OUR TEAM
Within our practice, you will find a team of friendly, informative and knowledgeable staff, all whom are here to make your experience with us as comfortable, reassuring and efficient as possible. As for our expertise, our treatment staff is comprised of both physical and occupational therapists who are either certified hand therapists or on track to obtain their certification.
Here’s a who’s who of our practice:
Karen Nugent, PT, CHT, IMT, C
“When it comes to something as integral to our daily lives as our hands, the secret to successful healing is personalized care. We work with our patients to develop a treatment program that will combine the latest in proven techniques with all our years of experience in hands–on, skilled treatment to improve and sustain their quality of life.” Karen Nugent, President and Founder.
In addition to having founded The Hand & Physical Therapy Center of Marin in 1989 I have over 25 years of advanced training and am a Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist. I have also developed ergonomic training programs and conducted individual workstation assessments for high profile corporate clients throughout the Bay Area.
I have served as an instructor for the Neuroorthopedic Institute and Dialogues in Contemporary Rehabilitation and am a nationally recognized speaker for the American Physical Therapy Association and American Society of Hand Therapists.
I have served on the board of the Hand Rehabilitation Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and have had my work published in the Journal of Hand Surgery, Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America and the Atlas of Clinical Reconstructive Microsurgery. I am an alumni of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and in my spare time I am an active singer. In addition to my work with humans, I’ve expanded my interest to working in canine and equine rehabilitation.
THERAPISTS
Reid Augustino, DPT
Reid Augustino, DPT is a Physical and Hand Therapist. Reid graduated from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia with his B.S. in Health Science and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). The majority of Reid’s field work has been conducted in an outpatient sports and hand therapy setting. Aside from working as a physical therapist Reid is also an avid rock climber who spends most of his weekends traveling to climbing locations throughout Northern California.
Jilda Hellinga, PTA, IMT, C
Jilda Hellinga, PTA is a Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist, who has worked in the practice since 1991. Jilda has a B.S, in physical education, an A.A. in the physical therapist assistant program and a M.P.A. with a focus on organizational change and development from California State University, Hayward. Jilda is currently enrolled in the Pacific Academy of Homeopathy and will graduate in 2011. Beyond work, Jilda has studied with a metal smith, gone to Zimbabwe to learn stone sculpting and taken classes on working with glass, jewelry and cement sculpture. She says her job is never boring and working with a diversity of people is both challenging and rewarding.
Maura Murphy, MOT, OTR/L
Maura Murphy MOT, OTR/L is an Occupational and Hand Therapist. Maura graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in Biology and later received her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She completed her final fieldwork and a fellowship program in hand therapy at the Veteran’s Hospital in San Diego. In addition to working in hand therapy, Maura enjoys long-distance running and is a certified instructor for The Daily Method exercise studio.
Julie Williamson, MOT, OTR/L, CHT
Julie Williamson, MOT, OTR/L, CHT is an Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist. Julie received her undergraduate degree in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Samuel Merritt College. Julie stays busy outside of work taking care of her twin daughters and exercising both her body and mind.
Please contact us to get all your questions answered
SUPPORT STAFF
Carmela Beckman-Spector contactus@hand-therapy.com
Carmela Beckman-Spector is the receptionist at the clinic. She is the first voice you will probably hear when you call and the first person you will meet when you arrive at our clinic. Carmela received her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Carmela has more than 12 years of experience as a clerical support/medical front desk person. Carmela is the proud mom of two teenaged boys and says she is looking forward to serving the beautiful people of Marin County as a dedicated team member of The Hand & Physical Therapy Center of Marin family.
Jackie Louis jlouis@hand-therapy.com
Jackie Louis is the Accounts Manager-Bookkeeper for the center. She will help assist you in managing your account with us. Jackie graduated from the Dental Assistant program at the College of Marin and has been working in the medical and dental field for over 30 years. Jackie says she has traveled all over the world but especially enjoys her trips to New York City to see her beautiful granddaughter.
Susana Martinez
Susana Martinez is a physical therapy aide. Working together with the center’s therapists, Susana brings patients back into the clinic to start their treatment. She was born and raised in Mexico. While in Mexico she went to school for hotel and restaurant management, tourism and studied to be a flight attendant. Susana has been in Marin County for 25 years. She says it is a pleasure to be part of this amazing therapy center.
Katie and Jake
Katie and Jake are Jack Russell terriers who run the clinic and belong to owner, Karen Nugent .Jake has been hanging out at the clinic since he was adopted at 6 weeks old. He is a sensitive dog who loves soft toys, Karen’s lap and gentle petting. Katie joined the family after being rescued from The Katrina Hurricane. She was adopted from the Marin Humane Society and has grown into a very sweet, friendly and loving companion, though she is still afraid of other dogs. Heaven, according to Katie consists of a beach, a ball thrower and a tennis ball.