Physical and Occupational Therapists

Emika Embrack, PT

I have been a therapist at GMO since Dec of 2008. I have completed my Master of Physical Therapy at Howard University and earned a BS in Pre-physical Therapy as well. My passion towards physical therapy started at an internship at Howard University Hospital, where I was astonished at the amazing recoveries made with rehab patients. Throughout the course of my career I have developed a special interest in manual therapy and love working with orthopedic patients.

Kimberli Shields Walker, DPT
Maryland Physical Therapy Director

I have been a physical therapist at the Waldorf office since April 2003. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida in conjunction with Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia in 2003.

I love physical therapy because of the ‘hands on’ approach. It is a wonderful daily experience to be a part of the process that takes a person from a place of pain, physical limitation and dysfunction to a place where the person can return to their prior level of function. It is also a blessing for me to interact with each patient and get to know each patient. It is through these interactions that I become a better physical therapist. I hope to become certified in Manual Therapy in the near future.

I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and I love to read and cook in my spare time.

Brandy Harley, PTA

Originally, I started with GMO as a Physical Therapy Technician from 1990 to 1997. I then attended the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (CACHE) through Charles County Community College which is a combination of Charles County Community College, Anne Arundel Community College, and CHEsapeake College. Each class consisted of 25 students. Shortly that, I returned to GMO as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2006.

GMO has always treated me with great respect and equality. I love physical therapy because I truly enjoy helping people get better and return to their everydaly life prior to injury and without pain and dysfunction. Knowing that I can impact someone’s life by just being me and doing what I love brings me personal satisfaction.

In December 2008, I finished my course work and obtained a degree in Massage Therapy from The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) By the end of 2009, I hope to become a licensed massage therapist which is my second passion.

My favorite past times are to be outdoors in the sunshine, spending time with my family and friends, being a mom and just recently becoming and being a wife.

Nicole Garner, PT, DPT

I graduated from High Point University (High Point, North Carolina) with a B.S. in Exercise Science in 2004. I completed Didactic Physical therapy course work at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in September 2009. During my PT education I completed full clinical affiliations with: Calvert Sports Physical Therapy (outpatient orthopedic), Peninsula Regional Medical Center (hospital acute care), Johns Hopkins Bayview Geriatric Care Center (inpatient geriatric rehab), and at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (mixed outpatient), and had shorter clinical experiences with The Salisbury Hand Center, Deer’s Head Hospital Center, and Chesapeake Rehabilitation Center.

In February 2009, I was welcomed onto the GMO physical therapy staff at our Waldorf location.

Donna C. Concepcion, PT

I once received a card from patient with the line, “Thank you for making me walk again!” This patient’s heartfelt gratitude for getting her back on her feet after surgery, among others who are able to return to their pre-morbid lifestyle at home and at work, makes Physical Therapy a very gratifying profession. I consider it a blessing to be in a career which creates a significant difference in a person’s life.

I am Donna Cruz-Concepcion, a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy graduate from Angeles University , Angeles City , Philippines . I’ve been in practice since 2001 and I just recently joined Greater Metropolitan Orthopedics. Complementing my clinical experience in out patient, hospital and home care settings, I have completed a number of continuing education courses related to orthopaedics, sports injuries, and manual therapy. I intend to pursue my doctorate degree and earn certification in either orthopaedics or manual therapy in the future.

Apart from work, I stay busy at home playing with my little one.

Lydia Hohman, PT

Lydia graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. One of her affiliations as a student was at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, which had an outpatient hand therapy department. This is where Lydia realized she loved working with hand injuries and wanted to specialize in this area. She also worked with Dr. Peter Stern's therapy group in Cincinnatti before moving to the Philadelphia area, where she worked for the Philadelphia Hand Center. Lydia became a Certified Hand Therapist in 1993 From 1995 until 2009 she was co-owner of a small independent hand therapy practice in North Wales, Pennsylvania. That year Lydia and her husband relocated to this area and she joined Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedics in January of 2010.

Sheri Bullard, PTA

I'm originally from St. Pete,Florida but have lived in Springfield for 17 years.All of my immediate family still lives here.Sitting on a dock on the water is a favorite of mine,after growing up close to the beach.I love fall here though,because growing up we didn't have pumpkin patches,hay rides and colorful trees!

I have three daughters-one in college heading to the Air Force,one heading to college next year,and my youngest which is about to enter middle school.We also have a black lab that is 8 yrs old,and acts like a 3 month old beagle!

I love being part of the "A" team at GMOI! I enjoy working as a team getting to know each new patient's interests and goals, in order to help them to achieve the best outcome possible with their physical therapy.

Lorenz Fortuno, PT Clinical Coordinator

I graduated in 1994 from AMEC-BCCM in the Philippines and have been working ever since. I was a Medical Technologist before I became a Physical Therapist. Physical Therapy proved to be a more rewarding and challenging  career for me. It provided me with a venue to have more interaction with patients and colleagues that helped me grow more as a medical professional and a human being. I just recently joined GMO in February of 2010 though I have been working in Sport and Ortho rehabilitation for most of my career life.

Spare times are usually spent with the family with activities that we all enjoy. Fishing is my passion and we like nature,  Playing video games with my two sons are also part of our family activities. Gardening is something that my wife and I enjoy. These are thing that help me balance my life and my priorities.

Debbie Heitman, PTA

Vanessa Lagera, PT

I love this career because it gives me a chance to help  people feel better and be healthier. I have been a physical therapist since graduation with a bachelors in Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines in October 1993. I came to the United States in 1996 and started working in the brain injury program of a rehabilitation hospital  in Fort Lauderdale. Later,  I transferred to it's general outpatient clinic and found I liked orthopedics best. I continue to learn new things as I take on new assignments, treat different conditions and as I take continuing education. I have been with Greater Metropolitan Orthopedics since 2001 except for the years 2004 - 2005 when I did travel PT assignments and also worked in a school for kids with disabilities. It's very rewarding to see people getting better. I have a lot of fun getting to know these wonderful people I meet and work with everyday, who come from vastly different backgrounds and life experiences. Outside of work, I love to hang out with loved ones, travel, read, eat out and volunteer for causes I believe in, one passion being healthcare for  the poor in developing nations.

Mary Woodbury, OT, CHT

I have been an Occupational Therapist for 20 years earning my bachelors degree in OT in 1989 from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. Thus far, my career has included patient care in many arenas including acute and rehabilitation settings, home health and outpatient care. I have spent the past 15 years primarily in expanding my knowledge and expertise in the orthopedic “hand” arena and became certified as a hand therapist in 2007. I began employment with Greater Metropolitan Orthopedics in the Alexandria location in October 2006. I enjoy interacting with patients each day. I am greatly satisfied when I can assist a patient to achieve improved use and independence with their daily living activities through restoration of hand and upper extremity function.

Colleen Delaney, PTA

Colleen has lived in Virginia since 1978. She graduated from NoVa Community college in 1985 and has been practicing physical therapy for 26 years. Colleen has worked in Orthopeadics full time and part time at Arlington Hospital. Colleen says “I love the field now as much as I did as a young grad. I enjoy learning about different forms of manual therapy ie.Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Muscle Energy Techiniques to help assist in the healing of patients” Colleen has worked with some of the best physical therapist in NoVA.

In her spare time she teaches religious education and is a Girl Scout leader. She has three gifted and talented children and was an Army Brat having been fortunate to have traveled the world.

Dana Wallace, PT

Dana has been an Occupational Therapist for 7 years earning her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2005 from Russell Sage College in Albany, NY. She is originally from Syracuse, NY and relocated to Atlanta, GA after grad school where she worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare. She has patient care experience with both children and adults in various settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings with a focus primarily on orthopedic upper extremity injuries of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. She assisted with implementing and developing the hand therapy program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and earned the Advanced Splinting and Casting Certification at Children’s Healthcare. She is an active member of the Georgia Hand and Upper Extremity Special Interest Group (GHUESIG) where Dana is able to network, share and expand her knowledge with peers.

I enjoy interacting with patients each day. I am greatly satisfied when I can assist a patient to achieve improved use and independence with their daily living activities through restoration of hand and upper extremity function.

Lee Vaughan Wampler, PT
Virginia Director

Lee has worked in the metropolitan area over 27 years. As an honor graduate from Lynchburg College, honor student from George Mason University and Physical Therapy honor degree from Howard University in 1982, she brings vast experience in the field of Physical Therapy. She has a proven reputation of treating successfully, varied diagnoses with specialties specifically in Sports Medicine, Spinal Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain and TMJ disorders. Lee also provides an Osteoporosis Program and an increasingly popular Golf Performance Program. Lee has been a member of the APTA since 1980 and held various positions on the executive board of the APTA and VPTA since 1985. She has been a consultant and contact for the Public Relations and other sections of the APTA as well. Lee was a past recipient of the Who’s Who of business leaders; an honor limited to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their profession. She is very active in the community through her Physical Therapy contacts, consults with various sports teams for injury management and prevention; and also assists in performing Sports Physicals and Flexibility Assessment for the local High School (South County Secondary School). Lee and her husband enjoy spending time with their teenage girl with many community activities.

Robin Hurley, PTA
Clinical Coordinator

I was born in Arlington, VA and grew up in an ever-growing family. I have seven brothers, one sister, and twenty nieces and nephews...and counting. I have a twelve-year-old son named Benjamin and we both love family time and "hallway soccer". I graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northern Virginia Community College in May 2007 and have been with GMO since August 2008. It is a pleasure working alongside such a wonderful group of professionals and I am enjoying working with our motivated patient population.

Gretel Casey, PTA

Diane Potter, PTA

Diane grew up in Vermont and moved to Virginia while still in college. Diane graduated from George Mason with a BS in public admin. Diane is a proud mom of 2 beautiful boys Working as a personal trainer, Diane realized that helping people get healthy and recover from injuries was her passion and went back to school to become a physical therapist asst. Diane graduated from the PTA program at NVCC in 2001 and has been practicing in the outpatient field for 10 years. Diane came to GMOI in Sept 2010 and feels “very fortunate to be working alongside such great doctors and therapists. I am continually learning and hope I can pass this along to patients as well.”

Cary Peralta, PT
Clinical Coordinator

From Baguio City Philippines, Cary earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy in 1997. After working as a licensed physical therapist in the Philippines, Cary came to the United States in 1999 and received his PT license in 2001. Cary has focused on sports rehabilitation and orthopedics by utilizing the Maitland Manual Therapy approach .His passion is assisting patients in achieving their therapy goals. Cary joined the GMOI staff in December 2009. Cary loves to spend his time with his wife and two kids. He is also bilingual, speaking both English and Tagalog.

Anne Glynn, PTA

Though born and raised in Missouri, I've spent more than 30 years in the DC area.  After graduating from Indiana Univ. with a degree in psychology, I had a variety of jobs, from social worker to children's librarian!  The late 70's brought the aerobics craze and I became an instructor, continuing to take continuing ed. in step, aquatics, and strength training.  After earning my certificate in personal training, I saw the need to modify all I had learned to special needs populations and seniors.  Giving in to a  lifetime desire to pursue something the medical world, it seemed like a natural transition into physical therapy.

Since graduating from NOVA, in 1997, I have worked in orthopedics and I can say that I am finally really using that degree in psychology. I love getting to know the patients, earning their trust, and watching them get better. Along the way, I managed to raise two spectacular sons.  Weekends find me power walking and watching quirky independent films. I know with the therapists and physicians at GMO, I'm part of a distinguished team.

Pam Tinker, PT

Pam Tinker is a Licensed Physical Therapist who graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Pam worked for 18 years in the INOVA health system. She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the of the Mount Vernon Hospital Rehabilitation program. She directed the program which included Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Recreation Therapists, Neuropsychologists and Physiatrists. In her capacity as Director she supervised over 100 employees and an operational budget of several million dollars. Other experience includes school based physical therapy in Fairfax County and Falls Church Public Schools, home health physical therapy and geriatric care. She has also completed the certification course in Thai Yoga Massage from the Lotus Palm school in Canada. In her capacity as the Founder and Executive Director of Frog Pond Early Learning Center, she directs one of the few inclusion model preschools in the area. About 20% of the children attending her school have a special need that the school accommodates. The non-profit school has an earth-based curriculum and includes a small farm with dwarf goats, ducks and chickens as well as two acres of grounds and gardens. The Huntley Meadows Park located next door extends the children’s experience and knowledge of the cycles of nature as they walk through the wetlands each week. She is married to Cardiologist, Bruce Tinker and has a son, Robby Tinker and a daughter Becca Tinker. Robby is a graduate student at Oregon State and Becca is in her last year at University of Oregon. Pam, Robby and Becca are tribal members of the Cherokee Nation in addition to their English, Scotch, and Irish heritage.