Our Team
Irina Cortinas, Owner & PTA
Irina is the Lead PTA and new owner of EPT! She is a graduate of the PTA program from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Irina has worked in a variety of settings, including acute care, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, home health and outpatient orthopedics. She has received recognition by the APTA for Advanced Proficiency in Musculoskeletal Systems for the PTA and is an APTA certified clinical instructor. Irina has been part of the Elgin team since 2010 and enjoys helping the community she serves.
Irina is fluent in Spanish; se habla espanol.
Kathleen Espinosa, PT, DPT
Kathleen acquired her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Dominican College of Blauvelt in New York and attained her undergraduate degree in General Arts from the University of Houston. She has experience in inpatient rehab, home care, and outpatient orthopedics. During her free time, she likes to go hiking with her dog, spending time with her wife, trying different restaurants, traveling, playing the guitar and reading comics.
Paul Lietz, PT, DPT, CSCS
Paul received his undergraduate degree in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology from the University of Florida and obtained his certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist prior to furthering his studies at the University of St. Augustine to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Paul has experience working with all populations from pediatrics to geriatrics, including developmental, orthopedic, neurological & vestibular disorders.
Maribel Lara, PTA
Maribel has been a part of the Elgin PT family since it’s opening, beginning her journey as a PT Tech. Because of her love for the profession, she completed her PTA studies at Blinn College and returned to the Giddings/Elgin PT Clinic teams to continue providing quality patient care.
Maribel is fluent in Spanish; se habla espanol.
Susan Karish, PTA
Susan graduated from Austin Community College in 1987 with an Associates degree in physical therapy. She worked at the Giddings location for 17 years and has recently transitioned to join the Elgin staff. She has experience in outpatient therapy and home health.
Stella Basquez: Patient Care Coordinator
Stella has been a member of the Elgin Physical Therapy clinic since 2007. In her free time, Stella enjoys spending time with her family and spending time at the river.
Stella is fluent in Spanish; se habla espanol.