Catherine Cavallaro Goodman, MBA, PT, CBP

Since first grade when I became friends with a classmate who had polio, I wanted to be a physical therapist. Though I did not know the name of my intended profession at that young age (not until we were required in 9th grade to write about our future), I have now lived my destiny for 40+ years. 

Every experience as a physical therapist has been wonderful. I have never wished to be anything else. Over the decades, I have had the opportunity to work with thousands of individuals in a wide variety of clinical and educational settings.  

My professional history includes: pediatrics, oncology, military service (orthopedic PT), hand therapy, inpatient/outpatient therapy, home health, nursing home (back in the day when they were called NHs!), university professor, medical writer, textbook author, conference speaker, and most recently using energy medicine as a physical therapy modality. 

My main interest now is clinical practice to connect with people in need of a helping hand, a healing touch, a physical therapist’s expertise. I enjoy all aspects of clinical practice using a wide array of approaches including the Gillespie cranio-fascial sacral therapy, myofascial release, BodyTalk™, Reiki, hands on healing, as well as some of the more traditional physical therapy manual therapy and pediatric techniques. 

This practice allows me to address the physical, emotional, psychologic, and spiritual aspects of life and end-of-life situations for all individuals (and their families/support team). I have assisted many people with cancer and older adults in end-of-life care, especially using neurofeedback to moderate pain, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. 

Most recently, I have focused specifically on the problems that come with peripheral neuropathies, balance impairments, and traumatic brain injuries. 

John Heick, PT, PhD, DPT

Dr. Heick has three professional certifications (orthopaedics, neurology, and sports) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Dr. Heick’s is interested in differential diagnosis across multiple areas within physical therapy to include concussion assessment, orthopaedics, sports, neurology, and vestibular rehabilitation. Dr. Heick is the President of the Arizona Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (effective January 2017).

Rolando T. Lazaro, PT, PhD, DPT, MS

Rolando Lazaro PT, PhD, DPT, GCS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Dr. Lazaro obtained his PhD in Health Science from Touro University in 2011, Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University in 2001, Master of Science Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific in 1997, and Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines in 1986. He is a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Dr. Lazaro’s research interests include the investigation of interventions aimed at improving balance and mobility in older adults and the development and validation of models of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). He also has research lines related to biophysical and electrotherapeutic agents, use of imaging in physical therapy practice, and cultural competence in physical therapy education. In 2013, Dr. Lazaro was awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholarship to study community-based rehabilitation models in the Philippines.