Meet our Friendly Staff
Our Mission is Our Purpose
Purpose is why we do what we do and it drives us forward toward a common goal...
About Us
Wayne Whittle, PT, COMT | Owner
Wayne Whittle, PT, COMT | Owner
Wayne Whittle, PT, COMT | Owner
Wayne is a true Florida native, born in St. Petersburg and raised in Seminole. Following high school he studied business at the University of Florida before deciding to move into healthcare. He graduated Florida International University as a Physical Therapist and returned home to practice.
Wayne has been providing therapy services in S
Wayne is a true Florida native, born in St. Petersburg and raised in Seminole. Following high school he studied business at the University of Florida before deciding to move into healthcare. He graduated Florida International University as a Physical Therapist and returned home to practice.
Wayne has been providing therapy services in St. Petersburg ever since 1994. He started Next Step Rehabilitation in 2002 with the goal of sharing his passion to help people with their recovery and rehabilitation. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife of 23 years and 2 young adult children, boating, fishing, cooking and eating (yes he is a foodie).
Steve Kiag, PT | Owner
Wayne Whittle, PT, COMT | Owner
Wayne Whittle, PT, COMT | Owner
Steve Kiag has been an owner of Next Step Rehabilitation since 2002. Steve grew up in Melbourne, Australia, participating in sports and enjoying surfing and the beaches. He graduated in 1990 from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Latrobe University, Melbourne with a physiotherapy degree, before travelling and landing in Florida, pu
Steve Kiag has been an owner of Next Step Rehabilitation since 2002. Steve grew up in Melbourne, Australia, participating in sports and enjoying surfing and the beaches. He graduated in 1990 from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Latrobe University, Melbourne with a physiotherapy degree, before travelling and landing in Florida, pursuing a career specializing in orthopedics and manual therapy with a particular interest in sports-related injuries. Steve has been a continuous member of the APTA since 1992, including membership of the Orthopedic and National/Florida Private Practice groups.
What motivates Steve is making an immediate impact on someone’s life and wellness. He is intensely focused on helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
When not working, Steve loves spending time with his wife, Debbie, his son, Jacob, and his 2 dogs Reggie and Cooper. He enjoys travelling abroad and the outdoors, cooking, gardening and watching every sport imaginable.
Debbie Kiag, MPT, CHT
Wayne Whittle, PT, COMT | Owner
Debbie Kiag, MPT, CHT
Debbie is originally from southwest Missouri and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1995. In 1999, she earned a Masters of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Saint Augustine. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2005 and has continued to work with a variety
Debbie is originally from southwest Missouri and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1995. In 1999, she earned a Masters of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Saint Augustine. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2005 and has continued to work with a variety of physical therapy patients of all ages in outpatient settings, including patients with complex hand conditions. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, golfing, cycling and spending time with her family, two dogs and friends.
Yoko Ray, DPT, MTC, CMP
Yoko Ray, DPT, MTC, CMP
Yoko Ray, DPT, MTC, CMP
Yoko Ray has been a licensed physical therapist since she graduated from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2002 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her treatment focus has been in orthopedic and sports medicine. Yoko’s expertise in manual therapy and movement analysis is invaluable to our practice. She holds certificat
Yoko Ray has been a licensed physical therapist since she graduated from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2002 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her treatment focus has been in orthopedic and sports medicine. Yoko’s expertise in manual therapy and movement analysis is invaluable to our practice. She holds certifications in Stanley Paris and Brian Mulligan manual therapy techniques and is a certified STOTT Pilates instructor. She has practiced in California, Virginia, Hawaii and Tokyo other than in Florida.
Steve Tompkins, PT
Yoko Ray, DPT, MTC, CMP
Yoko Ray, DPT, MTC, CMP
Steve Tompkins is originally from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. He attended East Carolina University receiving his Degree in Physical Therapy from there in 1990. Steve moved to St Petersburg after graduation and has worked and lived in the area since then. He has worked as an outpatient therapist for over 25 years with a focused i
Steve Tompkins is originally from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. He attended East Carolina University receiving his Degree in Physical Therapy from there in 1990. Steve moved to St Petersburg after graduation and has worked and lived in the area since then. He has worked as an outpatient therapist for over 25 years with a focused interest on orthopedic patients. Steve has played sports all his life adding to his interest and insight into physical therapy. He has played recreational softball since moving to St Pete. Besides being fun this has added to his interest into the shoulder and throwing mechanics. Steve’ s additional pursuits are live music, weight lifting, hiking, traveling and being outdoors. He is a Graston certified therapist since 2014. Graston Technique® (GT) is a unique, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascia restrictions resulting in improved patient outcomes. The use of GT instruments, when combined with appropriate therapeutic exercise, leads to the restoration of pain-free movement and function.
Jake Marzocca, DPT
Yoko Ray, DPT, MTC, CMP
Jake Marzocca, DPT
Jake is originally from Long Island, NY and graduated from Springfield College in 2022 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Jake has experience treating a variety patient populations, with his focus in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. He has a strong passion for getting his patients back to doing what they love, pain free
Jake is originally from Long Island, NY and graduated from Springfield College in 2022 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Jake has experience treating a variety patient populations, with his focus in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. He has a strong passion for getting his patients back to doing what they love, pain free. In his free time, Jake enjoys weightlifting, playing basketball and spending time with family and friends.
Pierre Stevenson, PT
Pierre Stevenson, PT
Pierre Stevenson, PT
Pierre Stevenson and his family immigrated from Toronto, Canada, in 1980. He graduated from St. Petersburg’s NEHI and then joined the US Navy. After his service, he graduated cum laude from Florida International University in 1997 with a degree in physical therapy. He has treated all patient populations in outpatient and inpatient setti
Pierre Stevenson and his family immigrated from Toronto, Canada, in 1980. He graduated from St. Petersburg’s NEHI and then joined the US Navy. After his service, he graduated cum laude from Florida International University in 1997 with a degree in physical therapy. He has treated all patient populations in outpatient and inpatient settings. Pierre is dedicated to his patients’ well-being and progressing their rehabilitation life-long self-care. He has three young adult children and a wonderful wife. In his spare time, he weight-trains and spends time with his family.
Stephanie Seifert, DPT
Pierre Stevenson, PT
Pierre Stevenson, PT
Stephanie is a licensed physical therapist with extensive experience in outpatient settings. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Stephanie has called Florida home for the last three years. Stephanie has a strong background in treating orthopedic, balance, vestibular, and neurological conditions. Her career includes a significant tenure at Penn Med
Stephanie is a licensed physical therapist with extensive experience in outpatient settings. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Stephanie has called Florida home for the last three years. Stephanie has a strong background in treating orthopedic, balance, vestibular, and neurological conditions. Her career includes a significant tenure at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, where she co-developed a specialized Dance Program focused on dancer-specific rehabilitation. Stephanie also has experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she facilitated instruction for DPT and Exercise Science students. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University and a B.S. in Exercise Science from West Chester University, graduating summa cum laude. Stephanie is licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania, holds certification in Basic Life Support, and has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2014. She is passionate about patient care and education and believes in a holistic approach to physical therapy.
Savannah Vereen, DPT
Savannah Vereen, DPT
Savannah Vereen, DPT
Savannah grew up on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. She graduated Jacksonville University with a degree in Kinesiology and then moved further south to complete her DPT at FGCU. Savannah enjoys treating a variety of patients. Savannah also loves sailing, going to Disney and the beach.
Darci Tharp, PT
Savannah Vereen, DPT
Savannah Vereen, DPT
Darci is originally from the Pacific Northwest and lived in California most of her years. She graduated from Chapman University in Orange, California, in 1990. She has 30+ years experience in a multitude of different clinics, working with general orthopedic injuries/conditions and sports (including 2012 Olympic women's water polo team,
Darci is originally from the Pacific Northwest and lived in California most of her years. She graduated from Chapman University in Orange, California, in 1990. She has 30+ years experience in a multitude of different clinics, working with general orthopedic injuries/conditions and sports (including 2012 Olympic women's water polo team, National women's Rugby team, Maloof skateboarding championship, marathons and Special Olympics). She was a private practice owner for 9.5 years in Newport Beach, until she followed her heart and relocated to Florida in 2023. She notes that she works diligently with educating her patients in their injuries, body mechanics, habits and movement patterns. She was hired by Next Step in July 2023 and states that she is proud and loves the clinic and the people who work here. "We all care about our patients in all aspects and care about our community. I am excited about the future!"
Laurie Sellheim, PTA
Betsy Alberts, Back Office Specialist
Betsy Alberts, Back Office Specialist