Clinic Staff
Julietta Planchart, PT
julietta@ oceantherapycenter.com
Julietta is a 1991 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has extensive experience in the treatment of neurological conditions such as brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, as well chronic pain and fibromyalgia. She uses a combination of manual therapy techniques from myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, lymph drainage and visceral manipulation, in conjunction with sensory stimulation and neurodevelopmental techniques. Julietta is an active member of the APTA and is NDT certified.
Todd James, PT
todd@ oceantherapycenter.com
Todd is a 2001 graduate from NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. His primary focus has been in the treatment of the neurologic and orthopedic patient, and has included pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. He uses a variety of manual therapy techniques to improve and restore his patients level of function through one on one personalized treatment plans. Todd is an active member of the APTA and holds certifications through the ACSM and NSCA.
Kari Rom, PT
kari@ oceantherapycenter.com
Kari Rom graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master's degree in physical therapy in 2008. She worked in a nursing home for 3 months before coming to work at Ocean Therapy. She has experience treating various neurological conditions such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's Disease. Last year she traveled to Kingston, Jamaica for a mission trip to help establish rehab programs for disabled children in orphanages. She is interested in working with neurological conditions in the pediatric and adult population, and would like to eventually return to school to work on a PhD in neuro rehab. Her hobbies include traveling, scuba diving, hiking and running.
Dorice Ross, PTA
dorice@ oceantherapycenter.com
Dorice attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education with a minor in Ed. in 1991. After teaching, she went on to instruct beginner to elite level gymnasts. She also taught mommy and me classes and thus has experience with ages from 6 months to adult. In addition, for the last 5 years Dorice has been the online fitness expert for Dr. Matthew Anderson's Food Addict Boot Camp dealing with emotional eating. She then graduated as a Physical Therapist Assistant with honors from Keiser University in 2008.
Dorice has special interest in pediatrics and neurological development and uses ETPS, aquatics and manual techniques in her practice.
Pamela Rutfield, OT
pam@ oceantherapycenter.com
Pamela is a 1982 graduate from Quinnipiac College, CT. Her primary focus has been in the treatment of neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy. She works with the whole person with a combination of neuro-developmental sequencing, sensory integration, and coordination and balance activities. All treatments are done on a one to one personal basis to best meet the client’s needs. She works with pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Pamela is an active member of AOTA.
Eliana Morales, DPT
Eliana Morales received her Bachelor of Science at Rutgers College, Rutgers University with a major in Public Health and minor in Psychology in New Brunswick, NJ in 1999. Eliana continued her education at Arcadia University, in Glenside, PA, graduate school of physical therapy where she received a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2003. Her research included analysis of gait speed in elderly Caucasian and African American women as a predictor of health. She participated in Arcadia's Senior Falls Risk Screen and other community outreach programs. Eliana has been improving function and quality of life in pediatric, teens, adults and geriatrics through personalized treatment plans. She uses a combination of manual techniques, lymph drainage, electrotherapy with ETPS, aqua therapy, and neurologic rehabilitation. Eliana has participated in the state Special Olympics for FL in Tampa assisting in research collection for athletes. She is also a Reiki Master Teacher and an Amrit Method Yoga Nidra teacher. Eliana is an active member of APTA, and a licensed physical therapist in FL and CA.
Sara Carey O'Malley, Speech Therapist
sara@ oceantherapycenter.com
Sara received her master of science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2000. The main focus of her work has been in the evaluation and treatment of neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's disease and Cerebral Palsy. Specific areas of treatment include: voice and speech production, language therapy, swallowing treatment including use of the Vital Stim method, development of communication skills, and development of alternative means of communication. Sara is an active member of ASHA through which she holds her Clinical Certificate of Competence (CCC). Additionally she holds her current Florida license and is a certified Vital Stim provider.
Marcela Ramirez, Speech Therapist
marcela@ oceantherapycenter.com
Marcela Ramirez graduated as Speech-Language Pathologist in the year 2000 from the Maria Cano University in Medellin, Colombia. After moving to the United States, she completed all the requirements to become an ASHA member and a certified clinician. In the year 2005 she received a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a specialty in Bilingualism from Florida International University. For over 9 years, she has worked in various settings (private clinics, hospitals, public school system, and home setting). Her expertise includes but is not limited to evaluation and treatment of developmental as well as neurological conditions such as language delays, apraxia, dysarthria, voice disorders, feeding disorders, dysphagia, hearing disorders, etc. She has extensive training in feeding therapy, sensory integration, floor time, electrical stimulation as well as Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems (AAC) such as high and low tech devices, access modes, etc. In addition she holds a current Florida license from the department of health.
Ivan Cusin
ivan@ oceantherapycenter.com
Ivan Cusin spent 6 months assisting the therapists at Ocean Therapy Center. During that time he gained extensive knowledge and hands on experience with the patients treated at OTC. He also became well versed in the treatment techniques OTC specializes in. It is because of his devoted involvement during his stay that Ivan would like to help other Italians benefit from the services offered at OTC. He is available to answer questions in Italian for any person interested in receiving therapy at OTC. Ivan can reached by phone or email.
