Bios

Philip Tipton, MD

Dr. Philip Tipton graduated from the University of Tennessee summa cum laude in Honors Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, and later completed a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. After he received his medical degree from East Tennessee State University, Dr. Tipton completed both his internship and residency in Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. A board-certified Neurologist, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic. In addition to completing a Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology, he is pursuing his Fellowship in Movement Disorders. Dr. Tipton is a husband, father, musician, and avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Gregory McNamara, MD

A board-certified physician, Dr. Gregory McNamara has accomplished the remarkable feat of obtaining three different medical specialties. A clinical giant in medicine, he brings over 35 years of patient care experience with specialties in Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, and Neurology. Dr. McNamara graduated from San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico in 1982 and has added to his medical experiences by completing an intensive residency in Occupational Medicine, and Fellowships in both Neurodiagnostics and Substance Use Disorders.  Along with providing surgical clearances for local surgeons, he is a certified cannabis doctor providing evaluations for established patients currently under the care of Dr. Harsh Dangaria. Dr. McNamara has a true passion for patient care and is devoted to helping others through his extensive volunteer work.

Harsh Dangaria, MD

Dr. Harsh Dangaria is a dual board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management who offers a variety of procedures in interventional pain management, including: epidural, nerve block, and facet injections; specialized treatments like radiofrequency ablation, viscosupplementation injections, prolotherapy, and stem cell injections; advanced treatments such as spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation; and minimally invasive surgeries such as kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, lumbar decompression, and laser spine surgery.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of Wisconsin and obtained his medical degree with honors from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. Following his residency and fellowship training at Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York, Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, and Georgia Pain Physicians/National Pain Care, Dr. Dangaria also completed his postgraduate education in Pain Medicine and Headache Disorders from the University of Edinburgh, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Recognized with a civilian recognition award by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, he has contributed to a wide variety of peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Born in Gujarat, India, Dr. Dangaria speaks English and Hindi.

Adam Whalen, DC, Chiropractic Neurologist

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Dr. Adam Whalen began his education at Mansfield University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. After graduating from the New York Chiropractic College in 2009, Dr. Whalen obtained his Diplomates in both Chiropractic Neurology and Electrodiagnosis through the International Academy of Clinical Neurology. Due to his extensive postgraduate accomplishments, he was also awarded his Fellow of the International Academy of Chiropractic Neurology. Dr. Whalen has a special interest in clinical diagnosis and integrative healthcare.

Vanessa Wilczak, DC, Chiropractic Neurologist

A Buffalo, New York native, Dr. Vanessa Wilczak graduated from the New York Chiropractic College in 2009. As a result of her extensive postgraduate accomplishments, she earned her Diplomates of the International Board in both Chiropractic Neurology and Electrodiagnosis and was awarded her Fellow of Chiropractic Neurology from the International Academy of Clinical Neurology. Dr. Wilczak’s practice focuses on electrodiagnosis, and she has a passion for animals, working with veterans charities, and assisting local underserved school communities.

Craig Cherrin, APRN

Mr. Cherrin has been working in the healthcare field for 9 years.  He has a master’s degree in Biological Sciences with a prior career in working as a biologist on a team to develop novel anti-cancer compounds as well as working on novel drug delivery systems.  Mr. Cherrin transferred into healthcare obtaining BSN in nursing and working at Allegheny General Hospital and UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA.  Mr. Cherrin then obtained APRN degree at UNF and has experience in general and neurosurgery specialties.  Mr. Cherrin values his interaction with his patients and enjoys being able to improve quality of life for his patients.  Mr. Cherrin enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, hiking as well as traveling.

Nikki Walters, APRN

Nikki Walters has been working in the healthcare field for 9 years. She got her BSN in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and then continued her education for Nurse Practitioner at South University in Savannah, Ga. Nikki loves interacting with her patient and finding the right treatment that will help them return to the person they strive to achieve. Nikki volunteers with the Junior Service League of Saint Augustine that benefit non-profits in Saint Johns County such as the Saint Augustine Lighthouse, Kids Bridge, Webster School and the Fire and Police of Saint Augustine. She loves spending time with her family, boating, going new places and trying new foods. She is excited to make a difference in the patients lives.

Luis D. Garcia, PT, DPT

Graduated in 1990 from the University of El Salvador in Buenos Aires. During more than thirty years in the profession, he had the opportunity to practice in the United States, Spain, and Argentina in a variety of clinical settings, including acute care, rehab, home health and outpatient, mostly in orthopedics. After graduation, he certified as a Manual Therapist (MTC) and did his Doctorate Program (DPT) at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Upon returning to practice and teaching in Argentina, he became a Physical Disability Specialist in the University of El Comahue, and five years later he earned his Certified Osteopath (CO) degree at the University of Buenos Aires. More recently he received his degree as a Specialist in University Education at the University of Flores. Academically he has participated as a speaker at national and international conferences and congresses and currently, he is an Associate Professor in the Occupational Health Specialty for medical doctors at the University of Comahue and a Professor in the Physical Therapy Career at the University of Flores in Argentina.

Mohammed Ata, PT, DPT

Dr. Ata is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences- St. Augustin Campus. Prior to joining the university, he had taught at the City University of New York. Dr. Ata earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Physical Therapy from Cairo University and his DPT from Dominican College of Blauvelt, New York. His Ph.D. studies have a special emphasis on virtual reality applications for balance evaluations and treatment in CNS disorders. Dr. Ata has been practicing as a physical therapist since 2002 with a dedication to pediatric and adult neurologic physical therapy. His clinical and research passion is brain rehabilitation. Dr. Ata is a Certified Therapist in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) for pediatrics and adults, Advanced PNF Trained Therapist, an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, an ANPT Trained Therapist in Gait Training, a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist, and a Certified Neurologic Specialist.

Lindsey Dell, PTA

Lindsey has been a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant since 2021, and also earned her B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University. She found her passion for physical therapy following her own involvement in a car accident and experience as a patient. The profession combines her love of movement with healthcare, and she finds fulfillment in helping her patients return to full function and doing what they love. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, thrifting and antiquing, hiking with her dog, and trying new restaurants.

Byron Steptoe, PTA

Byron is a West Virginia native whom has been a licensed PTA since September 2022. He has worked in physical therapy and rehabilitation since 2012 in various roles. Originally planning to become an architect, Byron soon realized the immeasurable opportunity Physical Therapy provides to impact lives. He then studied Kinesiology at Louisiana State University and Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University where his interest in human movement only grew stronger. Following a move to Jacksonville, Byron became a PTA  via Florida State College where he ranked among the highest of his peers. Byron most often can be found spending time with his growing family, but his other hobbies include exploring multicultural cuisines, exercise, as well as  health & fitness coaching

Bradley Swanson, PTA

Bradley is a South Carolina native, who transferred to Jacksonville in 2011 with the US Navy where he found his passion in physical therapy upon honorably separating from Active duty in 2015(Currently continuing his service in the Navy Reserves). He graduated from FSCJ as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2017 where he finds joy in helping people get back to their best lives. Bradley enjoys spending time outside with his wife, four children, and five animals. He is also an active member and volunteer at his local Church.

Bianca Simmons, LMT

Bianca Simmons is a Licensed Massage Therapist, graduating in 2018 from Alpha School of Massage in Jacksonville, FL. Bianca wanted to pursue a career that helped people and found massage to be a perfect fit. She found inspiration from her mother who is also a LMT and saw how much she enjoyed and was fulfilled from her work. Bianca believes massage has benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing offering pain relief from sore muscles, increased flexibility, relaxation, mental clarity, improved circulation, and sports recovery and injury prevention. Bianca has a bachelor’s degree in classical music and enjoys playing and attending live music events.