Clinic Staff
Chandrika Lotwala, PT, DPT
Owner/Director
She received her B.S. degree in physical therapy from the University of Bombay, India in 1971. She recently earned her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy through A.T. Still University in March 2007. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as well as the Arizona Physical Therapy Association (AzPTA), where she has served as both vice chair and chairperson for the central district. Chandrika is a guest lecturer at A.T. Still University for doctorate level physical therapy students and Clinical Coordinator for Clinical Education, organizing clinical internships for physical therapy and physical therapy assistant students from A.T. Still University, Northern Arizona University, and Gateway Community College.
Chandrika has worked closely with orthopedic surgeons to develop innovative and effective post-surgical physical therapy protocols. These protocols ensure direct communication between physician, patient and physical therapist at all stages of rehabilitation. Coordinating care has proven to provide the highest possibility for optimal recovery and positive outcomes.
Lisa Haarer, PT, DPT
Clinical Manager, Peoria Office
Lisa Haarer received her Master's degree in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University in May 2000 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Lisa is a member of the APTA, AzPTA and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Her clinical experiences include outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics and neurological rehabilitation. Lisa has been working with Amurvel Physical Therapy Services since March of 2001 primarily in the Peoria location.
Miguel Lefort, PT, COMT
Miguel Lefort graduated in 2002 from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Since graduation, Miguel has worked exclusively with outpatient orthopedics both in Nova Scotia, Canada and Phoenix, Arizona. This experience has offered the chance to work with many different injuries and patient populations including sports medicine, post surgical, industrial and MVA evaluation and treatment. Currently, Miguel received his certification in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy in May 2009. Miguel is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. He started work with Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in September 2004 and practices at the Avondale location. Miguel is fluent in French.
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Amisha Klawonn, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
Board Certified in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
Pilates Certified
Practice Manager
Pilates Certified
Amisha Klawonn earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University in 2000. She completed the Kaiser Hayward Physical Therapy Fellowship in Advanced Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 2003 and is recognized as a Fellow by the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Amisha received her Pilates Certification from the Physical Mind Institute. She specializes in manual therapy, the Australian Approach, and has been extensively trained and mentored by Australian trained physical therapists and has significant experience in treating complex spinal disorders. Her treatment is a blend of manual therapy and pilates based rehabilitation. Her continuing education has included courses in spinal rehabilitation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, myofascial release, pilates based therapy, thoracic outlet syndrome and evidence based physical therapy. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapists.
Amisha is an assistant professor at AT Still University in Mesa, AZ in the physical therapy program and on the core faculty of the A.T. Still University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program. She currently teaches in the musculoskeletal tract of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and as an instructor in continuing education courses for the Orthopedic Residency Program.
Makkeda Rubin-Deloney, PT, DPT
In 2000, Makkeda earned an Associates of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting from GateWay Community College. During her 6 years working as a PTA, she learned more about the physical therapy profession and began to pursue a DPT. Makkeda graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in 2009. She joined Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in September 2009.
Josh Perry, PT, COMT
Josh graduated in 2005 from the Medical University of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio with a Master's degree in physical therapy. Since graduating, he has worked in outpatient orthopedics and home healthcare. In 2009, he completed an orthopedic manual certification course through the Ola Grimsby Institute. His other continuing education courses have included topics on running injuries and shoulder rehabilitation. Josh joined Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in September 2010.
Chad Waits, PT, DPT, COMT
Chad earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in 2006. He has published work in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy looking at standardized testing to assist healthcare professionals screen for a collegiate baseball player's readiness to return to playing following a shoulder injury. In 2009, Chad received his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy from the Ola Grimsby Institute. He specializes in a tissue specific approach to healing and rehabilitation. Chad's continuing education includes courses in muscle energy techniques, spinal manipulation, joint replacement rehabilitation and exercise dosing using the S.T.E.P. (scientific therapeutic exercise progressions) program for optimal resistance training. He is adjunct faculty member for A.T. Still University assisting with musculoskeletal and manual therapy courses in their physical therapy program. Chad joined Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in October 2010.
Jason Wilhelm, PTA
Jason graduated from Broome community college in 2006 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy. Upon graduating, Jason worked in all three clinical settings including acute, sub-acute and skilled nursing rehabilitation in New York. This has allowed Jason to gain experience with a variety of clinical diagnosis and patient populations. Jason's interests include outpatient orthopedics, neurology, post surgical and sports medicine. Currently, Jason is working toward his doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. He joined Amurvel Physical Therapy in January 2008.
Office Staff
Angel Arcadia, Business Manager
Angel Arcadia started with Amurvel in 1991 as our first employee and a licensed massage therapist. She currently serves as front office manager at the Phoenix and Peoria Clinics. She is a constant figure at the Phoenix office and the person "in the know" to get your questions answered. Her knowledge and expertise in registration, billing, coding, charges serve as a valuable asset to Amurvel Physical Therapy.
Sylvia Mendoza
Sylvia Mendoza attended Gateway Community College and received her certification in Accounting, Business Technology, and Fraud, Litigation, & Negotiation. She has over 12 years experience in the insurance industry and started with Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in February 2002 verifying benefits, authorizations, account reconciliation, research/resolve claims issues, collections, physician credentialing, insurance contracting, negotiating attorney liens and appeal/grievances. She is a vital part of our business team.
Velika Lotwala, Marketing
Velika Lotwala graduated with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in 2003. Prior to working with Amurvel Physical Therapy, she was an undercover investigative producer with KPHO in Phoenix, Arizona. Currently as Amurvel's marketing director, she promotes the company at various events and speaks with physicians regarding Amurvel Physical Therapy Services. Velika began working with Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in 2005.
Michelle Castillo
Front Office Peoria
Charity Arthur
Front Office Phoenix
Annette Ortega
Front Office Avondale
Business Office
Holly Browning
Holly works in the business office and posts payments from insurance and clients to the accounts. She has been with Amurvel PT Services since January 2005.