Owners

	Michael Fox, PT, SCS, MTC, TPI CGFI is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, a Certified Manual Therapist, a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and a Hospital for Special Surgery Credentialed Advanced Hip Clinician. Michael co-founded STAR (Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation) Physical & Occupational Therapy in 1999. He is a Team Physical Therapist for the USA Eagles Men's National Rugby Team and Head Physical Therapist for the New York Athletic Club Rugby Team, an Adjunct Professor at New York University and a Clinical Supervisor at SUNY Stony Brook. Mike was recently published in James Andrews, MD's renowned medical textbook The Athlete's Shoulder and he frequently lectures and writes for various professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association and NYU. Mike graduated Fairfield University with an Economics degree in 1986 and New York University with a Physical Therapy degree in 1991. He worked as a Senior Physical Therapist at Lenox Hill Hospital, and in 1993 became a member of their sports medicine team working at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. In 1998 Mike was awarded his certification in Manual Therapy from the Institute of Physical Therapy, and in 1999 he was awarded certification as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association.
	Benjamin Gelfand, DPT, SCS, ART is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, a Certified Active Release Techniques Provider and a Hospital for Special Surgery Credentialed Advanced Hip Clinician. Ben co-founded STAR (Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation) Physical & Occupational Therapy in 1999. He is an Adjunct Professor at New York University and a Clinical Supervisor at SUNY Stony Brook. Ben served as a member of the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law. He authored the self-help book, The Return to Glory Days, was recently published in James Andrews, MD's renowned medical textbook The Athlete's Shoulder, and frequently lectures on orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. Ben attended S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook and received his Physical Therapy degree from New York University in 1988. He began his career as a Staff and then Senior Physical Therapist at Lenox Hill Hospital, where in 1994 he became Chief Physical Therapist for the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. In 1998 Ben was awarded certification as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist from The American Physical Therapy Association. Ben received his Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from Dominican College.
	Danielle Kagan, OTR/L, CHT is a Board Certified Hand Therapist with over 10 years experience specializing in rehabilitation of the hand, including the entire upper extremity. In 2000, Danielle established the Hand Therapy Department at Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation. Danielle works with some of the top hand surgeons in New York, and has designed unique splints to accompany their innovative procedures. She is a member of both the American Society of Hand Therapy and the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. Danielle graduated from Boston University, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, in 1995 with her degree in Occupational Therapy. In 1997, Danielle began specializing in rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity, and in 1998 joined the Hand Therapy Department at Mount Sinai Medical and Sports Therapy Centers. Danielle has been a volunteer and mentor for a few non-profit organizations. She also enjoys running and has participated in three marathons.

Staff

	Jeremy Crow, DPT, SCS, CSCS, ART is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. He received a B.S. in Exercise Science with Sports Medicine emphasis from Florida State University in 2000, where he was a scholarship Student Athletic Trainer. Jeremy interned with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went on to New York University to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2006. While at NYU, he received various achievement and service awards from NYU and the APTA, as well as the APTA’s New York chapter. In 2009 Jeremy was awarded certification as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist from The American Physical Therapy Association. Jeremy is also a personal trainer, a Pilates mat instructor, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Certified Active Release Techniques Provider. He has contributed to the Reader's Digest Managing Pain book and has authored various articles on hip rehabilitation. Jeremy is also very active in the APTA and New York Physical Therapy Association serving on the Board of Directors and a Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates. When not helping others achieve their best, Jeremy enjoys working out, running, and Tae Kwon Do where he is a 1st degree Blackbelt.
	Kevin Kay, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist and a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Biology in 2003. He continued his education at NYU and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2006. In 2009 Kevin was awarded certification as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist from The American Physical Therapy Association and in 2012 he added his certification as a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Kevin is also certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Pilates mat instructor. With special interest in both neurological and sports orthopedic conditions, Kevin participated in various neuroscience researches and is actively investigating the rehabilitation of athletes with myotomal weakness. He is the team therapist for the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) Super League Rugby team. He also serves as a Master Clinician and guest lecturer at NYUs physical therapy program. Recreationally, Kevin enjoys playing volleyball in the NY Urban League, basketball and cycling.
	Rebecca Kalb, DPT, SCS graduated Ithaca College with a B.S. in Clinical Science and a Minor in Gerontology. She continued on at Ithaca College to receive her Master's, then Doctorate, in Physical Therapy in 2007. Rebecca gained in depth experience in rehabilitation, pediatrics, and orthopedics through affiliations at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, P.G. Chambers School, NovaCare, and Chilton Memorial Hospital. At STAR she greatly enjoys working with athletes of all ages, and returning them to their respective sports. In 2010 Rebecca was awarded certification as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association. Rebecca is also active in the APTA and New York Physical Therapy Association Greater New York District serving as the Vice Chair for the district and a Delegate to the APTA House of Delegates. Outside of work, she enjoys working out and various outdoor activities including skiing, lacrosse and soccer.
	Keith Rosello, DPT, SCS is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. He received his Bachelors of Science in Biology in 1995 from the College of Staten Island and continued his education at Hunter College where he earned his Masters in Physical Therapy in 2008. He earned his clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Stony Brook In 2011. Keith went on to progress his experience in orthopedics with internships at New York City based sports and orthopedic practices including one here at STAR. In 2011 Keith was awarded certification as a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist from The American Physical Therapy Association. Keith shares his passion for physical therapy with a lifetime of martial arts experience. He holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) in Aikido and Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Karate. Keith currently teaches Aikido and Aikido weapons at the federation headquarters in Chelsea, Manhattan and Aikido weapons in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
	Lisa Yirce, DPT studied at Stony Brook University for seven years, during which time she received her BS in Biology with a concentration in neuroscience and then later graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Lisa gained valuable experience in orthopedics, pediatrics, and adult rehabilitation through several affiliations on Long Island, as well as an internship here at STAR. At STAR, Lisa greatly enjoys her work in sports and orthopedic physical therapy where she focuses on injury rehabilitation, as well as helping her patients return to exercise and sport. Additionally, Lisa is a medical volunteer at the NYC Marathon, a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and participates in many community service events. In her free time, Lisa enjoys working out, going for a run, and playing tennis and basketball.
	Megan Gotlieb, MS, OTR/L graduated from the University of Maryland with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology before attending New York University for her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Megan quickly developed a passion for hand therapy and based her master's thesis on measuring scar density after Carpal Tunnel Release. Megan gained valuable experience during various affiliations, including the spinal cord injury unit at Mt. Sinai Medical Center as well as at a private hand therapy clinic in Westchester, NY. After graduating from New York University, Megan increased her competence as an Occupational Therapist at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in their inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation department. Megan is a certified Reiki practitioner and volunteers with various organizations for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout New York. Megan also enjoys running, boxing, skiing/snowboarding and travel.
	Deana Forlenza, MOT, OTR/L is a 2009 graduate of Quinnipiac University where she received a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. Before coming to STAR, Deana worked with top surgeons in the Hudson Valley, practicing hand therapy at a private practice in Dutchess County and publishing two articles for the Poughkeepsie Journal and Bone Matters. Deana continues to primarily focus on the treatment and evaluation of various hand injuries; utilizing manual therapy, serial casting and fabrication of splints/orthotics for the hands, wrist, forearm and elbow. During recreational time, Deana enjoys listening to music, spending time with family and practicing yoga.
	Amanda Wohl, DPT received her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from The University Of Vermont. While studying at UVM, she was a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer. Amanda moved to NYC to continue her education at Long Island University in Brooklyn where she recently earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. At STAR, Amanda gets great satisfaction working with her patients in our sports and hip center to overcome their injuries and help them return to their active lifestyles. She enjoys spending her free time running and staying active outdoors. Amanda especially enjoys skiing and hiking with her husband and being with her puppy Lucy.
	Livia Yung, DPT is a 2007 graduate of Stony Brook University where she received a B.S. in Psychology. She continued her education at Long Island University in Brooklyn where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has gained much experience in neuromuscular rehabilitation and orthopedics through her affiliations at Kings County Hospital, Tampa General Hospital, and several orthopedic clinics in the NYC area including STAR. Recreationally, Livia enjoys snowboarding, running, basketball, and volleyball. She has recently taken an interest in Yoga and tries to squeeze in the practice as often as possible.
	Itta Kogan, MS, OTR/L is a graduate of Touro College with a Bachelor's of Science and a Master's in Occupational Therapy. Itta gained valuable experience in both sub-acute and long term care adult rehab, mental health rehabilitation, and orthopedics through several affiliations in Westchester and Bergen County, as well as her final internship here at STAR. In her final year at Touro, Itta specialized in the study of Hand Therapy with particular interest in splint fabrication, in conjunction with on-site field visits to further develop her skills. At STAR, Itta enjoys working with her patients in our hand center to help them regain the full use of their hands for a pain-free return to their active lifestyle. In her free time Itta enjoys outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, skiing, and hiking.
	Peter Griffiths, DPT received his Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry in 2008 from the College of Staten Island followed by his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn. Peter has worked in the field of physical therapy since 2006. His experience includes various affiliations with orthopedic and medical centers in North Carolina and the NYC area, including NYU Medical Center/Rusk Institute. During his spare time, Peter enjoys being physically active and holds a special interest in weight lifting and bodybuilding.
	Irene Lee, DPT received her B.A. in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusettes. She continued her education at New York University, where she graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Irene gained a wide variety of experience in orthopedics, acute care, and acute rehabilitation at places such as New York Presbyterian-Columbia, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and here at STAR. She also enjoys participating in medically related volunteer activities such as the ING NYC Marathon and Race for the Cure. Irene has played and still participates in many types of athletic activities, such as soccer, rugby, pilates and swimming.
	Lisa Pataky, DPT received her BS in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy from Duke University where she played rugby all four years. She continued her education at Boston University where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. A recent graduate, Lisa gained in depth orthopedic experience in her clinical rotations both in NYC as well as at Champion Sports Medicine in Birmingham, AL. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys watching and playing most sports as well as skiing and snowboarding.
	Rob Ziegelbaum, DPT graduated with his Bachelors Degree from Boston University in Psychology. He went on to the New York Institute of Technology, where he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Rob has spent a great deal of time working in orthopedics both through clinical affiliations and working in the field, including Winthrop Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation. He has his black belt in karate and is a certified open water SCUBA diver. In his free time, Rob enjoys swimming, biking, lacrosse, snowboarding/skiing and weight lifting.
	Brittany Popkin, DPT received her B.S. in Health Sciences from SUNY Stony Brook, then continued her education at Columbia University in NYC where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brittany’s experience includes affiliations completed at St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Port Jefferson, NY, The Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, NY as well as several outpatient physical therapy locations in Manhattan. Brittany is an accomplished Championship Irish Step Dancer who has competed at the Local, Regional, National and World Championship level. Her dance experience has required extensive travel throughout the United States, Canada and internationally in England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. In her spare time, Brittany continues to enjoy traveling, as well as working out, attending New York Yankees games, exploring NYC, taking photographs and spending time with her family.
	Stephanie Mendoza, PTA graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program with an Associates in Applied Science at LaGuardia Community College. Before establishing her career at STAR, Stephanie gained much knowledge and experience through several affiliations including Lutheran Augustana Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation and here at Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation. Stephanie participated in leadership roles as SAC (Student Advisory Council) representative in the PTA club at LaGuardia and was involved in all club activities. Stephanie also devoted spare time as a volunteer worker in Bellevue Hospital at the Inpatient and Outpatient Physical Therapy Services for several months. Outside of work, Stephanie takes pride and joy in spending quality time with family and two dogs. Stephanie also enjoys running, biking outdoors and appreciating nature for all its wonders.
	Dominick Mazza, ATC is a graduate of SUNY Cortland. He is the lead Athletic Trainer in Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation's Post Rehabilitation Exercise and ACL Injury Prevention programs. Dom oversees the progression of patients in STAR's tennis and golf exercise programs and is involved with Biodex isokinetic testing. Dom is also the head athletic trainer for the Nightingale-Bamford school on the Upper East Side.