Certified Hand Therapists
The Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation is your assurance that a therapist has achieved the highest level of competency in their profession. This designation indicates an occupational or physical therapist who has at least five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours in direct hand therapy and has passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Therapists are required to recertify through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (www.htcc.org) every five years.
Our Therapists
Sandra Doehr OTR/L, MS, CHT
Sandra Doehr has over twenty years experience in treatment of upper extremity disorders. She is a graduate of the Occupational Therapy program at Wayne State University and obtained an M.S. degree in Hand Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. She attained Hand Therapy Certification in 1991. Sandra is an Active Member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and an Affiliate member of the American Association for Hand Surgery. Licensed by California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Marcia Ito OTR/L, CHT
Marcia Ito received her B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She completed a Hand Therapy Fellowship at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in San Diego, received her certification in Hand Therapy, and joined The Hand Center staff in 2001. Marcia is semi-fluent in Spanish, has education in lymphedema management, and is an active board member of the San Diego Hand Special Interest Group. Licensed by California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Carolyn Phelan OTR/L, CHT
Carolyn Phelan, staff therapist at The Hand Center, obtained her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois and her post professional Certificate in Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from Drexel University. Practicing for over twenty years, she has had experience in spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation. She has been a Certified Hand Therapist since 1995, specializing in the treatment of upper extremity disorders. Carolyn is an Active Member of the American Society of Hand Therapists, and the San Diego Hand Therapy Special Interest Group. She is also a patented inventor of a radial nerve/CVA/TBI splint. Licensed by California Board of Occupational Therapy.