Edwin Suarez, PT
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Our Owner and Founder, Edwin Suarez (“el jefe”), has one goal; to help people improve their quality of life through personalized physical therapy. His vision inspired Suarez Physical Therapy. The first clinic opened in 2008 and he has since expanded, opening four locations across the Las Vegas Valley. What sets our clinics apart from the rest is that we pride ourselves in offering a “care.experience” to every patient. This means that we will treat you like family. We strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you meet your goals and, we make sure you receive incomparable attention and care through your recovery. With our low clinician to patient ratio and personalized physical therapy treatments, Edwin feels that it’s the best opportunity for you to meet your goals.
His commitment to serving our community and his employees does not go unrecognized. In 2020 Edwin received the Nevada Small Business Award for Minority Owned Small Business of the Year. Jovita Carranza, Administrator for the US Small Business Administration wrote “Small businesses like yours are what drive our nation’s economy.” Edwin was also selected as the 2020 School of Integrated Health Sciences Alumnus of the Year by the UNLV Alumni Association. This award recognizes his contribution to society through his professional and personal achievements. Most recently, Edwin was nominated as one of 2021 Greatest Medical Minds and Healthcare Professionals by Real Vegas Magazine.
Edwin was born in New York City, the son of a Puerto Rican father and a Peruvian mother, but after living in Las Vegas for 40+ years he considers himself a native. Edwin graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science emphasis. He obtained his graduate degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Nonetheless, he continues to broaden his expertise and recently earned his Level 2 Functional Dry Needling certification. Since graduating in 2002, he has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings with pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients.
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Edwin’s childhood apartment was located on the corner of 28th St. and Bonanza making it a passion of his to open a fourth SPT location in Northeast Las Vegas. Edwin wants to ensure that underserved patients across the valley have access to the “care.experience” they need. Can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
Elizabeth “Liz” Quirk, PT, DPT
Elizabeth (Liz) is the Clinical Director at our S. Cimarron location. She is a Las Vegas native who graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Allied Health Section. While in her undergrad, Liz was a member of UNLV’s NCAA Division I Women’s soccer team and volunteered at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. Liz then went on to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UNLV as well. Liz is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Liz is certified in Functional Dry Needling® Level 1 and is passionate about treating and rehabilitating patients with orthopedic, congenital, and neurological conditions.
Shivangi Bavishi, PT, MHS
Shivangi was born and raised in Mumbai, India and moved to the U.S. in 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Physical Therapy in Mumbai in 2015 and her Master’s in Health Sciences from the University of Indianapolis in 2017. Previously, she worked as a Physical Therapist at a skilled nursing facility in Beaumont, TX, and relocated to Las Vegas in April 2020. In her free time, Shivangi enjoys cooking, reading, and learning Spanish.
James Minello, PTA
James was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. After experiencing a knee injury, while playing high school football, James was introduced to the physical therapy field and was inspired. He saw firsthand the benefits of physical therapy and fell in love with the profession. In 2010, James graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas obtaining his bachelor’s degree in the Science of Kinesiology. James has been on our SPT team since 2012. During his time with the company, James attend classes and became a licensed PTA, graduating from Pima Medical Institute in 2016. James is an avid sports fan and enjoys staying active and participating in outdoor activities.
Michelle Mariscal, PTA
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Michelle moved to Las Vegas in 1995 from E. Los Angeles, CA and is a proud graduate of Chaparral High School, class of 2004. In 2009, Michelle completed the Medical Administrative Assistant program from Pima Medical Institute. She then worked as a front office specialist at Concentra Medical Center but was quickly promoted to physical therapist technician. Here, her interest grew in physical therapy and assisting in the rehabilitation of those who experienced severe injuries. She decided to peruse her passion and in 2018, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Occupational Science from Pima Medical Institute. In her free time, Michelle loves to stay active with her 6-year-old daughter, Hazel and enjoys spending quality time with her family. ¡y ella habla Español!
Rei Serafin, PTA Marketing Mgr.
Originally from the Philippines, Rei moved to Las Vegas in 2005. In 2016 she started her physical therapy career and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Science from Pima Medical Institute becoming a licensed PTA in 2018. Rei is confident with pediatrics patient population and is experienced with working with geriatrics patients in the home health setting. Her free time is spent playing PC games, going to the gym, cooking and traveling. Rei is a proud single mother of a 13-year-old daughter.
Jacob Oraha, PTA
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Jacob recently moved to Las Vegas from San Diego, CA. In 2017, Jacob graduated from Concorde Career College, obtaining his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. He decided to pursue a career in physical therapy from his time served as a youth football and basketball coach. These young athletes inspired him to choose physical therapy because he wanted to be able to help them recover from injuries. In his free time, Jacob enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids!
Katrina Espanol, DPT
Katrina is a Las Vegas native and the first physical therapist in a family full of healthcare professionals. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Katrina then went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Touro University Nevada in 2020. In her free time, she enjoys the Las Vegas heat by biking and hiking. She started working with Suarez Physical Therapy in March 2021.
Russell Simmons, PTA
Russell is originally from New York, he came to Las Vegas in 2012 and attended UNLV to be with family and receive his Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology. Before becoming a PTA, he was a personal trainer here in Las Vegas for 6 years After working with people who have finished their physical therapy, Russell realized he wanted to be a part of that process and began studying for physical therapist assistant. In 2020, Russell graduated from Pima Medical Institute and received his license for Physical Therapist Assistant. On his time off, Russell's hobbies include being active and going to the gym, photography, and videography.