Physical TherapistS
Shauna Russell, DPT, MBA
Graduate of University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Florida. Doc Russell started Pakolea LLC in 2009. Originally born and raised on Maui, Doc Russell came to the Hilo with her family in November 2014. Her son, Keliʻikoa, goes to Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, a Hawaiian immersion school and he speaks fluent Hawaiian and English. Outside of work Shauna loves playing softball, doing interval training using Kettlebells as well as Powerlifting. She is a student of strength and believes that making an effort to change what you dislike about your life is the first step but having someone to walk that journey with you keeps you consistent as well as motivated.
She enjoys watching movies with a good story regardless of genre and traveling to new places.
What patients like most about her is that she is tough but compassionate. She loves showing them that anything is possible no matter how crazy the idea. She is a master modifier so she can figure out how to break an activity down into small steps so the goal can be reached. No excuse
Sam Amsbaugh, DPT
Sam is from Sheffield, Iowa. He has his bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Simpson College in Indianola, IA and doctorate in physical therapy at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. His hobbies include surfing, diving, watching sports, and playing video games with his friends from back home. Interesting fact: He played basketball in college and was conference MVP.
Physical Therapist AssistantS
Daniel Ezzo-White, PTA
My name is Amedeo Daniel Ezzo-White and I have been a physical therapist assistant for 20 years. I was born and raised in Hilo, but worked on Oahu for 20 years. I completed my prerequisites at the University of Hawaii at Hilo then graduated as a Physical Therapy Assistant with an associate’s degree in Science from Kapiolani Community College. Thereafter, I worked at Wahiawa Hospital treating patients in outpatient, skilled nursing, home care, and acute settings. I now work at Big Island Physical Therapy Care, an outpatient clinic, in Hilo. My passion for this job is driven by seeing people enjoying the best quality of life when coming back from an injury and seeing patients become the best they can be. During my free time I enjoy hobbies such as lifting weights, surfing, and hanging out with friends and family.
A physical therapist assistant implements modalities such as manual therapy, progressive exercise, and neuromuscular rehab. We are continuous learners, keeping up to date on the latest research and treatment applications in order to produce the highest quality of care for our patients. We have a vast understanding of the mechanics, musculature, and physiology of the human body.
Sheldon Cabudol, PTA
Sheldon was born and raised in Keaau, Hawaii. He graduated from Keaau high school and went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science at the University of Hawaii at hilo. Sheldon recently graduated from Green River College to obtain his associates in Physical Therapy Assistant. Outside of therapy, he loves to travel, go to the gym, eat food, go to concerts, go to the beach, and spend time with friends and family.
Clinical Assistants
Jadelyn Fernando, CA
A graduate from UH Manoa with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences. This future PT was the VP and Public Relations Chair for her sorority, Phi Mu. She went to school on Oahu but she was born and raised on the Big Island.
Fun Fact: She has a YouTube Channel where she vlogged her entire college experience!
Conrad Likiaksa, CA
A recent graduate of UH Hilo with a B.S. in Kinesiology, Conrad was born in Kosrae, Micronesia and moved around a lot because his dad was in the military. He loves powerlifting, photography, and playing video games. This future PT enjoys baking and cooking!
FRONT DESK
Uluwehi Cordero, Front Desk/Marketing
Uluwehi was born and raised in Waimea, HI. She is a graduate from Northern Arizona University and has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. On her free time she enjoys cooking, watching crime documentaries, going to the beach, and spending hours in Targets home decor section.
Poha Henson, Activations
Born in Hilo, HI. She is a graduate from George Fox University with a Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences. Her passions are in Visual Merchandising, but has a newfound interest in the field of Physical Therapy. She is a record-holding Powerlifter and competitor in Strongman, and loves to be adventurous on the weekend with her boys. Fun fact: She loves being spontaneous, and dressed up as an Inflatable Tube Man for our Pop-up shop. She's always down for having fun.
Kaylee Valentino, Clinic Manager
Kaylee was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii and was a graduate of Waiakea High School. She started working for Big Island Physical Therapy in January 2018 while she attended college. After 4 long years she graduated with her bachelors degree in psychology. In August 2021 she attended Big Island Beauty Academy and obtained 600 hours which allowed her to apply for a beauty operator license which she received in May 2022. Kaylee started as a receptionist, transitioned to activation specialist, and is now front desk clinic manager. She has been with the clinic for a little over 4 years.