STAFF DIRECTORY
PHYSICAL THERAPY AND MASSAGE
Biographical Info
Dr. Andy Smith is the manager of the Physical Therapy Department at the University Health Center. His areas of interest include movement/functional-based evaluation and assessment; the role of functional training in injury prevention and wellness; the role of pain neuroscience education in treating persistent pain; the role of postural dysfunction and repetitive tissue microtrauma on chronic/recurrent pain syndromes; spinal, peripheral joint and soft tissue mobilization/manipulation/dry needling; and the role of nutrition, mental health, cardiovascular health, and sleep health on management of overall wellness and integrative health.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Certification: Manual Therapy (MTC-USA); Dry Needling Certification (Cert DN-Spinal Manipulation Institute); Professional Designation in Functional Movement Systems (FMS Pro); Certified Health Coach (CHC-UNCG)
License: Physical Therapist, State of Georgia
Biographical Info
Cody joined the UHC PT team in 2021. He began working in physical therapy as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2014 at Southeast Alabama Neurological Rehabilitation and Balance Center. Since then, he has enjoyed working in orthopedics and aquatic physical therapy. His areas of interest include optimizing functional movement patterns, promoting wellness, and empowering individuals to reach their personal wellness goals.
Completed Dawg Ally and/or Global Ally programs. This additional training helps ensure health equity for all patients and clients by promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging in healthcare.
Education: Physical Therapist Assistant, Albany State University
License: Physical Therapist Assistant, State of Georgia
Biographical Info
Dr. Nidhi Patel is a physical therapist who joined UHC in 2018. After receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy she trained with the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Her areas of interest include pelvic floor rehabilitation (including bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction) , chronic pain related to musculoskeletal dysfunctions, spinal rehab. She enjoys treating through a combination of manual therapy based approaches, pain neuroscience education and movement based treatments. She specializes in pelvic health techniques that include external/internal assessment and treatment for bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunction. She is a post natal fitness specialist and certified in trigger point dry needling. She also helps educate other physical therapists interested in pelvic floor PT by acting as a teaching assistant through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.
Education: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, MCPHS University
Certifications: Certified in Dry Needling, Post Natal Fitness Specialist
License: Physical Therapist, State of Georgia
Biographical Info
Dr. Emily Pearson is a physical therapist who joined the University Health Center in 2018. Her areas of interest include utilizing an integrative health approach to optimize functional movement, promoting total body wellness, preventing injury/re-injury, managing acute and conditions of the spine and extremities, and empowering individuals to reach their personal health and wellness goals.
Completed Dawg Ally and/or Global Ally programs. This additional training helps ensure health equity for all patients and clients by promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging in healthcare.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Augusta University
License: Physical Therapist, State of Georgia
Biographical Info
Mr. Henry Pursner joined the Health Center staff in 2011 and has been a physical therapist since 1995. His special areas of expertise include treatment of the fitness athlete with a specialization in running-related injuries, the spine, extremities, and cranio-facial pain. Extensive training in health coaching as well as treatment of persistent pain which combines exercise as well as lifestyle changes such as relaxation/ mindfulness practices. Past work experience included working in Silicon Valley treating computer-related injuries, sports medicine, and chronic pain patients.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy, SUNY Buffalo
Certification: Specialized training in Joint Manipulation / Myofascial Release for the Spine and Peripheral Joints; Dry Needling; Functional Range Conditioning; Yoga Instructor
License: Physical Therapist, State of Georgia
Biographical Info
Jason brought his “A” game to the University Health Center in the Fall of 2019. His dedication to clinical excellence, to the field of physical therapy, and to each one of his patients are what drives his purpose as a professional. His primary area of interest lies in helping the active population return to sport and recreation after suffering sport-related injuries. Additionally, he finds great value and enjoyment helping people dealing with chronic or persistent pain through a careful approach, an active plan of care, and an emphasis on education to ensure lasting results. His extensive experience in health, fitness, and wellness gives him a broad perspective as a physical therapist and allows him to create specific and personalized experiences for each patient.
Education: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Brenau University; Masters in Kinesiology, University of Georgia
Certification: Clinical Exercise Physiologist, American College of Sports Medicine; Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning Association
Biographical Info
Renildo Guimaraes (Rene) started his Massage Therapy education in Hong Kong in 1997 where he studied Reflexology, Aromatherapy, and Deep Tissue Massage. He also studied Thai Massage extensively in Bangkok, Thailand. Rene joined the Health Center staff as a Massage Therapist in 2007. He is a graduate of the American Institute of Massage in Pompano Beach. He is certified by the Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Board. Rene is trained in a variety of massage techniques including Deep Tissue, Medical Massage, Reflexology, Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Neuromuscular Re-education, Myofascial Release, and Trigger Point Therapy.
Medium to deep pressure
Biographical Info
Katrina Hardwick, a life-long Athenian, has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over ten years and joined the UHC staff in the summer of 2019. Katrina graduated from Herzing College in 2008 with her Associate’s Degree in Applied Medical Science-Massage Therapy. She is certified by the Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Board. Katrina is trained in a variety of techniques including: Thai, neuromuscular, therapeutic, relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal, and sports massage. Katrina enjoys connecting with people, helping to empower them with exercise, yoga, and stress-management strategies to help them to become their best self.
Light to medium pressure.
Biographical Info
Dr. Peggy Peterson is a physical therapist who joined UHC in 2023. After receiving her Doctor of Physical Therapy, she completed a yearlong Women’s Health Residency in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Brooks Rehabilitation Institute of Higher Learning. Her areas of interest include pelvic floor rehabilitation (including bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction), chronic pain, oncology rehabilitation, and ante- and post-partum care. She enjoys treating through a combination of manual therapy and movement-based treatment to help each individual patient meet their goals and to improve functional mobility and quality of life to promote health throughout the lifespan. Before going to school for physical therapy, since 2013, she has also been a certified athletic trainer, previously working at the collegiate level in the state of Alabama and Georgia with experience in sports-coverage for football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, track & field, and tennis.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine, Master of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Conditioning, Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Certifications: Certified Athletic Trainer
License: Physical Therapist, State of Georgia
Completed Dawg Ally and/or Global Ally programs. This additional training helps ensure health equity for all patients and clients by promoting inclusive belonging in healthcare.
Biographical Info
Brandy Sims graduated as the Salutatorian from American Professional Institute for Massage Therapy in 2010. After graduation Brandy work at a Spa in Gainesville, Ga for 10yrs before joining the UHC staff Spring of 2022. Brandy is certified by the Massage Therapy Licensing Board . Brandy has training in variety of massage techniques including Swedish massage, reflexology, deep tissue, sports massage, prenatal and cupping massage. Brandy is passionate and dedicated to helping her clients on their healing journey. Light to deep pressure