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Paramount Clinical Team
Dr. Stephanie Mahdavi
Clinical Director
Dr. Stephanie Mahdavi, PT,DPT,DN
Clinical Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology – Texas A & M University
Masters of Science in Kinesiology – A.T. Still University
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – University of St. Augustine
Dr. Mahdavi possesses a deep affection for orthopedics and a strong commitment to assisting individuals in realizing their full potential throughout their recovery journey. Raised in the Houston area, she advocates for integrating manual therapy alongside movement to facilitate her patients' progress. Outside of her clinic hours, Dr. Shereen can be found instructing Pilates and enjoying precious moments with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Dr. Anita Malik
Physical Therapist
Dr. Anita Malik, PT,DPT,OCS,DN
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology – University of Houston
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – University of St. Augustine
Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist – American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Dr. Malik has a passion for treating and dealing with orthopedic injuries and has obtained advanced board certification in the field of orthopedics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2023. One of her other many interests is working in Pelvic Health and with the pregnant and postpartum female population. She has shown her passion in this field by continuing to complete advanced post professional training in pelvic floor physical therapy through various continuing education courses. She believes in treating each patient with an individualized approach and wants to help patients achieve their goals by keeping up to date on evidenced-based interventions and research to provide them with the means to succeed.
When she’s not being a workaholic, she loves to spend her free time with her family, spoiling her nieces and nephews, reading, and traveling.
Dr. Shady Tellez
Physical Therapist
Dr. Shady Tellez, PT,DPT,DN
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology – Houston Christian University
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – University of St. Augustine
Dr. Tellez is a committed physical therapist who holds a strong conviction that exercise is the cornerstone to achieving peak health and wellness. Her upbringing, filled with soccer, tennis, and swimming, profoundly shaped her path in physical therapy. With a profound understanding of the transformative potential of movement on one's overall well-being, Dr. Tellez embraces its power wholeheartedly. Outside of work, she relishes moments with loved ones, indulges in running, and explores the joys of travel.
Dr. Paolo Valera
Physical Therapist
Dr. Paolo Valera, PT,DPT,DN,COMT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology – Houston Christian University
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Dr. Valera is an experienced orthopedic physical therapist specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and personalized rehabilitation. He holds advanced credentials as a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) and has completed specialized training in techniques such as Dry Needling, Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), cupping, IASTM, and K-taping.
With a background as a former NCAA Division I athlete, Dr. Valera brings a unique perspective to sports medicine, combining clinical expertise with firsthand experience in athletic performance. His passion lies in helping individuals recover from injury, enhance performance, and improve overall quality of life.
When he's not in the clinic, Dr. Valera enjoys playing soccer, staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Annie Armitstead
Physical Therapist
Dr. Annie Armitstead, PT,DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelors in Developmental Biology & Physiology
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – University of St. Augustine
Dr. Armitstead is committed to continually growing as a clinician in order to provide the highest quality care to her patients. Her approach to treatment is grounded in two key principles: identifying and addressing the root cause of a condition rather than just managing symptoms, and creating goal-oriented, individualized treatment plans that honor each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. Dr. Annie values ongoing education and is passionate about helping her patients understand the “why” behind their conditions and treatment when they are interested. Outside of work, she stays busy at home with her two young daughters, enjoys baking, hiking, camping, and somehow always seems to have an endless pile of laundry to tackle.
Dr. Dexter Kombo
Physical Therapist
Dr. Dexter Kombo, PT,DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology Exercise Science
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – University of St. Augustine
Dr. Kombo is a physical therapist with experience in assisting clients suffering from orthopedic pathologies, including post operative rehabilitation and OA, as well as neurologic conditions, such as CVA, Parkinson's disease, and generalized deconditioning using a manual approach of care in order to relieve pain, improve mobility and return to the appropriate level of function.
Dr. Kombo is an honorary Houstonian who you might catch running around the city, a part time recreational basketball player and a full time foodie who enjoys traveling with family and friends.
Joseph Sealy "Joe"
Assistant Clinical Director
Joseph Sealy "Joe", PTA
Assistant Clinical Director, Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant – HCC PTA Program (Honors)
Mr. Sealy enjoys being active outside with his family, whether it be a walk in the park or playing games with his son. After undergoing an orthopedic surgery for his rotator cuff, Mr. Sealy experienced the first-hand benefits of physical therapy. This incident sparked his interest in physical therapy which led to him enrolling in Houston Community College. He earned his associates degree in physical therapy with honors.
Mr. Sealy believes many injuries appear to have similar characteristics but each one is unique to the individual. He advocates evidence- based physical therapy to treat the root cause of the problem instead of treating the symptoms. Using these tools, he has been able to restore patients to their highest level of functionality.
Amber Fusselman
Physical Therapist Assistant
Amber Fusselman, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant – HCC PTA Program
Amber believes in challenging limitations and in having a hands-on approach to optimize the best outcome for each individual. Amber has a passion for helping others, which she has demonstrated by obtaining the best outcome for each individual. She also exhibits this passion by participating in the MS 150 for 6 years, by volunteering with various organizations such as the Special Olympics Texas, and by volunteering abroad in the Dominican Republic. Amber is committed to improving the human condition by never ceasing to be enthusiastic, empathetic, and knowledge-seeking in her career.
Haygan Checkosky
Physical Therapist Assistant
Haygan Checkosky, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant – HCC PTA Program (Honors)
Haygan’s treatment philosophy is exercise based with an emphasis on patient education, restoring normal movement patterns, and correcting muscular imbalances so patients are able to return to their everyday activities. Her passion resides in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Rehabilitation. Haygan is fully committed to improving her patients quality of life through knowledge and evidence-based practice. Haygan is a certified Tai Chi instructor for rehabilitation. Haygan uses Tai Chi to enhance physical health, improve posture, balance, flexibility, and overall strength. She has volunteered for the Houston Chevron Marathon on numerous occasions as well as for Houston Aphasia Recovery Center. In her free time, Haygan enjoys hiking, reading, photography, and spending time with her dogs.
Amy Heinrich
Physical Therapist Assistant
Amy Heinrich, PTA,DN
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant – HCC PTA Program
Bachelors in Kinesiology with a Minor in Health- Sam Houston State University
Amy has devoted nine years to the healthcare sector, beginning her journey in Cardiac Rehab where she initially discovered her passion for aiding patients who were facing their most challenging moments to overcome obstacles and thrive. She now finds passion towards patient education and collaboratively working towards the individual patient’s goals. She places strong emphasis on delivering high-quality care to achieve optimal outcomes for her patients. In her free time she loves being active whether it is hiking, biking, or training for triathlons. She also loves spending time with her husband and son doing anything outdoors.
Danny Villafuerte
Physical Therapist Assistant
Danny Villafuerte, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant – HCC PTA Program
Bachelors in Kinesiology with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Science
Danny is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant who understands the vital role of movement and purposeful exercise in promoting lasting health and function. He specializes in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, taking a root-cause approach that blends hands-on therapy with progressive, individualized exercise programs to decrease pain, improve movement patterns, and help patients safely return to their prior level of activity.
As a passionate soccer player and marathon runner, Danny’s athletic experience shapes his practical, performance-focused approach to care. He remains active in training and competition outside of the clinic, bringing the same drive and commitment to his patients. Through compassionate, evidence-based treatment, Danny is committed to helping individuals regain confidence, strength, and the ability to enjoy the activities they love.
Briona Bowman
Physical Therapist Assistant
Briona Bowman, PTA,DN
Physical Therapist Assistant
Bachelor’s degree - Health Physical Education and Exercise Science (HPEX) with a Concentration in Exercise Science at Virginia Commonwealth University
Associates degree in Physical Therapist Assistant - Tidewater Community College
Briona is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant dedicated to helping patients restore movement, build strength, and improve their overall quality of life. With a passion for personalized care, she works closely with physical therapists to implement individualized treatment plans that promote functional recovery and independence. Briona believes in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages and activity levels. She takes pride in creating a supportive and motivating environment that empowers patients to reach their goals. Outside of the clinic, Briona enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to church, discovering new places to eat, and going to the gym.
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