Faculty & Staff

Dr. Shamus began as a faculty member at FGCU in 2011 and currently holds the position of Department Chair for the Department of Rehabilitation. Dr. Shamus earned his Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy from Florida International University. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Biomechanical trauma from Lynn University/University of Miami, a PhD in Educational Leadership from Lynn University and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Sage University.

Dr. Shamus has participates in numerous national and international presentations as well as authoring multiple textbooks, chapters and journal articles.

 Dr. Sillevis began as a faculty member at FGCU in 2017 and currently holds the position of Assistant Program Director of Physical Therapy. Dr. Sillevis earned his Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy in the Netherlands. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine and his PhD in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Sillevis received his manual therapy fellowship at Regis University. Dr. Sillevis is a fellow in the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy.

 Dr. Donald joined the faculty at FGCU in 1996 as the founding department chair of Physical Therapy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1985, and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Syracuse University in 1995. In 2016, she earned her PhD from the University of South Florida in Curriculum and Instruction with focus on Educational Measurement and Research. Prior to coming to Florida Gulf Coast University, she was Director of Clinical Education for the Physical Therapy Program at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Donald’s clinical expertise is in pediatric physical therapy.

Stephen A. Black is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University.  Stephen has 25+ years experience in the health and wellness industry.  He promotes healthy lifestyles and providing expert insight and research in areas related to rehabilitation, fitness and sports specific training.  He has worked with professional teams including NFL, NBA, NHL, WNBA and ABL/NBL affiliates.     

In his spare time, Stephen enjoys recreational activities such as running, cycling, swimming, skiing and experiential activities that lead to a balanced/integrated lifestyle.  He has completed multiple endurance events including the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI.  Stephen’s passion is in assisting others achieve the lifestyle they aspire to.

Dr. Ahmed Samir Elokda joined the faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2014. Dr. Elokda earned his Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy from Cairo University, Advanced Masters Degree, PhD, and Post-Doctorate Training in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiology and Rehabilitation from the University of Iowa. Clinically, Dr. Elokda is a Certified Expert of Exercise in Aging Adults and Certified Lymphologist from the renowned Földi Clinic in Germany. Dr. Elokda is a Prestigious Fellow at The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Dr. Elokda has published several book series, independent monograms, and textbook chapters, with over 150 peer-reviewed abstracts and articles. Dr. Elokda served on the editorial board of prestigious medical journals as well as a keynote speaker at national and international-level conferences. Dr. Elokda has been an active and tenured professor in rehabilitation and medical sciences across a number of American campuses for over twenty-five years. Dr. Elokda has served as Chairperson for the t-Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and interim University Vice President for International Affairs at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and continues to serve as a Senior Faculty Member at Cairo University in Egypt.

Professor, received his bachelors degree in physical therapy in June of 1987 from the Academie voor Fysiotherapie in Leiden, The Netherlands, his post-professional master's degree in physical therapy in August of 1998 from the University of St. Augustine, and his doctoral degree in education from the University of Central Florida in 2004. Dr. van Duijn received certification in manual therapy by the University of St. Augustine in 1992 and Board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist from the ABPTS in 1997, and received recertification in 2007. His current area of practice is in general outpatient physical therapy with a special interest in orthopedic manual therapy of the spine and the extremities.

Dr. Lopez-Rosado earned a Bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico in 1993 and a Masters degree in Anatomy in 1997 from the Universidad Central del Caribe, in his native Puerto Rico. He earned a Masters in Physical Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges, New York.

Dr. Lopez-Rosado has worked as a clinician in the outpatient setting, as well as acute care and home health. He is a member of the American Association of Anatomists, the American Physical Therapy Association and the Co- Chair of the Neurologic Physical Therapy Academy Online Education Committee.

Adjunct professor, received his bachelors degree in physical therapy May 1984 from Quinnipiac College Hamden, CT and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Simmons College Boston, MA in 2006. Dr Pitney received his certification as a Sports Certified Specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and his Athletic Training Certification though the Board of Certification in 1993. He recertified as a Sports Certified Specialist in 2003 and 2013. He is employed by Lee Memorial Health System at LMHS Riverwalk Sports Medicine and Rehab and serves as the Clinical Specialist for Sports and Orthopedic physical therapy for the Lee Memorial Health System. His current areas of practice include orthopedic and sports physical therapy with special interest in manual physical therapy. Dr Pitney has been a member of APTA since 1983 and FPTA since 1990 and has served in capacities of executive board member, panel chair, committee chair, task force member, national and local legislative liaison, and delegate to APTA house of delegates and is active in multiple areas of community volunteer activities with youth, prison, and recovery populations outside of his work/professional activities. He has served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy and is published in the textbook The Color Atlas of Physical Therapy.

Dr. Wallace has been an Adjunct Professor for the Physical Therapy Practice Series in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at FGCU since the spring of 2015. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, but came to Florida for his post-secondary schooling. Dr. Wallace graduated cum laude from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL in 1997. He went on to complete his Masters in Physical Therapy in 1999 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2005 from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He passed a specialty board in 2008 to become a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Currently, Dr. Wallace is also serving in the Spine Center at Lee Health’s Sanctuary Campus. He specializes in spine cases, but has treated various orthopedic cases over his career. Before joining Lee Health in August of 2016, he worked in a private practice in Bonita Springs for over 13 years.