OUR STAFF

Laura Hodges, PT, OCS

Laura is a 1979 graduate from Florida International University, Miami, Florida. Laura gained her early years of experience in a large orthopedic based private practice where she expanded her skills in manual therapy. Laura opened her private practice in 1986 in Melrose, Florida and expanded clinics into Starke in 1988, Keystone Heights in 1992 and Hawthorne in 2005. Laura has specialized in orthopedics and manual therapy and has additional training in temporomandibular disorders and vestibular rehabilitation. She is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapists - Orthopedic Section.

Angy Stanley, MS, PT

Angy is a 1996 graduate from Des Moines University in Nebraska. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, a certification she sought to further her manual therapy and soft tissue skills. Angy has been employed by Lake Area Physical Therapy and Aquatics since 2000 and is co-director of the Keystone Heights office. Angy has additional training and expertise in aquatic therapy.

Nicole Wagner, OTR

Nicole is a 1997 graduate of University of Florida with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. Nicole has worked as a consultant for Lake Area Physical Therapy and Aquatics since 2000 and has a special interest in neurological and hand rehabilitation.

Elisa Neale, MA, CCC-SLP

Elisa is a 1986 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Master's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology. Elisa has a broad range of experience and has worked extensively with pediatrics, stroke rehabilitation, head injury and swallowing problems. Elisa is a life long resident of Melrose.

Monica Wilcox, MPT

Monica is a native of Keystone Heights, Fl where she currently resides with her husband and two sons.  Her employment at Lake Area Physical Therapy & Aquatics began in 1999 after earning her Bachelors degree in Exercise and Sports Science. She pursued her interest in physical therapy and earned her Masters degree from the Univeristy of Florida in 2004. Her experience includes clinical rotations in acute care, women's health and general outpatient orthopedics. Monica is director of clinical services in the Melrose office.

Carol Rich, PTA

Carol is a 1995 graduate from Lake City Community College and began her career as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Lake Area Physical Therapy where she has worked since 1996.  Carol has developed clinical excellence in outpatient orthopedics and manual therapy.   Carol also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Central Florida.  She is an active clinical instructor for students pursuing a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree.

Lucas Rabello, PT

Lucas is a Brazilian trained Physical Therapist who graduated in 2003 from Londrina State University and has additional training in sports rehabilitation. Lucas has worked most of his career on outpatient orthopedic facilities and he also has experience teaching a private Physical Therapy School in Brazil. He and his family have been living in the US for 4 years now and they are looking forward to make Florida their home.

Dustin Clay, DPT

Dustin is a 2010 graduate from The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where he earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy, specializing in orthopedic manual therapy. He also received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from Georgia Southern University in 2008. His clinical background includes sports, general orthopedics, neurology, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, and acute care. He is a full time therapist at our Keystone Heights office.

Ricky Buchholz, PTA

Ricky is a licensed physical therapist assistant, a 1995 graduate from Lake City College, who has cared for Florida residents for more than 15 years. Ricky finds Physical Therapy rewarding and fulfilling and enjoys assisting people in achieving their goals. Ricky is also a wound care specialist who received his training as an employee at North Florida Regional Hospital. He is also on the disaster relief team at Shands of the University of Florida.

Cody Walker DPT, MOT

Cody graduated in 2006 from University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, emphasis in Sports Science. He then attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, receiving a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2009, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010. Cody has experience in inpatient, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. Cody hails originally from Garden City, Kansas and currently lives in St. Augustine, where he loves to surf, ride motorcycles, play guitar, play all sports, and enjoy the beach!!