Meet Our Staff

Mr. Jamal Marzouki

President

Mr. Marzouki has been involved with the physical rehabilitation field since 1992 and has extensive knowledge and experience in clinic development and growth. He brings a vast amount of experience that has allowed Apex to quickly grow and become an industry leader.

Accomplishments and Interests:

Prior to co-founding Apex, Mr. Marzouki owned and managed three physical therapy clinics in Houston from 1991 to 2001. From 1982 to 1991, he operated and managed his own international trading company. He previously served as Vice President of Micronutrients International from 1979 to 1982 and as Regional Marketing Manager for Magna Chemicals from 1975 to 1979. He is a founder of the ACC Community Center where he previously served as President and was also a member of the advisory board for Mayor Brown. He is active in local and national politics and is a strong supporter of various non-profit charity organizations.

Professional Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Texas A & M University with expertise in Oil Field Chemicals, 1969

Dr. Amir S Kazemi PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Vice President and Clinical Director
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Fitness Trainer

Dr. Kazemi participated in many team and individual sports since middle school. However Football and track eventually became his main interests. He played football up to his second year in college and then went on to compete in amateur level physique contests. He has a through knowledge of various types of orthopedic/sports injuries and their rehabilitation needs.

Treatment Philosophy:

A complete and detail physical therapy evaluation is key to obtaining the optimum results. Treatment must be individualized, progressive and evidenced based. There are times when treatment must be rather aggressive while in some cases a more conservative approach is warranted. Ultimately the goal should be to restore strength, flexibility, endurance, power and function within the shortest time period.

Accomplishments and Interests:

Dr. Kazemi has been a clinical professor/adjunct clinical faculty with the physical therapy program at Old Dominion University since 2006. He also provides clinical education for several other physical therapy programs around the United States. He is certified as a clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and also serves as a physical therapy consultant and advisor to the Houston Independent school district.

Professional Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Boston University - Boston, Mass, 2006
• Master of Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University - Norfolk, VA, 1999
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, George Mason University - Fairfax, VA, 1996
• Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, 2004
      American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, 1998
       National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Certified Personal Trainer, 1995
      American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Certified Clinical Instructor, 2010
      American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
      Sections: Orthopedics, Private Practice
• American Academy of Orthopedic Manuel Physical Therapy, AAOMPT
• Texas Physical Therapy Association, TPTA
• National Strength and Conditioning Association, NSCA
• American Council on Exercise, ACE

Dr. Laleh Askari PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Askari participated in female gymnastic and swimming team in elementary school but running became her main interest in high school and college. Her main interest at this time is promoting female fitness and encouraging healthy living.

Treatment Philosophy:

An essential aspect of any physical therapy treatment program is the evaluation. A thorough evaluation is the key to develop an effective physical therapy treatment plan. Dr Askari's treatment philosophy focuses on the patient. The patient's goals, preferred activity level, and prior experiences shape the treatment plan and help to achieve the quickest recovery. Close communication with the referring physician also ensures a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. Though onsite treatment and exercise initiate a return to function, patient education and adherence to a home exercise program are necessary to receive the full benefit of the treatment.

Accomplishments and interests:

Dr. Askari has been a clinical instructor for several physical therapy programs since 2007. She has been a physical therapist at Apex since 2005.

Professional Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman University, Houston, TX, 2009
• Master of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman University, Houston, TX, 2005
• Bachelor of Art in Biology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Clear Lake, TX, 2004

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
• Texas Physical Therapy Association, TPTA

Dr. Kelly Johnson PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Johnson's love for sports began as a youth while growing up in Los Angeles, a city rich in tradition of professional teams excelling in sports. She participated in track, basketball, & marching band throughout high school. She attended Hampton University (HU) on a Presidential Scholarship. While in college, she volunteered with the Hampton University athletic training staff where she had the opportunity to work with their MEAC Championship football & softball teams, as well as women's volleyball team. She was also a member of HU's band, The Marching Force, her freshman year.

Treatment Philosophy:

Dr. Johnson believes physical therapy should be individualized to each patient as no two patients are alike. Although most patients would benefit from a plan of care comprised of a cardiovascular & flexibility program, strength training should be catered to the specific deficits of each patient. A thorough examination will determine the exact deficits & areas of focus needed to guide the plan of care.

Accomplishments and interests:

Having participated in sports throughout high school Dr. Johnson is particularly interested in sports physical therapy & manual therapy. She has attended several integrated manual therapy continuing education courses through Great Lakes Seminars. She has been a speaker for Career Day at middle schools throughout Hampton Roads, VA. Dr. Johnson has also volunteered on the medical staff at the annual Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA.

Professional Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University-Norfolk, VA, 2007.
• Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation, Hampton University - Hampton, VA, 2002.

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association, APTA

Tiffany Laitkep, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Tiffany has been interested in orthopedic injuries and physical fitness since she was in junior high. There is where she started to participate in tennis, cheerleading, and drill team. She continued to participate in these activities throughout her high school years.

Treatment Philosophy: A personalized exercise program, including a few flexibility exercises, is crucial to a quick and successful recovery. Proper instruction and execution of exercises are also very important to achieve therapeutic goals.

Professional Education:

• Kinesio Taping, April 2009
• Associate in Applied Science, Wharton County Junior College, May 2006

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Texas Physical Therapy Association
• Kinesio Taping Association

Jasmin Matula, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

As a youth Jasmin participated in volleyball and basketball in Jr. High and ran track and field in high school. Her free time was spent outdoors swimming, running, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Today she enjoys jogging and ballroom dancing and is interested in manual therapy and orthopedic massage to manage scar tissue post surgery.

Treatment Philosophy:

Engaging the mind-body connection during exercise is essential to accomplish correct form and achieve optimum results from each repetition. Focus on posture during therapy is vital to all patients and ultimately effects all body parts and patterns of movement. Most importantly, patients should be educated. Awareness and correction of faulty habits, postures and movement patterns will impact daily activities and prevent future pain and injury. Providing individualized home exercise programs that can become part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle will help patients live life to the fullest after being discharged from physical therapy.

Professional Education:

• Associate in Applied Science, Wharton County Junior College, May 2006

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
• Texas Physical Therapy Association, TPTA

Glenda Kneupper, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Glenda has always enjoyed staying fit and playing sports while growing up. She particularly enjoyed participating in basketball, volleyball, dart board games and occasional bowling. She has been working in the orthopedic setting since 2007 and also has an extensive amount of experience in home health and long term care settings as well.

Treatment Philosophy: The physical therapist assistant has a vital role in helping implement the treatment plan designed by the physical therapist. The goal should be to increase the patient's level of mobility and independence by tailoring an individualized treatment plan specific to each patient's goals and abilities. Furthermore, the emotional state of the patient can highly affect his or her well being and therefore, needs to be considered.

Professional Education:

• Associate in Applied Science, Houston Community College College, Aug 1996

Erin Marzouki

Marketing Director

Ms. Marzouki brings significant experience in sales and marketing to Apex. She joined Apex in the Spring of 2010 after marketing and selling Luxury Suites for the Houston Texans Football Team as their Premium Seating Development Manager. Before the Houston Texans, she worked for Clear Channel Entertainment as a Regional Group Sales Manager overseeing all group sales for The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas.

She is a native Houstonian and attended Bellaire High School. She enjoys travelling, swimming and watching Texans and Longhorns football.

Professional Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin with a minor in business, 2003

Leonela Gonzalez

Office Manager

Sandra Molina

New Patient Referral Coordinator