Las Cruces Rehabilitation takes the practical approach of hiring outstanding professionals to serve our patients through person-centered care to achieve positive outcomes. The Las Cruces Rehabilitation team cooperates with facility administrative, nursing and rehab staff to create programs and establish best practices with the long-term intention of meeting and exceeding industry standards.
We all love a good story, especially one that has meaning behind it. You might think the “Woopaa” name is just fun and catchy, but it has real sentimental value. JP a lifelong friend of Larry Barker’s was notorious for yelling “Woopaa!” Anytime you heard “Woopaa!” You knew JP was close by! JP was a cowboy, an all around great man, and loved by many. After loosing JP to his battle with cancer, Mr. Larry Barker had been waiting on a special bull for the “Woopaa” name. He knew he had to be a good one, a real winner to carry on the “Woopaa!” So when Mr. Larry named a red bull branded 124 “Woopaa” the story was already in motion. We know JP has been watching over Woopaa all year long.
Manage day to day office duties and oversee all marketing and advertising opportunities.
I graduated from Texas Woman’s university with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Subsequently pursuing a specialization in hands through mentoring with a hand physician and continuing education. I have 23 years experience specializing in hands, treating post-operative and cumulative trauma. Special interests include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, providing patient education to improve quality of life and functionality as well as training amputee patients with multi-articulating myoelectric hands. Additionally, helping local musicians and artists to address hand mechanics, postural re-education, overall conditioning and activity modification to prevent repetitive stress injuries while pursuing their passions.
Graduated 2009 from El Paso Community College. She brings 17 years experience to our team and specializes in Outpatient Ortho, pediatrics and aquatics.
A Physical Therapist Assistant with his AAS from Western Technical College. He has an emphasis in outpatient orthopedics, balance rehabilitation and aquatic therapies.
Ms. Gafner joined LCCR in May of 2013. She is a Registered Nurse who brings us 28 years of nursing/managerial experience. Her clinical background consists of experience in ICU, Quality Assurance and Home Health Care. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2001 and has worked on a Regional level in Home Care, opening Home Care agencies across the US and preparing them for state/federal survey.
Karen graduated from NMSU with a bachelors in athletic training education. she went on to receive her doctorate in physical therapy from UTEP. She has been a licensed PT for more than 10 years in outpatient orthopedics. Karen strives to make PT enjoyable and functional for her patients.
Margaret offeres over 25 years of experience based in outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, sports medicine. Born in Spartanburg South Carolina, grew up in South Florida, Margret attended Florida International University. She graduated in 1989 with a B.S. in Physical Therapy. Specializing in orthopedics, strength and conditioning specialist, National Ranked Olympic Weightlifter, all sports female athlete of the year, certified trainer, certified club coach, prior owner & operator of a local gym and lifelong athlete.
Samuel heads our pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiovascular strengthening program, with a background in kinesiology and sports strengthening and conditioning . He obtained his bachelor’s degree and exercise physiology from New Mexico State University in 2014. While obtaining his Kinesiology degree he established his experience in orthopedic physical therapy as a technician, and strengthen and conditioning coach for athletes of various sports, later obtained his Physical Therapist Assistant licensure from San Juan College in 2019. Samuel is currently studying to obtain his Clinical Exercises Physiology certificate from the Academy of Sports Medicine to further his knowledge in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation.New Mexico State University in 2014. While obtaining his Kinesiology degree he established his experience in orthopedic physical therapy as a technician, and strengthen and conditioning coach for athletes of various sports, later obtained his Physical Therapist Assistant licensure from San Juan College in 2019. Samuel is currently studying to obtain his Clinical Exercises Physiology certificate from the Academy of Sports Medicine to further his knowledge in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation.
Maricela has been a physical therapist in the outpatient setting for the past-17 years. She has also worked in the home health setting for the past 4 years. She graduated in 2004 with a masters in physical therapy from the University of Texas at El Paso. She also has a bachelors in Biology from NMSU. She is fluent in Spanish and successfully provides treatment for orthopedic problems with a strong background with treatment of the spine. She has been a certified McKenzie therapist since 2008. Maricela also holds a strong background and experienced providing relief to patients suffering with jaw pain/TMD. My number on priority is to keep the patient’s goal in mind and work together with the patient to have successful outcomes that are valuable to the patient.
Mi prioridad es trabajar junto con el paciente para mejorar su situacion fisica y poder lograr las metas del paciente!
Born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. Graduated from NMSU with a B.S. in kinesiology, also graduated from San Juan College with a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree. He enjoys outdoor activities, exercising, and spending time with family.
Jose ensures that the office operates smoothly and efficiently. His responsibilities include overseeing administrative staff members, receiving and directing visitors, and handling or delegating basic
office tasks.
Andi is in charge of the day-to-day operations at our hospice and home health facilities. Assisting with communication between patients, families, and staff.
Julian earned a Bachelor’s of Science in kinesiology with a concentration in Excercise Science from NMSU in 2017 while getting clinical experience as a physical therapy technician. Received his Associate’s of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant and Licensure from Western Technical College in April of 2022. Having experience in out patient ortho, aquatics and vestibule therapy, Julian is eager to further his knowledge in cardiopulmonary rehab.
Alissa graduated from NMSU with a Bachelor’s in kinsesiology in 2018. She has been a tech with Las Cruces Rehab since 2018 and recently graduated from Western Technical College with an Associates as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Jennifer graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, in 2014. She has 8 years of Nursing experience in a hospital setting. She recently joined our team here at Las Cruces Rehab.
Stephanie graduated from New Mexico State with a Bachelor’s of Science in 2003. She has 19 years of Nursing experience in the hospital setting and in Early Childhood Intervention. She recently joined our team here at Las Cruces Rehab.
