David Kashuba P.A. Phd., OTR/L, IWA
Founder and President
David Kashuba, affectionately known as "The Fitness Doctor", founded First Rehab in December 1991. He is owner, and hands on manager and teacher to his staff. FIRST Rehabilitation Inc., under his direct supervision has seen over 31,400 patients, and almost 250,000 treatment sessions. David Kashuba has been in his field since 1987. Graduate of the University of Buffalo he has practiced and taught throughout the United States as well as in Canada and Australia.
Dave knew he wanted to be a therapist early on. His kindergarten teacher told his mother that he was going to be in the medical field helping others. His teacher fell off her chair, and when the other kids just laughed he helped her get into her seat and called for help. His love for treating patients is one of his passions. I guess in the words of my father, Gene, he said: "Dave when you find a job that you truly love you'll never work another day in your life."
Dave's outside interests are with his family. He enjoys coaching his three kids, Brandon 11, Nicholas 9, and Sydney 5 years old, in their sport of choice. He also loves having quiet time with his first and only bride, Karen of 13 years. The Kashuba's also spend time exercising together three times per week. "It is never too early to understand the importance of fitness."
Hugh Jackson
Director of Fitness and Exercise
Hugh was born and raised in Ireland where he attended the Regional Technical College. His personal training instruction places emphasis on non-traditional exercises for shoulders, abs and knees. He also incorporates plyometric training, core training and flex programs into his fitness instruction. Hugh is a member of the International Fitness Professionals Association, Palm Beach Gardens Coaching Association and the National Youth Sports Coaching Association. In Florida he has gained experience by training at Fit Core Gym, Lost Tree Country Club and Ibis Country Club. In his free time he enjoys sports and spending time with his family.
Erika J. Demarest, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist Registered/ Licensed
Erika was born and raised locally in Pahokee, Florida. Erika became interested in rehabilitation after high school. She started her career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant after graduating Phi Theta Kappa from Palm Beach Community College. She continued her Occupational Therapy studies at Barry University in Miami Shores graduating with honors. Erika has experience in a variety of rehab settings including: acute care, home health, and pediatrics; but currently works in outpatient orthopedics with a focus on hand therapy. Erika is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Florida Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Society of Hand Therapist.
Cristina Khan, DPT
Physical Therapist
Cristy is a graduate of the University of Miami, obtaining her Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2003 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2006. Cristy is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Orthopedic Section of the APTA. She has a great interest in orthopedics and manual therapy. Cristy also has experience working as a therapist in a pediatric setting. She became interested in physical therapy after volunteering in the physical therapy department of a hospital while in high school. Cristy is fluent in both English and Spanish and her interests include working out, traveling and playing with her two dogs.
Dominique Kostadinov, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Dominique was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant Degree from South University in 2004. She has a great interest in orthopedics and aquatic therapy, and has focused on related topics throughout her training. Dominique became interested in physical therapy after requiring rehabilitation for a back injury as a teenager. Her interests include physical fitness, reading, and overseas travel.