Student Therapist

Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika welcomes PTA Student Tamara Sheppard for clinical rotation

Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika is thrilled to welcome Tamara Sheppard to the clinic as she completes her PTA clinical rotation with our team. Tamara brings an incredible depth of experience, dedication, and passion for helping others, and we are honored to be part of her journey toward becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant!

At 52, Tamara exemplifies lifelong learning and service. As a proud mother, grandmother, military spouse, former United States Army civilian employee, and highly accomplished fitness and exercise professional, she brings a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge to patient care.

Tamara holds a degree in Exercise Science and has earned certifications as a Fitness Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Sports Nutrition Specialist, and Strength and Conditioning Coach — achievements that reflect years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to helping others improve their health and performance.

Driven by a passion for restoring movement and improving quality of life, Tamara is currently pursuing her next chapter as a Physical Therapist Assistant at South University, where she is expected to graduate in September 2026.

Her mission to combine military experience, scientific knowledge, and coaching expertise to help individuals move better, recover stronger, and live healthier lives aligns perfectly with the values we strive to uphold every day at Encore.

At Encore Rehabilitation, we deeply value the opportunity to mentor future healthcare professionals. Clinical rotations are not only a chance for students to learn and grow, but also an opportunity for our team to learn from the fresh perspectives, experiences, and passion that students like Tamara bring into our clinics every day. We believe investing in the next generation of therapists strengthens our profession and ultimately benefits the communities we serve.

We are excited to have Tamara with us and look forward to supporting her as she continues her PTA journey! Welcome to the Encore family, Tamara!

Encore Rehabilitation – Opelika
3051 Frederick Road, Suite 4
Opelika, AL 36801
334-521-6644

#PTA #EncoreRehab

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Student Therapist Lorna Jones completes clinical at Encore Rehabilitation-Dothan

Encore Rehabilitation–Dothan has been delighted to have Lorna Jones with us for the past six weeks as she completed her clinical rotation.

Lorna, a native of Eufaula, is a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Wallace Community College and is looking forward to graduating in May 2026.

Lorna, it has been a pleasure having you with us! We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish and contribute to the field of physical therapy. Wishing you all the best in your final semester and in your future career!

Encore Rehabilitation – Dothan
345 Healthwest Drive
Dothan, Alabama 36303
334-836-4523

#EncoreRehab
#PTAstudent

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Future Occupational Therapist learning at Encore Rehabilitation-West Mobile

Future Occupational Therapist in the Making!

Meet Brandon Oliver, OTS (right), an Occupational Therapy Student from Tennessee State University! He’s completing his final 12-week rotation at Encore Rehabilitation – West Mobile with his clinical instructor, Luke Ostergaard, OTR/L (left).

Teaching the next generation of practitioners is so important for our profession. This is part of what allows us to provide such great care for our patients. We welcome the opportunity to regularly have student therapists in our clinics.

We’re so excited to have Brandon with our Rehab Team and can’t wait to see him grow as a future Occupational Therapist over the next few months!

Encore Rehabilitation-West Mobile
1059 Snow Road South, Unit B
Mobile, Alabama 36695
(251) 216-9808

#OccupationalTherapy
#EncoreRehab

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Welcome to Student Physical Therapist Eyrn Wells to Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika!

Our Encore team is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Physical Therapy Student, Eryn Wells, as she is fulfilling her clinical rotations this summer!

Eryn is originally from Tuskegee, Alabama and earned her undergraduate degree from Jacksonville State University. Since then, Eryn has been pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Samford University, where she is a second year student. 

Outside of her studies, Eryn enjoys instructing fitness classes, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music. 

We are already so thankful for Eryn, her ambition, and her willingness to serve. We are so glad to be a part of your journey and know you are going to do great things!

Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika
3051 Frederick Road, Suite 4
Opelika, Alabama 36801
334-521-6644

#PhysicalTherapy
#EncoreRehab

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Celebrating Terra Crews: Future Occupational Therapist and Recent Clinical Rotation Graduate with Encore Rehabilitation-Dothan

Over the past 12 weeks, Encore Rehabilitation has had the pleasure of working with Terra Crews, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Terra joined us for her clinical rotation and quickly became a valued part of our team.

Originally from Samson, Alabama, Terra brought a bright energy, strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for helping others into every patient interaction. Throughout her rotation, she demonstrated not only clinical growth but also a clear dedication to becoming a compassionate, skilled Occupational Therapist.

Terra is set to graduate this December with her OTD, and we are confident she will go on to make a lasting impact in the world of occupational therapy. Whether working alongside patients to regain function or collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, Terra’s ability to lead with empathy and professionalism will serve her well in the field.

We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished, Terra! Thank you for sharing your time, your heart, and your talents with us. We wish you the very best as you finish your studies and take the next steps toward becoming an amazing Occupational Therapist!

Encore Rehabilitation-Dothan
345 Healthwest Drive
Dothan, Alabama 36303
334-836-4523
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EncoreDothan
Request an appointment: Encore Rehabilitation-Dothan

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Kaylie Whitehead completes Clinical Rotation with Encore Rehabilitation-Opp

Memories!

Kaylie Whitehead is a graduate of Opp High School. She is currently attending LBW where she is about half-way through the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. We enjoyed having her in her first clinical rotation where she used the skills she developed in the classroom on actual patients under the guidance of our Physical Therapy staff.

Kaylie developed excellent rapport with our patients and was a great help in our clinic while continuing to learn clinical skills that will aid her throughout her career.

Thank you, Kaylie, for serving your community! We wish you the best as you continue your education!

Encore Rehabilitation-Opp
414 North Main
Opp, Alabama 36467
334-329-6500

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#PhysicalTherapy
#EncoreRehab

Miguel Garcia – Student Physical Therapist Assistant at Encore Rehabilitation-Petal

Say hello to Miguel Garcia!

Miguel is a Student Physical Therapist Assistant at Pearl River Community College. He is currently participating in a clinical rotation at Encore Rehabilitation-Petal and we are so excited to have him here! Miguel is very compassionate in caring for our patients. He will be a wonderful Clinician when he graduates!

Fun facts about Miguel:
He is originally from Kosciusko, Mississippi.
He has 4 siblings.
He loves plants, reading, learning how to cook, and being a coffee connoisseur! 

Miguel’s love for Physical Therapy started in high school during his vocational med-tech class. His was intrigued by Physical Therapy because he saw how the Therapist spent time getting to know and care for each patient.

Miguel’s favorite part of having a clinical rotation at Encore is observing how the staff works together and seems like family.  Our patients have enjoyed getting to know Miguel. We will miss him in a few weeks when he goes to his next clinical rotation.

He is excited to begin his career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hattiesburg, MS area. 

We wish you the very best, Miguel!

Encore Rehabilitation-Petal
1044 Highway 42
Petal, Mississippi 39465
601-544-0500
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Thomas Wiliford – “I am very pleased with my recovery process” at Encore Rehabilitation-Petal

Breelyn Nicholson is Athlete of the Month for Encore Rehabilitation-Petal

Logan Taylor is Athlete of the Month for Encore Rehabiltation-Petal