Dr. Jerome Higgs is a Bahamas native and earned his Bachelor of Science with a minor in Chemistry from Voorhees University. He later pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cellular Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), focusing on the therapeutic potential of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells expressing osteoprotegerin variants
Dr. Dan Calvo is an Occupational Therapy (OT) Instructor in the Flex OT program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ St. Augustine, FL campus. He joined the University in August 2023. With a background in clinical practice, he has worked in various healthcare settings including skilled nursing, acute and rehab hospitals, hand
Dr. Cynthia (Cyndi) Haynes is a pediatric therapist with more than 20 years of experience. She has worked as a clinician and director across diverse settings, including a regional pediatric hospital, pediatric rehabilitation facility, outpatient clinics, early intervention and community preschools, as well as home- and school-based services. As occupational therapy regional director with Employer
Rebecca Caudrillier earned her Master of Science Occupational Therapy in 2009 and later began her career in the acute care setting. Her professional path evolved to encompass lymphedema and breast cancer rehabilitation. Transitioning to home care and hospice, she expanded her expertise, ultimately discovering her passion for hand therapy. With a Bachelor of Science in
Dr. Rebecca King is an occupational therapist, educator and researcher dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and improving outcomes. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she has held various roles in geriatric rehabilitation, rehabilitation management and administration. Her diverse career includes working in skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities and
Dr. Justine Faghihifar joined the University in 2023 and serves as an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy (OT) programs on the Dallas, TX campus. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and a Master of Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University . Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health, pediatrics, school systems and sensory
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Timothy Tu found his calling in education when he taught English in South Korea. Returning to his home state of California, he worked as a high school mathematics teacher before discovering occupational therapy. Throughout his career, Dr. Tu has provided care to adults in various settings, including inpatient acute
Based at the Austin, TX campus, Dr. Maya Clark joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in July 2023. She has experience in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs and has served in leadership roles including program director, graduate coordinator and director of clinical education. Within higher education, Dr. Clark was elected as
Dr. Whitney Reese earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from The University of the Incarnate Word in 2003, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2006 and completed a Master of Science in Kinesiology from AT Still in 2019. Since then, she has primarily worked in the outpatient setting, earning
Dr. Mayra Mendez-Schiaffino received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Kennesaw State University in 2010. In 2021, she earned a post-graduate certification in Low Vision Rehabilitation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In 2023, she received her Doctor
Dr. Nancy Hellman earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in 1990. In 2005 she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Boston University. She completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Russell Sage College in 2022. Her research centered on graduate students’ perception of their persistence
Dr. Rudie Spigarelli has practiced in several outpatient clinical settings including multi-disciplinary, mobile, orthopedic and vestibular clinics. She has experience and certification in concussion management, manual therapy, visual-vestibular functional integration training, clinical instruction and practice management. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Texas Physical Therapy Association and Vestibular Rehabilitation Special Interest Group