Meet the Team of Physical
Therapy Experts Behind
Your Care
Leadership Team
Craig H. Lichtblau, MD - Medical Director
Dr. Lichtblau has over 35 years of clinical practice experience and treats patients who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, burns, multiple orthopedic traumas, progressive neurologic diseases (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and patients who suffer from chronic pain and disability.
Dr. Lichtblau maintains privileges at 5 local hospitals, and a transitional living facility. Dr. Lichtblau has surgical assistant privileges at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Medicover Hospital in Warsaw, Poland and Burjeel Medical Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Board-Certified: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Medicine.
- Experience: Over 35 years of helping patients recover from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, burns, osseointegration and more.
- Specialized Training: Completed a fellowship in limb reconstruction and has extensive experience in treating progressive neurological diseases.
Ty Cross - Chief Executive Officer
Ty joined the team in 2015 bringing with him more than 30 years of enterprise-level leadership. He has worked in many divisions within the healthcare, ground transportation, and aerospace industries. As Chief Executive Officer, Cross is committed to providing high-quality healthcare to patients around the world.
- Leadership: Over 30 years of experience leading teams in healthcare, transportation, and aerospace.
- Military Service: Served in the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division.
- Education: Holds advanced degrees from Harvard Business School and has a strong background in aviation operations and management.
Medical Staff & Specialists
Lawrence Aronowitz - PA-C
Larry is a nationally certified Physician Assistant specializing in physiatry at Dr. Craig Lichtblau MD PA.
- Specialization: Physiatry
- Experience: Over 25 years in pain management, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Education: Bachelor of Science degrees in Physician Assistant and Occupational Therapy.
- Certifications: Nationally certified Physician Assistant, DEA licensed.
Leslie Hayes - MSN CEN NP-C
Leslie is a dedicated individual who strives to go above and beyond, not because it is expected, but because she focuses on striving always to be her best self.
- Specialization: Family Practice
- Experience: Extensive experience in nursing, including orthopedics, burn care, and emergency medicine.
- Education: Master's in Advanced Practice Nursing, BSN.
- Certifications: Board Certified Emergency Nurse.
Kimberly Bachman - Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Kimberly excels in complex surgical procedures, consistently delivering superior care and compassionate patient experiences.
- Specialization: Multidisciplinary surgical assistance, with a focus on orthopedics, plastic surgery, and limb lengthening/deformity correction.
- Experience: Over two decades of experience assisting in a wide range of surgical procedures, including complex orthopedic cases, reconstructive breast procedures, and aesthetic injectables. Skilled in pre-operative preparation, intra-operative assistance, post-operative care, and patient education. Renowned for effective communication and meticulous wound closures.
- Education: National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants, ACLS, BLS.
Physical Therapy Team
Lauren Hogan - Doctor of Physical Therapy
She is certified in both the Graston Technique Level I and Dry Needling and has a vast background in exercise, permitting her to play a key role in patients’ recovery.
- Specialization: Physical therapy, with expertise in Graston Technique and Dry Needling.
- Experience: Passionate about helping patients recover through exercise and physical therapy.
- Education: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Bachelor's degree in Biology with dual minors in Chemistry and Strength & Conditioning.
Nick Rust - Doctor of Physical Therapy
Nick most enjoys working with a hands-on approach, performing various manual and myofascial techniques in conjunction with motor control strategies to correct limitations and pain and return to function. Nick takes pride in connecting with patients and improving their quality of life.
- Experience: Nick brings 12 years of experience in various patient populations, including complicated orthopedic conditions and neurological disorders using a practical approach to return to function.
- Certifications: Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) , Titlist Performance Institute (TPI).
- Education: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Bachelors of Science in Biology.
Ayleen Howard - Master of Physical Therapy
Ayleen brings 22 years of clinical experience with extensive specialized training in manual therapy, functional orthopedics, vestibular and balance rehabilitation to our practice. She is passionate about improving people’s function and treats her patients like family.
- Specialization: Physical therapy, with expertise in manual therapy, functional orthopedics, and vestibular and balance rehabilitation.
- Experience: Over 22 years of clinical experience, dedicated to improving patients' function.
- Education: Master's in Physical Therapy, Bachelor's degree in Biology.
Suzie Young - Physical Therapy Assistant
Suzie’s role with the team has many layers as she is very involved in the day-to-day success of the office. She works alongside Dr. Lichtblau and is trained to collect data from every step of a functional capacity assessment.
- Specialization: Physical therapy assistance, with expertise in functional capacity assessments and M6 MLS Therapy Laser.
- Experience: Over 35 years of experience working with our team.
- Education: Associate in Science Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting.
David Gordon - Physical Therapy Assistant
David is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing in adult basketball leagues, hiking, and many forms of exercise for recreation, learning about the cutting edge in health, technology, and science.
- Specialization: Physical therapy, with expertise in oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema therapy.
- Experience: Extensive experience in orthopedic, neuro-recovery, manual treatments, and sports rehab.
- Certifications: Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Expert (C.O.R.E.), Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).
Catharina Beharry - Physical Therapy Assistant
In addition to providing the best possible care, Catharina is a Physical Therapist Assistant who values interacting and building relationships with each patient.
- Specialization: Physical therapy, with experience in post-operative care, balance training, sports rehab, and neurological recovery.
- Experience: Recently relocated to our team from New York.
- Education: Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.
International experience
Dr. Lichtblau has traveled internationally to assist Dr. Paley on surgical missions and trained in osseointegration surgery. He has presented research papers at international conferences and co-authored published studies.
Additionally, he serves as the Rehabilitation Director of the Paley Institute Osseointegration Program and directs all inpatient rehabilitation admissions at St. Mary's Medical Center.