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, CSCS
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, CMPT
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 is working toward obtaining his certification in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. Miguel is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. He started work with Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in September 2004 and practices at the Buckeye and Peoria locations. Miguel is fluent in French.
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Amisha Lotwala, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Pilates Certified
Practice Manager
Amisha Lotwala 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 continuing education has included courses in spinal rehabilitation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, myofascial release, patellofemoral pain, thoracic outlet syndrome and Pilates. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapists.
Pamela Guevarra, PT
Pamela Guevarra graduated from Angeles University in the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1999. Her clinical experiences in the Philippines included outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation and home health physical therapy. She moved to Arizona in 2004 and joined Amurvel Physical Therapy in November 2005 to pursue her clinical experience towards physical therapy licensure in the state of Arizona. She has joined Amurvel Physical Therapy after her licensure to continue as a part of our team at our Peoria and Avondale clinics. Pam is fluent in Tagalog and Kapampargan.
Lucia Bartovic, PT, Pilates Certified
Lucia received her Bachelor of Science degree at Hunter College in New York City in 2000. Lucia possesses strong manual therapy skills including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Lucia received her Pilates training and certification through the Polestar Pilates Education system.
Lucia incorporates therapeutic exercises in the form of Pilates as a part of the patient's individualized treatment program, applying current research and practice in orthopedics to the principles of the Pilates rehabilitation while incorporating a whole body approach. She has extensive experience with outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation, women's health issues and pregnancy related discomfort. Lucia joined Amurvel Physical Services in October 2007.
Leah Toth, PT, DPT
Leah graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree where she was a four-year member of the Nittany Lions softball team. Leah has had various coaching experiences as a camp counselor at a variety of Division I and II softball programs including Penn State University, Princeton University, The College of New Jersey and Lock Haven University. She graduated from A. T. Still University in August 2007 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.
Her clinical experience has been in the outpatient orthopedic setting. Leah is interested in furthering her physical therapy career in manual therapy. She joined Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in October 2007.
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.
Joe Lopez, ATC
Joe Lopez graduated from New Mexico State University in May 1993. He has worked at both the Division I and Professional levels in football, baseball, basketball and rugby. He has been in a clinical setting for the past 12 years utilizing various manual techniques, taping techniques and rehabilitative skills to treat patients under the supervision of a physical therapist. His interests are in orthopedic rehabilitation with specialty in the knee, hip, ankle and shoulder injuries. He is trained in ergonomics for all settings. He enjoys spending time with his family as well as hitting the links. Joe joined Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in 2001.
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, and collections. She is a vital part of our business team.
Velika Lotwala
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. She is also the office manager for the Buckeye and Avondale offices. Velika began working with Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in 2005.
Monica Martinez
Front Office Buckeye and Avondale
Felicia Lopez
Front Office Phoenix Office
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.
Tanya Pacheco
Tanya Pacheco has been working in the medical field for over 20 years doing insurance billing, collections and medical liens. She was born and raised in Arizona and has two children. Tanya joined Amurvel Physical Therapy Services in July 2007 and brings her expertise to our business office in collections and MVA liens.