Our Team

Patti Kocich PT, President

Patti earned her BS in Physical Therapy in 1979 from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She opened her first clinic in Fort Bend County in 1983, playing an integral role in the recovery of her patients at the same location for twenty years. In 2003, she opened the doors to her new clinic, Physical Therapy Care & Aquatic Rehab of Fort Bend, focusing on the need for patients to have the ability to choose their own healthcare professionals to suit their needs.

As a member of this small, friendly community for her entire life, Patti’s deep commitment to her neighbors is a priority for the clinic. The clinic contributes to Special Olympics, Holy Rosary Church and School, area Pro-Grad for local high schools, Rosenberg Railroad Museum, CASA and various other charities.

“Every patient presents with their own set of problems and challenges and together we set out to solve the problems and return people to a functional, quality of life. Nothing can be more challenging or gratifying.”

Ngoc To PTA

Ngoc To is a Physical Therapist Assistant who earned her Associate’s Degree in Health Science – Physical Therapy Assistant on December of 2021.

Ngoc loves assisting patients achieve their goals through exercise, education and manual techniques. She loves building relationships, connecting with patients and helping them through the learning process that is their rehabilitation.

She also enjoys video games, small animals, and spending time with family and friends.

Claudia Velarde-Rivas

Claudia Velarde-Rivas holds an Associate of Applied Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Pima Medical Institute. Before this, she attained her Group Fitness Instructor Certification from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. Originally from Peru, Claudia earned her medical degree (M.D.) and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal (Lima, Peru).

With a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals to reach their goals and improve their quality of life, Claudia’s professional approach focuses on crafting personalized treatment plans and providing compassionate guidance. She thrives on fostering genuine connections with her patients, cultivating an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie.

In her leisure time, Claudia enjoys immersing herself in nature, participating in sports activities, dancing, cooking, baking, entertaining friends and family, or simply unwinding with a good book.

Joseph Kimmel PT, DPT

Dr. Joseph Kimmel earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Prior to that, he earned Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Before enrolling in Physical Therapy school, Joseph worked for five and half years as an Orthopedic Trauma Research Coordinator at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Joseph enjoys meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals through physical therapy. He has a passion for Pain Neuroscience Education(PNE) and helping patients better understand the nature of their pain. He believes that its important for Physical Therapists to build fun, and lasting relationships with their patients.

In his free time, he likes trying new foods, hiking, playing videogames, and playing ultimate frisbee. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs.

Nadia Rehman MSPT

Nadia Rehman is a physical therapist who graduated with a Master’s in physical therapy from Texas Women’s University. She attended Baylor University for her undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Science degree.  She is the first person in her family to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree. Nadia is passionate about helping people and strongly believes patient education is the key to providing excellent patient care and strives for quality care. Outside of work, Nadia enjoys volunteering in the community, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Ben Nguyen PT, DPT

Dr. Ben Nguyen earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University Institute of Health Sciences in the Houston Medical Center. Before then, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Houston. Ben is also certified in Level 1 Functional Dry Needling from the Institute for Athlete Regeneration.

Ben is passionate about empowering patients and enabling them with the knowledge necessary to be independent and regain control of their life. He is passionate about specific and tailored treatments that ranges from manual therapy, specific therapeutic interventions, and sport-specific activities. Ben is also fluent in Vietnamese.

In his free time, Ben enjoys resistance training, cooking, and traveling.

Corinne Kirby PT, MPT

Originally from Tennessee, Corrine completed the entry level Master of Science Program in 1996 at the University of Evansville, earning her Masters in Physical Therapy Summa Cum Laude. She claims she was always a science geek who was exposed to physical therapy when she was shadowing medical professionals. Having chosen her vocation, she pursued it with single-minded purpose by completing thousands of volunteer hours before applying to physical therapy school. She has broad experience working with veterans, children, Workmen’s Compensation and orthopedics. When her parents were both injured at the same time, she saw patient care from the patient’s viewpoint and is very passionate about giving each patient her very best.

“I am very hands on and I love my job. It is rewarding to see people get better and to help in that process. My goal is to treat every patient as I would treat my mother if she were the one walking through the door.”

Genevieve Welch PT, DPT

Suzi Pijnnaken

Since 1985, Suzi has worked in the healthcare industry in both home health and outpatient settings. Now in her role of supervising the administrative staff and the business operations, she works hard to stay abreast of the changes in technology and the continual changes in insurance and healthcare guidelines. Her open communication and management style allows for office practice innovation and personal growth for the employees.

“The mission of this clinic is to care for and help people. The business office is part of that mission and that is our foundation and focus.”

Carlos Morgan PT, DPT

Carlos Morgan earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Angelo State University. Prior to that, Carlos obtained his Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Human Performance from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

Carlos is most interested in treating knee pain.

In his free time, Carlos enjoys playing with his two kids and cooking.

Delma Cardona PT

Delma Cardona earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas Woman’s University. Delma specializes in orthopedics and is most interested in treating orthopedics. In her free time, Delma enjoys tennis, working out, and walking.

Kristen R. Council PTA

Kristen R. Council earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Houston. Prior to that, Kristen obtained her Associate of Science degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)from Wharton Co Jr College (WCJC).

Kristen specializes in orthopedics, geriatrics, aquatics, and neurology and is most interested in treating shoulder rehab, stroke, and balance issues.

Kristen began her life with physical therapy as a patient following a car accident in the early 90s. Acknowledging that it took God a Mack truck to tell her what she should be doing as a career, she graduated from WCJC as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 1999. Throughout her years in physical therapy, Kristen has worked in acute care, skilled nursing, aquatics, home health, and in outpatient settings in her hometown of Richmond, Texas. Kristen feels blessed to be a team member at PT Care & Aquatics, where she can help her community members return to living their best lives. When not in the clinic, Kristen loves dancing and is a caregiver for her mother. She has three grown children, is “HoneyGram” to two grandchildren, and has three big dogs that pray before every meal.

Laura Thomas Cousar PT, WorkSTEPS® Certified

In 1989 Laura graduated from Texas Woman’s University in Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Laura’s well-rounded career has given her experience in all aspects of physical therapy, including sports medicine, orthopedics, neurology and rehabilitation. The clinic’s low therapist to patient ratio is a good fit for Laura allowing her the opportunity to connect with her patients and provide outstanding patient-centered care.

“I really care about my patients and want them to get better. This clinic is allows me the freedom to get to know my patients and to work closely with them.”

Marlene King PT, DPT

Originally from Eastern Long Island, New York, Marlene earned her BS in Physical Therapy from Daemen College in Buffalo New York in 1988. She moved to Houston in 1989 to further her education and in 2007 earned her MS in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Houston followed by her Doctor of Physical Therapy from A. T. Still University in Phoenix in 2010. Marlene has specialized in pediatrics throughout her career, gaining inspiration from her patients and their families. She looks for the personality in each of “”her kids”” as she likes to call her patients and treats each as her own, giving them her very best.

“I have worked with many severely involved kids and I understand them. I love kids and their families. Things are difficult for them and I try to help them even in small ways. It is inspiring and a true blessing to share in their joyful reaction for each improvement.”

Stephen Teng PT, DPT, Dry Needling Cert Level 1

While growing up in Houston, Stephen was a high school cross country athlete. Track fed his passion and interest in health and wellness and he pursued this field for his career. In 2015 he earned a BS in Kinesiology with a specialization in Applied Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University. This training included a semester internship in cardiac rehab at Memorial Hermann Hospital. In 2019, he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX. He is excited to work with our team in an environment that is focused on patient-centered care.

“Physical therapists are healthcare professionals that are with the patient a lot. This gives us the opportunity to hear the patient’s story and to see them as a whole person. I believe that understanding my patient is the first step in helping them recover.”

Tristen Vasquez PTA

Tristen grew up in a small town and was raised by his grandparents on both sides of the family. Growing up, he played mostly football and baseball and ended up injuring his knee when he was 16 and having surgery. Going in and out of physical therapy for about a year the whole process really opened his eyes to what the field was actually about. After graduating high school, he attended his local community college and later got accepted into the PTA program at Wharton County Junior College. He has a passion for helping people and it helps him grow as a person being able to talk to and impact people’s lives on a daily basis.

In his free time, Tristen enjoys working out at the gym and spending time with family and friends.