Meet the Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist
Amita is a native of India, where she was born and raised in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). After receiving her Masters in Physical Therapy from Bombay University, she worked for about 5 years in various settings like acute care, post acute rehabilitation and adult and pediatric neuro-rehabilitation in India before moving to the United States in December 2003.
Before becoming Ohio licensed, Amita volunteered in the Physical Therapy departments at University Hospitals and Metro Health's long term care facility. She has recently worked in the home health care setting before joining the staff at Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Ohio.
Amita is a resident of Mayfield Heights, where she is happily married and loves spending time with her two wonderful kids. In her spare time she enjoys traveling.
Shannon Gfell is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and lives in Elyria, Ohio. She grew up in Amherst, OH and attended Lorain County Community College for the PTA program and graduated in 2007. Previously, Shannon worked in a skilled nursing facility with the geriatric population. She currently lives in Elyria with her two dachshunds, Penny and Boots. In her free time, Shannon likes to cook, knit, and work out.
LINDA BARKER
Physical Therapist Assistant
Linda has always had an interest in physical activity since taking dance lessons as a child. Tap, ballet, and modern jazz kept her active with yearly recitals. Later raising a family Linda also kept herself active while designing and teaching exercise classes. During which time she attended Cuyahoga Community College to obtain an Associates Degree in applied Science with training in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
Linda graduated with honors and received her state license in 1995. Since then, working in a variety of settings allowed her to gain hands on experience such as the geriatric population in nursing homes, post surgical and intensive care patients in Cleveland Clinic owned Fairview Hospital, industrial rehabilitation for occupational injuries of workers at Brookpark UAW/Ford Plant. She has also treated sports injuries, cervical and lumbar pain, and strength training at various outpatient clinics. She continues to expand her knowledge by attending educational seminars yearly with the emphasis on preventive and wellness programs. <;/font>
Linda still enjoys dancing, practices Tai Chi and keeps active by volunteering at a local horse rescue facilty.
EMMANUEL HERNANDEZ
Physical Therapist Assistant
Emmanuel is a native of Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 5, his family relocated to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico to pursue the family business "Art in Straw." He entered an American school in Puerto Vallarta to learn English and after graduating in 2004, relocated to Cleveland, Ohio to live with his brother's family.
RYAN CARMAN
Physical Therapist Assistant
Ryan Carman grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio his whole life and attended the Kent State Ashtabula Branch for Physical Therapy Technologies. Ryan graduated in Dec. 2007 and has been working as a PTA in the Ashtabula /Cuyahoga County areas for 3 years. Ryan is a huge fan of Ohio State football and basketball. When not working, he enjoys hiking outdoors, exercising, watching movies, and playing with his dog. Ryan is a kind hearted individual who came into the field of PT to help people and improve their quality of life. Ryan says, “This field is the most rewarding thing in my life, I love working with people and developing a trusting bond with my clients.”
CLIFF MILLS
Physical Therapist Assistant
Clifford was born at Womac Army Hospital at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He is a 2010 graduate of the Hocking College Physical Therapist Assistant program. Living in Southeastern Ohio most of his life, he enjoys playing softball, basketball, and soccer. He is married with four children ranging in ages from three to 13. He plans to go back to school to get his athletic training and physical therapist degrees. He has recently moved to Painesville and is excited to serve Cleveland and the surrounding communities.
Emmanuel volunteered at Lake West Hospital and coached Wickliff's Youth Soccer Leagues for 3 years before earning his Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 2010 from Cuyahoga Community College. He plans on continuing his enducation to eventually obtain is Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Emmanuel's ambitions include starting his own school of soccer for children and promoting a healthy lifestyle to the community. He enjoys soccer, swimming, surfing and playing his acoustic and electric guitars.
