Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine

ORTHOPAEDIC REHABILITATION

	Ryan Hemelt - DPT, MOTR/L - Ryan graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. He completed his Master's degree at the University of St. Augustine in Occupational Therapy with a concentration in hand therapy. Following this, he completed a Doctorate in Physical therapy with a focus in manual therapy. He has remained dually credentialed in both Physical and Occupational therapy and has been practicing at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine for the past seven years. Ryan has brought injury prevention programs to Flagler College and the local high schools reducing the incidence of knee injuries in athletes. In addition to the above accomplishments, he has been voted Best Physical Therapist in St. Augustine for the past 3 years.

	Geordie Griener - MPT - Geordie is a native of Louisiana who has lived in St. Augustine since 1998. He graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with his Master’s of Physical Therapy degree in September 2000 and has practiced in and around St. Augustine since then in outpatient, home health and assisted living facility settings. Geordie keeps current with recent developments and new treatment techniques through ongoing continuing education courses and through consultation with doctors and fellow therapy practitioners. His primary area of interest is in orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation where he emphasizes therapeutic exercise along with manual therapy techniques to help patients return to independent, active lifestyles.

	Nathan Johnson - PT, OCS - Nathan graduated from Bradley University in 2004 with a Master's in Physical Therapy. By working in a variety of outpatient settings he is well rounded to handle most orthopeadic conditions, but specializes and has focused his continuing education in the lumbar and cervical spine. In 2007 Nathan completed a manual therapy certification through the Ola Grimsby Institute and in 2008 became a Board Certified Orthopeadic Physical Therapist. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and American Academy of Orthopeadic Manual Therapists. Away from work, Nathan volunteers with the Arthritis Foundation and was the Event Chair for the 2011 Jacksonville Arthritis Walk.

	Brennan Leyendecker - DPT - Brennan earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She brings with her current physical therapy techniques based on the latest medical research. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Brennan has 5 years experience in strength and conditioning fitness training as a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She has a deep interest in manual therapy and has trained internationally to complement her skills. Brennan is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her athletic background includes competitive swimming, soccer, water polo, cycling and tri-sport. As a new resident of St. Augustine, Brennan endeavors to contribute to the health and wellness of the First Coast community.

	Carla Kimps - OTR-L, CHT - Carla, a Certified Hand Therapist, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of the upper extremity both pre- and post-surgically. Carla is a 1996 graduate of the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Occupational Therapy. Prior to joining Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine in 2007, she served as Clinic Director of an outpatient hand therapy clinic for many years. She maintains memberships in several professional organizations including the American Society of Hand Therapists, the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Florida Hand Society.

	ANTHony Collins - COTA - Tony graduated from Daytona State College in 1997 with a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. He has worked for the past 13 years in a variety of settings working with all age groups. His focus has always been working to return his patients to a fulfilling life. He has managed inpatient facilities and developed programs to encourage patients to overcome their disabilities. His last 7 years have been dedicated to orthopaedic specialties of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.

	Mike Milek - ATC - Mike graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science and a concentration in Athletic Training. He has been a nationally certified athletic trainer since 1998 and has been working in central and northeast Florida since then. Mike specializes in working with athletes of all levels including amateur, college, and professional. He works in almost every sport imaginable including but not limited to hockey, skateboarding, motocross, and your more traditional sports. Mike is currently certified as an instructor for Sportsmetrics®, an ACL injury prevention program offered by OASA.

	KATELYN OSTOPICK - M. Ed, ATC - Katelyn, a native of Pennsylvania, graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2007. While at Clarion, she was a member of the swim team and was a conference finalist. She has been a certified athletic trainer since 2008 and has primarily worked at the collegiate level since graduating. Katelyn obtained her Master's of Education from Northern Arizona University in 2009 where she was responsible for the women's volleyball, swimming & diving, and men's and women's tennis teams. She is a member of the National Athletic Trainer's Association as well as the Southeast Athletic Trainer's Association. Katelyn works primarily in the clinic at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine and also does outreach to St. Joseph Academy, functioning as the Head Athletic Trainer for the student athletes.