Our experienced therapists are committed to delivering personalized care tailored to each patient’s goals and recovery journey.

Gavin Silver, PT, DPT, CES, CFPS, LSVT BIG
Clinical Director Partner of Physical Therapy
Treating Since
Education
- Doctoral Degree, Physical Therapy, Graduate Center of New York
- Bachelor's Degree, Binghamton University
- Associates Degree, Pre-Health, Hunter College
Certification
- LSVT
- Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
- Fall Preventions Specialist
Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Clinical Interests
- Physical Therapy
- Manual Therapy
- Overuse syndromes
- Postural dysfunctions
- Post-operative orthopedic conditions
- Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFRT)
Bio
Gavin brings a wide range of experience to Professional Physical Therapy. He received his undergraduate degree
from Binghamton University where he received honors in his major while further expanding his knowledge of anatomy with a pre-health
concentration. Gavin later went on to receive his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the Graduate Center of New York.
While in school, Gavin worked as a personal trainer and obtained his current CPT certification.
For his doctoral thesis, Gavin developed a functional milestone scale to monitor patients’ progression after spinal fusion surgery. He
interned at numerous prestigious clinics and had the opportunity to work with diverse populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric
patients as well as professional athletes. He found his niche during his orthopedic experiences and has been
perfecting his craft ever since. Gavin’s treatment focuses on manual therapy including muscle stretching, joint mobilization, as well as myofascial techniques. He
seeks to restore anatomical balance while stressing the importance of fundamental exercises. Gavin is a proud active member of the
American Physical Therapy Association.

Alexia Santiago, OTR/L, CHT
Clinical Director of Occupational Therapy
Treating Since
Education
- Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, NYU
Clinical Interest
- Occupational Hand Therapy
- Upper extremity conditions
- Splinting techniques
Bio
Alexia Santiago, OTR/L, CHT, is proud to offer the Merrick Community specialized and compassionate care as the Clinical Director of the Professional Physical Therapy Hand Therapy location. Since beginning her practice as an Occupational Therapist in 2018, Alexia immediately gravitated toward outpatient orthopedic care, quickly making her certification in hand therapy (CHT) a dedicated personal and professional milestone.
Under Alexia's leadership, the Merrick clinic offers a specialized, comprehensive approach to hand injuries. We are committed to treating a wide range of diagnoses, including complex fractures, post-surgical pain management, trigger finger, and arthritis. A key component of our personalized care is the ability to fabricate custom splints right here in the office, precisely assisting with either regaining or restricting motion as needed for optimal recovery.
Alexia’s expertise extends beyond adult care, encompassing pediatric hand development, where she focuses on age-appropriate strengthening and fine motor skill acquisition. This broad experience allows the clinic to serve a diverse patient population with exceptional skill.
Our commitment to specialization has allowed us to foster close relationships with top-tier physicians—including local and NYC-based orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, neurologists, and pediatricians. These collaborative relationships ensure our patients receive the most coordinated and effective care possible.
Furthermore, Alexia is passionate about growing the next generation of specialists, taking great pride in educating occupational therapy students and novice OTs interested in the rewarding field of hand therapy. Alexia Santiago’s dedication ensures the Merrick clinic remains a pillar of excellence and specialized care for the hands and upper extremities.

Marjorie Cruz, OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist
Treating Since
Education
- Master's Degree, Occupational Therapy, Hofstra University
- Bachelor's Degree, Psychology, Queens College
Memberships
Clinical Interest
- Occupational Hand Therapy
Bio
I started with professional in 2016 as an occupational therapy aide and learned so much working with certified hand therapists. I worked as an aide throughout my schooling and graduated with a masters with distinction from Hofstra University in 2020. I am now so excited to be working for the company as an occupational therapist. I enjoy getting to know each patient and being a part of their journey to returning to all activities they love!

Belinda Cheng, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Treating Since
Education
- Eastern Kentucky University /Doctor of Occupational Therapy / 2025
- Eastern Kentucky University /Bachelor's of Occupational Science / 2023
- University of Kentucky /Bachelor's of Kinesiology / 2021
- University of Kentucky / Bachelor's of Psychology / 2021
Clinical Interest
- Occupational Hand Therapy
- Upper Extremity
Bio
Belinda Cheng, OTD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist specializing in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. She earned her Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Eastern Kentucky University in 2025 and uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach to support individuals in returning to their meaningful activities and daily routines. Belinda is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to maximize functional outcomes, achieve therapy goals, and improve overall quality of life. Outside the clinic, you can find Belinda staying active or spending time with her miniature poodle, Haowan.

Jocelyn Jasper, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Treating Since
Education
- Touro College, Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2018,
- Bachelors Degree: Binghamton University/Biology/2013
Certifications
Memberships
Clinical Interest
- Post-surgical
- Fall prevention
- Orthopedic injuries
- Sports related injuries
- Concussion Therapy
Bio
Jocelyn graduated from Binghamton University with Bachelor's in Biology and Touro College with Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Currently she interests include orthopedic, post surgical care and sports physical therapy. She worked with a diverse patient population including teens, adults, and geriatric.

Michael Anzalone, PT, DPT
Physical Therapy
Treating Since
Education
- Long Island University Doctor / Doctor of Physical Therapy/ 2023
- University of Tampa / Allied Health / 2019
Memberships
Clinical Interest
Bio
I decided to become a PT after a major accident in my family leaving my mother in need of help, it wasn’t until she started physical therapy that she really started to feel better and that’s when I decided I want to help others the way my mother was helped. I developed a real love and appreciation for overall health, wellness and fitness later on. Something I am passionate about is helping people of all ages learn to stay healthy and moving with a strong foundation for life long health and fitness.

Zachary Malone, OT/L, CHT, CEAS
Occupational Therapist
Treating Since
Education
- Stony Brook University, Master's of Occupational Therapy, 2019
- Stony Brook University, Bachelor's of Health Science with a concentration in Disability Studies, 2015
Certification
- Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
- Certified Hand Therapist
- Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist
Memberships
Clinical Interest
- Orthopedic rehabilitation of the upper extremity
- Shoulder complex to digits
- Fractures
- tendon/ligament injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Peripheral nerve compression syndromes
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
Bio
After sustaining a deep laceration to my wrist playing hockey and requiring surgical repair of multiple tendons, I found myself in a state of pain, fear, and uncertainty. This all changed when I started attending hand therapy after surgery to work toward returning to my sport and all other activities of daily living. In the end, I was left with a perfectly functioning hand and was not limited by it in the slightest. This experience demonstrated to me the power of occupational/hand therapy, and furthermore how absolutely integral it is to the rehabilitation of hand and arm injuries. I strive to provide others with this same experience and use my extensive clinical and personal skillsets to guide patients through their rehabilitation, foster the motivation necessary to do so even when it is difficult, and optimize functional outcomes to the highest extent possible.