The 5% PT

Episode 6: Meet Meera Deters, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCTS, ACAS

Meera Raval Deters, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCTS, ACAS is the owner of Super Speech Solutions, a concierge private practice that provides online Speech Therapy to Texans.  She received her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2006.  Meera has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation clinics, charter schools, and private practices over the past fourteen years. Meera specializes in accent modification and child language disorders, with an emphasis on autism. Certifications/ Awards: - Completed Phase 1 out of 3 for BCS-CL (Board Certified Specialist in Child Language) through ASHA (the American Speech Language Hearing Association) - Certified Brain Injury Specialist - BCTS: Board Certified Telepractice Specialist through IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) - ACAS: Advanced Certified Autism Specialist through IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) - a basic DIR/Floortime provider - 3 Awards for Continuing Education (ACE) through ASHA (the American Speech Language Hearing Association) When she is not thinking about speech, Meera loves to spend time with her husband Jeff, cook, watch Hallmark movies, and go on walks with their dog, Daisy.

Episode 5: Meet Dr. Christopher Pough, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, OTR/L

Dr. Pough is a proud alumnus of Dillard University Class of 2006. He was a member of the first graduating class post Katrina and used his education, work ethic, and strong faith from his family to advance in his career. He is legacy graduate of Dillard University as his mother, father, two uncles, and god parents are alumni of Dillard also. Following graduation from Dillard University, Christopher attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, FL where he completed a dual degree program in 2010 receiving his Master's of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Christopher has worked primarily in outpatient Orthopedics in his career but has experience in all settings such as inpatient rehabilitation, and geriatrics. Christopher also completed additional advance Fellowship training through the Manual Therapy Institute where he then received his distinction as a Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.   Christopher currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia where he works for Concentra Medical Centers. He holds the position of Director of Therapy Operations for Georgia and Tennessee. He serves as a member of the Director Leadership Team (DLT) for the discipline of therapy were he supervises the clinical practices to ensure that the best clinical outcomes, customer service, and key practice indicators (KPIs) are being achieved for the 26 clinics he oversees. Christopher is the only African American to hold the position of Director of Therapy Operations for Concentra in the country. He has been with Concentra for 6 years where he started in the Dallas-Fort Worth market as a Center Therapy Director. He grew his clinic into one of the top performing clinics in the market during his 5 years as the Center Therapy Director. Christopher also is a mentor to students in field of Physical therapy.

Episode 4: Meet Dr. Aimee Johnson-Hines, PT, DPT, MOTR/L, CLT

Aimee is a physical and occupational therapist from Maryland and has been practicing for over 10 years. She has worked in a variety of settings including aquatics, oncology, general orthopedics, hand therapy, pediatrics, acute care, and subacute rehabilitation. She is currently managing an outpatient clinic in the Baltimore area. Aimee has a passion for holistic care, seeing patients from a multidisciplinary perspective. Aimee earned degrees from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and Howard University. She is certified in lymphedema and currently earning specialty certifications for oncology as well as the upper quarter. Aimee's desire to become a dually licensed professional stems from caring for family members whom needed specialized therapy services.

Meet Jamarcus Irving, Personal Trainer

Jamarcus Irving B.S. Kinesiology: with an emphasis in Sports Medicine ACE Certified Personal Trainer with over 10yrs of experience Crossfit Level 1 Certification with over 5yrs of experience Jamarcus Irving is the owner of Team Irving Fitness. He has dedicated his life to helping others achieve optimal physical performance, after serving 7 years as a Firefighter and EMT-I. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Jamarcus has a wealth of knowledge, techniques, and experience to assist in the advancement of healthier lifestyles for all. Jamarcus understands that fitness is a vital component of each person’s physical development regardless of age.  With over 15 years of training experience, Jamarcus continues to expand his knowledge of the health and fitness industry while cultivating a fitness focused company designed to help others achieve their best. www.TeamIrvingFitness.com

Meet Dr. Rashad Smith, PT, DPT

"My name is Dr. Rashad Rashad Smith PT,DPT.  I am the proud husband of Dena Benson-Smith, my wife of 11 years. I am blessed to have two wonderful children, Braylen Rashad and Londyn Aleese. I am the son of The Rev. Dr. JC Smith and the late Betty Jean Smith. I am the youngest of 3 siblings, Jasmine and Kavaughuya.  I  am a graduate of Velma Jackson high school in Camden, MS.  I went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. I graduated with my BS degree in Sports Medicine-Exercise Science.  I am also a letterman for the USM football team.  I am a distinguished gentleman of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.   I had the unique privilege to be Sponsored by Rush Foundation Hospital to attend the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. I graduated with my Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in April 2009.  I have worked in multiple settings including Acute Care, Long Term Acute Care, Skilled Nursing, Swing Bed/inpatient rehab, and Outpatient.  I am now the owner of Excel Physical Therapy and Wellness.  Our God is indeed AWESOME!"