lymphatic Therapy as well as a gamut of other specialties. Dr. Cahoon's commitment to her patients is the main driving force in her ongoing pursuit and mastery of clinical knowledge and advancement.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executives Team
- President / Founder, Superior Physical Therapy and Diagnostics
Job Titles:
- Director of Research
- Research Associate
Dr. Upreti is a Research Associate in the Department of Neuroscience at Columbia University Medical Center, where he conducts ongoing research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of attention, learning, and memory processes. He has been conducting research in the field of neuroscience for more than a decade specializing in the field of neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adjust the changes in environment due to injury or disease. His research has been presented in international conferences, and has been published in prestigious medical and science journals.
As Director of Research, Dr. Upreti's goal at HODS is to create, support, and conduct research in the areas of electrophysiological, neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, and vestibular testing technologies. His goal is also to provide evidence of the proper application and utilization of these technologies in the field of diagnostics.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executives Team
- Vice President / Founder, Panetta Physical Therapy and Diagnostics
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Administrator, Artist
Claudia Perez Silva is an administrator, artist and entrepreneur who has also worked in the medical field for over 20 years, starting out as a front desk staff and working her way into an Executive/Clinical position, who oversaw quality control of patient management, front facing customer service, in house (staff) and external public relations; also was in charge of the retraining and training of staff to ensure the best outcomes of both customer satisfaction and referral activity and that technical protocols were being followed and achieved. Now working with Hands-On Diagnostics in the Executive Division instituting and executing company-wide programs, refining and overseeing the establishment of company protocols and improving the systems and flow overall.
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist from Staten Island
Cory Taglianetti is a Physical Therapist from Staten Island, NY, who has been involved in performing and teaching NCS since 2007, and EMG since 2010. He is the first Physical Therapist in the United States to complete an accredited residency in nerve conduction studies and electromyography. He has been recognized by the ABPTS as an Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist since 2015.
Job Titles:
- Spine Surgeon - Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Alexios Apazidis graduated from Harvard University with an AB Degree in Biology while simultaneously attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he studied military science and receive his officer's commission in the United States Army. He obtained his MD and MBA from the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Apazidis has completed his orthopedic fellowship training at New York University and the Hospital for Joint Diseases.
Throughout college and medical school, Dr. Apazidis was involved in molecular biology and clinical outcomes research. His research papers have been published in numerous prestigious journals.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Hands - on Companies Founders
- Member of Springfield College
Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos, DPT, MD, PhD, DSc, ECS, is board certified in clinical electrophysiology with over 35 years of clinical experience. He is the co-founder of Hands-On Companies and a Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor for Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. He is a past member of SACE (Specialization Academy of Content Experts) for the ABPTS examination board on electrophysiology, and a past elected member of the Executive Committee of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology of APTA.
He is the editor of the Diagnostic Section of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, and the author or co-author of numerous books, articles, and research papers related to his fields of expertise.
Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos is board certified in clinical electrophysiology. He is a leading, world-renowned expert in myofascial pain. Dr. Kostopoulos is the co-founder of the family of Hands-On Companies, including Hands-On EMG Testing, Hands-On Physical Therapy, Hands-On Diagnostics, and Hands-On Seminars.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Electrodiagnostic Specialist
Dr. Emily Vandervort is a Board certified clinical Electrodiagnostic Specialist by ABPTS.
Emily was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She earned her bachelor of science in biology at the University of California, San Diego. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University in New York City. She joined the Hands-On team in September of 2020, where she began her studies in the use of Clinical Electrodiagnostics and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound to evaluate potential neuro musculoskeletal conditions affecting her patients. Dr. Vandervort is currently preparing for her board certification exam in Clinical Electrophysiology. It is her strong belief backed by peer reviewed scientific evidence that the utilization of electro diagnostics and musculoskeletal ultrasound are key tools for optimal patient management.
Dr. Rizopoulos, PT, DPT, RMSK, APCA, is board certified in Musculoskeletal Sonography. He has over 35 years of clinical experience and also holds a doctoral degree with a focus on business administration, marketing, PR, and management. He co-founded and successfully established and managed the Hands-On Companies, a consortium of companies in the areas of Physical Therapy, Diagnostic Testing, and Education.
During his extensive experience in diagnostic testing and manual therapy, Dr. Rizopoulos has treated more than 150,000 patients over the last 35 years, and performed thousands of ultrasound diagnostic tests.
He has also co-authored several books with Dr. Kostopoulos, and numerous articles for professional journals.
Dr. Konstantine Rizopoulos (Dr. Kostas to his friends) is one of the world's leading experts in myofascial pain. He is the co-founder of the family of Hands-On Companies, including Hands-On EMG Testing, Hands-On Physical Therapy, Hands-On Diagnostics, and Hands-On Seminars.
Dr. Kostas also holds a doctorate in physical therapy through Evidence In Motion and has comprehensive training and teaching experience in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound. He also boasts considerable expertise in the fields of myofascial and trigger point therapies, neuromobilization, strain and counter strain, and muscle energy technique approaches.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and President of American Academy of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Dr. Mohini Rawat is co-founder and president of American Academy of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. She is Fellowship director of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound program at Hands-On Diagnostics. She is board certified in Clinical Electrophysiology and Orthopaedics by American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and in Musculoskeletal Sonography by Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement.
She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MGH institute of Health Professions in Boston and her Masters in Biokinesiology from the University of Southern California. She is faculty for courses in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and clinical electrophysiology in PT program and other continuing education courses. She has mentored hundreds of clinicians and has reviewed thousands of ultrasound studies. Dr. Rawat is a contributing author and wrote chapters on imaging in books. She has published articles and presented numerous musculoskeletal ultrasound courses, webinars and lectures in multiple professional conferences and organizations including the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and American Academy of Orthopaedics Surgeons annual meeting. She is the chair of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management Neuromusculoskeletal Ultrasound Special Interest Group and holds other elected positions in American Physical Therapy Association.
She is editor of a textbook in musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Dr. Greg Ernst, PT, PhD, ECS, is an assistant professor of the Department of Physical Therapy at UT Health San Antonio. Ernst uses case studies to help students put the pieces together stating, "there is something that can be learned from every patient." Greg received a Presidential Teaching Excellence Award in 2015.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executives Team
- Secretary / Owner, Spine & Rehab Specialists
Job Titles:
- VP New Business Development
Isabel is proud to be Executive Vice President of Business Development for Hands-On Diagnostics and to be working to revolutionize the Physical Therapy industry and help make private practice owners more autonomous and able to accurately diagnose their patients.
Isabel most recently worked as the Chief Operations Officer for a medical radiology company, where she also managed over Business Development, helping to increase new business to 3 times the original amount. With a background in finance as well she was Vice President of Business Development in a finance company, overseeing the acquisition of new clients. Her diverse business background also includes being a Vice President Business Development in the energy industry, working with CEOs in world renown energy companies such as Shell, Engie, North American Power, Just Energy, etc…Isabel has a BA in Journalism from California State University Northridge. She has a lifetime passion for art, literature and travel and is an avid art and book collector as well.
James brings his over 20 years of experience as a senior-level HR/Recruiter and business development specialist to Hands-On Diagnostics. Most of his professional career has been in the Physical Therapy private practice sector working with ambitious, driven owners and executives who have dreams of going big(ger) and just need the right support, backup, and capacity to see it accomplished.
He has strategically planned and executed programs for clinics that have seen expansion from as few as 4 offices to up to 16 offices across 3 states. Working directly with various owners and their staff throughout the boroughs of NYC and down the Rocky Mountains, he's hired hundreds of effective and productive therapists, managers and staff, as well as created the training regimens for those people and their staff.
In addition to business expansion acumen, he's a world-traveler, successful soccer director and a very proud father of 3 amazing beings. His Mantra is "Keep the constant create in life and be surprised by nothing!"
Jami has 28 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including management of a billing team for a growing physical therapy corporation. She is passionate about educating the public on the benefits of physical therapy, especially after seeing the benefits personally. Excellent customer service is of utmost importance, and she brings 40+ years of experience working with the public.
Jami has returned to her home state of Montana after living in Alaska, Texas, and California. She enjoys fishing, hiking, and camping in her spare time, along with helping in her church and community.
Job Titles:
- CEO, Northern Physical Therapy and Diagnostics
- Vice President of Clinical Education for Hands - on Diagnostics
- VP Clinical Services
- VP of Clinical Education
Jeanine serves as the Vice President of Clinical Education for Hands-On Diagnostics. She brings a unique perspective as she is one of the original HODS members and assists on the Business Advisory Board for this group as well. She is passionate about elevating the physical therapy profession and enabling practitioners to accurately diagnose their patients and provide treatment that will ensure an optimal outcome.
Dr. Hauskey is a Physical Therapist and is Board Certified in Clinical Electrophysiology. Dr. Hauskey has seen or treated nearly every type of physical therapy needed, ranging from neuromuscular complications to vestibular disorder to orthopedic injuries.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Administrator
Jessica has worked in a Chiropractic, Physiotherapy & Massage clinic as an Assistant Manager in Dublin, Ireland for 11 years. She has grown up to know and learn natural ways for healing the body are powerful and underestimated. In the clinic they have seen many "miracles " for their patients throughout the years thanks to their practitioners. The more she works in this area the more she is certain that people can be helped when the root cause is located in the body. In her spare time she loves to be physically active and furthering her studies, or have a cup of tea and relax - as Irish do!
Jim has worked as a Sales and Marketing professional for the past 30 years in the practice management, insurance, fundraising, and self-betterment industries and enjoys working with other professionals. One of his greatest pleasures is when he can help another reach their personal and professional goals in life.
Job Titles:
- Accounting and HR
- Professional Bookkeeper and Human Resource Manager
Jose A. Marrero is a Professional Bookkeeper and Human Resource Manager with a Master's Degree in Business Management obtained in 2016. Having almost 30 years of experience with various areas of accounting and business communications, he has found his place with Hands-On Companies as a strong team player demonstrating his organizational and communication skillset with our staff. His constant professionalism with customers and vendors, auditing skills and an aptitude with bookkeeping while continuously following, adapting and implementing policies to our staff makes Jose an essential asset to our team.
Dr. Wheeler currently works full time as the inpatient therapy coordinator in a small critical access hospital in Afton, Wyoming. He also performs electrophysiologic testing at clinics in Afton and Kemmerer, Wyoming. He became board certified in clinical electrophysiology in 2022.
Larry Head is a distinguished professor of Evoked Potential studies and leads the Evoked Potential training program of HODS.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Logistics ( Clearwater )
Lena Hays has 10 years of experience working with people including handling communication fast, answering questions and routing particles. She's good at being organized and having an organized space. She also likes doing administrative functions so that every particle is correctly handled and there is no confusion.
She enjoys working in a team of professionals that help people reach personal and professional goals.
She's very proud to be part of Hands-On Diagnostics company and be helpful to Physical Therapy practices to make their business grow, diagnose patients and accurately handle their body problems.
In her spare time, she helps her church and community.
Dr. Brooks has over 25 years of experience as a clinician, administrator, and educator in the field of physical therapy. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kentucky, and completed his doctorate in clinical electrophysiology at Rocky Mountain University in 2005. He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in both clinical electrophysiology and orthopedics.
Dr. Brooks has worked as a physical therapist in many settings, including outpatient, acute care, home health, and long-term care.
His teaching experience includes the University of Kentucky, University of Indianapolis, Midway College, and Somerset Community College. He was one of the first instructors in Rocky Mountain University's transitional DPT program, and has also taught numerous continuing medical education courses.
Dr. Brooks is responsible for all clinical education at HODS.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Chairman and CEO of Survival Strategies International, INC
Mr. Ferreira is Chairman and CEO of Survival Strategies International, INC. Survival Strategies is a top consulting and training company in the field of physical therapy and health care.
For more than 30 years, Mr. Ferreira and his team of consultants have worked with health care professionals, particularly physical therapists, to help them expand their practices and stabilize them financially.
Nancy Mansell completed her undergraduate education at Penn State in 2001 and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the Army/Baylor program in 2007. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 and ended her military career in 2011. She received her OCS in 2010 and began pursuing the long road of ENMG training in 2013. With the help of the Rocky Mountain ENMG program and dedicated mentors, Nancy earned her ECS in 2016.
Currently, she is taking a break from orthopedic physical therapy and focusing primarily on ENMG. She teaches Doctorate of Physical Therapy candidates at the University of Puget Sounds in addition to mentoring at the Hands-On Diagnostics Residency Program. When she isn't doing EMGs, Nancy can be found in the Pilates studio or running in the streets of Seattle (rain or shine).
Oluwaseun (Sean) Ajifowobaje is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, who immigrated from Nigeria at seven years old. He grew up in Glen Burnie, Maryland, playing both lacrosse and soccer in high school. Dr. Ajifowobaje graduated from Towson University in 2008 as a student athlete making the dean's list in his junior year. He played soccer competitively for four years and gained extensive knowledge in rehabilitation and agility training.
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Chairman of the APTA
Dr. McKibben is a physical therapist and clinical electrophysiologist. He received his DSc in clinical electrophysiology from Rocky Mountain University, and his MS in physical therapy from North Georgia College. He is board certified in clinical electrophysiology by ABPTS.
He has completed thousands of electrophysiologic studies, and has logged thousands of hours in peer review and administration for electrophysiologic testing laboratories.
Dr. McKibben serves as the chair for the APTA clinical electrophysiology practice group, and helped to establish the accreditation program for PTs.
Job Titles:
- Professor Emeritus at Lebanon Valley College
Dr. Nelson is a professor emeritus at Lebanon Valley College. He is a retired officer (06) in the United States Public Health Service. He has more than 40 manuscripts published in the peer reviewed journals. Additionally, he has authored or co-authored. More than 39 presentations at professional organizations. Most of his work was in the Electrodiagnostic areas of practice and education. He has been in the area of physical therapy for more than 57 years. He is a life member of the APTA. He won the 44th Mary McMillan lecture.
Job Titles:
- Neurodiagnostic Specialist
Scott graduated with a doctorate of Physical Therapy from USC in 2008. He went on to complete his Residency in clinical Electrodiagnosis in 2013. Scott now works as a contract Electromyographer for Frontera Strategies based in Dallas, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Owner, NCEPT Physical Therapy and Diagnostics
Job Titles:
- Business Services Director
Tawna is proud to be the Business Services Director for HODS. She brings 10 years of management and operations experience from working with some of the world's most well-known companies, including Amazon, Google, and Nintendo. Her career has been focused on working with C-Suite executives to help establish and expand their organizations, and she has extensive training in Hubbard Management technology.
She is excited to work with HODs members in establishing a successful and profitable diagnostic business, and forward the HODS mission to revolutionize the PT industry and provide better results for patients!
In her personal life, Tawna is passionate about her family, her humanitarian work, and traveling the world. Her dream is to retire to the countryside near Kyoto, Japan.
Tracy Norvell completed her undergraduate education at Washington State University in 1991 and her physical therapy education at University of Washington in 1993. She received her OCS in 2015 and began her EMG residency in 2016.
In addition to mentoring through the Hands-On Diagnostics Residency Program, Tracy performs EMG testing in two locations: Bellingham, Washington and Sandpoint, Idaho. When she isn't doing EMGs or reviewing studies, Tracy can be found hiking in the mountains with her dog, paddle-boarding, or kayaking.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Logistics ( Astoria )
Troy has been involved in various aspects of fitness throughout his life including football, bodybuilding, and martial arts. He was a competitive bodybuilder as a teen and continued in that field throughout his twenties. He attained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at Hofstra University. His current interest is in the fields of nutrition and natural health.
Vicki Buchanan attended the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1986. Vicki taught in the Physical Therapy program at Langston University. She also instructed first aide and emergency care at Rose State College.
Vicki started and currently owns a successful private multi-site Physical Therapy practice for over 25 years. She has mentored other physical Therapy practice owners to make their practices viable and successful as well.
She is an outpatient general orthopedics therapist and has 33 years of experience. She is certified in several physical therapy techniques including ASTYM, Dry Needling, and Kinesio tape to name a few. She is an APTA member and currently serves on the APTA board of directors.