Meet our Therapists
Marc Boults, DPT, ATC
Born in Massachusetts, Marc received a Doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Saint Augustine, and a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from the University of Tampa. He specializes in vestibular rehabilitation; manual therapy; and orthopedic shoulder rehabilitation of overhead athletes, primarily baseball players. Marc is a board certified athletic trainer.
Marc completed clinical rotations at Eastman Regional Hospital in Eastman, GA; at Physical Therapy Works in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; and at Northern California Rehabilitation Hospital in Redding, CA, where he specialized in neurological rehabilitation.
His acute knowledge of overhead athletes comes from experience. Marc played Division II baseball for the University of Tampa, and worked for one year as an athletic trainer for the New York Yankees.
In his off time, Marc races every weekend from spring to fall as a semi-pro road cyclist. He enjoys golfing, soccer, fishing and softball. He has been a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) since 2005, the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) since 2008, and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 2008.
Rosa Garcia, OTR/L
After graduating in 1998 from the University of Puerto Rico with a BA in Occupational Therapy, Rosa began working with an early intervention program at a hospital and immediately fell in love with the children. Since then, her work experiences include hospital, school and private clinic settings. She brings 12 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy to Lakeland Regional.
Describing herself as a dynamic, fun, creative and compassionate therapist, Rosa’s specialties include the Handwriting Without Tears program and all four courses on the Sensory Integration Certification sponsored by the University of South California and Western Psychological Services.
Rosa is registered by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and is licensed by the State of Florida. She participates in community health and fitness by providing Latin dance-fitness classes (Zumba) to adults and children in the Lakeland area.
Michael Gardner, ATRI, Ai Chi
Mike received his Aquatic Therapy Certification through the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute (ATRI) and is also Chronic Pain Certified. In addition, he is trained in Ai Chi, water-based total body strengthening and relaxation. In November 2010, Mike will travel to Chicago to complete Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Certification training at ATRI.
Mike works with adults and children facing a variety of challenges to improve function, flexibility and locomotion. He feels that, in addition to producing clinical outcomes, he helps his patients gain something that cannot be measured — confidence.
In addition, outside of Lakeland Regional Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic, Mike coaches minor league baseball for boys, ages nine to 11, and fast-pitch softball for girls, ages 10 to 13. He also served as a captain for an Extreme Kids Olympics fourth grade team through his church.
Kelley Giovannucci, PTA
, CLT
Kelley graduated from an accredited PTA program at Polk State College. She is driven to provide the best possible care to her patients.
Kelley completed clinical rotations at Highlands Lake Center, a skilled nursing facility; Watson Clinic, where she worked in the outpatient clinic; and South Florida Baptist Hospital, where she gained acute setting experience. At each of these facilities, Kelly worked hands-on with patients.
Kelley is certified in lymphedema therapy and CPR and is experienced in treating patients with HIV.
Melissa Helm, ATC
Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board Certified athletic trainer.
Melissa has seven years of experience on and off the athletic field and in the clinical setting. She designs and implements therapeutic programs for the rehabilitation of injured athletes in clinical and athletic environments, and works with physicians and coaches to determine an athlete’s safe return to competition. She is certified in mat and reformer Pilates and enjoys incorporating them into her daily rehab programs.
In addition to her work at Lakeland Regional Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic, Melissa is also the head athletic trainer for Lakeland Christian School and a clinical instructor for athletic training students from Florida Southern College.
Susan Kane, MPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS
Susan has 12 years of experience in physical therapy and athletic training, with a special focus on sports medicine. She has previously worked for both the University of South Florida and Florida Southern College, and has taught courses on orthopedic disabilities and rehabilitation at FSC and PSC Winter Haven.
Susan received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine with Athletic Training Focus from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio and a Master in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland. She is certified as a licensed physical therapist and licensed athletic trainer by the state and is Board Certified in Sports Physical Therapy. She is also a National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board Certified Athletic Trainer and a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Recently, Susan received training as an oncology exercise specialist.
Rizwana Mir, PT
, CLT
Riz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from Sheffield City Polytechnic in 1992. She is a certified Pilates instructor and is working toward certification in Pilates reformer and manual therapy. Riz is also certified in lymphedema therapy.
For seven years, Riz worked in health care in Illinois at facilities including Rush North Shore Medical Center, Lutheran General Hospital and the renown Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. In addition, she gained five years of experience in the outpatient rehabilitation facility at Winter Haven Hospital.
Riz is an active member of the PTA.
Lisa Reuther, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Lisa comes to LRMC with more than 19 years of clinical expertise treating both adults and children. She is experienced in the evaluation and remediation of adults experiencing impaired communication, cognition, and swallowing, including the following areas: aphasia, brain injury, dysarthria, oral/pharyngeal/esophageal dysphagia and alaryngeal speech methods.
Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and went on to earn a Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders, both from the University of Georgia.
Lisa has been a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 1990 and has a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
In addition, she has worked in Georgia, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Florida.
Luz Rivera, PT, CLT
Luz received her BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Puerto Rico (Medicine School Campus). She has 20 years of experience in acute care and outpatient rehabilitation.
Luz provides outpatient rehabilitation for UE (upper extremity) orthopedic injuries, outpatient wound care and specializes in lymphedema care within LRMC’s new lymphedema clinic.
Active in her church, Luz serves as treasurer, secretary and as a Bible school teacher. She is bilingual.
Michael Smith, OT, CHT
Michael received a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University in 1996 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Board of Governors Program from Eastern Illinois University.
Michael received advanced training and earned a specialty certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). For the past 14 years, he has specialized in evaluating and treating patients within a wide age group range with diverse and complicated musculoskeletal and neurological deficits affecting the use of the upper limbs (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand). He is dedicated and passionate about treating each patient as an individual and customizing treatment to meet patients’ unique needs.
In addition to his work with LRMC, Michael is a Tai Chi instructor and a member of the Florida Hand Society.
Kelly Swenson, DPT
Kelly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 2007. She went on to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010. Both degrees are from the University of South Florida. Prior to joining LRMC, Kelly worked as a patient care technician at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa. She also gained experience through internships with Back to Work Physical Therapy in Tampa and Achieve Tampa Bay.
Utilizing tools, such as the rock climbing wall, trampoline and treadmill, Kelly helps patients increase their balance and mobility. She works with children with a variety of diagnoses, including : autism, cerebral palsy and orthopedic injuries.
Kelly is actively involved with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and a member of the Association of Physical Therapy Students. In addition, she volunteers at Friendz Zone, a respite care for children with disabilities.