Mark Amir

B.S., Physical Education in Secondary Education, Brooklyn College
B.S. Health Sciences, Touro College
M.A., Masters in Physical Therapy, Touro College
MPH, Masters in Public Health, City University of New York
t-DPT – Executive Private Practice Management, EIM
DipMDT, Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy, McKenzie Institute International

Mark Amir is currently the Director of Clinical Education at DUNY – DPT and Director of Education at JAG Physical Therapy. His passion is to help students integrate newly acquired didactic skills that match their innate strengths to their clinical setting, which can positively impact the lives of their clients, themselves, and their community. Matching clinical experiences with a student-centered focus allows graduates and experienced clinicians to thrive in their chosen physical therapy careers. 

Dr. Amir has hired, trained, and mentored hundreds of clinicians and aspiring clinicians over his 30+ years of experience as a physical therapist, business owner, teacher, and advocate of the physical therapy and healthcare profession. He uses his passion for learning topics related to leadership, management, professionalism, and customer service to educate new student professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges of their new careers.  

Dr. Amir was a private practice, multi-state outpatient physical therapy owner for over 20 years. He managed several clinic mergers and acquisitions and consulted with several clinicians through the same process. Dr. Amir was a managing partner of a company that provides innovative workplace injury prevention services to large and midsize companies in New York State. From 2010 to 2015, Dr. Amir was a contractor to APTA’s Payment & Policy Department, advising members and staff on regional and national healthcare policy issues with a focus on improving payment models for physical therapists.  

Being a lifelong learner, Dr. Amir is completing his dissertation towards a PhD with a special interest in higher education administration, leadership, and clinical education.

Dr. Amir continues to enjoy hobbies of boating, running, biking, boxing, and martial arts training. He was a Krav Maga martial arts instructor, a High School football coach and coached his own kids in flag football.  

Emil Euaparadorn

B.S., Health Science, Touro College
M.S., Masters in Physical Therapy, Touro College
DSc, Doctor of Science of Physical Therapy, Andrews University
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) Certification
Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)

Dr. Euaparadorn is widely recognized as a leading Physical Therapist in orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation.  As one of the most highly credentialed PT’s in New York, Dr. Euaparadorn has spoken at both National and International professional conferences in his areas of expertise.   Dr. Euaparadorn has achieved several certifications in both neurological and orthopaedic realms and has gone through a comprehensive fellowship program in manual therapy, in order to receive the highest distinction one can achieve in Manual Therapy, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy.

Dr. Euapardorn began his career working at Mt. Sinai Hospital for many years before going into the world of private practice. He has taught at several other PT school institutions in both Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant departments.  Dr. Euaparadorn continues to be involved with private practice and brings his real world experience, along with extensive training into the classroom, in order to provide students with practical hands on solutions to real world problems.

Karl Rusch, PT, DSc, DPT, ATC, CMPT, COMT, FAAOMPT

B.S., Quinnipiac University
D.P.T., Sacred Heart University
DSc, Doctor of Science of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, MI
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)

Karl Rusch, PT, DSc, DPT, OCS, ATC, CMPT, COMT completed his undergraduate coursework from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor’s of science in Athletic Training/ Sport’s Medicine. He graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2012 with his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy. Dr. Rusch completed his terminal doctorate of science in Physical Therapy in 2021. His focus is in sports medicine and orthopaedic rehabilitation.

Dr. Rusch was an assistant for two years in Gross Anatomy at Dominican University and a lab instructor at New York Medical College before he became a part of the full time faculty in 2015. Dr. Rusch is chair of admissions and is responsible for the anatomy and orthopaedic courses in the program.

He  is a fellow in training for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) which is the highest clinical distinction you can obtain in Physical Therapy.

Dr. Rusch continues to work part time at New York Sports and Spinal PT in Scarsdale, NY. Dr. Rusch is a board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist, Certified Manual Physical Therapist and Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist that focuses on a variety of manual therapy techniques with appropriate therapeutic exercise. He is also a Certified Athletic Trainer who specializes in sport specific injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Stephen Rodriguez

B.S., Health Science, Upstate Medical University @ Syracuse, NY
MPS PT, Masters of Professional Studies in Physical Therapy, Upstate Medical University @ Syracuse, NY
DPT, Upstate Medical University @ Syracuse, NY
DSc, Doctor of Science of Physical Therapy, Andrews University, MI
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)

Stephen Rodriguez has been a practicing physical therapist since 2000 and has worked in a variety of settings with a eclectic patient population. Dr. Rodriguez currently practices in NYC at a manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education specialty clinic. He believes in an integrated approach to physical therapy that combines many perspectives to help patients work towards a more optimal and efficient movement pattern.

Dr. Rodriguez has dedicated his post graduate studies to develop an advanced understanding of various schools of thought in clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, neurodynamic treatments, and pain processing. Dr. Rodriguez has had the privilege of studying under many accomplished international lectures and mentors. He has achieved certification in manual and manipulative therapy. He completed a Fellowship program with the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, where he has qualified as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.

Dr. Rodriguez believes in Evidenced Based Practice and instructs integrating the three pillars to benefit from contemporary research as well as innovative ideas from past experts. He believes in a dynamic classroom that encourages clinical reasoning along with a systematic approach to differential diagnosis for patho-anatomical issues as well as movement dysfunctions.

Helen Hallinan

Duane Grell

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, English, Colgate University
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Literature, Hunter College
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Touro College, School of Health Sciences
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Neurological Physical Therapy (OCS)
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Orthopedic Physical Therapy (NCS)
Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
LSVT BIG Certified Clinician

Dr. Duane Grell received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University, and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro College, in New York City. Dr. Grell is Board Certified in both Neurology and Orthopedics, and is currently pursuing his Fellowship in Manual Physical Therapy, as a way of continuously advancing his clinical skillset. Dr. Grell has a passion for teaching and recognizes the importance of promoting skilled physical therapy throughout the profession. As a professor, Dr. Grell recognizes the importance of blending orthopedic and neurological assessments in the classroom, as he believes that the dynamic interflow between the two systems is what guides movement.

As a clinician based in NYC, Dr. Grell’s treatment approach is centered around driver assessment and movement analysis, addressing any underlying movement dysfunctions or arthrokinematic issues that may be causing the musculoskeletal dysfunction. When working with clients with neurological impairments, Dr. Grell follows an ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) based approach, identifying and addressing the specific body function or movement that is causing the activity and participation limitations.

Ayse Ozcan Edeer

B.S., Hacettepe University School of P.T. and Rehab (Turkey)
M.S., Institute of Health and Sciences Dokuz Eylul University (Turkey)
Ph.D., Institute of Health and Sciences Dokuz Eylul University (Turkey)

Dr. Edeer has more than 20 years of experience providing physical therapy for adults and older people with various orthopedic conditions and serving as faculty in professional entry level physical therapy in Turkey and USA. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at both national and international scientific meetings. Dr. Edeer’s primary research interests involve management of shoulder pathologies, preventing fall in geriatric population, exercise intervention in various conditions. Dr. Edeer joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program as full time core faculty in 2012. She teaches PT 639 Research I, PT 789 Research II and PT 889 Research III courses. She is on the NYPTA’s Research Committee and Dominican University IRB Committee. She is a reviewer for Disability and Rehabilitation, ISRN Rehabilitation Journal, Gulhane Medical Journal, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and she is rater for MORE Rehab.

See Dr. Edeer’s reviewed publications and grants funded

Selected peer reviewed publications and grants funded.

  1. Minsun Hong, Ngozi Onyema, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Valerie Olson. In community dwelling females age 65 or older, gait speed declines as kinesthetic awareness of the lower legs decreases. Advances in Aging Research, Vol.6 No.1 2017.
  2. Danielle T. Freund, Allison M. Liccardo, Alanna M. Rooney, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Valerie Dong Olson. The Effects of Static Versus Dynamic Stretching on Average Power in The Young-Adult Athletic Population. MOJ Yoga & Physical Therapy – November 21, 2016. http://medcraveonline.com/MOJYPT/MOJYPT-01-00006.pdf
  3. Kelly M, Jacobs D, Wooten ME, Ozcan Edeer A. Comparison of electromyographic activities of lumbar iliocostalis, and lumbar multifidus muscles during stabilization exercises in prone, quadruped, and sitting positions. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, Vol 28 (2016) No 10, October, p: 2950-2954.
  4. Kelly M, Finley M, Lichtman S, Hyland M, Ozcan Edeer A. A Comparative Analysis of High Velocity versus Low Velocity Exercise on Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial, J Geriatr Phys Ther 2015, October/December 2016, 39(4): 147-158.
  5. Brown A, Alfieri V, Fazulak D, Ozcan Edeer A, Olson V. The Immediate Effects of Two Different Stretching Interventions on Passive Shoulder Internal Rotation In Collegiate Baseball Players, Journal of Student Physical Therapy, 2015, Vol. 8, number 5, article 1.
  6. Tuna Donat H., Yesilyaprak Subasi S., Acar S., Ozcan Edeer A. Factors affecting the benefit of a six-month supervised exercise program on communninty-dwelling older adults: interactions among age, gender, and participations. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27: 1421-1427, 2015.
  7. Donat Tuna H, Ozcan Edeer A, Malkoc M, Aksakoglu G. Effect of age and physical activity level on functional fitness in older adults. European Review Aging and Physical Activity 6(2):99-106, 2009.
  8. Ustunkaya O, Ozcan Edeer A, Donat H, Yozbatiran N. Shoulder pain, functional capacity and quality of life in professional wheelchair basketball players and non-athlete wheelchair users. The Pain Clinic 19(2):71-76(6), 2007
  9. Donat H, Ozcan A. Comparison of the effectiveness of two programs in older adults at risk of falling: unsupervised home exercise and supervised group exercise. Clinical Rehabilitation. Mar;21(3):273-83, 2007
  10. Ozcan A, Subasi SS, Yemez B, Celiker O. “The relationship of pressure-pain threshold with alexithymia in healthy young subjects” J Musculoskeletal Pain, 13(3):27-32, 2005
  11. Ozcan A , Donat H, Gelecek N, Ozdirenc M, Karadibak D. “The relationship between risk factors for falling and the quality of life in older adults” BMC Public Health, 5(90), 2005
  12. Ozcan A., Ozdirenç.M., Akın F. “Light touch and pain sensation differences between dominant and non-dominant hands of healthy subjects” J British Hand Therapy, 10 (3/4):76-79, 2005
  13. Ceran F., Ozcan A. “The relationship of functional rating index with disability, pain and quality of life in patients with low back pain” Medical Science Monitor, 2006 Oct;12(10):CR435-9. Epub 2006
  14. Başkurt Z., Başkurt F., Ozcan A., Yılmaz O. “The immediate effects of heat and TENS on pressure pain threshold and pain intensity of patients with stage shoulder impingement syndrome” The Pain Clinic, 18(1):81-85, 2006
  15. Donat H., Ozcan A., Özdirenç M., Aksakoğlu G., Aydınoğlu S. “Age-related changes in pressure pain threshold, grip strength and touch pressure threshold in upper extremity of elderly people” Aging Clinical Experimental Research, 17(5):380-384, 2005
  16. Özdirenç M, Ozcan A., Akın F., Gelecek N. “Physical fitness in rural compared with urban children in Turkey” J Pediatrics International 47(1):26-31, 2005
  17. Salik Y, Ozcan A. “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A survey of physical therapists in Izmir, Turkey” BMC Muskuloskeletal Disorders, 5(7), 2004
  18. Ozcan A., Tulum Z., Pınar L., Başkurt F. “Comparison of pressure pain threshold, grip strength, dexterity and touch pressure of dominant and non-dominant hands within and between right-hand and left hand subjects” J Korean Medical Science, 19(6):874-8, 2004
  19. Teoman N., Ozcan A., Acar B. “The effect of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in postmenopausal women” Maturitas, 47:71-77, 2004
  20. Ozcan A., Tulum Z., Bacakoğlu K., “The relationship between quality of life and functional status measurements in shoulder impingement syndrome” Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica, 37(3):219-225, 2003
  21. U. Demiroren, A. Ozcan, M. Ozfidan, O. Celiker Tosun, AI. Inan, “The relation of pain in patients with cervical arthrosis with sensory, flexibility and functional conditions” The Pain Clinic, 15(4):369-372, 2003
  22. Ozdirenç M., Biberoğlu S., A. Ozcan, “Evaluation of physical fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus” Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 60:171-176, 2003
  23. Başkurt F, A. Ozcan, Türeyen C., “The comparison of effects of phonophoresis and iontophoresis of naproxen in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis” Clinical Rehabilitation, 17(1):96-100, 2003
  24. Ozcan A. Genç A., Türeyen C., Ekin A. “Comparison of effects of interferential current, laser and piroxicam phonophoresis for the treatment of impingement syndrome of shoulder”, Journal of Turkish Hand and Microsurgery, No: 8-9, 2002

GRANTS

  1. “The influence of height-adjustable standing desks on computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in male and female college students: A pilot study”, $5000, Dominican University, Excellence in Teaching Grant, Project Manager, 2017
  2. The usage of an online education tool on 1) interdisciplinary clinical decision making and 2) preparation of physical therapy licensure exam, $5000, Dominican University, Cathy Kenny Mini-Grant, Project Manager, 2016
  3. The assessment of the dynamic balance in older adults to decrease the fall risk, $5000, Dominican University Cathy Kenny Mini-Grant, Project Manager, 2015
  4. The determination of neuromusculoskeletal changes causes falls and the investigation of effects of rehabilitation program preventing falls in older adults, $45.000, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Project Manager, 2005.
  5. Investigation of changes on upper extremity function related to aging, $4000, Dokuz Eylül University, Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs, Project Manager, 2003.
  6. Technological Improvements on Prosthesis and Orthotics and Applications Based on Biomechanical Principles. Government Planning Organization of Turkey, Project Researcher, 2001.

Stefanie DiCarrado

B.S.,  Information Technology, Marist College
D.P.T.  Hunter College Masters in Physical Therapy, Touro College

Dr. Stefanie DiCarrado received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hunter College (NY) in 2014. Dr. DiCarrado is the owner of and physical therapist at DiCarrado Physical Therapy, PLLC a home based outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab practice in Westchester County and New York, NY. She is board certified in Neurologic Rehabilitation (NCS), a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS), and a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Dr. DiCarrado is passionate about the blend of neurologic and orthopedic rehabilitation and the use of technology to improve patient care; her research activities involve the effects of fatigue in individuals with neurologic diagnoses and the use of different cues to improve rehabilitation potential. Dr. DiCarrado is currently studying to become a CMPT (Certified Manual Physical Therapist) through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

Annemarie Lee

Justine Ward

B.S., Clinical Health Studies, Ithaca College
D.P.T., Physical Therapy, Ithaca College
Board Certified Clinical Specialist, Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS)
Certified Breathing Behavior Analyst (CBBA)

Dr. Justine Ward graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Ithaca College in 2013, where she achieved the coveted distinction of summa cum laude. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health (WCS), showcasing her dedication to providing specialized care in this critical area of physical therapy. Additionally, her credentials include certification as a Certified Breathing Behavior Analyst (CBBA). Dr. Ward has been a core faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at Dominican University New York since 2019. She teaches the foundational PT classes in semesters 1 and 2 of the program, as well as Physical Agents/Modalities, Special Topics and Health Promotion and Wellness.

Having competed as a gymnast at the collegiate Division III level in the past, Dr. Ward possesses a discerning ability in movement analysis. This expertise enables her to guide students in honing their observation and clinical reasoning abilities within the academic setting. Furthermore, Dr. Ward underscores the significance of delivering empathetic, inclusive, and compassionate care to patients. Her objective is to cultivate a new cohort of clinicians committed to a patient-centered, biopsychosocial approach.

Dr. Ward initiated the Pelvic Health Program at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, where she continues to provide compassionate care and innovative solutions to patients seeking specialized treatment. Her dedication to the field of physical therapy extends beyond the classroom and her clinical practice. She has recently been elected as the Director of the Pre-Natal/Postpartum Special Interest Group through the Academy of Pelvic Health, a prestigious position recognized nationally within the American Physical Therapy Association. In this role, she will be at the forefront of advancing knowledge and expertise in prenatal and postpartum care.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Ward enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, including teaching her daughter gymnastics skills.

Karen Miller