MEET OUR TEAM

 After years of directing orthopedic clinics, I've decided to embark on a new venture: establishing a high-quality concierge therapy service. With each passing year, insurance companies impose greater challenges for therapists striving to maintain their practice. This has led many clinics to adopt a co-treatment model, where 3-5 patients are treated simultaneously.

However, this approach is not sustainable for both patients and therapists. You deserve better – quality care, meticulous attention to detail, and the highest standard of treatment.

As the founder of Florida Strong Physical Therapy, I hold a current license in the state of Florida. My expertise encompasses evaluating and treating a wide array of conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and vestibular impairments, sports injuries, total joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries, and falls prevention.

I hold a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Youngstown State University in Ohio, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Additionally, I have expanded my skill set by obtaining certification in dry needling, a technique effective in pain management and rehabilitation.

I am also an APTA-Credentialed Clinical Instructor and collaborate with St. Augustine University and Broward College.

Meet Michele, the enigmatic force behind the seamless operation of Florida Strong Physical Therapy. With over a decade of experience in the mysterious arts of office management, she ensures that everything runs like a well-oiled machine – or else.

Known for her uncanny ability to appear exactly when needed (and sometimes when you least expect it), She has a sixth sense for spotting a paperclip out of place or a missed deadline lurking in the shadows. Her domain is the office, and she rules it with a blend of efficiency, humor, and just a hint of benevolent menace.

Before joining our team, she honed her skills while working for various orthopedic offices, mastering the dark arts of administration, insurance claims, and verification.  

 Rob is a graduate of Emory University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, where he also completed his residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Following residency completion, he went on to earn his Board Certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Prior to his work with Florida Strong Physical Therapy, Rob directed patient care in a variety of clinical settings in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. Serving to bridge the gap between present dysfunctions and personal goals, he customized treatments to help individuals reach their potential and optimize performance.

 Rob promotes an evidence-based approach to treatment guided by an individual’s unique needs and preferences. Drawing on his experience as a former college strength coach, he employs a philosophy of movement optimization and physical preparedness to help individuals prevent — as well as recover from — injury. Following from his advocacy for the foundational importance of fitness, he utilizes exercise and manual therapies to restore function and help get people back to doing the things they want to do. 

Rob is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) and plays an active role in the Orthopaedics, Sports, and Occupational Health Sections. He is also a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT). Rob lives in Davie with his wife, three children, and two standard poodles. 

  Tsakaia Berkeley, OTA/L, PTA, is a licensed occupational therapist and physical therapist assistant with eight years of comprehensive experience in the therapy field. She has developed a strong clinical background in orthopedic rehabilitation and home health services. Tsakaia earned her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Keiser University and later obtained her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. 

Committed to ongoing education, Tsakaia actively researches injury prevention and upper extremity interventions backed by current evidence. She is currently studying to be a Certified Hand Therapist. 

 Melanie graduated from Broward College in 2015 and has been a Licensed Physical Therapist assistant for 8 years. She has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, sports injuries, and falls prevention. She is also experienced in treating patients who have undergone total joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries, and other orthopedic procedures. 

In addition to helping patients, she enjoys teaching students from Broward College and Keiser University as an APTA-Credentialed Clinical Instructor.

 As an athlete herself, Melanie participated in competitive inline and ice speed skating and earned a spot on the United States Inline World Team, where she competed for 3 years. She traveled to many countries, representing Team USA. 
   

 Having undergone physical therapy for various sports injuries, she is able to empathize with her patients' pain and discomfort. Melanie is fantastic at what she does and patients love to work with her.

Brittay is a dedicated and passionate Physical Therapist Assistant with a strong foundation in exercise science, sports injury rehabilitation, and post-surgical recovery. She earned her bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University and further specialized in physical therapy by graduating from Keiser University. With diverse experience spanning outpatient orthopedic care, home health care, and acute care settings, Brittany has developed a well-rounded approach to helping patients recover mobility and strength.

Her expertise includes working with athletes recovering from sports injuries, assisting post-surgical patients in their rehabilitation journey, and providing customized treatment plans that support long-term health. Brittany is committed to staying active and knowledgeable in the latest techniques, ensuring her patients receive high-quality, effective care.

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

 Jessica holds a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, following her completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree at Rutgers University in NJ. With a passion for helping people regain their independence and quality of life, she has gained diverse experience in various healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics and acute care in hospitals.

Jessica's expertise extends to a wide range of conditions, from upper extremity injuries and musculoskeletal issues to sports-related injuries and common hand and wrist conditions such as arthritis, trigger finger, and wrist tendonitis. Beyond treatment, she is dedicated to empowering her clients with valuable knowledge, offering guidance on fall prevention in the home, ergonomic practices, and energy conservation techniques.

Outside of her profession, Jessica cherishes her time with her two cats. Recently relocating to the vibrant state of Florida with her husband, she is eager to immerse herself in the local community and continue making a positive impact in the field of occupational therapy.

 Teri began her journey in healthcare with an Associate of Science degree, becoming a Certified Physical Therapist Assistant from Broward College in Davie, Florida, in 2005.  She  has built a commendable career spanning nearly two decades in various healthcare settings. 

She has extensive experience with a variety of diagnoses and settings, ranging from acute hospital care and outpatient rehabilitation to home health care. Her career has also included management roles. She particularly enjoys working with patients who are actively engaged and committed to their recovery.

 As a professional and empathetic healthcare provider, Teri is dedicated to helping patients regain a functional and pain-free lifestyle. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy | Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Jamie was born and raised in South Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Florida in 2009, followed by her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2013. Since then, she has dedicated her career to helping patients restore function, regain confidence, and enhance their quality of life.

In 2019, Jamie became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, sparking a profound passion for working with oncology and lymphedema patients. She is also experienced and enjoys treating individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological

conditions, and is committed to helping patients improve their strength, balance, and mobility. Jamie has worked in both outpatient clinics and in acute care settings. Her diverse background allows her to approach patient care with both clinical precision and deep empathy. 

Jamie is known for her compassionate, individualized approach to care. She is dedicated to building strong therapeutic relationships and tailoring each treatment plan to meet the unique goals of every patient.

Outside of the clinic, Jamie enjoys spending quality time with her family, cheering on her children in gymnastics, flag football, and dance, traveling, and embracing the outdoors..

Originally from Chicago, Rhaea relocated to Florida to pursue a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Barry University. With a diverse background that includes home health, outpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, memory care, independent and assisted living, hand therapy, and pain management, Rhaea brings a wealth of expertise to the team. She also has valuable managerial experience, enhancing her ability to lead and inspire.

Known for her empathetic and patient-centered approach, Rhaea is passionate about truly getting to know her patients and focusing on what matters most to them. She is dedicated to restoring independence by adapting environments and utilizing adaptive equipment tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether it's achieving daily tasks or regaining the ability to engage in meaningful activities, Rhaea is committed to helping her patients reach their goals and improve their quality of life. She finds great fulfillment in empowering others and making a positive impact through her work.

Outside of her professional life, Rhaea enjoys spending quality time with her family, staying active and embracing the excitement of football season.