OUR TEAM

Heather received her MA in Occupational Therapy from The University of Southern California in 2005 and has obtained the specialty certification of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2011. Heather also has a BS in Biobehavioral Health and a Business Minor from The Pennsylvania State University. Heather has over 16 years of clinical experience in the practice of hand therapy, specializing in the evaluation and management of orthopedic, postoperative and chronic conditions of the upper extremity. She has worked in a variety of settings including sports medicine, private practice, and hospitals and has treated a variety of patients including surgeons, professional musicians and athletes. She has worked with a multitude of orthopedic surgeons around the country as well as other hand specialists and enjoys collaboration. Heather custom fabricates static, dynamic and static progressive orthoses as well as removable casts.  Heather's treatment approach focuses on the person as a whole and returning them to maximal restorative function.  She is actively engaged in the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and has served as committee chair for the Technology and Communications Committee and as a committee member of the Practice Management Committee. She is an author of numerous published works in hand therapy and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Hand Therapy.  Heather enjoys spending time with her two sons, husband, and two dogs.  She loves travel, being outdoors, hiking, camping, music and yoga. 

Rakesh Patel graduated summa cum laude from Quinnipiac University. After obtaining a Master’s of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and a fellowship in "Movement Science," Rakesh now specializes in Movement Systems in Orthopedic Science. He is also a board-certified orthopedic specialist. He has expertise and profound interest in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes. With years of clinical experience in treating patients using his expertise in movement science, Rakesh has developed highly effective clinical protocols for several musculoskeletal injuries, which he uses regularly with his patients.

As a movement analysis specialist, Rakesh also trains people utilizing a balanced exercise program that helps achieve true fitness without injury. He enjoys weightlifting and playing tennis, badminton, and cricket in his leisure time. 

Juan Llaguno graduated from La Guardia Community College with an Associates in Applied Science after completing the Physical Therapist Assistant program. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Queens College. Desiring more, he is continuing further education to begin his journey in pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Starting as a PT aide, Juan has worked at OSSM for over 10 years. Through the years, he has gained valuable experience treating orthopaedic and post-surgical cases. He feels fortunate and blessed to help facilitate patient’s return to their normal lifestyle through his profession.

Juan enjoys spending time with his family and helping out at his kids’ school and sporting activities. Additionally, he enjoys snowboarding and participating in triathlons and marathons.