Our Team

Daniel R. Shea PT

Graduated from Florida International University, Miami, Florida in 1982. He began practicing at Memorial Medical Center, Corpus Christi, Texas and was the Director of Rehab Medicine until 1988 when he opened his private practice. His specialty involves all orthopedic injuries, sports injuries, and industrial ergonomic consultation. He promotes Islander Athletics, participating on their Athletic Fund Committee. In looking back over his 38 + years of providing care to the Coastal Bend region, Dan is appreciative to the physicians who entrusted Shea Physical Therapy to rehabilitate their patients, to the staff who provided this care, and to all the patients who made this journey with us so enjoyable and rewarding. We will strive to always continue to earn your confidence in us daily.

Robert Nicholas Pena Jr. PT, DPT

Robert Nicholas Pena Jr. earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX. Prior to earning his doctorate, he attended Texas State University- San Marcos with a Bachelors degree in Exercises Sports Science.

He was born in Corpus Christi, TX. Robert knew he was destined to be a Physical Therapist when his father, who was a Firefighter at the time, tore his ACL and required PT. After seeing how the Physical Therapist was able to help his father return to work, he knew he wanted to help others get back to what they did prior to their injury. Robert obtained his License in January of 2023 and has been working ever since.

In his free time Robert likes to read up on new research about the field of Physical Therapy, visit different Breweries, watching/playing sports, and listening to Live music.

Leah Lemon PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Leah Lemon, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She specializes in movement dysfunction and musculoskeletal injuries.

Originally from the Midwest, she completed both her undergraduate and doctoral degrees at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated summa cum laude and was valedictorian of her physical therapy class.

Leah spent the first decade of her career in San Diego, CA working in an outpatient orthopedic practice setting. While managing a full clinical caseload, she also supervised numerous doctoral physical therapy students, lectured both clinical and lay audiences, and led multi-disciplinary teams.

Leah is a military spouse and recently moved to the area with her family. She enjoys traveling, sailing, and spending time with her husband, kids, and dog.

Marisol Ynfante PTA

Marisol Ynfante is a Physical Therapist Assistant. Corpus Christi native who obtained an Associates of Applied Arts in Academic Studies from Lamar State College Port-Arthur before earning her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Del Mar College in May of 2023.

Marisol has played softball her whole life and experienced an injury which led to her receiving PT, Mari then knew she wanted to be a therapist one day herself. Mari had the honor of completing one of her clinical rotations here at Shea PT. She obtained her License in July 2023 and was hired as a full time PTA.

In her free time, you can find her at the gym or somewhere on a beach.

Michelle Antoni

Tristan Deleon PTA

Tristan Deleon is from the Coastal Bend and graduated from Gregory-Portland high school. He is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant which he received from Del Mar College in May 2021 with an Associates of Applied Science degree. Tristan has always found the medical industry extremely interesting and knew he wanted to help others since high school.

He has a knack for making others feel at ease with his friendly personality. In his free time, you might find him cooking or enjoying hiking trails.

Thomas Houck PT, DPT

Thomas is a licensed doctor of physical therapy. Thomas is a native to Corpus Christi, graduating from a local high school before attending Del Mar College and other local universities. Thomas graduated from Del Mar as a Physical Therapy Assistant and practiced for 8 years while furthering his education. Thomas then attended TAMUCC and The University of The Incarnate Word for his undergraduate education, prior to attending graduate school at The University of Texas Medical Branch. In his spare time Thomas enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and surfing. Thomas has worked with a variety of patients over his career and strives to give the best possible care to each of them.

Talal Hariri PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, Cert. DN

Talal Hariri earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Prior to that, Talal obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin.

Talal is a Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), and Certified in Dry Needling. He is most interested in treating hips, knees, and shoulders.

In his free time, Talal enjoys playing with his kids, watching sports, and traveling.

Anita Spreen OTR, LLCC

Anita attended University of Texas Medical School in Galveston, Texas and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. Over the past 38 years, Anita has worked with severely disabled children for 2 years, then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas to Spohn Shoreline Hospital setting up the Occupational Therapy Department. In 1994, she began working within different Private Practice settings treating Orthopedic injuries of the upper extremities.

Anita completed her certification in Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) thru the Upledger Institute, Inc. in 2007 and has been working with lymphedema patient’s of the head, neck and chest along with the trunk and extremities since her certification.

She has been married for 32 years to her husband Phil and they have 2 children with one daughter-in-law. She continues to enjoy playing golf, traveling, reading, crafts and her family time. Anita continues to be an active member of Southside Rotary.

Deborah A. Shea PT

Graduated from Florida International University, Miami, Florida in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science of Physical Therapy. She specialized in pediatric, neuro rehabilitation, and general orthopedic therapy. Debbie worked at Ada Wilson Rehabilitation Center until 1989 and is currently involved with business support of Shea Physical Therapy.

Gabrielle Rhyne PT, DPT

Gabrielle Rhyne is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Gabrielle graduated from A&M College Station with a degree in Kinesiology before attending Texas Woman’s University to obtain her doctorate. Even in college Gabrielle knew physical therapy was her passion, which she explored by working here at Shea Physical Therapy as a part-time PT technician. She obtained her PT license in 2019 and has been working here ever since. In her free time, you can find her exercising, exploring the beach, or rocking out on her ukulele.

Jennifer M. Hing Jones OTR, CHT

Jennifer Jones OTR is an Occupational Therapist for Hand Therapy Services. Jennifer completed her Bachelor Degree in Applied Science, Occupational Therapy and the University Of Sydney, Australia. She graduated “with distinction” in 1990. Jennifer worked in a Sydney teaching hospital before traveling to the United States in 1992. She was trained in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) in 1995 & specialized in adult hemiplegia. She joined Hand Therapy Services of Corpus Christi in 2004. Jennifer achieved her certification in hand therapy in 2009. Jennifer enjoys participating in 5k runs with her family, singing and playing guitar at church, traveling, snow-skiing & playing tennis with family and friends.

Joyce Hamende PTA

Joyce Hamende, PTA is a Physical Therapy Assistant for Shea Physical Therapy. She graduated from Illinois Central College in 1980. Upon relocating to South Texas, she began at Memorial Medical Center, Corpus Christi, TX. She joined the Shea Physical Therapy staff in 1990. She believes great clients, a positive atmosphere, and a very knowledgeable staff makes her occupation very enjoyable. Her philosophy of care states, “Never say I can’t. Say I will try. You have to take the first step to move forward and reach a goal. ” Her outside interests include camping, hiking, biking and the arts.

Paige Christensen PT

Paige Christensen, PT graduated fro the university of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas in 1987 and has worked with Shea Physical Therapy since 1996. She enjoys working with the geriatric population and general orthopedics. She really enjoys providing individual care to her patients. Outside of work she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, and traveling to visit her grown children.

Sheila Heflin OTR, CHT

Sheila Heflin, OTR, CHT has served as the Clinical Director for Hand Therapy Services of Corpus Christi since 1994. She is a 1986 graduate of Texas Woman’s University. Sheila has practiced occupational therapy in the Corpus Christi area since 1987. In 1998 she achieved national certification as a Certified Hand Therapist. As a Certified Hand Therapist she specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with conditions affecting the hands, wrists and elbows. Sheila states she “is passionate about her work and the pleasure of assisting patients to return to life as quickly as possible.” In her spare time she enjoys beach combing, fishing and golfing. Sheila is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and the Texas Society for Hand Therapy.