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MARCH 2020

A Message from your OPPT Providers and Staff

OPPT is committed to improving the lives of our patients through Physical/Occupational Therapy treatment. As part of our mission, we remain dedicated to the health and welfare of our staff and our patients. To that end, we are closely monitoring the outbreak of the coronavirus known as COVID-19.

This is an evolving issue with new information coming forth daily. As a health care organization, we are closely monitoring directives fro...m the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health and other news sources.

Steps OPPT is taking

• OPPT staff members are receiving instruction and ongoing updates about COVID-19, hand hygiene and other safety measures to decrease the likelihood of contracting or transmitting the infection.

• We are sanitizing treatment areas after each patient use.

• Maintaining the cleanliness of the clinic utilizing cleaners that effectively kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.

Precautions you should take

• Stay at home if you are sick and restrict contact with other people.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the

tissue in the trash.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• The CDC continues to recommend against the use of face masks for people who do not have symptoms.

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Mild to severe respiratory illness, particularly in older people

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Cough

• Difficulty breathing

If you have any of these symptoms

• Call your physician or the Florida Department of Health

(866-779-6121—open 24/7) for instructions.

• Tell your health care provider about any recent travel or contact with people who have traveled internationally.

All OPPT locations remain open at this time and available to serve you. Coronavirus is an evolving issue. Please follow the CDC website and do not hesitate to call our office with any questions.

We encourage you to keep yourself updated on information about coronavirus by looking at the following websites:

• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergen…/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• Florida Department of Health: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditi…/COVID-19/

 

 

FEBRUARY 2020

Optimal Performance and Physical Therapies is pleased to announce that Katie King, PT, DPT, NCS and OPPT-Riverview have been designated a Partner in MS Care. This makes us one of only two such rehab designated Partners in the entire state of Florida!!!

In October 2017 Katie joined OPPT with the goal of leading and growing an outpatient neurology program, including a special focus on the care of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Her passion, dedication, quest for knowledge, and patient care culminated in reaching this partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on 1/31/2020.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

 

JUNE 2019

Congratulations Collin Wallace, Clinic Manager at our Riverview clinic for obtaining his OCS!  Great accomplishment!

MAY 2019

Now offering Occupational Therapy at our Riverview and Brandon locations.

 

APRIL 2019

Optimal Performance and Physical Therapies has been named a Top Workplace in Tampa Bay for the second year running!

 

August 2018

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees!

  • Jesse North, Business Manager, Oldsmar
  • Ken Schirer, PT, DPT – Central Tampa
  • Emilee Sobucki, PT, DPT – Riverview
  • Daniel Peterson, PT, DPT – Mid Pinellas
  • Julia Simon, Assistant Business Manager – Clearwater
  • Cody Higgins, PT, DPT – Mid Pinellas
  • Lisa Ottmann, Credentialing Coordinator

Collin Wallace, PT, DPT has assumed the Clinic Manager role in our Riverview clinic. Congratulations, Collin!

June 2018

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees!

  • Sarina Jose, PT, DPT
  • Sarah Founds, PT, DPT – Hyde Park
  • Jesse North, Assistant Business Manager – Palm Harbor

Riverview now offers Saturday hours, 8:00am - 12:00pm.

May 2018

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees!

  • Jasmine Rivera—Business Manager—Lakeland

OPPT has been named one of the best places to work in Tampa Bay! This distinguished accomplishment grew out of an independent survey led by the Tampa Bay Times, Florida's largest newspaper. Congratulations to all OPPT employees!!

March 2018

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees!

  • Jessica Klecki, PT, DPT – Lakeland
  • Lauren LaVoy, PT, DPT - Oldsmar
  • Joseph Bello, PT, DPT – Hyde Park
  • Chyanne Hampton, Asst. Business Manager - Northdale

January 2018

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees!

  • Renea Porsch PT, DPT, ATC - Lutz
  • Alison Bagnato, Business Manager - Trinity
  • Riddhi Desai, PT, MPT - Oldsmar
  • Calandra Fordham, Asst. Business Manager - Mid Pinellas
  • James Bard, PT, DPT – Hyde Park

OPPT Trinity is now open

December 2017

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees!

  • Troy Schindo, PT, DPT – Northdale
  • Callie Davis, Business Manager – Northdale
  • Paul Frizelle, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC– Wesley Chapel
  • Sharon Springer, Business Manager – Wesley Chapel
  • Julie Tellefsen, PT, DPT – Wesley Chapel
  • Jennifer Hosler, PT, DPT – Brandon
  • Kathryn Costa, Asst. Business Manager - Clearwater

OPPT Wesley Chapel now open

November 2017

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees

  • Katie King, PT, DPT, NCS - Riverview
  • Liz Price, Asst. Business Manager – Palm Harbor

Congratulations to Cera Heitkamp, Palm Harbor Clinic Manager, for completing her Sports Physical Therapy Certification through Evidence in Motion.

Northdale and Riverview clinics now offering Women’s Health/Pelvic Physical Therapy.

Katie King, PT, DPT, NCS will take the lead with a new outpatient Neuro program in the Riverview clinic.

October 2017

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees

  • Julie Blacker, OTR/L, Womens Health – Northdale

September 2017

Welcome our new OPPT employees

  • Molly Knight, PT, DPT - Brandon
  • Ruth Petrin, Asst. Business Manager – Oldsmar
  • Keri Davis, Asst. Business Manager - University
  • Sumer Samhoury, MSPT, DPT, CAMT, PRPC - University
  • Katherine Chavez, PT, DPT, CLWT - University
  • Candice Amat, PT, DPT– Hyde Park
  • Rosanna Mejia, Asst. Business Manager – Palm Harbor
  • Rachel Iaquaniello, PT, DPT – Hyde Park

OPPT Northdale is sponsoring the 6th Annual Cheval Cares 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday, September16th at the Cheval Athletic Club.

July 2017

New staff joining OPPT

  • Jesse Myers, PT, DPT – Palm Harbor
  • Sheldon Fulse, PT, DPT – Northdale
  • Amy Barrientos, Asst. Business Manager – Mid Pinellas
  • Mark McElroy, MSPT, OCS – Hyde Park
  • Taryn Rayburn, Asst. Business Manager – Palm Harbor
  • Ashley Nettles, Asst. Business Manager - Northdale

June 2017

OPPT continues to grow! Join us in welcoming our newest team members.

  • Andrea Yarbrough, PT, DPT – Northdale
  • Andrew Toman, PT, DPT, CSCS – Oldsmar
  • Jillian Martinez, Business Manager – Northdale
  • Alisha Laing, PT, DPT – Lutz
  • Olivia Fanous, Asst. Business Manager – Central Tampa
  • Lauren Kriz, PT, DPT – Central Tampa
  • Brandi Lucas, Asst. Business Manager - Northdale

Now offering Women’s Health services at our Mid Pinellas clinic.

Katie Patterson has joined the OPPT Compliance Team. Katie is awaiting acceptance into graduate school at George Washington University to pursue a graduate degree in Healthcare Compliance.

OPPT will be exhibiting at the 2017 Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference at the Marriott World Center in Orlando August 6-9. Plan to stop by booth #837 and say hello!

May 2017

Welcome to our new OPPT employees.

  • Brooke Sammons, Asst. Business Manager – Clearwater
  • Christina Brunner, PT, DPT – Hyde Park

April 2017

Welcome to our new OPPT employees.

  • Elizabeth Foster, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS - Northdale
  • Kristina Kellermier – Asst. Business Manager – Mid Pinellas
  • Elani Merrick – Asst. Business Manager – Lutz
  • Melson Korattiyil, PT, DPT, MPH - Brandon

January 2017

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees.

  • Stephanie Daniels, PT, DPT – Oldsmar
  • Ginny Tolle, PT, DPT - Clearwater

OPPT will be at the 8 On Your Side Gasparilla Expo Feb 24-25 at the Tampa Convention Center. Stop by booth #135 and say hello.

OPPT Oldsmar now offering Women’s Health/Pelvic Rehab services.

December 2016

More new faces at OPPT! Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees.

  • Jeff Young, PT, DPT - Palm Harbor
  • Candace Eliahu – Assistant Business Manager - Lutz
  • Jackie Waninski – Assistant Business Revenue Manager - Lutz
  • Margo Smith, Accounts Receivable Specialist
  • Erin Ishie, Business Manager - Riverview
  • Lauren Wilcox, PT, DPT - Brandon

Last month, Cera Heitkamp, PT, DPT from our Palm Harbor clinic participated in the Great American Teach-In at Leila Davis Elementary school.

September 2016

We have lots of new faces at OPPT! Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees.

  • Ixcel Aguilera, Business Manager – Northdale
  • Kaitlyn Ostroski, PT, DPT - Hyde Park
  • Vanda Andelova, PT, DPT – Lutz
  • Kaylee Garrett, PT, DPT – Mid Pinellas
  • Jacquelyn Lauricella, ATC – Hyde Park
  • Christina Rankin, PT, DPT – Central Tampa
  • Mirsada Sedjic, Asst. Business Manager – Mid Pinellas
  • Kristina Sosa-Gonzalez, OT – Kendall
  • Mariam Robleto, COTA - Kendall
  • Jesse Feitz, Asst. Business Manager - University

August 2016

OPPT will be exhibiting at the 71st Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference on August 21-24, 2016 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Stop by booth #837 and say hello!

The Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce will celebrate OPPT University’s new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 17, 2016 at 12:00 noon.

July 2016

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees

  • Stacy Temple, Business Manager (Clearwater)
  • Michael Mitchell, Business Manager (Oldsmar)

Congratulations to Amy Benford PT, DPT, OCS who has obtained her Board Certification in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) and Jayme Alambra PT, DPT, SCS who has obtained her Board Certification in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS). Obtaining Board Certification in a Physical Therapy Specialty requires passing a rigorous examination that demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in a Physical Therapy specialty area.

June 2016

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees

  • Torie McIntosh, PT, DPT (Northdale)
  • Kevin Hardy, PT, DPT (Northdale)
  • Sahil Gandhi, PT, DPT, ATC (University)

OPPT Oldsmar is now open!

OPPT Palm Harbor hosted their first community event. Cera Heitkamp, PT, DPT presented on proper footwear for walkers and runners. Our next event will be in September. The Palm Harbor team will discuss "Back" to School and include topics such as proper posture while texting & playing video games, backpack safety, and setting up an ergonomically correct study station. More details soon!

May 2016

New employees:

  • Cera Heitkamp, PT, DPT (Palm Harbor)
  • Nathan Sipe-Powell, PT, DPT, CSCS (Hyde Park)
  • Michelle Pierson, PT, DPT (Lutz)

OPPT will open our 12th Florida location in Oldsmar in June 2016. More details to follow soon!

OPPT Palm Harbor will host a running/walking seminar on June 7th . Cera Heitkamp, PT, DPT will share her expertise on the biomechanics of the lower extremity. For more information, contact 727-475-5540.

March 2016

OPPT Clearwater is now open!

New employees:

  • Jen Bishop, PT, DPT (Brandon)
  • Jessica Osorio, Business Manager (Clearwater)
  • Audrey Lovett, Assistant Business Manager (Central Tampa)
  • Christina Schmidgall, MS, ATC, LAT, CSCS (Hyde Park)

Now offering Industrial Services! OPPT has partnered with WorkWell to offer Functional Capacity Evaluations, Functional Job Analysis and Pre-Work Screenings at our Northdale and Riverview clinics.

Leanne Updike, Riverview Business Manager, has been accepted into the Physical Therapy program at Nova Southeastern University. Congratulations, Leanne!

January 11, 2016

OPPT will open our 11th Florida location in Clearwater during Q1 2016. More details to follow soon!

New Employees

Michael Gardner,PT, DPT - Northdale
Kenneth Taylor, PT, DPT - Brandon
Adrian Lores, PT, DPT - Kendall

Tampa, FL October 31, 2015

OPPT will be sponsoring the 14th Annual 5K Pumpkin Run and family Walk October 31, 2015 at Bob Sierra YMCA. Join us!

Palm Harbor, FL October 20, 2015

OPPT Palm Harbor will be participating in the 2015 Highland Lakes Health & Wellness Event on October 20, 2015.

Tampa, FL October 14-22, 2015

OPPT will be a vendor at the Wellcare Employee Health Fair on October 14, 2015 and the Moffitt Cancer Center Wellness Fair for the Moffitt team members on October 22, 2015.

October 1, 2015

OPPT has partnered with St. Petersburg College to provide athletic training services. OPPT welcomes Trevor Hooker, ATC who will provide sideline coverage for the six SPC sports teams.

Tampa, FL October 1, 2015

OPPT University has relocated to 3010 East 138th Avenue, Suite #1, Tampa 33613. Drop by to see our new clinic!

Welcome to the new faces at OPPT!

Lauren Goforth, PT, DPT (Central Tampa)
Arielle Trujillo, PT, DPT (Kendall)
Kristy Clements, PT, DPT (Palm Harbor)

July 17, 2015

OPPT will once again be an exhibitor at the 70th Annual Workers' Compensation Conference August 23-26 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Stop by our booth (#837) and say hello.

June 29, 2015

Debbie Raplee, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC from our Brandon clinic is now an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

June 24, 2015

OPPT Palm Harbor sponsored "Healthy Happenings - Ask the Experts" held at Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort. More than 700 people attended!

Riverview, FL

We are excited to announce the opening of our newest location in Riverview. Stop by to visit the clinic and meet our staff.

Welcome to the new faces at OPPT!

Fredd Tirado, OTR/L, CHT (Kendall)
Lori Vargas-Cooper, Business Manager (Riverview)
Leanne Updike, Asst. Business Manager (Central Tampa)
Deanna Pate, Business Manager (Palm Harbor)

HART health fair

OPPT participated in the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit employee health and wellness event. Many of our former patients stopped by to say hello.

Tampa Airport health fair

OPPT had the opportunity to interact with Tampa International Airport Authority employees at their annual employee health fair.

Innisbrook tennis seminar

Oscar Medellin, PT, DPT conducted the first tennis seminar with the recreational tennis league at the Innisbrook Tennis Club. This interactive seminar discussed body mechanics, pre-game stretching, warm-up and post-game exercises.

New staff members join OPPT!

Adrian Perez, PT, DPT (Mid Pinellas)
Jan Schorpion, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS (Hyde Park)
Natalie Guerra (Business Manager) - Central Tampa

Tampa, FL April 11, 2014

OPPT will be sponsoring the 2015 Northdale Family Fun Fest at Northdale Park from 11am to 2pm. Come by and enjoy the festivities at this family friendly event.

Palm Harbor, FL March 22-29, 2015

OPPT sponsored Women's Open, a USTA Pro Circuit Event held at Innisbrook March 22-29, 2015. Willem Stegeman, Clinic Manager at our Northdale clinic participated in the ProAm portion of the event.

Palm Harbor, FL March 18, 2015

OPPT Palm Harbor is newly renovated and expanded. Stop by to see our beautiful clinic.

Tampa, FL March 3, 2015

OPPT Northdale celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the Northdale OWLS group during their March meeting.

Brandon, FL February 26, 2015

Congratulations to Anthony King, PT, DPT, MTC who recently became certified in Manual Therapy through the University of St. Augustine

Tampa, FL February 20-21, 2015

Optimal Performance & Physical Therapies again participated in the Health & Fitness expo that ran in conjunction with the Gasparilla Distance Classic.

Tampa, FL February 4, 2015

Beth Patterson PT, DPT, SCS, CHC attended the APTA Combined Sections meeting in Indianapolis. OPPT supports the continued professional development of our staff.

Palm Harbor, FL January 30, 2015

Oscar Medellin attended the Titleist Performance Institute and is now TPI certified, and offering a Golf Performance Program at our Palm Harbor Clinic. Contact us for more information!

December 17, 2014

OPPT University clinic is proud to be partnering with Neurosport Education International and The Prague School of Rehabilitation in hosting the next Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization course offering in February 2015. Check out these websites to see what unique treatment techniques our clinicians are utilizing with their patients. http://neurosporteducation.wix.com/neurosported and www.rehabps.com.

December 5, 2014

We are pleased to announce to opening of OPPT-Riverview, our 10th location. This clinic will open late in the 1st quarter of 2015 in the Big Bend area of Riverview, Florida. More details to come!

December 1, 2014

Now offering Occupational Therapy services at OPPT-Brandon.

December 1, 2014

Join us in welcoming our new OPPT employees:

  • Meghan Braziel, PT, DPT, OTR/L (Brandon)
  • Holly Thomas, PT, DPT (Northdale)
  • Kierstin Hinebaugh, PT, DPT, ATC (Lutz)

October 24, 2014

OPPT Mid Pinellas celebrated National Physical Therapy Month and hosted a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our newest clinic on Friday, October 24th, 2014 Local officials from the City of Pinellas Park and the Chamber of Commerce were in attendance.

Tampa, FL October 1, 2014

New faces join the OPPT Team! Welcome our new employees:

Armando Diaz, DPT (Kendall)
Debbie Stroupe, DPT, ATC (Brandon)
Joann Fitzpatrick, Business Manager (Central Tampa)
Kathleen Halasz, Asst. Business Mgr. (Hyde Park)

Brandon, FL October 1, 2014

OPPT Brandon now offers Saturday hours, 8:00am - 12noon.

Tampa, FL October 1, 2014

OPPT will be sponsoring the "Northdale Pumpkin Run" November 8, 2014. This annual community event is held in conjunction with the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center. Join us for this family fun event!

Tampa, FL October 1, 2014

OPPT University will be sponsoring the "Trot through the Terrace" on November 15, 2014. Come out and challenge yourself and friends on this beautiful course. Proceeds benefit the GFWC Temple Terrace Women's Club charities.

Palm Harbor, FL September 30, 2014

OPPT will be sponsoring the "Innisbrook Women's Open, a USTA Pro Circuit Event," March 22-29, 2015. More details to come!

Palm Harbor, FL September 29, 2014

OPPT Palm Harbor will be sponsoring the annual "YMCA Mash Dash 5K" on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor. This is a fundraising event to support programs for special needs adults in our community. Come out and support this worthwhile event!

Pinellas Park, FL September 26, 2014

OPPT Mid Pinellas participated in Pinellas Park Senior Health & Wellness September 26, 2014.

Tampa, FL September 20, 2014

OPPT participated again this year in the "3rd Annual Cheval Cares 5K Run/Walk" on September 20, 2014 which benefits The Pediatric Cancer Foundation. All proceeds from this event help further the Foundation's mission of funding research and hope for children with cancer.

Palm Harbor, FL August 9, 2014

OPPT will be sponsoring The 2014 Rebel Throwdown 3.0, a CrossFit Competition & Wellness Fair at the Clearwater Long Center.

Palm Harbor, FL July 26, 2014

OPPT will be sponsoring the inaugural It Starts in the Parks 5K Fun Run at Pop Stansell Park in Palm Harbor.

Tampa, FL July 15, 2014

OPPT will be participating in the 69th Annual Workers' Compensation Educational Conference and 26th Annual Safety & Health Conference August 17-20, 2014 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Stop by and visit the OPPT staff at booth #837!

Tampa, FL June 19, 2014

Paul Terry, PT, MTC from our University Clinic participated in a segment with Allison Kropff from WTSP Channel 10 on Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports with an Emphasis on Year-round Baseball! This will air soon on an upcoming 'Extra' segment on Channel 10!

Tampa, FL March 31, 2014

OPPT announces the opening of our 9th location. OPPT-Pinellas Park will begin seeing patients on August 1st. This location will be led by Jacob Sager, PT, DPT. OPPT appreciates your support and will continue to grow with our patient demand.

Tampa, FL February 28, 2014

OPPT is pleased to welcome Jason Brown, PT, DPT to the OPPT team. Jason will be treating patients at OPPT-Northdale.

Tampa, FL January 31, 2014

OPPT announces the opening of our 8th Florida location. OPPT-Lutz will begin seeing patients on Monday, February, 3rd. This location will be led by William "Shannon" Merrick. OPPT appreciates your continued support.

Tampa, FL January 23, 2014

OPPT is sponsoring a booth in the Northdale Famly Fest on Saturday, April 5th at Northdale Park. Please visit our booth beginning at 10 am until 2 pm.

Tampa, FL December 30, 2013

OPPT will again participate in the Gasparilla Health and Fitness Expo at the Tampa Convention Center. Please visit our booth on Friday, February 21st or Saturday, February 22nd.

Tampa, FL October 30, 2013

OPPT will participate in the American Physical Therapy Association Private Practice Section annual meeting in New Orleans in November.

Tampa, FL September 30, 2013

OPPT welcomes Amy Benford PT, DPT; Julia Chadwick PT, DPT; and Anthony King PT, DPT to our growing team.

Tampa, FL August 31, 2013

OPPT will join the Bob Sierra YMCA and the Northdale Civic Association for their 12th annual Pumpkin Run 5K. This event will be held on November 2nd at 8 AM.

Tampa, FL August 15, 2013

OPPT will participate in the Moffitt Employee Wellness Fair on September 17, 2013. We look forward to helping their employees "Climb to Healthy Heights".

Tampa, FL July 31, 2013

OPPT will participate in the 68th annual Florida Workers Compensation Conference in Orlando. Come visit our booth for this important event August 21-24 at the Marriot Orlando.

Tampa, FL March 31, 2013

OPPT announces that Jeremy Maddox, DPT, MTC, CSCS (OPPT-Hyde Park owner) has been named the official Physical Therapy consultant in Tampa, FL for the New York Yankees.

Tampa, FL January 22, 2013

OPPT is pleased to announce the opening of OPPT-Kendall (Kendall Hand and Physical Therapy). We will begin to see patients on Monday, February 4th, 2013. This location will offer Physical, Occupational, and Certified Hand Therapy and is lead by James Jackson. Jim is a Certified hand Therapist with over 20 years of experience, the Kendall team also includes Danielle Dea, DPT.

Tampa, FL January 12, 2013

OPPT is pleased to host the course Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS): Sport Course Part 1 at our OPPT-Northdale location. This two day course is based upon the groundbreaking neurodevelopmental and rehabilitation principles of Pavel Kolar and the Prague School of Rehabilitation and Manual Medicine. All PT's and PTA's are welcome.

Tampa, FL January 2, 2013

OPPT announces the addition of Women's Health Physical Therapy to our Brandon location. We will begin accepting patients at OPPT-Brandon for Women's Health Physical Therapy beginning January 2nd, 2013.

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