Robin S. Smith - PT, President

Robin is the founder and driving force behind Miami Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1973, and has more than 30 years of clinical experience in the area of spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Robin has been involved with numerous research projects and publications throughout his career. He has been involved in numerous studies within the spinal cord injury realm, which have been performed in conjunction with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the National Institute of Health, the National Academy of Sciences and the University of Miami, School of Music.

He has lectured on the topic of spinal cord injury rehabilitation for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the University of Miami School of Medicine, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.

On numerous occasions, Robin has been awarded "Clinical Instructor of the Year" by the Miller School of Medicine's Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami.

Robin has expertise in wheelchair seating and assessment as well as lower extremity bracing and orthotics including the Advanced Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (ARGO).

He has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1973, including membership in the Private Practice Section.

In 2005 Robin was a featured "Innovator" for Physical Therapy Provider Network (PTPN).

Miriam Marie Guanche - MSPT, Clinical Director

Miriam graduated from University of Miami, School of Medicine with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. Her expertise is in the area of Neurological Rehabilitation, including spinal cord injuries and stroke, orthopedics and aquatic physical therapy. Miriam plays an active role in clinical education. She is the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education. She is a Clinical Instructor and in 2006 accepted a volunteer faculty position at the University of Miami School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy.

Miriam has been a member of American Physical Therapy Association since 1998. She is a member of the Private Practice section, Neurology Section and Aquatic Section.

Carla D. Ruhl - PT

Carla graduated from Florida International University, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1987. She is a current member of American Physical Therapy Association, including the Aquatic, Neurology, and Orthopedic sections. Carla has expertise in these areas as well as in the treatment of the geriatiric population, spinal cord injury, and other neurological diseases.

Marcie Howkins - PT

Marcie graduated from University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Physical therapy in 1988. She has expertise in spinal cord injuries, orthopedic and sports related injuries and geriatrics.

Marcie is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Jessica E. Morales - DPT

Jessica received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with honors from the University of Miami in 2004.

She has been a member of the APTA since 2001. Jessica has a special interest in the areas of orthopedics and geriatrics.

Rebeca M. Garcia - DPT

Rebeca is the newest addition to Miami Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine in May 2006. She has been an APTA member since 2003 and is a current member of the Neurology section. She won the Steven J. Rose Student Research Award for her work on "The Effect of High vs. Low Frequency Stimulation on Pinch Grip Strength" performed in conjunction with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.