Meet the Owner

Lauren Proença, PT, DPT, MSCS, CSRS

Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Lauren Proença is a Palm Beach County native that has a profound dedication to treating individuals with neurological conditions. An alumna of the University of Florida, she majored in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and later earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Post-academia, Lauren chose to specialize in neurologic physical therapy, enhancing her expertise at the renowned Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida. She participated in the neurologic residency program at Brooks Rehabilitation which provided her with extensive mentorship, training and confidence.

In 2018, she obtained her Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification. While at Brooks Rehab, she pioneered an outpatient day program tailored for those with spinal cord injuries/disorders.

In 2020, Lauren transitioned to Miami, dedicating her efforts to inpatient spinal cord rehabilitation. Lauren initiated a research project at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center which focused on the use of electrical stimulation to enhance cough in patients with spinal cord injuries. This research project continues to impact the lives of inpatients.

Lauren's advanced clinical expertise spans a range of conditions, including vestibular disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, balance disorders, neuropathies, spinal cord injuries and disorders, Guillian-Barre Syndrome, dystonia, among others.

In 2024, she passed her Multiple Sclerosis Specialist Certification Exam making her one of the few Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialists (MSCS) in South Florida.

In 2026, she passed her Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Certification Exam making her one of the few Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialists (CSRS) in South Florida.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Lauren is thrilled to offer her advanced clinical skills to the South Florida community. She is a proud board member of the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group of South Florida. Currently residing in Jupiter, Lauren can be spotted riding her bike or jogging alongside the beach in her free time.

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What is a Neurologic Clinical Specialist?

A Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) refers to a physical therapist with enhanced expertise and training in neurologic physical therapy. Such professionals attain the NCS title upon satisfying specific criteria and successfully passing the  specialty test administered by the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialists.

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What is a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist?

A Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) refers to a healthcare professional who has demonstrated expertise in the care and management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This certification is awarded by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and requires passing a comprehensive examination.

Meet the Team

Heidy Lopez, PT, DPT

Lead Physical Therapist

Heidy Lopez is a recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She has a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical experience in both neurological and orthopedic physical therapy. Heidy has completed multiple clinical rotations at renowned rehabilitation centers like Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital and Aries Physical Therapy, where she managed complex caseloads, including conditions such as spinal cord injuries and sports-related injuries. Her hands-on experience includes neurologic evaluations, gait training, and conducting research-based in-services on topics such as return to running for neurological patients and non-operative Achilles rupture rehabilitation. Heidy’s passion for patient care is complemented by her leadership roles, including founding and leading the Neuro Special Interest Group at her university, where she organized campus events and coordinated social media activities.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Heidy is committed to creating a patient-centered, collaborative environment in her physical therapy career, continuously advancing her skills to provide the best possible care to her patients. Her dedication, combined with her clinical and leadership experience, positions her as a promising and impactful addition to the South Florida Neuro Rehab team.

Jarrell Williams, PT, DPT, CSRS

Physical Therapist

Jarrell Williams is a Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Building on his strong academic foundation from the University of Montevallo, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science, Jarrell has immersed himself in diverse clinical experiences ranging from outpatient neurological settings at the University of Miami Hospital to orthopedic and sports-focused rotations at Baptist Hospital. He has also gained valuable inpatient and skilled nursing experience at Riviera Health Resort and Springhill Medical Center, managing a broad caseload of patients with orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, and neurological conditions.

Beyond his hands-on clinical work, Jarrell has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and research. He volunteered with Special Olympics USA Games, assisting athletes with health screenings, and supported adaptive beach activities through Sabrina’s Adaptive Beach Day. His research involvement includes Functional Electrical Stimulation studies with the Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Jarrell continues to refine his expertise through specialized electives in sports therapy, foot and ankle evaluation, and pelvic health. His passion for patient-centered care, combined with his extensive and varied clinical background, positions him as a dedicated and impactful addition to the South Florida Neuro Rehab team.

In 2026, he passed his Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Certification Exam making him one of the few Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialists (CSRS) in South Florida.

Josie Leong, MOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Amanda Zinn, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jessica Carmenate

Front Office Coordinator

Jessica Carmenate is a dedicated Medical Front Desk Specialist with extensive experience in high-volume healthcare settings. She has successfully managed patient check-ins and check-outs, coordinated appointment scheduling using various EMR systems, and handled insurance verifications at practices such as ChiroCare of Florida and Orthopedic Associates of South Broward. Jessica’s skill set includes expert data entry, chart documentation, and comprehensive patient support, ensuring a seamless clinical workflow and a positive patient experience.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jessica is driven by a commitment to patient-centered service. She thrives in collaborative team environments and excels at maintaining accurate medical records. Jessica’s blend of strong communication skills, attention to detail, and genuine passion for healthcare administration makes her a valuable asset to any medical practice, positioning her as an exceptional front-line representative dedicated to elevating patient care.

Candace Bailey Steiner

Operations Manager

Candace Bailey Steiner is a seasoned healthcare management consultant with over 12 years of experience specializing in small to mid-sized medical practices. Her extensive expertise encompasses strategic consulting, marketing and brand development, billing and revenue reimbursement, technology implementation, and patient care models, with a particular focus on patient retention and customer service.

Candace's career is marked by her strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling her to establish rapport with clients, understand their unique challenges, and provide tailored solutions. With a background on Wall Street, she has held pivotal roles as Operations Director and in key management positions across various medical practices, including physical therapy clinics and home care agencies.

Her passion for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes drives her to stay current with industry trends and best practices, ensuring her expertise remains relevant and impactful. Candace's commitment to excellence in healthcare consulting makes her an invaluable asset to organizations aiming to enhance their healthcare operations and deliver superior patient care.

At South Florida Neuro Rehab, Candace leverages her diverse skill set and experience to support the practice in achieving operational efficiency and exceptional patient satisfaction. Her dedication to the field and continuous pursuit of knowledge position her as a leader in healthcare management consulting, capable of driving meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery.