Melissa Broger-Lay, PT-Tech:  Melissa is a Physical Therapist Tech who got her start serving as an Athletic Trainer during her high-school years at Spring High School, where she was honored as the 21-5A All District Student-Athletic Trainer of the year as a senior.  She later became the Head Student Athletic Trainer at the University of Houston providing care for athletes in all sports, baseball being her favorite. Melissa brings to EOSM ten years of experience in rehabilitation, and her enthusiasm for taking care of people is leading her toward pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant with plans to start in fall 2008. During her free time, Melissa loves hanging out with her husband and their golden retriever, Pearl…and, if the sun is shining, you will find her outside working in her garden.  melissa@eliteorthopedics.net

Esmeralda Castillo, Front Office Coordinator:  Esmeralda’s experience in the medical field covers 20 years, with much of that time spent in large, multi-physician family practice and internal medicine practices.  Her recent move to Elite Orthopedics is her first foray into the orthopedic field.  From scheduling and initial screening to insurance issues and payment, Esmeralda’s vital role of front office coordinator provides guidance and support to all of our patients and helps ensure a satisfying experience for all EOSM patients.  
esmeralda@eliteorthopedics.net

John Faltus, DPT, CSCS: John is a Texas licensed Physical Therapist in addition to being certified as a strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. As a recent graduate in May 2008 from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, John brings a plethora of clinical and sports medicine experience to Elite Orthopedics. Previous experiences include an internship in strength conditioning and sports rehabilitation at the world-renowned Athletes’ Performance Institute-Los Angeles as well as a clinical rotation with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers medical staff. Beyond the experience of sports rehabilitation in these settings, he has gained exposure to sports specific training and conditioning for the NFL Combine, NBA pre-draft workouts and MLB off-season programs. Clinically, John combines an interest in the effectiveness of manual therapy with current research findings for treatment of conditions ranging from but not limited to post-surgical Achilles’ tendon rupture and total knee replacement rehabilitation as well as low back pain and shoulder impingement. John@eliteorthopedics.net

Micah Grossman, Practice Administrator:  Micah Grossman comes to EOSM after serving as the Technical Director for the Soccer Academy at St. Stephen’s for the past 7 years.  Micah brings 15 years of operational and management experience to EOSM. His extensive management experiences range from providing general direction and motivation to those who work with him to taking concrete, direct steps to facilitate company and employee growth in a dynamic environment.  Micah captained the University of Texas men’s soccer team and played soccer professionally—He still enjoys the occasional kick-around.  Micah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology from the University of Texas in Austin.  micah@eliteorthopedics.net

Jessica Lopez, X-Ray Technician:  Jessica is an X-Ray Technician receiving her certification from the Academy of Healthcare Professions in 2002.  Her experience includes Dexa/X-Ray Tech work for the University of Texas Departments of Orthopedics and Rheumatology as well as service to the Medical Center for Immune and Toxic Disorders as a medical assistant, x-ray technician, and phlebotomist.  For Elite Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, Jessica serves as radiologist, assistant to the MA, and provides other important support duties for Dr. Torres-Barré and EOSM.
jessica@eliteorthopedics.net

Michelle Patino, PT Front Office Coordinator: Michelle knew she wanted to be in the medical field ever since being a Candy Striper at Bayshore Hospital as a young teen.  Having several years of both public health and private office experience, she brings a wide array of skills to EOSM.  Michelle has pioneered numerous initiatives, written policies, procedures, and grants, and streamlined processes all the while improving patient experiences.  Michelle and her family are very active in various organizations in Pearland--They are adamant Boy Scout of America supporters and her 3 athletic boys keep her on the courts, fields, and outdoors year round. Michelle@eliteorthopedics.net

Arick Rodriguez, Orthopedic Physician’s Assistant:  Arick began his career in Orthopedics with an on the job training program with B.K.G. Orthopedic Services. In 2002, Arick obtained his certification as an Orthopedic Technologist, and at that time had experience working with over thirty Orthopedic Surgeons in the Houston area. After successfully completing the Orthopedic Physician Assistant Certification exams in 2005, Arick started working in the operating room with Dr. Torres-Barré where he provides support for most of the EOSM surgical cases.  In his free time, Arick enjoys working out and volunteering at his church. 
arick@eliterorthopedics.net

Mary Rodriguez, Medical Assistant:  Mary’s extensive experience in the medical field spans 35+ years and encompasses the gamut of medical fields like Oral Surgery, Dermatology, and, of course, Orthopedics.  Since 1984, Mary’s prime focus has been Orthopedics including working at the University of Texas with twelve physicians among who was Dr. Laura Torres-Barré.   Her role as Medical Assistant for Elite Orthopedics/Sports Medicine charges her to handle pre-operative/post-operative coordination, special study scheduling and oversight, and many other ongoing patient care issues. 
mary@eliteorthopedics.net

Katrina Seume, MPT: Kat is a Physical Therapist, ACSM Certified Health and Fitness Instructor, and RRCA Certified Running Coach.  Kat received her Masters in Physical Therapy in 1997 from Texas Tech University . She specializes in sports related injuries and aggressive rehabilitation.  She also does gait analysis for patients that includes a biomechanical examination, videotaping at all angles on a treadmill, and recommendations to improve potential based on findings.  In addition to her work for EOSM, Kat coaches for “Achieving Your Best” running program, which features a marathon training season and a speed-training season.   Kat has completed several marathons and ultra-marathons and believes that anyone with the desire to run in a race can be successful with proper training. kat@eliteorthopedics.net