Raj Thangamuthu

Owner/ Doctor of Physical Therapy

Raj is one of the few people that knew what he wanted to do from a very young age. When he was in 3rd grade his grandmother suffered a stroke and Raj decided at that point that he wanted to be in the medical field so that he could help people, and that's exactly what he did.

He graduated from SRIPMS College in India in 1992 with his degree in Physical Therapy. In 1995 he joined the Ministry of Health Hospitals and practiced PT in Kuwait until coming to the states in 1996.

After coming to the U.S. Raj spend about 12 years working for hospitals and outpatient clinics. After working for clinics and hospitals Raj decided he wanted to start his own practice that would have a stronger focus on patient care and relationships, so that he could treat patients in fewer visits, with better results. On March 17th of 2008, AquatiCare Physical Therapy was started.

In 2011 Raj received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and he keeps up on all the latest advances in Physical Therapy with continuing education.

In his free time Raj enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters that are 10 and 8 years old. He also likes to relax with yoga and meditation.

Nicole Walczak

Physical Therapist

Nicole grew up in Westchester, Illinois and graduated from Proviso West High School. She attended Concordia University Wisconsin and received her Bachelor's in Sports Medicine in 2000 and her Master's in Physical Therapy in 2002.

Nicole spent her early years in life doing gymnastics until the age of 12. In High School she played volleyball, softball and basketball and was even named student athlete of the year. In college she was the starting setter for the volleyball team 4 years straight. She has even completed the Chicago Marathon on two separate occasions. Nicole’s background allows her to specialize in sports specific rehab, as well as myofascial release, and Redcord training.

In her free time Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and her two children Madison and Joshua.

Mary Beth Nassir

Physical Therapist Assistant

Mary Beth grew up in Clinton Township, MI and graduated from Chippewa Valley High School. She attended Macomb Community College and studied Physical Therapy Assisting. In 1990, she graduated with honors, received her Associate's degree and has been working in that field ever since.

Mary Beth specializes in many different areas of physical therapy and attends numerous continuing education classes a year. Some of her most recent include the new innovative Redcord technique, and yoga.

Her job, her husband and her 3 children keep her very busy. But, when she does get some free time she enjoys working out, yoga and any type of physical activity.

Julie Ann Rosa

Physical Therapist Assistant

Julie grew up in Sterling Heights, MI and is a graduate of Sterling Heights High School. After high school, she attended Macomb Community College and graduated in 1992 with her Associate's degree in Applied Sciences in Physical Therapy Assisting. In 1999, she went on to receive her certification for Massage Therapy.

Julie began working at AquatiCare Physical Therapy a few years back and brings a lot of knowledge and experience to our office. Her great personality and friendly smile are sure to brighten up your day and if that doesn't work, her cooking definitely will.

Julie currently lives in Macomb with her husband Dante, their twins Gianni and Cristiana, and their Golden Retriever. Julie's work and family keep her very busy but when she does occasionally get some free time she enjoys reading, planning parties, and especially cooking and baking.

Pamela Pierson

Administrative/Front Desk

Pam recently joined our staff and brings a lot of enthusiasm to the work place. Before joining us, Pam had worked in the medical field for over 13 years and has experience in medical assisting, management, marketing and much more. Her extensive knowledge in many areas really helps her to connect with the patients and that's her favorite part about her job.

When Pam isn't working she likes to spend time with her daughter, son in law and two granddaughters. She also likes to be outdoors enjoying nature in her Kayak. She loves to travel whenever possible and has been to some very interesting places. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and even had the opportunity to live on a small barrier island.

Gina Gerhardt

Administrative/Front Desk

Gina grew up in Warren, MI and graduated from Cousino High School. After high school, she went on to study Media Relations at Specs Howard and received her certification in Advertising. She spent the next 8 years working at an advertising firm.

After her leaving her advertising job, Gina decided she wanted to move into the medical field. Before joining us she spent 5 years working the front desk for medical offices. Gina likes working the front desk, because she gets to meet new people and make them feel welcome and at ease when they come in.

In her free time, she loves to volunteer and feels that everyone should try to give back to their community. She also enjoys bike riding, the beach, spending time with her family and is a huge animal lover.

Bryana Opalewski

Administrative/Physical Therapy Technician

Bryana grew up in Frasier, MI and will graduate from Frasier High School in 2012. Bryana is planning on becoming a Physical Therapist and will attend Macomb Community College on a softball scholarship.

We first met Bryana when she became a patient after her rotator cuff injury. Her ambition and personality made her a perfect fit at our office and we just had to have her on our staff. We were lucky enough to have her join us in August.

Bryana has been playing softball for the last 8 years and currently plays pitcher and second base for her high school team and the Michigan Bulldogs travel team. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and especially likes going to the movies.

Anthony Aguilar

Physical Therapy Technician

Anthony grew up in Sterling Heights, MI and graduated from Adlai E. Stevenson High School in 2007. After high school, he attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and graduated in August of 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Health Communication.

Anthony is very athletic and likes all types of sports and physical activities. In high school, he was on the football team and the Golf team. While at GVSU, he was a part of the Triathlon Club and played intramural sports. In February of 2011, he tore his ACL and meniscus in his knee while playing soccer and had surgery on that knee in May. Following surgery, Anthony came to AquatiCare for his physical therapy. Anthony was a great patient and after experiencing what we do first-hand, he decided to become part of our team and he has been a great asset.

Barbara Flynn

Physical Therapy Technician

Barb grew up in Mount Clemens, MI and currently resides in Chesterfield, MI. She has been working for AquatiCare since it opened in 2008 and she brings a lot of knowledge and hands on experience.

Before joining AquatiCare Barb spent 2 years working in a nursing home, 13 years working at an in-patient hospital and 16 years at on outpatient clinic. All of her experience really helps her to not only treat patients with hands-on care, but also connect with them. Barb has seen it all where it comes to the medical field and her calm presence is a great asset.

Barb has one son and spends a lot of time helping her mother. When she gets free time, she enjoys going to craft shows and taking some much needed relaxation time.

Aaron Crook

Business Manager/Personal Trainer

Aaron was born and raised in Waterford, MI and is a class of 2000 graduate from Waterford Kettering High School. After high school, he went on to attend Michigan State University. In 2004, he received a Bachelor's degree in Communications Arts and Sciences with a major in Advertising/Marketing. Upon graduation, he went to work for a children's orthodontic practice, where he discovered that helping people is his true passion.

As a kid, Aaron played a variety of team and individual sports including soccer, basketball, and wrestling. His love for sports led him to weight training and eventually bodybuilding. In 2006 Aaron became a champion bodybuilder in the lightweight division. He spends a lot of time at the gym and has counseled and trained a variety of people to help them reach their fitness goals and will soon be an ACE Certified Personal Trainer.

Besides the gym, in his free time, Aaron enjoys volleyball, fishing, traveling and spending time with his wonderful fiancée Brittney.