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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.
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.
Jose Martinez
Physical Therapist Assistant
Jose Martinez, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant – HCC PTA Program
Jose is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) with a strong commitment to helping patients regain strength, mobility, and independence in the outpatient setting. A proud graduate of the PTA program at HCC, he brings a solid foundation in rehabilitation techniques along with a heartfelt passion for making a meaningful difference in each patient’s recovery journey.
Outside the clinic, Jose embraces an active lifestyle, staying fit through regular workouts and enjoying quality time with family. Whether he's grilling up a great meal or staying on the move, he believes in the value of balancing hard work with enjoyment.
With a focus on personalized care and a supportive, encouraging approach, Jose is excited to partner with you on your path to recovery and wellness.
Samantha Esquivel
Physical Therapist Assistant
Samantha Esquivel, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Assistant – HCC PTA Program
Sam is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who is passionate about helping people move more freely, feel stronger, and return to the activities they love. Committed to patient-centered care, she collaborates closely with physical therapists to develop and carry out personalized treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique goals and lifestyle. Her journey into the field began after undergoing a surgical procedure herself—experiencing firsthand the transformative effects of physical therapy sparked her desire to support others through their recovery. Outside the clinic, Sam enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, discovering new spots to eat and explore, and relaxing at home with her adorable dog.
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