Meet our Staff

Linda Cruse is a 4 th generation native of Lake Placid where she grew up on her parent’s Caladium farm and small cattle ranch. Upon graduation from Lake Placid High School, she attended Nova Southeastern University on an academic scholarship where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences in 1999 and a Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2001 where she graduated with research honors. Her Master’s thesis was chosen for publication in Neurology Report, Tertiary Prevention In Parkinson’s Disease:  A Preliminary Study. She then furthered her education by obtaining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2005 also from Nova Southeastern University. 

 After working in Ft. Lauderdale for 1 year as a Physical Therapist, she returned to Lake Placid where she worked for RJB Cardiac and Physical Rehabilitation and Personal Rehab over the next 14 years. In November, 2015 she was given the opportunity to purchase the RJB Cardiac and Physical Rehabilitation Lake Placid office. It was at this time that Lake Placid Rehabilitation, Inc. was established and relocated to the Midtown Center Plaza on Tower Street. 

Linda is married to a Sebring native. They have have two daughters, both of whom plan to pursue careers in the medical field. Linda enjoys spending her free time supporting her daughters who are heavily involved in FFA, showing livestock, and rodeoing.

Todd, a native of Southern California, began his career as a student Athletic Trainer in high school, collaborating with esteemed teams such as San Diego State and the San Diego Chargers.

After completing high school, Todd pursued his education at Liberty University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health with a specialization in Sports Medicine in 1992. Following this, he had the distinguished opportunity to work as an athletic trainer with Athletes in Action/USA Wrestling in Eastern Europe. In 1993, Todd assumed the role of Director of Sports Medicine at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas and was there until 1996.

In 1996, Todd, along with his wife Christi and their first set of twins, relocated to Lake Placid. Since 1997, Todd has been dedicated to his role as an athletic trainer with Lake Placid Schools, concurrently serving as the athletic trainer for SFSC for the past 16 years. His professional experience also includes a tenure as the Director of Therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation center spanning four years and over 24 years in outpatient physical therapy.

Todd and his wife Christy are proud parents to seven children and twin granddaughters.

Erin was born and raised in Hardee county. She graduated from Hardee Senior High School. GO CATS! She attended the University of Florida and graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition specializing in Dietetics. She earned a Bachelor of Science from University of Central Florida, followed by her Master of Science in physical therapy.  

Erin has worked in Highlands county in the outpatient setting since 2001. It was her dream since seventh grade to be a physical therapist and she is thankful to be at Lake Placid Rehab since 2021. 

After marrying her college sweetheart she settled in Lake Placid where they’ve raised their son and daughter. She has enjoyed watching both kids active in clubs and school sports.

Mandy Atha was born and raised in Gainesville, FL. Mandy attended Santa Fe College where she obtained her Associate’s degree in health science and an Associate’s degree in physical therapy in 2017.  Mandy began working as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2018 at an outpatient clinic in Lake City, FL.  In January of 2023, Mandy and her family moved to Okeechobee, FL and in November she joined the team at Lake Placid Rehabilitation, Inc.  Over the last 6 years of her career, Mandy has remained in outpatient therapy as she enjoys treating all orthopedic conditions. 

Mandy is married to a firefighter/paramedic and together they have one son, and a French bulldog. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, baking, and spending time with her family.