Meet the Providers

Lauren Hughes is a 2013 graduate of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where she earned her doctorate of physical therapy degree. She also received a bachelor of science degree in exercise science from the University of North Florida in 2010. Her clinical background includes acute care, skilled nursing, and general orthopedics. Lauren is a lifetime resident of Starke and graduated from Bradford High School in 2006.

Carol Rich is a 1995 graduate of 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.

Brittany is a 2010 graduate from Florida State College at Jacksonville and a Keystone Heights native. Her interest in physical therapy began in 2008 with her employment as a PT technician with Lake Area Physical Therapy & Aquatics. She then pursued her PTA degree to eventually return as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Brittany's background in physical therapy ranges from general orthopedics, neurology, skilled nursing/assisted living and home health care.

Heidi is a 2013 graduate of Keiser University in Jacksonville Fl. She began her interest in PT in 2000 when she began working at Lake area Physical Therapy and Aquatics as a technician. She has experience in skilled nursing and general ortho. She has lived in Clay county most of her life and graduated from Middleburg High. She currently lives in Keystone Heights with her husband and two children.

Nicole Wagner is a 1998 honors graduate of the University of Florida, Nicole has been a contracted Occupational Therapist for Lake Area Physical Therapy and Aquatics since 1999. Previous education in Rehabilitation Counseling at University of Florida. She has over 15 years of clinical experience with special interest in neurological rehabilitation and hands. Nicole has experience in acute care, inpatient psychiatric, skilled nursing and home care. Future professional goals include attaining a Certified Hand Therapist specialty as well as becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist. Nicole is a native of Keystone Heights, Florida and a single mom who enjoys performing music, dancing, gardening and travel.

Sidney Srivibul is a double graduate from the University of Florida earning her Doctorate in physical therapy in 2020. Her clinical experience includes treating sports related injuries, pelvic therapy, post operative patients, general orthopedics, and a variety of neurological populations. She was born and raised in Starke, FL and has deep roots in the surrounding community.

Vicktoria Williams is a 2020 graduate of Daytona State College. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida. Her clinical experience includes general orthopedics, neurological conditions, post   MVA/trauma, and sports related injuries. She is a South Putnam native that graduated from Crescent City Jr./Sr. High School.

Lydia Cremer Kite has been an OT for over 5 years in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, subacute rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, long term acute rehabilitation along with ergonomics, injury, and prevention along with return-to-work rehabilitation. She earned her Master's of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She also received her Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology from Georgia Southern University. She is an onsite injury prevention specialist and is a certified aging in place specialist.

Amanda Buckles Landis is a Putnam County native and graduate of both Palatka High School and St John’s River College in 2000. She is a proud Florida Gator and attended the University of Florida acquiring both Bachelor’s in Health Science then Master’s in Physical therapy graduating in 2005. Amanda returned to Putnam County after completing her education and has been practicing predominantly outpatient orthopedics for over 16 years. Amanda has additional training specializing in vestibular rehab, cardiac dysfunction and sports rehabilitation. Amanda is married to Zach Landis and they are owners of Goosehead Insurance agency in Palatka, Florida. They are proud parents of Cora Landis and enjoy spending their spare time on the beautiful St. John’s river, hiking local trails and traveling.

Leslie Polinkas earned her Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Florida and is proud to be a Florida Gator. She has been a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) since 2006.  Leslie has worked in Outpatient, Inpatient, Skilled Nursing and Home Health, with varied patient populations including Geriatrics, Pediatrics, CVA, orthopedics and hand injuries.  She is certified in LSVT BIG therapy for Parkinson Disease. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with husband and family, travel and shopping.

Caleb graduated from Florida State University with his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of North Florida. He earned his NSCA personal training certification in 2013 and has continued to professionally train his clients throughout the years while earning both degrees and practicing Physical Therapy. Caleb has years of experience working with clients to achieve their goals in an enjoyable and successful way. He appreciates the peace of his early morning routine waking up early to eat, workout, and prepare for his day hours before sunrise. Caleb has shown to be a reliable and hard-working addition to the staff here at Lake Area PT that only adds to the great environment we have established for our community. Caleb lives in Saint Augustine and enjoys working on house projects, going to the beach, travelling, and competing in local Disc Golf tournaments.