Click the images to read more about each team member.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Office Manager
Office Manager
Unfortunately, Patricia’s son had been involved in a motorcycle accident earlier in the year that left him paraplegic, and the two families became great friends. One day Gabriela shared her dream of wanting to open a rehabilitation center in Tampa, FL to Patricia. In 2015, this dream became reality and Romy and Gaby offered her the opportunity to manage their new facility, “Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury Center”. Patricia aims to use her expertise to help Stay in Step excel and move forward in the right direction. “This is a labor of love, where everyone suffers a condition that still has no cure, but where rehabilitation plays an important role in their lives.”
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
My name is Beth Palubin and I graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!!) in 2007 with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. I have worked with individuals with neurological conditions/disabilities for over 10 years, primarily with children and young adults, and have been with Stay In Step since August 2017. I am certified in both Interactive Metronome and the Therasuit Method and have completed coursework for both Locomotor Training (Treadmill Training) and Dr. Belisa’s Breathing Class (among numerous other continuing education courses). I value the importance of treating the body as a whole and believe in the power of human touch, using my own hands as a tool to help facilitate and assist with movements for my patients. I also believe in the importance of family and the strength and empowerment families bring to the table when developing treatment plans is invaluable. I truly love what I do and am continually humbled by those that I treat.
On a personal note, I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida (a true Tampanian) and am enjoying being back here to raise my family. I am married and have 2 children in elementary school. I love dogs and have a Weimaraner keeping me busy. In my free time, I love reading, sitting by the pool, enjoying activities with my kids, and just relaxing.
To bring my strengths to the table and be able to impact the lives of those I treat on a daily basis. Their goals are my goals!
To help Stay in Step develop a strong, solid therapy presence in their gym that will enable them to reach out to more people in need.
You cannot serve from an empty vessel. (Eleanor Brown)
Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. (Tony Robbins)
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant
Jason Kimber was born and raised in New Jersey but left for warmer climates upon graduation from high school. He moved around a lot but finally settle in Florida in 2003. Jason received his introduction to Physical Therapy after receiving a knee injury requiring him to seek out a PT to rehabilitate his knee and relearn how to walk again. During his time in therapy he developed an intense interest in anatomy and physiology and enrolled in massage school. Upon receipt of his LMT he started his career at the same clinic that helped him regain his prior level of function. After developing a following at his clinic he decided to enroll at South University where he graduated Cum Laude with his PTA degree in 2007.
Since then he has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, home health, skilled nursing, and outpatient clinics where he discovered a keen interest in treatment of movement disorders like Parkinson’s Disease and stroke rehabilitation. Since then he has focused his continuing education on neurological disorders and gait training protocols. He received certification in LSVT in 2012 and has developed treatment programs to achieve successful outcomes. He joined the Stay in Step team in January of 2017
Continue to educate myself on latest techniques and exercise for SCI and movement disorder patients
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why- Mark Twain
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant
Chris Zamudio was born and raised in the heart of the rust belt, Youngstown, Ohio. He played many sports over the years accumulating 17 years of ice hockey experience, 6 years of boxing experience in the high school and amateur ranks, and 7 years of folk-style and free-style wrestling experience. After graduating from the University of Akron Police Academy in 2009, Chris went on to work as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in a large health and wellness center in Ohio as he awaited a position in law enforcement. One thing led to another, and he was promoted to management and decided to stick with fitness!
Since that time, Chris has been responsible for the start up and management of three separate fitness centers. Over the years he has also coached youth hockey and wrestling and assisted with the boxing work of professional mixed martial arts fighters. As part of a system of health and wellness centers, Chris was also able to work as a case manager in the physical medicine branch of his former employer. It was there where he worked alongside neurologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and physiatrists to develop and carry out plans of care to patients in need of physical medicine treatment. Chris opened and co-owned a small group fitness center from 2014 until 2018.
He enjoys working with clients, CrossFit, boxing, running, kayaking, spending time with his wife Stephanie, and playing with his dogs Sanka and Marley.
Continuously learn mental and physical ways to improve clients through advanced forms of treatment.
“Nothing is Given, Everything is Earned. – LeBron James”
Lead Trainer
Lead Trainer
George Palang was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. It was from both his parents that George learned the value of hard of work and developed his willingness to help others. In 2012, George moved from Pensacola to Orlando, FL to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at the University of Central Florida. While in his last 2 semesters of college, George took an internship at Project Walk Orlando where he learned more about the spinal cord injury population and how to apply the various methods and techniques of activity-based therapy. It was also in Orlando that he made a friend in Romulo “Romy” Camargo, founder and owner of Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center. He had no idea that meeting Romy would lead to something bigger in the near future but in 2015, George relocated to the Tampa Bay Area and is now the Lead Activity Based Exercise Trainer at Stay In Step. George helped develop the New Hire Training Protocol and serves as the Training Educator for new employees. He has created various exercises that have been implemented into the Stay in Step recovery program that challenges individuals in unique ways to help them take a step forward towards recovery.
I am dedicated to using my knowledge and experience to serve, educate and make a positive impact for everyone that travels through the doors of Stay In Step.
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you are not going to stay where you are.”
Trainer I
Trainer I
Jose J. Lopez, born and raised in Venezuela came to The US in 2009 at the age of 15. He gained a lot of experience during the last years helping Romy with his daily rehabilitation therapy at home. His experience combined with his enthusiastic spirit, commitment, and dedication, made him a good candidate to help the Stay In Step’s clients take a step toward recovery.
Jose’s drive, knowledge and ability to connect with all clients made him the perfect candidate for the vacant Trainer position. In this new role, Jose will use his talents and expertise to lead therapy sessions and guide our clients toward their personal recovery goals.
I plan to attend Full Sail University to study video game design
No matter what you do, do your best. Aim high.
Lead Training Aide
Lead Training Aide
Born in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, Adam McLaughlin came into the world as the middle child of Sandra and John McLaughlin. Surrounded by his older and younger sister and family he was taught not only to respect your elders, but to be a leader by example. Adam was accepted into USF’s “Pre-PT” Health Sciences program at the age of 17, one of the youngest accepted. Through this program he was able to take a one-year internship at Florida Hospital Tampa and get an inside look on inpatient therapy. He credits this first experience has been the triumphing factor on his decision to become a Physical Therapist.
Currently with Florida Hospital Connerton LTAC and Stay in Step, Adam has the ability and pleasure to assist patients and clients alike on their journey towards recovery. With an avid love for water Adam has become an experienced SCUBA diver and lifeguard supervisor at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment during his time studying as well. Adam enjoys getting know clients on a personal level, and looks forward to making a difference at Stay in Step with all clients of the center. He is a devoted Philadelphia sports fan and enjoys watching them when they come to town.
Training Aide II
Training Aide II
Sophia grew up in southwest Florida in the town of Fort Myers. However, it was not until she moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida that she fully decided to set her sights on becoming a physical therapist. Through different experiences with family and friends – old and new, she learned that in order to truly succeed, one must set their goals but work with 110% to not only meet them, but to surpass them. This is something that she sees in the treatment process of recovery and hopes to instill this in others in the future.
Aside from wanting to become a physical therapist, Sophia enjoys going to the gym to strengthen her own mind and body – as well as her appetite. In fact, one of the reasons she enjoys working out is because (while it may be in her head) it offsets the immense amount of delicious food from new places she and her friends find around the diverse city of Tampa.
My long-term goal is to earn my DPT to become a licensed physical therapist and help people improve their quality of life through motion and performance.
“A head full of fears has no room for dreams.”
Training Aide I
Training Aide I
Jamaal Solomon was born and raised in Gainesville, Fl. Coming from a poverty stricken background, Jamaal was taught early on the importance of hard work, dedication and drive. After high school, Jamaal was determined to figure out his passion and calling in life so that it would have meaning to it. After years and highs and lows, he found out that helping others is what gave him the most joy. With the combination of his love for sports/fitness and his new found passion for helping others, Jamaal attained a degree in Sports and Exercise Science with hopes to improve individual’s life physically, mentally and emotionally through training.
In 2015, Jamaal gave his life to Christ, and began his spiritual walk of personal improvement and donation of time to those in need. Jamaal began volunteering at school for at-risk youth in Gainesville and has continued his charitable efforts through training, work and overall interactions.
I hope to leave anyone I encounter in a better state physically, mentally and emotionally by treating them with kindness and equality.
“There’s a learning opportunity in every situation.”
Training Aide I
Training Aide I
Nick Bartkus was born and raised in the Tampa area and attended Florida State University. He pursued a degree in Exercise Physiology and graduated from FSU in 2017. His passion for sports and exercise is what led him to seek a career in the physical therapy field, and in the future, he hopes to go back to school and further his education. Throughout his time in college, Nick volunteered at various physical therapy and rehab clinics where he gained vast knowledge and valuable skills that he plans to bring to the Stay In Step team. During his time here, he hopes to make an impact on each individual that he meets, and help them on their path towards recovery.
I hope to obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and help each individual at Stay In Step achieve their goals.
“We didn’t come this far, to only come this far.”
Training Aide I
Training Aide I
My name is Ashley Milia and I am currently an undergraduate at the University of South Florida. I grew up in Cocoa Beach but was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. I knew I wanted to become a Physical Therapist before starting college and am now working towards my Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Health Sciences with a minor in Nutrition. Throughout my years growing up as a figure skater and dancer I always have had a passion for the field of exercise science. Now that I am in college I spend most of my free time weight training, cooking and getting involved at USF as well as around the Tampa area. I love to be involved and learn new things- I currently participate in exercise science research studies and volunteer in the TBI therapy unit at Tampa General.
My target goal is to obtain my DPT and become a physical therapist. I am very interested in specializing in the spinal cord/neurological setting. My time here at Stay In Step has opened my eyes to helping individuals in this area and I have watched myself become passionate about this setting. I want to help people become the best versions of themselves and help them to obtain their goals and be a part of a therapy team that will provide them with this ability. I always try to keep a smile on my face and remember every day to work hard and push myself and this is the influence I desire to reflect on others
“One year equals 365 possibilities.”
