Certified Hand Therapist/Hand Therapist Specialist
We have Certified Hand Therapists/ Hand Therapy Specialists available at our Clinton, Gaithersburg/Germantown and Rockville Locations.
Trisha Whittaker, MOT, OTR/L, CHT (Clinton Center)
Trisha has over 8 years of experience as a Registered Occupational Therapist. She is a graduate of Saint Francis University for both her bachelor and master degrees. In 2010-2011, Trisha attended Drexel University and received a certificate in the Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation. She then received her Certification in Hand Therapy in 2012. Trisha has experience in outpatient, acute and subacute rehabilitation. She has experience in working with a variety of ages and diagnoses.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, and watching movies.
Ashley Landis, OTR/L (Rockville Center)
Ashley Landis graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Towson University. She went on to earn her Masters in Occupational Therapy and Occupation Science from Towson University in 2012. She has specialized in hand therapy since earning her masters in OT and plans to sit for her Certification in Hand Therapy in November 2018. She values positive, individualized patient interactions and implementing interventions tailored to each person's unique needs. She also enjoys mentoring fieldwork students and promoting the field of occupational therapy. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, running, and has completed several half marathons.
Victoria Dec, OTR/L (Gaithersburg / Germantown Center)
Tori graduated from Howard University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2017. Prior to earning her master’s degree, she graduated from Elon Unversity in Burlington, NC with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport Science in 2015. Tori has gained valuable clinical experience completing several rotations in different hand therapy settings broadening her knowledge and expertise in order to provide the best patient care. She has also worked for over 3 years as a PT and OT aid sharpening her skills. Tori is passionate about hand therapy and helping patients restore their optimal abilities and regain a higher quality of life. In her free time, Tori enjoys working out, baking, spending quality time with her family, and walking her dog.
Claude Bernard (Greenbelt - Greenbelt Rd.)
Claude Bernard graduated from Howard University with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2013. Prior to earning his masters, he received an Athletic Training degree at Methodist University in 2011. He has gained valuable clinical experience in a variety of settings which include inpatient rehab, acute care, SNF, mental health, and sports injuries. Upon completion of OT school, he worked alongside his mentor in a hand therapy clinic where he developed skills in hand therapy, lymphedema therapy, and pediatric therapy. Since then, he has earned his certificate in hand therapy (CHT) and certificate in lymphedema (CLT). By working at the hand therapy clinic, Bernard developed the skills to combine his comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity with functional treatments catered to each individual patient's need. In his free time, Claude enjoys playing basketball, fitness, traveling, and spending time with family.
Sam Dovelle (Greenbelt - Greenway Ctr. Drive)
Sam completed his degree in Occupational Therapy in 1976 at Eastern Michigan University. Soon after receiving his certification in the American Occupational Therapy Association, he began his career in the United States Army Medical Specialist Corp. in orthopedic rehabilitation with a focus in hand therapy. His interest in hand therapy and the academic influences of two major army medical centers provided the opportunity to research and publish journal articles in tendon rehabilitation. He has also published many case studies in hand therapy and orthotic design that were presented internationally and continue to be referenced in medical journals. Sam has lectured nationally on the topic, “Rehabilitation Following Micro-Neurovascular Surgery of the Hand” for the American Occupational Therapy Association. Throughout his career he has been dedicated to promoting hand therapy. He continues to sponsor occupational and physical therapists in their pursuit of hand therapy certification and remains committed to providing the hand therapy that he would expect to receive himself.
Esther Rothman (Greenbelt - Greenway Ctr. Drive)
Esther received her undergraduate degree in education and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. In her quest to expand her knowledge base and skills, she achieved a certificate in upper quadrant rehabilitation from Drexel University and then an advanced certification as a hand therapist. Through her extensive education and clinical work, Esther has become skilled in the assessment and management of all patients with hand problems. She has also participated in several research projects that were published in hand therapy journals. She has mentored hand therapy students who have gone on to achieve certification as hand therapists. She maintains the highest standards of care for all of her patients providing individualized, hands on treatment programs that applies evidence-based medicine. She is passionate about her field of work and enjoys interacting with the patients one on one to help each achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. She tries to make all her patients feel welcome, comfortable, confident and satisfied with the service given. Esther continues to strive for excellence in her practice, by refining her skills through continuing education and research.