Meet Our Team

Administrative Team

Christiana Emrich, PT, MPT

Physical Therapist, Owner

Christiana Emrich, PT, MPT, Physical Therapist, Owner

Chris is the owner and CEO of Hope Physical Therapy and Aquatics. She received her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 1994 from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Her passionate commitment to helping people with physical therapy led her to purchase Hope Physical Therapy after having worked at the clinic for 8 years. She has hand-picked her staff that love helping people with a team approach of coordinated care.

Chris is committed to Hope Physical Therapy’s growth and prosperity and continued service to help people improve their physical wellbeing. Her vision and passion for the profession and the clinic gave rise to its growth and continued expansion. She is devoted to private practice and improving direct access to physical therapy in Texas. Her staff and patient’s overall health and wellbeing are her priority. She strives to maintain personal and professional growth and support her community by giving back with volunteering and supporting charitable and philanthropic organizations.

Chris lives in League City with her husband Doug and yellow Labrador Retrievers, Ana and Remi. She is a native of Nebraska, but after more than 25 years in the Houston area she calls Texas home. She enjoys sports, exercise of any type, biking, hiking, travel, interior design and values spending time with friends and family. Her principal role at Hope is to demonstrate responsible leadership and help others be their personal best.

Sara Wagganer, PTA

Executive Director

Sara Wagganer, PTA, Executive Director

Sara graduated from San Jacinto College's Physical Therapist Assistant Program with an Associates of Applied Science in 2001. Sara began her career in Physical Therapy working in the inpatient Neurology and Intermediate Intensive Care units in 2 area hospitals. Sara crossed over into Outpatient Orthopedics and Sports Medicine with Christus St John Hospital before her transition to 3 local Skilled Nursing Facilities specializing in Stroke Rehabilitation and Medically Complex Geriatric care. Sara joined the Hope Physical Therapy and Aquatics team in February 2015 and has found her forever home! Sara has lived in League City since 1997. She is married and has 2 children. She enjoys cooking, hunting, working out, and volunteering with The Girl Scouts as a Troop Leader. She loves meeting new people and getting out into the community to help people improve their quality of life.

Abby Ruff, MSHA

Front Desk Manager / Insurance and Billing

Abby Ruff, MSHA, Front Desk Manager / Insurance and Billing

Abby was born in Washington DC and went to High School in Germany. She has her bachelor's degree in Logistics and moved to the area 2 years ago with her daughter and Coast Guard husband. In her free time she likes to play tennis and hang out with her family.

Angelica Wright

Patient Care Coordinator

Angelica Wright, Patient Care Coordinator

Angelica was born and raised in small town, Milton, Florida (near Pensacola) for the first 12 years of her life. Her family moved to Pearland, Texas in 2013, where she graduated from Pearland High School and even graduated a semester early. After residing in Texas for 11 years now, she now considers herself a Texan. She is a silly, outgoing, and bubbly individual. Her passion is to help and serve people in her community, be the light on someone’s cloudy day, and to put a smile on everyone’s face. She spends her free time painting, crafting, and enjoying the outdoors with her boyfriend Demetri and her 2 dogs, Rusty and Queenie. Angelica loves all things outdoors, nature, and anything near the water as she is from Florida after all. She has resided in League City for over a year now and truly loves it.

Jasmine Hubley

Patient Care Coordinator

Jasmine Hubley, Patient Care Coordinator

Jasmine was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana and my family moved to Houston when I was 3 years old. She has been here ever since and considers herself a Houstonian. Jasmine is a mom of 3, two sons and one daughter. Their lives are wrapped up into being their parents. If she is not at work she is usually at a game or practice on a eld, court, or in an auditorium. When free of any extracurricular activities, Jasmine loves to be with family and friends by the pool having BBQ.

Cheyenne Steward

Patient Care Coordinator

Cheyenne Steward, Patient Care Coordinator

Cheyenne is a Vermont native turned Texan after her husband landed a job with NASA in 2020. She loves hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and any excuse to be outdoors with their two dogs, while their two cats supervise from home. When not outside, Cheyenne is soap making, pickling, trying new foods, or heading to a concert or the theater. She spent 10 years as a licensed veterinary technician, which explains her lifelong soft spot for animals. Christmas, however, is her true specialty and is celebrated enthusiastically, extensively, and unapologetically.

Maranda Medina-Flatt

Patient Care Coordinator

Maranda Medina-Flatt, Patient Care Coordinator

Maranda grew up on the move as a military brat before planting roots in Texas in 2011 and officially calling it home. These days, she shares life with her husband, two amazing daughters, and one very spoiled dog named Niko. When she's not working, you can find her buried in a good book, camping under the stars, or spending quality time with her family. Along the way, Maranda added some impressive titles to her résumé, including a stint as a veterinary technician and earning her license as a medical coder. Adaptable, organized, and always ready to learn something new, she brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of skill to everything she does.

Alexis Wagganer

Marketing Assistant

Alexis Wagganer, Marketing Assistant

Alexis was born and raised in League City, Texas. She has grown up around the Physical Therapy profession and even completed PT at HOPE for a sports injury. She recently graduated Clear Falls High School, and is beginning her college journey while exploring criminology and forensics. In her free time, Alexis loves hunting, shing, traveling, going to the beach, hiking in the mountains, hanging out with her friends, and working with animals, big and small. The future is bright and full of possibilities.

Clinical Team

Dr. Jimmy Pham, PT, DPT, MDNC

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Jimmy Pham, PT, DPT, MDNC, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Jimmy graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine Austin campus in 2022. Prior to that, he completed a Master's degree in Athletic Training from the University of Houston in 2019. He began his educational journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. His patient care philosophy centers around an integrative approach that combines hands-on manual therapy with tailored exercise programs. This approach is designed not only to address specific injuries but also to promote overall well-being. His holistic approach aims to provide long lasting symptom relief and enhance their overall quality of life.

Growing up in Pearland, Dr. Pham's upbringing was influenced by his martial arts background, instilling in him a deep appreciation for physical activity and discipline. Dr. Pham is a fervent sports enthusiast who understands the significance of physical activity and its impact on both physical and mental health. He brings this enthusiasm into his patient interactions, encouraging them to embrace an active lifestyle tailored to their abilities and goals. Dr. Pham's personal life is characterized by his strong family bonds. He is a devoted husband to Tina and a loving father to their daughter, Jacklyn. Their family is completed by their furry companion, Ellie the dog.

Dr Malinda Henkes, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr Malinda Henkes, PT, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Malinda Henkes graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in 2023 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor of Science with a focus on Exercise and Sport Science at Texas State University in 2020. Throughout her time at UTMB, she gained experience treating patients in both orthopedics and oncology. Dr. Malinda’s mission as a physical therapist is to intertwine holistic care with evidence-based practice to help patients reach their goals and full potential. A priority for Dr. Malinda when it comes to the care she provides is to help patients learn more about their body through movement, personalize treatments that align with their goals and needs, all while seeing the value and positive impact movement can have in their own lives. Dr. Malinda enjoys spending time outdoors whether it’s going on a run with her dog, Astro, or spending time with her husband. She also loves being by the water whether at the lake or the beach, hiking, spending time with friends, and going to coffee shops.

Dr Shevaughn Rawlins, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr Shevaughn Rawlins, PT, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Shevaughn Rawlins originally graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston in 2006 with her Master’s of Physical Therapy. After working in the field of Physical Therapy, she decided to pursue her Doctoral Degree by enrolling in the DPT Transitional Program at UTMB and completed the program in 2013. Prior to her graduate studies, Dr. Rawlins received her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston Main Campus with a Bachelor’s of Science with a focus in Kinesiology & Exercise Science and a Minor in Nutrition. Dr. Rawlins has been a practicing clinician for 17 years with a specialization in Neurology and Wound Care. Throughout her 17 years, she has worked as a contract employee for several agencies in the Houston area. As a contractor this has allowed Dr. Rawlins to work in various settings that consists of Acute Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Acute Care, and Outpatient Neurology. Two of the greatest highlights of Dr. Rawlins career as a contractor was her involvement in the development of a wound care program at Harris Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility and spearheading the re-opening of the Outpatient Wound Care Clinic at Park Plaza Hospital to prevent the disruption of care following discharge from the Acute Care Setting. Dr Shevaughn joins our team to provide clinical massage to elevate function and mobility.

Dr. Alicia Dittrich Eppley, PT, DPT, MDNC

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Alicia Dittrich Eppley, PT, DPT, MDNC, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Alicia Dittrich (Dr. Deetch) graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Texas Woman's University in Houston in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Psychology with a minor in Nutrition from the University of Central Arkansas where she was a collegiate volleyball player. She has experience in treating a variety of orthopedic and neurologic disorders in many different outpatient settings including aquatics. Dr. Deetch also has a dual career as a high school science teacher in CCISD and currently works at the school she graduated from. Her treatment philosophy focuses on education, independence, and prevention. Being a part of a strong, supportive community is extremely important to her and it's her passion to educate on prevention and wellness. Dr. Deetch's hobbies include indoor cycling, outdoor biking, paddle boarding, playing beach volleyball, boating, camping, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. She has participated in many sports throughout her life including college volleyball, basketball, baseball, and track. She has completed the MS150 bike ride every year since 2019 and plans to continue participating in this fundraising event.

Steven Nguyen, PT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Steven Nguyen, PT, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Steven earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University in Houston. He has clinical experience working with a wide range of patients, with special interests in orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and geriatrics. Steven rst joined Hope Physical Therapy & Aquatics as a physical therapy technician before completing PT school, and he is excited to return as a licensed physical therapist. He is passionate about helping patients restore their function, achieve their goals, and get back to the activities they love. Outside of the clinic, Steven enjoys running, working out, traveling, and exploring Asian cuisine. A proud Houston native, he also loves cheering on his favorite hometown sports teams.

Richard Piñon Jr., PTA, BS, OMTS, MDNC

Rehab Manager / Physical Therapist Assistant

Richard Piñon Jr., PTA, BS, OMTS, MDNC, Rehab Manager / Physical Therapist Assistant

Richard is a Physical Therapist Assistant who graduated from San Jacinto South’s PTA program in May of 2018. Prior to becoming a licensed PTA, he graduated from The University of Texas at Brownsville in 2012 earning a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology. Although he will always call Brownsville his true home, he moved to the greater Houston area for a change of environment and loves his decision as it has led him to HOPE Physical Therapy and Aquatics. Richard plans to expand his skill set through continuing education in specialized fields, taking on leadership roles, and continuing what makes him happy, practicing physical therapy. Richard is a certified Orthopedic Manual Therapy Specialist through OPTIM PT and is Master Dry Needling Certified. Richard enjoys traveling with his beautiful wife; Patty, rocking out on his electric guitars, and hanging out with his loving pets. Richard is a fan of the great outdoors, enjoys kayaking, hiking, and running through scenic trails. You can catch him cheering for the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, and of course the Houston Astros.

Brendan Del Basso, PTA, BS, MDNC

Physical Therapist Assistant

Brendan Del Basso, PTA, BS, MDNC, Physical Therapist Assistant

Brendan graduated from San Jacinto College's Physical Therapist Assistant program in May 2019. Prior to becoming a PTA, Brendan graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Kinesiology. Brendan wants to further his education in physical therapy in the years to come by earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. In his free time, Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife Kelsey and dog Lilly. They enjoy going for walks, playing sports, and watching movies. Brendan also enjoys watching sports and cheering on his favorite teams, the New York Giants, the San Antonio Spurs, and USMNT.

Nathaniel Canon, PTA, BS, MDNC

Physical Therapist Assistant

Nathaniel Canon, PTA, BS, MDNC, Physical Therapist Assistant

Nathaniel is a fun, energetic, and passionate Physical Therapist Assistant who inspires hope and optimism for his patients on their road to recovery. Nathaniel's passion for sports conditioning, biomechanics, and weightlifting allows him to provide personalized therapeutic interventions to allow his patients to overcome their physical debilities and achieve their goals.

Nathaniel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University in 2018 and a Physical Therapist Assistant degree in San Jacinto College in 2022. Nathaniel plans to further his education and pursue his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in the near future.

In his free time, Nathaniel is an avid weightlifter who enjoys reading books, traveling, hiking, and exploring various cuisines. Nathaniel enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Nathaniel is also a die-hard Houston and Aggie sports fan (GIG 'EM!)

Katlyn Deagen PTA, BS, MDNC

PR & Marketing Manager / Physical Therapist Assistant

Katlyn Deagen PTA, BS, MDNC, PR & Marketing Manager / Physical Therapist Assistant

Katlyn graduated Salutatorian in 2017 from San Jacinto College's Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Prior to this, she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Kinesiology from Texas Lutheran University where she was a collegiate soccer player. In her time as a licensed PTA, Katlyn has achieved certifications in Vestibular Rehabilitation, Kinesiotaping, and Dry Needling. Her passion is treating patients in the outpatient setting for the vast variety of diagnoses and ages she gets to care for. In her free time she enjoys letting her creativity shine with crafting, as well as spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs outdoors.

Kathryn Garza, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Kathryn Garza, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant

Kathryn, who goes by Katie, is originally from a small town called Poteet, Texas south of San Antonio. Katie graduated from Concorde Career Colleges in San Antonio with an Associates degree of Applied Science in 2021, but does plan to continue her education! She has experience in different settings such as outpatient, skilled nursing, and home health. Katie moved to the Houston area in the summer of 2025 and currently resides in Pearland with her fiancé Roman and their two dogs, Axel and Maggie. She enjoys family time, going to baseball games, and being outdoors. Katie is excited to be a part of Hope Physical Therapy & Aquatics to continue meeting new people and enjoying what she loves to do!

Yanmilene 'Yam' Zubieta

Physical Therapy Technician

Yanmilene 'Yam' Zubieta, PPhysical Therapy Technician

Yanmilene attends University of Houston-Clear Lake where she is majoring in Fitness and Human performance with a specialization in pre-physical therapy. When she graduates she will apply to Doctor of physical therapy programs in Texas to continue her journey.

Apart from PT, she is a Student Coordinator at UHCLs Campus Recreation and Wellness center. There, she focuses on student development, their needs, and foresees the facility operations.

Yanmilene spends quality time with her sister and her dog. She loves listening to music, going to new places, and trying new things!

Garret Danner

Physical Therapy Technician

Garret Danner, Physical Therapy Technician

Garret is attending San Jacinto College, where he plans on applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program next year. He moved to Texas from Oklahoma in 2020 and lives right here in League City. During his down time he enjoys playing golf, working out, spending quality time with his girlfriend, and occasionally reading a good book.

Aizah Rahman, BS

Physical Therapy Technician

Aizah Rahman, BS, Physical Therapy Technician

Aizah graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Houston in spring 2022. She plans to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree and will be applying the next cycle. She is also planning on getting a Zumba certification so she can start doing group exercise classes. When she is not taking a nap with her cat Tiger, Aizah loves to go out with her friends, dance, and travel.

Josh Medina

Physical Therapy Technician

Josh Medina, BS, Physical Therapy Technician

Joshua currently attends the University of Houston-Clear Lake where he is majoring in Fitness and Human performance with a specialization in pre-physical therapy. When he graduates, he will apply to the San Jac Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Joshua spends his free time with his family and his dog Ginger. He loves watching sports and cheering for the Yankees, Texans, and Rockets. He also loves listening to music, cooking, and taking naps.

Caitlin Salazar

Physical Therapy Technician

Caitlin Salazar, Physical Therapy Technician

Caitlin attends University of Houston where she is majoring in Exercise Science. When she graduates she will apply to Physical Therapist Assistant programs in Texas to continue her journey. Apart from PT, Caitlin spends her free time hanging out with her dogs, Arce & Leo. She loves spending time outside with her family as well. Caitlin also enjoys cooking & taking naps.

Kimberly Vargas

Physical Therapy Technician

Kimberly Vargas, Physical Therapy Technician

Kimberly, who goes by Kim, earned her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. She plans to continue her education in Texas by pursing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with her dog, Luna, catching up with friends, and trying new foods. She also loves to travel, especially to beach destinations.

Christopher Nguyen

Physical Therapy Technician

Christopher Nguyen, Physical Therapy Technician

Christopher graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in Fall of 2025. He will be attending the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in the fall to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Chris is passionate about health, fitness, and helping others improve their physical wellbeing. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, fishing, spending time with his cat, and hanging out with friends.

Daren Smith

Physical Therapy Technician

Daren Smith, Physical Therapy Technician

Daren attended the University of Southern A&M and received a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling services while playing collegiate baseball. He moved to Texas in 2023 in pursuit of education in physical therapy. Daren now attends San Jacinto College in the PTA program and will be graduating May 2027. In his free time he enjoys working out, cooking, reading a good book, playing video games, & calling his family back home.