Spid: (361) 414-9092 | Island: (361) 589-4480 | Portland: (361) 977-2064
Welcome
TRUST THE PROCESS
Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic Specializing in Orthopedic and Sports Injuries for Patients of All Ages.
Our Staff
Steve Hopkins, DPT, SCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT
Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist (1 of 3,213 in the country) with 10+ years of experience. Earned his Bachelor’s from Arcadia University in Psychology and graduated from Temple University with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Completed his Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy through The Institute for Athlete Regeneration and is now recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT).
Worked as a Physical Therapist for:
- Saint Joseph University
- LaSalle University
- Philadelphia 76ers pro NBA team
Current Team Physical Therapist for:
- The Corpus Christi Ice Rays
- The Corpus Christi Tritons
- TAMUCC Islanders
Certified in the Graston technique, Functional Movement Screen and Dry Needling along with completing numerous continuing education courses. Offers sports rehabilitation services.
Fernando Torres, DPT
Fernando Torres is a Corpus Christi native; he earned his bachelor's degree at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and later received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas.
He is bilingual (English/Spanish) and takes interest in treating musculoskeletal issues involving both upper and lower extremities. Outside of the clinic, he likes to stay active through running and biking, but also enjoys relaxing days at the beach and near the water.
Martin Saldana, DPT, OCS, CSOMT
Marty is from Corpus Christi, Texas where he grew up playing various sports such as football and basketball. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi in 2017 earning his BS in Kinesiology. Marty went on to earn his DPT from Texas State University in 2021.
While in PT school, he was awarded three scholarly achievement awards for academic excellence in the program. Following PT school, he worked in the Central Texas Area before making his way back to Corpus Christi. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of physical therapists nationwide, reflecting advanced clinical knowledge and expertise in orthopedic care.
Outside of the clinic, Marty enjoys lifting weights, fishing, hiking, exploring new places, and spending time with his family and fiancé.
Dylan Slayton, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Dylan is a Tennessee native who recently moved to Corpus Christi following graduation from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Prior to this, he earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he also played college baseball.
Dylan is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), a recognition held by fewer than 3,213 physical therapists nationwide, demonstrating advanced expertise in the evaluation and treatment of athletes and active individuals. He has also earned certifications in Strength and Conditioning (CSCS), Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), and Dry Needling. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, playing basketball, and fishing.
Tristan Barrera, dpt, cscs, OCS, SCS
Tristan is a Corpus Christi local who graduated from WB Ray HS in 2015 in the top 10% of his class, playing four years of varsity football and track. He went on to attend Texas Lutheran University, where he played two years of collegiate football while majoring in Exercise Science. Tristan furthered his education by earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Dominican University New York.
He is a residency-trained physical therapist and is both a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)—a combination that reflects advanced clinical expertise in both athletic performance and orthopedic rehabilitation. Tristan refined his clinical decision-making through evidence-based manual therapy techniques, efficient evaluation strategies, and the integration of strength and conditioning principles to improve patient outcomes.
Tristan enjoys spending time with his family, working with hands to make pasta or espresso, and listening to music. Tristan is an avid gym goer and loves to promote health and wellness, leading by example. Tristan loves traveling and mixing work with fun. His last out of country visit was to Guatemala, where he along with Hearts in Motion, provided pro bono evaluations to over 150 patients.
Jacob Karsten, PTA
Jacob has earned his Associates degree in applied sciences at Del Mar College. He is driven by a passion to achieve the best outcomes for his patients and takes pride in providing the highest level of care possible.
As a PTA, Jakes goals are to seek certifications to expand and deepen his knowledge of physical therapy. Outside of work, he enjoys weight lifting and working on vehicles.
Eduardo Jaime III, PTA cscs
Eddie completed his studies in Corpus Christi, where he received his Bachelors in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Associates in Applied Sciences from Del Mar College. Eddie has spent 7+ years serving the Corpus community as a fitness trainer, which drove and inspired him to finish his education in physical therapy. Eddie is most passionate about getting his patients to their most optimal level.
Eddie is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) under the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Eddie continually seeks for ways to expand his knowledge and further his skills as a clinician in order to provide world-class care to the community.
Outside of work, Eddie stays youthful by being outdoors, attending stand-up comedy, watching combat sports, and hanging with family.
Colt Gillis, PTA
Colt Gillis is originally from Del Rio, Texas and brings a diverse background of service, discipline, and athletic experience to his role as a Physical Therapist Assistant. He proudly served four years in the United States Coast Guard, where he developed the dedication and resilience that continue to shape his professional approach.
Colt earned his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting from Del Mar College in May 2025. He is also a black belt in both Kajukenbo Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which provides him with unique insight into movement mechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for combat-sport and athletic populations.
Passionate about orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, Colt focuses on guiding patients through recovery by blending evidence-based clinical practice with principles of strength, conditioning, and functional performance. His goal is to help each patient reach their highest level of function—whether returning to sport, work, or daily activities.
Outside of the clinic, Colt enjoys teaching and practicing martial arts, strength training, shooting sports, and rock climbing. He is committed to lifelong learning and strives to bring the same discipline he applies in martial arts to the care of his patients.
Mariah Ayala, PTA
Mariah Ayala is a proud Corpus Christi native. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health from Texas A&M University and an Associate of Applied Science from Del Mar College, graduating Cum Laude in both programs.
As a Physical Therapist Assistant, Mariah is passionate about helping patients restore strength, mobility, and confidence through personalized, evidence-based care. She is dedicated to improving quality of life and takes pride in creating a positive and encouraging treatment experience for every patient.
Mariah is currently continuing her education with plans to pursue a doctoral program in the future, reflecting her strong belief in lifelong learning and professional growth.
Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, spending time with her book club, and following college sports.