Gaetano Lombardo, PT, PhD, OCS
Dr. Lombardo, who founded Academy Physical Therapy in 1998, is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. His university education is from New York University, graduating from the Program in Physical Therapy in 1989, then later completing his Masters in the Program in Ergonomics and Biomechanics in 1996. In 2013, Guy received his PhD from NYU, completing his work in the program in Orthopaedic Surgery and Environmental Medicine. His PhD research was an investigation of how posture can affect the amount of space for rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder. He has presented his shoulder research nationally and internationally. Guy is a former Assistant Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy at Long Island University, and he has a current appointment at NYU as both an Adjunct Instructor in the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy and a mentor in the Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.
As a former collegiate lacrosse player (NCAA Second Team All-American nominee) and certified USA Track and Field Coach, he understands the needs of the athlete (especially runners). But he also knows first-hand the challenge of maintaining personal wellness in a busy life, particularly as we get older. Especially when we’re trying to balance family and work responsibilities.
When he’s not treating patients, Guy enjoys spending time with his family, reading, distance running, and nurturing his vegetable garden.
Click here to see a list of Gaetano’s Publications and Presentations.
Kevin C. Weaver, PT, DPT, MA, OCS, CEA, CIE
Dr. Weaver graduated from NYU’s Program in Physical Therapy in 1990. He also received a Masters from NYU’s Program in Ergonomics and Biomechanics in 1995, and his transitional DPT degree from Temple University in 2005. Kevin is certified as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and certified in ergonomics by the Board of Certified Professional Ergonomists (CEA) and the Oxford Institute (CIE). In addition to his clinical responsibilities here at Academy Physical Therapy, Kevin is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, and Director of the Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at NYU. His professional interests include orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, manual therapy, ergonomics and repetitive strain injury.
Click here to see a list of Kevin’s Publications and Presentations.
Catherine Amendolara, PT
Catherine Amendolara received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Hunter College in 1988 and for the past 25 years has focused her career on clinical practice. She began seeing clients at Academy Physical Therapy in 2001. Before this she was part of an interdisciplinary team on the acute, in-patient, rehabilitation unit at Mount Sinai Medical Center where she also served as a senior clinician in their out-patient department. She taught clinical skills as an adjunct instructor in the Division of Physical Therapy at Long Island University. Developing and teaching an exercise class to municipal retirees of New York’s DC 37 union spurred her professional focus on older adults. She is currently pursuing board certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS).
Shou-An Liu, PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Liu completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pine Manor College (Brookline, MA), graduating at the top of her class. After graduation, she worked in Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston), as part of a team performing research on respiratory diseases. Shou-An (pronounced like JoAnn, but starting with an “SH” sound) graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at New York Institute of Technology in 2013, again at the top of her class.
She completed the Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at New York University in 2014, with Academy Physical Therapy as her clinical site, and Dr. Lombardo & Dr. Weaver serving as her mentors. In 2015, she was certified as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Shou-An has a particular interest in manual therapy techniques, especially osteopathic-inspired techniques and trigger point therapy. She is currently an investigator on a research project evaluating the effect of ischemic (sustained) compression on iliopsoas (hip) trigger points.
Click here to see a list of Shou-An’s Publications and Presentations.
Julie E. Lombardo, RYT
Certified Yoga Instructor
Julie Lombardo is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. She is a nature lover with a quiet strength and calming presence that resonate in her classes. Julie’s teachings focus on alignment and movement with the breath. Her years of experience means that she is able to provide in-depth instruction, inviting the student to explore the poses in a safe and nurturing way. Julie offers modifications of the poses to allow for the beginner, as well as the advanced practitioner, to have an experience that is suitable to their level of practice. In other words, it’s okay to be wherever you are in your practice – you are already wonderful just the way you are!