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
Director of Physical Performance/Functional Capacity Testing
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Certified Clinical Instructor
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

Director of Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Program
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 constant communication with her patients and referring physicians. The patient's goals, preferred activity level, and prior experiences shape the treatment plan and help to achieve the quickest recovery. Patient education and adherence to a home exercise program are necessary to receive the full benefit of the treatment. Close communication with the referring physician also ensures a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

Accomplishments and interests:

Dr. Askari has been a physical therapist at Apex since 2005. She has completed several courses and seminars regarding management of patients with vestibular disorders, dizziness and imbalance. She is currently the director of Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Program at Apex. Dr. Askari uses the latest technology and evidence-based treatments that are individualized based on patients symptoms and evaluation findings. Dr. Askari has also been a clinical instructor for several physical therapy programs since 2007.

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

Dr. Shireen Moinzadeh, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Moin began her interest in fitness and sports as a child when she began private swimming lessons and soon became an avid swimmer, as well as participating in ballet and tap dancing. Throughout high school she continued with swimming and also participated in her school’s table tennis team. As she entered college her main focus became overall health and fitness as she majored in Nutrition and helped design many wellness and weight loss plans.

Treatment Philosophy:

Dr. Moin believes that effective treatment should incorporate a variety of techniques that focuses on treating the patient and not just the injury. Treatment must be progressive and must ultimately help the patient reach their optimal level of function and improve their quality of life. The body has the remarkable ability to heal itself and Dr. Moin believes it is her role to remove any obstacles to this healing and help accelerate the process.

Accomplishments and Interests:

Dr. Moin has attended several conferences to increase her knowledge regarding post operative physical therapy to achieve the most efficient and effective results. She has a special interest in health and wellness training to help maintain quality of life throughout the lifespan.

Professional Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Stonybrook University, Stonybrook, NY, 2010
• Bachelor's in Human Nutrition and Foods, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2007

Professional Memberships:

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

Tiffany Laitkep, PTA

Center Coordinator for PTA Internship Program
Center Coordinator for Volunteer/Observation Hours
Physical Therapist Assistant
Certified Clinical Instructor

Tiffany has been interested in orthopedic injuries and physical fitness since she was in junior high. That 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.

Accomplishments and Interests: Tiffany, in addition to her PTA duties, also serves as the Facility coordinator for both the PTA internship and the Volunteer/observation program. She is certified as a clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Professional Education:

• Associate in Applied Science, Wharton County Junior College, May 2006
• Kinesio Taping, April 2009
• Certified Clinical Instructor, 2011
  American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Professional Memberships:

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

Joseph Sealy, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Joe has always participated in competitive sports since childhood, with football being his passion. While searching for a new career and being involved in numerous orthopedic injuries; Joe became interested in the healing process of Physical Therapy.

Treatment Philosophy: Many injuries appear to have similar characteristics but each one is unique to the individual. He believes in treating the whole patient not just the injury by using evidence based interventions to restore the patient to their highest level of function.

Professional Education:

• Associate in Applied Science with Honors, Houston Community College, May 2011

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Texas Physical Therapy Association

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

Gabby Walker

Physician Relations Specialist

Ms. Walker joined Apex in the Summer of 2010, after leaving South Texas College of Law to pursue a career in Sales and Marketing. Prior to South Texas College of Law she was pursuing multiple degrees at University of Houston and abroad at University of Salamanca in Spain.

Ms. Walker is a native Texan and came to Houston to pursue her education. She enjoys traveling, reading, and watching the Texans and Spurs.

Professional Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications, The University of Houston, 2006
• Bachelor of Arts in English, The University of Houston, 2007

Leonela Gonzalez

Office Manager

Sandra Molina

New Patient Referral Coordinator