Leigh-Ann Edison, PT, DPT, CSCS, CKTP, LSVT BIG® Certified
HSS Rehabilitation Advanced Orthopedic Triage Certified Clinician™
Practice Owner
Dr. Leigh-Ann Edison completed her graduate studies at Stony Brook University in 2009, receiving a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. She was a 2005 summa cum laude graduate of Adelphi University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. Dr. Edison also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Nassau Community College. She has been inducted into multiple honor societies and has received numerous awards as a result of her academic performance throughout her educational career.
Since obtaining licensure, the focus of Dr. Edison’s practice has been dedicated to the outpatient setting. She has extensive experience with the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses for patients of all ages ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. Dr. Edison routinely attends continuing education courses to expand her knowledge base and allow her to provide the highest level of care to her patients utilizing evidence based practice. Dr. Edison serves as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students from various graduate programs and is a member of the Nassau Community College Advisory Board for the Allied Health Science Department. She also participates as an interview committee member for local physical therapy programs.
Dr. Edison has always had a strong interest in orthopedics, specifically sports medicine and athletic injuries. In 2009, Dr. Edison became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®), which is the only strength and conditioning certification to be nationally accredited. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.
In 2013, Dr. Edison fulfilled the requirements to become a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner® (CKTP®), demonstrating her commitment to the highest standards of patient care within the only globally recognized modality for health professionals. This credential ensures confidence that the practitioner has undergone the necessary training to integrate Kinesio Taping® into their practice. The Kinesio Taping® Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting.
Dr. Edison has been certified by LSVT Global, Inc. to provide treatment for individuals with movement disorders related to Parkinson disease and other neurological disorders using the LSVT BIG® modalities. LSVT BIG® is a standardized treatment approach that is customized to the individual goals of each individual in order to restore normal movement patterns in everyday activities.
In March 2024, Dr. Edison received her HSS Rehabilitation Advanced Orthopedic Triage™ Certification. As per the Hospital for Special Surgery’s description of the certification, physical therapists have become front line healthcare providers through the evolution of physical therapy practice and the laws of direct access. As a result, PTs require advanced triage skills to recognize systemic and sinister pathologies, as well as psychosocial concerns via detailed subjective questioning, observation and physical examination techniques. The course and certification developed by HSS provides clinicians with the tools and information to implement and optimize medical screening and differential diagnosis skills required for establishing referrals to appropriate medical providers and plans of care.
Born and raised in Valley Stream, Dr. Edison opened Paramount Physical Therapy in 2013 to provide exceptional care to her neighbors. Dr. Edison is a third generation Valley Stream business owner and continues to be an active member of the Valley Stream community. She is a member of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of the Chamber’s Business Achievement Award in 2018. Dr. Edison participates in a number of community events annually and volunteers her time to provide physical therapy related programs to various community organizations.
Dr. Edison is a Certified Zumba Instructor and enjoys teaching classes at the Valley Stream Community Center. Since 2016, she has organized a Zumba fundraiser which raises thousands of dollars annually to benefit the Long Island Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
Pamela Tello, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Pamela began her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Molloy College. She went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at SUNY Stony Brook, where she gained experience through different clinical internship settings. These settings included acute care (hospital), skilled nursing facility, school based system, and a 16 week clinical internship at Paramount Physical Therapy. After all these experiences, Pamela has found her niche in outpatient Orthopedics. In her career, Pamela has worked with orthopedic, post-surgical, neurologic, geriatric and pediatric patients. Pamela is also fluent in English and Spanish. On her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, going to the gym, going to the movies and taking her dog for long walks and car rides.
Vera Migunova, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist
Vera began her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Minor in Gerontology at SUNY Oneonta in 2018. She completed her graduate studies at Stony Brook University in 2021, receiving a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Vera began with us at Paramount Physical Therapy as a volunteer in 2016 and has made it full circle as a clinician. She has had clinical experience in the hospital setting, outpatient orthopedics, pediatric home care, and in school based therapy for the NYC DOE.
She began her journey to become a Physical Therapist after her own injuries from sports. “While I was a patient I saw how large of an impact my PT was to me. They were there each week to help me work towards my personal goals of getting back on to the soccer fields. My goals are to impact my patients in a positive way and help facilitate their path to move forward and improve their day to day lives.”
She is certified in LSVT big which effectively trains improved movements for any activity, whether “small motor” tasks like buttoning a shirt or “large motor” tasks like getting up from a sofa or maintaining balance while walking. The treatment improves walking, self care and other tasks by helping people “recalibrate” how they perceive their movements with what others actually see. It also teaches them how and when to apply extra effort to produce bigger motions- more like the movements of everyone around them.
Some fun facts about Vera include that she is fluent in the Russian language, she has visited 13 countries, and she is currently training for the 2022 NYC Marathon to run 26.2 miles with Team Reeve.
Maudeline Templier, PTA – Physical Therapist Assistant
Maudeline Templier recently graduated from Nassau Community College as a Physical Therapist Assistant with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences. Before that, she worked as a nursing assistant caring for elderly patients in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes and home care. Maudeline has always wanted to help care for others since she was a little girl. She was inspired by a Physical Therapist while working at a rehab facility, which is what led her to go back to school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. She saw the impact Physical Therapy had on her patients’ lives and wanted to do the same one day. She hopes to continue her journey and become a Physical Therapist in the future. During her spare time, Maudeline enjoys reading, listening to music, boxing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling to different places. She also loves learning about historical places and different cultures.
Ancillary Staff
Paramount Physical Therapy’s support staff is comprised of a group of hardworking, talented individuals who all began their careers at Paramount as volunteers. Based on excellent interpersonal skills and strong work ethics demonstrated during their internships, they were offered permanent positions. All of the aides are in the process of pursuing careers in physical therapy and are at various stages of their educational careers. The aides are responsible for maintaining the facility to its immaculate condition, preparing treatment areas, and assisting with clerical duties such as scheduling appointments and collecting copays. Their primary objective is to assist Dr. Edison in ensuring that each patient has an exceptional experience during every treatment session.
Sabrina Decopain
Sabrina began volunteering at Paramount Physical Therapy in 2013 as a junior in high school. After experiencing a few sports related injuries growing up and recovering at another local outpatient facility she became interested in physical therapy. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition from Queens College and is currently at Long Island University working on her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Sabrina’s PT career began here at Paramount, and postgrad she realized her passion for the pediatric sect when she transitioned to working at a local children’s hospital which specialized in locomotor therapies. When Sabrina is not in the office, she enjoys relaxing at home or traveling with friends and family.
Carlo Gabaldon
Carlo recently graduated from Queens College with a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science. As part of his undergraduate curriculum, he completed a 90 hour internship at Paramount and was subsequently hired as a PT Aide. Carlo plans on going back to school for Physical Therapy. Carlo loves his dog, working out, playing
basketball and video games.
Ciara Gabaldon
Ciara is currently attending CUNY Queen College for a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Ciara completed a 50-hour internship at Paramount Physical Therapy prior to her employment here. Ciara enjoys staying active by going to the gym or playing sports. She played basketball for all four years of high school and was also in school choir.
Loveleen Khasria
Loveleen attends Adelphi University, with a major in Health Sciences. She is planning on getting a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies after graduating with her undergraduate degree. She is currently part of a research group that focuses on electrochemistry and its application in the medical field. In her free time, Loveleen enjoys listening to music, reading and painting.
Kalisha Gingore
Kalisha obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from CUNY York College, and is currently attending Mercy University for her BSN. Kalisha has always enjoyed helping people, and joined the team to further her skills in the healthcare field. On her free time she enjoys traveling and doing hair.
Vanessa Toussaint
Vanessa has been part of the Paramount PT team since 2014. She began as a volunteer while working on her undergraduate degree at Stony Brook University. Vanessa graduated from Stony Brook with a B.S. in Health Science in 2016. After graduation, Vanessa became a full time aide at Paramount Physical Therapy. She values her job and absolutely can’t wait to become a physical therapist. Vanessa has participated in local community events including representing Paramount PT at the Valley Stream Community Fest. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys watching movies, going to art shows, and exercising.
Malcolm Walker
Malcolm recently obtained his Associate Degree in Health Science from Nassau Community College. Malcolm is planning on obtaining his doctorate in Physical Therapy and Nutrition. In high school he played soccer and lacrosse, four instruments and volunteered for parish mission trips. He currently coaches children in youth programs.
Faith Williams
Faith is currently attending Adelphi University and is a part of their nursing program. Her true passion is helping others and she joined Paramount PT as a way to fulfill that, as well as to get some experience in the healthcare field. In her free time, she loves to read and listen to music.