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Meet the Staff

Doctor:

Adrian Lewis, MD
Medical Director

I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and graduated with a medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 1977. After an additional two years of internships, I immigrated to the United States and attended the Family Practice Residency Program at the University of Florida from 1980-1983. I then became board certified in family medicine, and in 1984 opened a solo-family practice in Gainesville specializing in preventative care and the management of accidents and injuries. Approximately 13 years ago, I was involved in a serious automobile accident. During this experience I became very aware of how the injuries, inability to work and transportation challenges can play havoc with one’s life. This led to the opening of Lewis Auto Injury Care in 2003, a practice limited to the evaluation and management of patients with vehicle injuries. Last year I evaluated and supervised the management of 512 new patients.

I am driven by a desire to fulfill God’s purpose in my life, and Lewis Auto Injury Care is a great platform to serve others. I am also active in church including serving the homeless at St. Francis House and on medical mission trips to China. I am honored that Sue, my wife of almost 30 years, shares this vision and is the Rehabilitation Director at Lewis Auto Injury Care. I am further blessed that our son Andrew voluntarily requested to serve along with his mom and dad. Recreational activities include running, traveling (especially hiking and going to the beach), and attending sporting events (especially Gator football and basketball).

 


 

   
 

Saroja Suntharam, MD

I grew up in Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka) and graduated with a medical degree from the University of Ceylon in 1965. After my internship in Ceylon, I worked in Zambia for a few years before doing postgraduate work in England and was admitted to the membership of the royal Colleges of Medicine London, Edinburgh and Glasgow (MRCP) in October 1972.

In May 1976, I immigrated to New York,USA, completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Clare's Hosptial in New City, and was Board Certified in Internal Medicine in September 1978. After that, my family moved to Florida in 1979 and I opened a solo Internal Medicine practice in August 1980 at Ayers Plaza across from Alachua General Hospital. I retired in December 2008.

I referred my auto accident patients to Lewis Auto Injury Care of Gainesville, LLC over the years while I was in practice. All my patients were very pleased with the excellent care they received, as well as the caring, friendly environment. After retiring from full time practice in December 2008, I joined this great team.

Recreational activities include walking, reading, listening to Indian Carnatic music and going to the beach.

 


 

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Physical Therapists:

Sue Lewis, RPT
Rehabilitation Director

I was born and grew up in the province of Natal in South Africa. I attended the University of Cape Town and completed my physical therapy degree in 1975. I met Dr. Lewis during our mutual training and we married in February 1979. I immigrated to the United States and started a physical therapy private practice in Gainesville while Dr. Lewis attended his residency program here. I have been practicing manual therapy/sports medicine in Gainesville for almost 30 years. I have developed expertise in managing all injuries of the spine, jaw, shoulders, headaches and associated soft tissues. This has included attending over 150 continuing medical educational courses related to these areas.

I was involved in the same serious automobile accident as Dr. Lewis. During this experience I also became very aware of how the injuries, inability to work and transportation challenges can play havoc with one’s life. In 2003, I was the first physical therapist working at Lewis Auto Injury Care and since then have assisted in the recruitment and training of all the physical and massage therapists. I continue to carry a full patient load in addition to my other responsibilities. Recreational activities include traveling (hiking in the mountains and the beach), working for hours at a time in my yard, playing with my two dogs, and spending time with my husband of almost 30 years. I remain passionate about showing God’s love in a practical way by serving injured patients and helping them on their road to recovery.



 

Kristen Huish, MPT

I joined the Lewis Auto Injury Team in March of 2004. I am passionate about treating patients with manual therapy techniques, and love to see them progress on their "road to recovery". I graduated from UF (GO GATORS!) with a Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2001 and Master's of Physical Therapy in 2003. I married my wonderful husband Gabe shortly thereafter. I also enjoy singing, dancing, and am active in serving through my local church. I have loved calling Gainesville home for the past 11 years.



Virgie Shirah, PT

I am a native Floridian and graduated as a physical therapist from the University of Florida. I enjoyed Gainesville so that I made it my home. My professional career has been focused on caring for patients with orthopedic and spine injuries. I am also certified in the treatment of lymphedema. Joining the team at Lewis Auto Injury Care is a lot like coming home. I worked with Sue Lewis for ten years and during that time worked closely with Dr. Lewis as well.

I enjoy biking, boating, fishing, gardening and travel. My dog, Gus, a golden retriever takes a lot of time as he insists on being walked every evening after dinner and playing ball anytime.



 

Kate Seymour, PT

I was born and raised in St. Augustine, FL. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in Exercise Physiology. In 2008 I graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, also from the University of Florida. I enjoy fishing, diving, camping and traveling. I also enjoy spending as much time possible with my family and friends.



Massage Therapists:

Nichole Lewis, LMT

I graduated in 2002 from the Florida School of Massage, and the following year from the Sports Therapy Program. I have additional training in neuromuscular training, cranio-sacral management, ortho-bionomy,and visceral management. I have lived in Gainesville for eight years and am active in my church.  I have recently married Mathew, the love of my life.  We enjoy working out, going to the beach, and spending time with family, friends and our wonderful golden, Yoshi.



 

Lisa Faulk, LMT

I was a patient at Lewis Auto Injury Care in 2003. After graduating from the Florida School of Massage in 2004, I joined the team and have been here ever since. I love to help people who have been injured in accidents because I know personally what it’s like to be the one that is hurt. It is rewarding to be part of a team that helps people get healed. I have additional training in neuromuscular training, connective tissue therapy, ortho-bionomy, cranio-sacral therapy and hydrotherapy.



 

Karen Bolton, LMT

I was born in Gainesville, as were my husband and kids. Under God’s direction, I entered a career in massage therapy later in life. I graduated in 2007 from the Florida School of Massage, and have taken courses in Ortho-Bionomy and Cranio Sacral Therapy. I love water sports and spending time together with friends and family.



 

Harry Valencia, LMT

I was born in Cali, Columbia and moved to Florida in 1981. I joined Lewis Auto Injury Care in May 2008. I have Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Therapy from Florida International University, and extensive rehabilitation experience. I am a massage therapist because "I love to help put the pieces of people’s lives back together.”



 

Carla Manning, LMT

After receiving massage treatments for a neck and back injury in 2003, I knew I wanted to be involved in such a skilled practice where I could help reduce pain for others.  I am a graduate of the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville.  I went on to receive my basic and advanced certification in myoskeletal alignment techniques.

I have been joyfully married to my best friend, Danny since 2006 and we have one beautiful daughter.



Exercise Therapists:

Melissa Sylvia, CPT

I was born in Massachusetts but have lived in Gainesville since I was 6.  Growing up I loved exercise and physical fitness and have always felt drawn to this field.  I attended the University of Florida and graduated in 1999 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences.  I aslo became certified as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

I have been with Lewis Auto Injury Care since its beginning over 5 years ago and was able to help design and setup our current rehab gym.  I have personally treated 1500 patients at the clinic and have had the joy of being able to meet so many great people from our community and strengthen them back to health.  I am proud to be working also as head trainer, designing training programs for future exercise therapists as we expand into other locations.

In my free time, I love to train and compete in triathlons (swimming, biking and running) all over the state of Florida.

 



 

Jason Lewis, CPT, AHFS

I was born and raised in Hollywood FL.  I went to college at the University of Central Florida and graduated in 2006 with a degree in Sports and Fitness and a minor in Fitness Training.  I am also certified through America's Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist.  I am grateful to be part of such a well rounded team and even more grateful for the opportunity to teach health and fitness to the patients here. 

I met my amazing wife Maria and got married August 4th, 2007.  We moved to Gainesville June of 2008 and have been having a great time in Gator town ever since.   We spend as much time as we can together and with family and friends. 

I enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, surfing, traveling, working out (of course), and any sporting activity I can be a part of.  I also play competitive beach volleyball with my brother across the state of FL and through North and South Carolina.  And of course Maria cheers us on even if we are losing.

 



 
Medical Assistant:

Teri Hamilton, MA

My family made Gainesville our new home in 1987, after moving from my hometown in Massachusetts.  All of my life I felt the need to take care of others.  I completed an A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting in December 1995.  Since then, I have been dedicated to serving our medical community.  It is rewarding to serve and encourage others as they heal.  After over 12 years working with family practices, I joined the team at Lewis Auto Injury Care in August 2008.  I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends, watching foreign films, reading books, and going to the beach.  I have a teenage son, one dog and two cats. 



 
Front Office:

Merissa Felder 
Marketing Manager

I am married with 4 children. I became a patient at Lewis Auto Injury Care in May 2006 after I had been struck on the head. I had an excellent result and joined the team shortly thereafter. It is wonderful to work in an office that fits my personality and character. I started as the receptionist, was promoted to Intake Specialist, and am currently the Front Office Manager. It has been a wonderful experience working where I was treated, and now having the opportunity to serve, and encourage others who are injured.



 

Lisa Bryan
Front Office Manager

I am a former patient at Lewis Auto Injury Care. The care that I received was professional, fun-loving and very family oriented. I joined the team in Jan 2008 and enjoy helping others through the same rough times that I experienced myself.



 

 

Julie Liddon

I am a graduate of Gainesville High School and have lived in Gainesville my whole life. I enjoy running, playing volleyball, boating, the beach, and of course Gator Football games. After three years of varsity volleyball I was offered the opportunity to play at a small college elsewhere, but instead chose to stay in Gainesville to pursue my desire to become a physical therapist. I couldn’t have picked a better place to be for this season of my life.


 

 

Brenna Lockerman

I am a mother of two beautiful daughters.  I have lived in Gainesville my whole life.  I worked in pediatrics for many years and have now joined a wonderful team here at Lewis Auto Injury Care.  Although different from pediatrics, I'm glad to be working in a loving, caring environment. 



Billing:

Danna St. Lawrence
Billing Manager

I have lived in Gainesville all of my life and worked in medical billing for 20 years. I began working with Lewis Auto Injury Care as an independent contractor and in 2004 joined the team as a full time employee. I am married with 6 children: 4 sons, 1 daughter and a stepdaughter. As well as loving children, I have 2 dogs, 2 cats and 3 fish.



 

Michelle Burke

I have lived in Gainesville most of my life. I am married and have two wonderful children. I have worked in the medical billing field since 1995. My hobbies include swimming.  I joined Lewis Auto Injury Care in June 2008.



Marketing Department:

Andrew Lewis
Marketing Director

I was born in Gainesville, Florida and proud to be the first born American in my family. I graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Florida in 2007. I have been happily married to my amazing wife Irene since 9/9//2007, and no we don’t have any little ones yet. We enjoy walking, cooking, laughing, Latin dancing (which is how we met), and being active in our church. I love working at Lewis Auto Injury Care and have been part of the team since 2004. I enjoy being able to touch patients lives in a practical way on a daily basis.