OUR TEAM
David Ettinger, PT, DPT, GCS
David was introduced to the field of Physical Therapy after experiencing a serious knee injury, having surgery and spending 9 months in physical therapy. He went on to study at Columbia University and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007. David has extensive experience with orthopedics and geriatrics. In 2011 David opened Forward Physical Therapy with the goal of bringing Manhattan quality care to the Brooklyn Community. In 2013 he earned board certification in geriatric physical therapy. When he is not working he enjoys listening to and playing music with his children.
Michelle (Malkie) Cizma-Fridman, PT, DPT
Malkie received her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from CUNY Brooklyn College in 2007. Her love of exercise and medicine led her to study Physical Therapy. In 2010 Malkie received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Malkie administers high quality personalized treatment to each patient with her upbeat, cheerful attitude. Malkie has experience in many aspects of physical therapy including orthopedic injuries, total hip and knee replacements, neuromuscular disorders and women’s health issues. Malkie’s passion is to continue specializing in Women’s Health.
Chantel Bermejo, BS, CF1 - Exercise Specialist
Chantel has passion for fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It began after joining Team and Training, an organization that brings awareness to and helps fund the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma. Chantel wishes to share this passion to help others maintain a healthy lifestyle. After graduating Brooklyn College with a degree in kinesiology, Chantel continued her journey through personal training at a high-end fitness company. Chantel loves to challenge herself by stepping outside of her comfort zone. Whether it's lifting something heavy overhead, or backpacking through Australia's coastline. Chantel has a background in dance, triathlons, long distance running, weightlifting, and Crossfit. Chantel thrives for adventure, and hopes one day to complete a full Ironman.
Eleanor O’Connel, PTA, LMT
Eleanor grew up in Brooklyn and joined the swim team while in school. Along with being physically active she believes in treating the body naturally. This led her into becoming a Massage Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Hatha Yoga Instructor.She studied at The Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy where she received a license in Massage Therapy. She then attended NYU where she received a degree in Physical Therapy Assistant, and the Sivananda Yoga Institute in upstate NY to become certified as a Hatha Yoga Instructor.
She is a seasoned therapist, combining thirty years of experience, in these fields.When she is not working she enjoys spending time catching up with family and friends, cooking a meal together or going on a hike.She also enjoys relaxing doing yoga or reading a good book
Janell Fuks, CN
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Janell Fuks is a clinical nutritionist, completing her Master’s of Science degree that promotes healthy eating behaviors through adjusting lifestyle changes. She has experience with patients and clients of all ages with all distinctive illnesses as well as the skills necessary to assist with weight management. She herself has personally lost a significant amount of weight and able to keep it off through the proper method of eating. Janell is proficient at personalizing plans according to individual goals and health through incorporating wholesome foods continuously proven to prolong longevity while sustaining health and reducing the risk of diseases.
Chaya Gluck, MS OTR/L
Chaya earned a BA in Psychology in 2012, and received a joint BS/MA in Occupational Therapy in 2015 from Touro College. Her clinical rotations exposed her to a wide variety of clinical settings in acute rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, pediatric care, and early intervention occupational therapy. The combination of these experiences provided her with the passion to work with both pediatric and geriatric populations. Her mission is to help individuals achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential. Chaya is currently a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Otis Collier Jr., MS - Exercise specialist
Being born and raised in Brooklyn, Otis has encountered various people as well as training styles. Otis has always been into the physical activity lifestyle but truly pursued fitness for his own health benefits to help fight off obesity. Otis has now turned his own passion and discipline into an exciting task of helping others discover the fulfillment as well as fun in changing your health status. With his masters in exercise physiology from Columbia University along with several practical years of experience, Otis has the rare ability to take the complexity of the human body and exercise and delivery the information to his “students” in an applicable manner. Otis has helped over 100 ‘students” achieve their goals by merging post-rehabilitation and strength training concepts into effective and fun programs using pain-free methodologies. Otis believes that he is a coach and teacher more than a trainer since the process of change should be a side to side guidance versus a “follow me” mindset.
Faigy Sperber, MS, OTR/L
Faigy Sperber received her master's degree in occupational therapy from Touro College in 2016. During her clinical education she completed clinical affiliations at a hospital and private practice settings. Prior to working at Forward Therapy, Faigy completed an internship specializing in hand therapy. Faigy has an interest in hand therapy and upper extremity orthopedics and plans on pursuing a CHT certification in the future. Faigy has always been fascinated by anatomy and loves how occupational therapy allows her to integrate science and creativity to help people regain function.