Liza Tan, DPT, CEO & Owner
Education:Columbia University Teachers College
Master's Degree - Applied Physiology 1999 - 2001
MGH Institute of Health Professions
DPT, Physical Therapy 2007 - 2010
English, Chinese and Tagalog
Kariz de los Santos, DPT, PT
Kariz earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Mariana Marcos State University in the Philippines. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College.
Kariz chose Physical Therapy as her profession because she wanted to challenge herself to be creative, innovative, and competent in providing quality care to patients. She always strives to be updated on recent practices and research – devoted to a lifetime of learning – to deliver a more efficient and effective health care service.
“I want to improve my ability to help my patients to get better and assist them to attain their highest functional goal. My principle in treatment is to provide treatment and care to my patients as if they are the member of my family. To my patients - Let us work together not to prevent illnesses but to improve quality of life.”
Bryan Rivera, DPT, PT
Bryan graduated from the University of Perpetual Help System in the Philippines earning his Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy. He now has over 16 years of out-patient experience, providing a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan for each patient. Bryan is currently finishing up his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana.
Bryan always wanted to pursue a profession that would allow him to help people’s medical needs. Early on in his educational career he learned about Physical Therapy, and the unfolding opportunities this career choice had to help patient’s recovery. Bryan found his passion for Physical Therapy, treating Geriatric patients, neurological conditions such as stokes, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson. Also, as an athlete Bryan has experience treating a wide range of sport injuries.
“I'm very passionate in taking care of other people. Therefore, I pursued this passion through Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. As an experienced Physical Therapist, I help people regain their abilities and achieve their optimal function. I have extensive experience in neuromuscular cases and sports related injuries.”
During his spare time Bryan maintains an active lifestyle by running and hiking, and playing his all-time favorite sport, basketball.
Czarissa Casalme, DPT, PT
Czarissa, received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Velez College in the Philippines. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Arcadia, Philadelphia to advance her expertise, ultimately to help more patients reach their goals.
She fell in love with Physical Therapy as a profession because of the never-ending learning. Czarissa feels every day she gets to learn new things from patients, colleagues, research conducted by other medical professionals. She gets to apply these learnings to help improve her patient’s quality of living. Although physical therapy is a difficult job, she believes it is very rewarding because she sees the impact of changing people’s lives. She believes it is important to try to be in her patient's shoes and understand how they are feeling. Czarissa values the importance of building a good relationship and having great communication with patients to improve the outcome of their physical therapy.
Czarissa experiences growing up with grandparents guided her passion for Geriatrics, treating the elderly community. She loves having conversations with them and learning new things from their experiences. Czarissa’s most memorable experiences with her patients are when they see her as part of their family.
“I'll never forget when a patient told me that he sees me like a daughter. This is one thing I love about physical therapy, is when patients see you like family because you have helped them through their pain. I love when their frowns turn into smiles because they are now able to do the things they love without the fear of experiencing pain.”
In her free time, Czarissa loves to read her favorite books.
Noreen Lagman, PT
Noreen received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Our Lady of Fatima University in the Philippines.
She has over 24 years of experience in Physical Therapy, treating a wide variety of conditions including musculoskeletal conditions for Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Young adults. She also has experience helping patients with post-operative sports injuries. Noreen’s passion for Physical Therapy rooted from her love for science and human anatomy, now helping patients along their journey to recovery.
Nicole Ventura, PT
Education- Velez College - Bachelor's Degree
- Touro College - Doctorate of PT (ongoing)
My mother pursued me to take up Physical Therapy, a course I was unfamiliar with. I eventually learned to love the profession, valuing the conversations with my patients and helping them achieve their full functional capabilities.
How long? Include outside the US if so.Three years
What do you like most about the job?The challenge in helping a patient solve his/her movement problems; the fulfillment when a patient gives gratitude or says thank you.
Principles in treatment?Putting myself in the patient's shoes and being a good listener.
Favorite quote related to healing?"Take it one step at a time."
Hobbies outside of work?- reading books
- watching Kdrama
- strolling in parks
- exploring what NYC has to offer!
none
Alyssa, DPT, PT
Education- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - De La Salle Medical Health Sciences (Dasmarinas, Philippines)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy - Arcadia University (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania)
I wanted to become a physical therapist because it is a very rewarding job. There is also a variety of fields that I can choose from like pediatrics, orthopedics, geriatrics, cardiopulmonary, sports, etc.
How long? Include outside the US if so.2 years working as a PT
Various out-patient clinics in NY (mostly orthopedic clinics)
Hospital in the Philippines working in both in-patient and out-patient departments.
It's very fulfilling to improve a patient's quality of life while applying the long-term overall health benefits of physical therapy while working with different disciplines and health care professionals to achieve our common goal.
Principles in treatment?I treat my patients like how I would treat somebody who is dear to me - with respect, sympathy, and nobleness.
Favorite quote related to healing?Honestly, I don't have any
Hobbies outside of work?I like to play the drums, piano, guitar, and ukulele in my free time.
Awards/Certificates?- College Honor- De La Salle Medical Health Sciences (Dasmarinas, Philippines)
- Harvard Medical School: The Telephone & Telemedicine in Clinical Medicine: An Instrument of Opportunity & Risk
- Clinical Implication of 3D Gait Analysis in the Treatment of Gait Disorders
- Orthopedic Manual Therapy in Combination with Therapeutic Exercise in the Treatment of Mechanical Cervical Pain
- E.A.R (ENT And Rehabilitation): A Vestibular Rehabilitation Post Graduate Course
Christine Espiritu, PT
Education- Cebu Doctors' University, Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy.
- Ongoing Doctorate of Physical Therapy
At first it was my aunt's decision to take up this major, but eventually when I started my internship I was able to foresee myself on helping people by making the best on their lives. Being a Physical Therapist is a fulfilling job, seeing patients improvement from the first day to the last day of their visit is a priceless feeling.
How long? Include outside the US if so.I have been practicing for 4 years. I have worked in out-patient clinic, in-patient setting and home care.
What do you like most about the job?There are three things that I liked about my job. First is being able to help people in reaching their goals. Second is learning a new treatment method that would be able to widen my knowledge about my profession. Lastly, is being able to meet and socialize to people.
Principles in treatment?My principles of treatment are: Passion, empathy and excellence. I believe that treating patient should be about treating them as a person. Treating patients the way how you care for your loved ones and making their goal as your goal. That we are not here for the sake of business, but we are here for a purpose.
Favorite quote related to healing?Doctors add years to life but we therapist add life to years.
Hobbies outside of work?Singing and recording music.
Awards/Certificates?- Licensed Physical Therapist in the Philippines.
- Licensed Physical Therapist in New York.
Stephanie, PT
Education- Graduated in 2017 with a of Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in Velez College, Philippines
- Ongoing Doctorate in Physical Therapy in Touro College
I first got interested in PT as a profession when my cousin always brought me to her home health work every time she has a scheduled therapy with her patient. Spending that much time seeing and learning from her how she treated patients gave me some pretty good insights what physical therapy does. It's gratifying to know how to and be able to relieve persons pain and get back to whatever it is they love to do.
And that I knew it's what I wanted to do.
I worked as a physical therapist in the Philippines for almost a year. Then I worked as a Physical Therapist in the United States for 2 years now.
What do you like most about the job?What I like the most about being a PT is giving the impact or the quality of life the patient deserves. I saw how powerful it was to give a patient the opportunity to simply move in their world. There is really no better feeling seeing a patient recover, stand, walk again and return to their optimal level of functioning. I knew that movement is how I wanted to positively make an impact in peoples' lives which also, in my part, brings me great joy and satisfaction. I love that no two patients will ever be the same and everyday will be a new learning opportunity.
Principles in treatment?Compassion
Professional Judgment
Individualization
I believe that the use of holistic approach to physical therapy in which evaluates not only the site of pain but all possible areas which may lead to it and develops customized treatment plans for every individual.
Movement is the best medicine towards recovery and reaching peoples functional abilities.
Hobbies outside of work?I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, group workout, play badminton.
Awards/Certificates?- Licensed Physical Therapist in the Philippines.
- Licensed Physical Therapist in New York.
Roxanne Luche, PT
Education- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Cebu Doctors’ University in Cebu City, Philippines
- Upcoming DPT student
I recall when I was a little kid my father and grandparents would ask me to massage and stretch them. I would step and walk on their backs and they would feel better afterwards. I was so amazed everytime and I loved seeing the smiles on their faces. From then on, I have always been fascinated in how the human body works, it’s biomechanics, and enjoyed figuring out what I could do using my own hands to help people get through their pain, injuries and improve their performance. And I love interacting with people. As I thought about it, helping people and making them happy were two underlying themes of my career choice and that is why I wanted to be a PT.
How long? Include outside the US if so.I’ve been working as a PT for 4 years now.
What do you like most about the job?I love everything about being a PT. I love the learning aspect of the profession and how multifaceted it is. I love the bond I build with my patients/clients. But, my favorite part is seeing people achieve their physical therapy goals and improve their overall quality of life.
Principles in treatment?Communication, compassion and empathy
Favorite quote related to healing?“I think that that's the wisest thing - to prevent illness before we try to cure something.” -Maya Angelou, American author, poet and civil rights activist
Hobbies outside of work?I am enthusiastic about cooking, sewing, and fitness, such as weightlifting, kickboxing, and self-defense. I am particularly interested in physical training because it allows me to develop a deeper understanding of body mechanics and the necessary mental mindset for completing difficult physical movements. This perspective allows me to better treat patients by being able to deliver clear and easy-to-understand instructions. Moreover, I enjoy reading motivational and inspirational books, such as Atomic Habits and The Five People You Meet In Heaven. Studying these materials provides me with the tools to empathize and better coach patients through difficult therapy sessions. A holistic and interdisciplinary approach between the body and mind to treatment gives me a more effective capacity to make an impact with patients.
Awards/Certificates?- Dean’s list recipient
- Research team leader
Colene, PT
Education- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Cebu Doctors’ University in Cebu City, Philippines
- Currently Completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana
What made you want to be a PT?
Growing up, my father was part of the Cebu Football Association in the Philippines wherein I was able to witness teams being conditioned and trained by Physical therapists. I too was a football player and that mainly encouraged me to be able to take up a course that did something I liked related to sports and exercises while pleasing my family who wanted me to take up a medical course.
How long have you been a Physical Therapist?
I have been practicing since I graduated in 2017 back in the Philippines, where I focused on home health care and sports related injuries. Here in the United States, I worked on various out-patient clinics.
What do you like most about your job?
I’ve always had a certain compassion for taking care of people. I find it very rewarding and satisfying being able to be of service to those in most need. I find it very fulfilling to be able to improve a patient’s quality of life and being able to contribute in achieving their goals towards healing and improvement.
Principles in treatment? I treat all my patients as if I am treating my loved ones with respect, compassion and empathy.
Favorite Quote related to healing?
"Strength does not come from physical capacity; it comes from an indominable will." - Mahatma Gandii
