Steven L. Bernstein PT,OMT

Director, Physical Therapy
Preferred Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches

Steven Bernstein Graduated from Florida International University in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy.  He later completed four years of residency training in Manual Therapy with the Ola Grimsby Institute.  Steve has been a practicing orthopedic therapist for over sixteen years in Palm Beach County.

In addition to clinical practice, Mr. Bernstein has served as an adjunct professor at the university level, instructed continuing education classes to his peers for six years, and supervised physical therapy students as a clinical instructor for ten years.

Mr. Bernstein is native to South Florida, and enjoys all of its outdoor activities. He is a competitive amateur triathlete, who enjoys the competition of the sport and the challenge it provides.

Chris Athos, MPT

Chris started his educational career volunteering at a physical therapy clinic while attending Penn State University. He went on to get his bachelors degree in Kinesiology while closely working with the university athletes. He received his physical therapy trainings at the University of Florida and graduated with his Masters degree in 2006.

Chris practiced as a traveling physical therapist between the states of Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina for 2 years before settling in the Palm Beach area. He has been practicing for the last 4 years running outpatient orthopedic clinics in Palm Beach County with an emphasis on worker's compensation care management and outpatient orthopedics. He currently is actively participating in Orthopedic Manual Therapy classes and will be sitting for the board exam in 2012 for his Orthopedic Manual Therapy certification.

Chris is originally from Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh. In his spare time, Chris is an avid golfer and challenges himself on golf courses throughout the US. Since graduating from school, he enjoys traveling and seeing new cities throughout the United States. He also has a passion for cooking and enjoys trying different ethnic foods and new local restaurants.

Rita Zimmermann, LPTA/CLT

Rita received her Associates of Applied Science with Honors in Physical Therapy from Union County College, New Jersey, in 1985.

She has worked extensively with physically disabled, geriatric, orthopedic, and pediatric patients in a variety of settings, including outpatient rehabilitation, scholastic, and the home health setting. In her work, Rita maintains a compassionate concern for people, and a desire to use her skills to enhance patient well being. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Rita attended the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in March of 2006 and received her certification as a Lymphatic Therapist. Her most challenging and rewarding experience has been raising her three children. During her free time, Rita enjoys outdoor activities which include Scuba diving.

Rocco Ferraiolo PTA, NASM-CPT, SPARQ certified

Rocco received his degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2004 from South University. He has worked in Palm Beach County since graduation, treating a wide variety of orthopedic patients in the outpatient setting. Prior to achieving his physical therapy degree, Rocco was operations manager and personal training director from 2000-2003 at a local fitness facility. He earned numerous personal training certifications for the senior community, weekend warriors, and high level athletes. Rocco has integrated his physical therapy background into a comprehensive program that combines therapy, training, and conditioning to maximize a patient’s outcome. In his spare time, Rocco enjoys training (himself), participating in competitive recreational sports, and spending time with family and friends.