Enrique, the founder of Endeavor Physical Therapy, has over 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist, specializing in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and is Certified Hand Therapist. He received his degree in occupational therapy from Texas Woman's University in Denton, and later added an MBA from St. Edwards University.
Enrique has spoken at the state level and national level regarding billing and coding, business management, and complex upper extremity injuries. Prior to becoming a therapist, Enrique served in the U.S. Army Rangers in the 1st Ranger Battalion. Enrique is fluent in Spanish.
Emily is a Certified Hand Therapist, having over 20 years of experience with treating the upper extremity. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Texas A&M in 1993, and her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1995. She has been a certified hand therapist since 2004. She serves on the Board of the Texas Society for Hand Therapists. Emily is married with three children. In her free time, she enjoys running (especially trail running), yoga, reading and hanging out with her family.
Christy received her Master of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Rockhurst University. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2009. After her Master's degree, she spent a year in Ecuador volunteering in hospitals and clinics and speaks Spanish. She worked for 10 years in Chicago with upper extremity surgeons and treated the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and the White Sox.
Christy has 15 years of experience in wound care, splinting, and treating a variety of repetitive use injuries and pre- and post-operative diagnoses. When she is not treating upper extremity injuries, Christy enjoys running, yoga, Pilates, swimming, rowing, and learning to play the guitar.
Occupational /Certified Hand Therapist
Emily’s passion for hand therapy began early on. After assisting a hand therapist during an undergraduate internship, she was accepted into the top-rated Washington University School of Medicine graduate program, where her passion continued to grow.
Emily has worked in a variety of outpatient clinic settings with a focus in return to work, ergonomics and upper extremity rehabilitation. She has helped manage private clinics and worked closely with many local physicians and board-certified hand surgeons. Emily also worked for a large health system serving as the Hand Therapy Clinical Advancement Program lead. She offers an expansive knowledge of upper extremity rehabilitation, including education, conservative management, post-operative care and splint/orthosis fabrication for a vast list of conditions. The freedom of working in private practice has influenced her caring approach to patient experience, providing patients with flexibility and economy along with personalized and highly skilled care.
Emily has served on the board and presented for local and national hand therapy organizations. Currently, she is a member of ASHT’s education division, an ASHT Board Intern and recently served on ASSH’s Touching Hands Project in Nepal. During her free time Emily enjoys visiting with family and friends, traveling, cooking, exercising and horseback riding in the Texas Hill Country.
Whitney received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from The University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2010. Over the last 9 years, Whitney’s professional goals have remained constant as she has dedicated her practice experience towards comprehensive upper extremity rehabilitation. She completed the requirements to become a Certified Hand Therapist in 2016. Whitney and her family recently relocated to the Austin area and in her free time she enjoys spending time with husband and two young boys.
As a Michigan native, Amy received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 2007. After moving to Texas in 2010, she chose to pursue physical therapy while working as a PT and orthopedic technician. Amy attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, TX where she attained her Doctorate of Physical therapy degree in 2018. Throughout her education, she gained experience in various settings including orthopedic, acute care, geriatric, and neuro which has assisted in her treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
Amy and her Fiancé reside in Austin with their two dogs. They are active members of their church, enjoy traveling, hiking, attending concerts, and the numerous Austin eateries.
Barry has over 10 years of experience and works at our South Austin location. He graduated from Texas State University. Prior to his professional career as a PT, Barry was a U.S. Navy Corpsman for five years working with the U.S. Marines. He has a background in Chemistry.
Chris has more than 27 years’ experience in outpatient physical therapy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Her treatment philosophy is one of viewing the body as a whole, integrative system. Functional medicine theories are also a foundation of her care.
Chris’s treatment skill set incorporates manual therapy, advanced myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point therapy, therapeutic exercise, Original Strength and osteopathic -techniques including strain/counter strain and cranial sacral therapy. She has certifications in Personal Training, Fascial Stretch Therapy, and kinesiotaping.
Outside of the clinic, Chris’s interests are her animals, shark and ocean conservation, and Miksang-Comtemplative photography.
Diane earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas State University in San Marcos, and has completed post graduate certifications in Manual Therapy and Dry Needling. She has worked in outpatient clinics specializing in the treatment of orthopedic injuries and neurologic disorders, and also has experience within the hospital setting. Before becoming a PT, Diane was an engineer for 14 years having earned a BS in Materials Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Diane is a Coast Guard dependent having grown up along the coast of the USA including Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, and Hawaii. She is married with a son and a dog, George. Diane is a Master (sixth degree black belt) in Mu Sool Won with more than 20 years’ experience.
Manny earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, FL in 2012. He has over 6 years of clinical experience in treating patients with various orthopedic, neurological, and balance problems. He has completed specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation for inner ear dysfunction, Graston Technique, which is a type of soft tissue treatment and is certified in dry needling. In his free time, he enjoys eating, working out, and spending time with family and friends, as well as supporting the Dallas Cowboys.
Jason has more than 18 years of experience in the field of Physical Therapy. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and initially working as a personal trainer, he began his time in physical therapy as a rehab tech working with both orthopedic and neurological patients. This experience lead him to pursue an advanced degree and he ultimately graduated from Texas State University in 2004 with a Master’s degree in physical therapy, attaining his license to practice a short time after. Since graduation, he has worked at several outpatient clinics in Central Texas, as well as spending time in the Washington, D.C. area, specializing in general orthopedics.
In 2007, he earned a certification in mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) through the McKenzie Institute. In 2014 he became a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy after completing the Manual Therapy Institute's fellowship program (FAAOMPT). Most recently, he earned a certification as an orthopedic specialist through the APTA (OCS). While he has experience treating patients with various orthopedic problems throughout the body, he considers treatment of spinal conditions to be his specialty and favorite. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercise, music, cooking, and being outdoors camping, fly fishing, and hiking.
Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from The University of Texas at Austin in 2012. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin in 2018. As a therapist, Lisa has continued to pursue higher education in her fields of interest. Currently, she is working toward completing the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) through Herman & Wallace. She is also a fellow-in-training in orthopedic manual therapy through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. She is certified in dry needling.
When she is not treating patients, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband, Garrett, and their beloved boa constrictor, Winifred. In addition to physical therapy, she also has a passion for traveling, barre, naps, and cookies.
Nicole “Nick” graduated from the University of North Texas in 2010 with a BA in History. Following this, Nicole attained Running Coaching and Personal Training Certifications from the RRCA, NASM, and NCCPT. She moved to Austin in 2011 and worked as a Personal Trainer until returning to school for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Nicole is currently working on her specialty in Orthopedics and Fellowship training in Manual Therapy.
Nicole enjoys treating all variety of patients including pre and post-surgical conditions, overuse and sports injuries. As a former personal trainer and running coach, she particularly enjoys helping her patients transition back in to the gym and/or their sports and recreational activities. In her free time Nicole enjoys weightlifting, running, fire dancing, and martial arts, as well as painting and drawing.
Stephanie has over 17 years of experience as an Orthopedic Physical Therapist in the Austin Area. She obtained her Master’s Degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in 1999, and a BS in Biology from the College of Charleston, SC. She is also a Navy/Desert Storm Veteran who worked in the aviation community.
She takes a “hands on approach” incorporating a variety of Manual Therapy techniques such as trigger point releases, joint mobilization, kinesiology taping, and functional individualized exercises. She is currently working on her Manual Therapy Certification but is also certificed in Dry Needling and Functional Core Strengthening. “The satisfaction of resolving pain and restoring function, without my patients undergoing surgery, is the greatest reward.”
Stephanie is married with 3 children and 3 dogs. In her free time, she enjoys fitness classes, traveling, reading, hiking and anything else outside – “work hard – play hard!”
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Stephan spent the first chapter of his post-college life working in the fields of portfolio management and investment banking. Eventually, his professional interests and career path changed, and Stephan began to pursue a second career in the field of physical therapy. Stephan enjoys working closely with patients with orthopedic problems in the outpatient setting. His professional interests include all dysfunctions related to the shoulder, hip, knees, neck, and back, with special interest in rehabbing high school athletes back to competitive sport. Stephan's skill set includes various manual treatment techniques and certification in therapeutic dry needling.
Personally, Stephan's likes include a well home-made peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, and his dislikes include people who complain about how cold it is whenever the temperature falls below 50 F (remember, he is from Chicago). Stephan moved to Austin in 2016 because, well, smoked brisket. Stephan graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, and received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University.
Light earned his associates in Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistant from Austin Community College in 2019. Prior to that, he has spent 13 years in the field of Physical Therapy as a technician training under multiple Physical Therapists. His skill set includes manual therapy techniques such as trigger point release, neuromuscular therapy, therapeutic exercise, and dry needling.
He was a competitive gymnast for 18 years and was an All-American collegiate gymnast for the Longhorns at the University of Texas at Austin. Alongside being a physical therapy technician he coached both women’s and men’s gymnastics for 10 years before entering school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. In his free time he enjoys working out, golf, going on trails and swimming with his Golden Retriever Enzo, and spending time with friends and family.
George is the Endeavor Four Points Therapy Dog for over 1.5 years. He is a 12 pound Shih Tzu rescue dog that is typically found napping in his bed. He is quiet and non-intrusive however he loves patients (and their families) and is always happy to be pet and picked-up whenever love is required!
Thomas graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2017. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin in 2020. Thomas loves it when his patients discover how helpful physical therapy is. He loves encouraging patients to be as active as possible through easy-to-do exercises.
Since moving to Texas, Thomas has fallen in love with the Lone-Star State and has discovered how practical the word "y'all" can be. Thomas loves basketball, soccer, and golf, and in his free time, he enjoys playing sports, working out, and is very active in his local church.
Zack is originally from Chicago and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa. He earned his Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin in 2020. His background is in health and wellness coaching, and he currently holds an active personal training certification from the American Council on Exercise. Zack is working towards earning his Certified Hand Therapist Certification. He has a passion for working with the upper extremity and using holistic strategies to empower his patients.
Zack is an avid snowboarder and tries to travel to the Rocky Mountains every year. He spends his off days exploring the music scene of Austin or hiking the beautiful trails around town.
Justin completed his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland in 2015. He then went on to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Shenandoah University in Leesburg, VA in 2019. Justin recently completed his advanced Dry Needling Certification to become a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist in Dry Needling (CMTPT/DN). His special interest and areas of treatment include the shoulder, lumbar spine, and chronic pain management.
Justin is originally from Baltimore and considers himself a diehard Orioles and Ravens fan. When he’s not working, Justin enjoys working out, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with his girlfriend and dog.
Hannah graduated from D’Youville College with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014. She is certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN) and Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT), and has a Diploma in Osteopractic (Dip. Osteopractic) and a Fellowship in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (FAAOMPT). Hannah enjoys using a variety of treatments, including dry needling, manipulation/mobilization, and tool-assisted manual therapy. She often combines these techniques with exercise. She is skilled in treating all regions of the body and has a particular passion for treating neck pain, mid/low back pain, headaches, as well as shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries.
In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and cooking.
Vanisha grew up in Farmington, Michigan, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Movement Science from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2020 before moving to Austin. She enjoys working with patients with various orthopedic, vestibular/neurological, and chronic conditions. Vanisha is very passionate about integrating mind-body health and empathetic listening into her daily practice. She is trained in upper and lower body Myokinesthetics, which helps patients with pain and mobility deficits by targeting the specific nerve roots associated with their symptoms.
Vanisha’s hobbies include traveling, cooking, playing the violin, learning guitar, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also a part of the core team of the International Rehab Forum young leaders, which helps build sustainable medical rehabilitation education and programs around the world.
Sydney graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion in 2017. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in Austin in 2020. Sydney has a true passion for helping her patients and assisting them to live their healthiest and most active lifestyle, pain-free. Whenever possible, she employs a holistic and functional treatment approach. Sydney is very excited to join the Endeavor Physical Therapy family and serve the community in South Austin.
When not treating patients, you can find Sydney exploring Austin and finding the best taco spots. She loves to stay active, run Lady Bird Lake with her dog, and travel whenever possible.
Amy Marie Lucero was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, where she attended the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. While working towards this degree, Amy worked in a biomechanics research lab and was a part of a study aimed at decreasing fall risks in individuals 65 and older. Following this, she attended Texas State University, where she began her journey to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. During her time in the program, Amy had the opportunity to work with orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, and geriatric patients. Amy actively tries to find ways to grow as a clinician and hopes to one day specialize in Orthopedics and/or Neurology.
On days that she is not working, Amy likes to spend her time paddle boarding, hiking, exploring Austin, and enjoying time with friends and family.
Leeda received her doctorate in physical therapy in 2014 from Texas State University. She completed her fellowship in orthopedics and manual therapy in 2017. Leeda is also on faculty within the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Texas State University, teaching the orthopedic sequence as well as consulting in the student-run research clinic.
In her free-time, Leeda enjoys playing guitar, traveling, playing golf, and spending time with her family.
Tyra is a Raleigh, North Carolina native with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. She was a Division I Track and Field Athlete and has a passion for athletic injury prevention and returning athletes to the sport they love. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Washington in 2021. She is currently pursuing a certification in strength and conditioning and has special interest in manual therapy techniques and treating different orthopedic conditions.
In her free time, she loves trying new restaurants around Austin, working out to burn off the calories, traveling, art & crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
Klay graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Texas State University in Round Rock. Klay has experience with treating a wide variety of injuries and enjoys seeing people get back to what they love.
When not at work, Klay loves everything soccer, from playing to watching. He is a huge supporter of Austin’s brand new Major League Soccer team: Austin FC. He also likes to travel internationally with his wife, most recently visiting Singapore.
Tony was born and raised in Seattle, WA and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA. Since graduating in 2017 he has worked in multiple outpatient clinics specializing in orthopedic injuries and rehabilitation. He moved to Austin in 2020 along with his wife and dog. He looks forward to serving the community and exploring all that the Austin area has to offer. In his free time, Tony enjoys spending time outdoors, playing soccer and basketball, road trips, and enjoying live music.
Jordan earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University, in her hometown of Ruston, Louisiana, and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Jordan has enjoyed the opportunity to advance in her clinical skills by practicing in a variety of settings to gain a holistic perspective of the continuum of patient care. She has worked in the neonatal care unit (NICU), acute care, and outpatient settings. Her main interests are in orthopedic conditions of the hand and upper extremity, and she is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.
In her spare time, you can find Jordan traveling with friends and family, attending live sporting or music events, running half marathons, or working out at Orangetheory Fitness.
Deanna was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She did her undergraduate work at UCLA where she majored in Biology and Italian, and competed on the Triathlon team. After college, she moved to Italy to work as an Au Pair before earning her Master's degree in Applied Sports & Exercise Nutrition from Oxford Brookes University in Oxfordshire, England. While there, she had the opportunity to work with the Men's Lightweight Rowing athletes, conduct research on liquid carbohydrate intake, learn French, and join the Sailing team. Upon completion of her Master's Thesis, she traveled to 63 countries before returning home to the United States. Working as an Exercise Physiologist brought her to Dallas, TX in 2015 which then led to the decision to make the quick move South to Austin, TX, earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2020. Personal interests include running, swimming, plant based recipes, and crime shows. Professional interests center around Pediatric Home Health, Concierge TMJ services, IP Rehab with neurologic and multi-trauma populations, and OP Orthopedics.
Brad graduated from UTMB-Galveston in 1979. He has over 35 years of physical therapy experience, with the last 24 years devoted to orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
Michelle graduated from the physical therapy program at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in 1986. She has over 35 years of physical therapy experience, with the past 12 specializing in sports medicine/orthopedics.
Matt grew up in Round Rock, TX, and competed in NCAA Division I track and field in college. He learned first-hand the impact of what skilled manual techniques coupled with individualized strength training can have on injuries and performance through battling his own overuse injuries. At the University of North Texas, Matt was a part of three Sunbelt conference championship teams (2000-2003) and won the individual championship in the 10,000m event in 2004. While earning a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology, he used his skills coaching athletes for speed, strength, and conditioning. Matt has been blessed with the opportunity to coach athletes at a wide variety of levels, including the NFL, MLB, UFC, USMC, and US Army. Currently, Matt maintains a professional balance of evaluating and treating painful musculoskeletal disorders in his practice of physical therapy while training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and parenting his three kids. He brings the complete rehabilitation package to youth and aging athletes on their athletic journey.
David Collier was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. He received his BS in kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2017. He attended High Point University in North Carolina where he received his doctor of physical therapy degree in December 2021. David’s areas of interest include outpatient orthopedics, sport rehab, and sports performance. As a former athlete and high school lacrosse coach, David is passionate about working with active populations and weekend warriors. David's hobbies include spending time with his fiancé, Lexi, and their dog, Maya, as well as going on hikes, playing video games, and watching sports. His favorite teams are the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Capitals, and UMD Lacrosse.
Aashini Patel was born in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She attended Saint Louis University and earned her bachelor of science in health sciences, as well as a minor in psychology. She earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. During her time there, she was able to provide care for underserved populations through a pro-bono clinic, as well as treat patients with a variety of orthopedic, neurological, and vestibular conditions. Her special interests include vestibular conditions, as well as treatment for the hip and knees. She hopes to continue to actively learn new treatments and techniques to best serve her patients. Aashini recently moved to Austin in 2021 and welcomes all food recommendations or places to explore. In her spare time, she loves to read, bake cookies, and practice boxing.
Abby Vander Laan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and grew up in Katy, Texas. She attended Louisiana State University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology. While working towards this degree, Abby worked in a large hand therapy clinic as a technician, assisting people with orthopedic hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries. This work experience piqued her interest and passion for hand therapy. Following this, she attended the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX where she began her journey to become a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. During her time in the program, Abby had experiences in hand therapy, acute care, and pediatric settings. Abby is very excited to join Endeavor and actively tries to find ways to grow as a clinician while working toward becoming a Certified Hand Therapist.
On days that she is not working, Abby likes to spend her time being active, getting outdoors on the water and trails in Austin, playing league sports, exploring Austin areas, and spending time with friends and family.
Marcus is a Texas native from Spring, TX. He attended Texas State University in San Marcos for his undergraduate degree, where he majored in Exercise Sport Science while playing football for the Texas State Bobcats. Marcus went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Texas State University.
After many injuries throughout high school and college combined with volunteer work with his football team and church, his love for helping people though physical therapy developed. Marcus enjoys helping people achieve their goals and get back to doing what they love. In his free time, Marcus likes to stay active by paddle boarding, playing soccer and pickleball, working out, and enjoying the outdoors in any way possible
Paaneri completed her Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy in 2015 from India. She worked for a couple years to gain more exposure in the pediatrics population, and then moved to California to pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy, completing her degree from Loma Linda University, CA. She worked as a Physical Therapist in a Musculoskeletal Outpatient Physical Therapy clinic in New Jersey for four years helping patients with pre- and post-operative rehab, sports injuries, neuropathy, postural correction, and more. She recently moved to Austin to be closer to her family. When she's not working, she enjoys reading books, painting, cooking and enjoys meditating. She is currently working on completing her certification in women’s health and her next academic goal is to learn dry needling.
Terri is originally from Plattsburgh, NY, and attended Florida Atlantic University for her undergraduate degree, earning her Bachelor's in Corporate Management. She went on to attend Nova Southeastern University for her Masters of Physical Therapy degree. Terri has over 20 years of clinical experience in orthopedics with a focus on headaches, balance, manual therapy and myofascial release for the neck, back, and knees. She is also certified in yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chai.
In her down time, Terri enjoys time spent with her family and four dogs kayaking, hiking and traveling.
