Staff

John Farese, President

Founded Farese Physical Therapy Center with wife, Patti, in 1992.

Enjoys renovating and managing commercial real estate, spending time with family, studying current events and world culture and history, road and mountain biking and traveling.

• Graduated University of Florida from M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management

Patti Farese, Vice President
Physical Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist

I am blessed with my husband of 28 years, our successful sons at University of Florida, and our competent and devoted staff at Farese Physical Therapy Center.

I enjoy spending time with family, triathlon training, healthy gourmet cooking, grilling and entertaining, fashion and interior design, active travel adventures, boating and working on real estate ventures with my husband.

Restoring function for the hand and upper extremity injured is my passion. I also enjoy the challenges of the overhead athletes (tennis players, swimmers), throwing athletes, and post-mastectomy patients.

St. Petersburg’s weather is conducive for outdoor swimming, biking and running and dining al fresco. I can prescribe beach walking for ankle rehab, surf running for injured triathletes, aquatic therapy with noodles in the Gulf of Mexico and stand-up paddling for core stabilization.

• Bachelor of Science in physical Therapy, University of Florida
• Master of Health Science in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis
• Master of Business Administration, Tampa College
• Certification in Hand Therapy, Hand Therapy Certification Commission
• Functional Capacity Assessment Specialist , KEY Method

Julia Collins, Physical Therapist Assistant

I am native to St. Petersburg and returned to raise my 2 daughters and labradoodle, Hazel, in my hometown.

I enjoy skiing, boating, running, functional fitness training, cooking, traveling and attending live music performances.

My career led me to work in outpatient orthopedic and neuro clinics, a foot and ankle clinic, and acute care inpatient settings. I assisted in setting up the LSVT BIG outpatient Parkinson's program at St. Anthony's Hospital and enjoyed working with these patients. I am trained in classical ballet and have taken performing arts development courses for Physical Therapy.

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of South Florida
• Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant, Polk State College
• Team Member since 2021

Margit Farkas, Physical Therapist Technician

It is great to see patients walk out achieving their goals.

I enjoy various activities such as getting together with friends for dinner or to go out of town. On gloomy days, I like reading books or going to the movies.

• Team Member since 2000

Joanne Browning, Business Associate

I am originally from New York and relocated to St. Pete Beach in 1987.

I love the beach, the sun and my three grandsons.

• Team Member since 1997

Sandy Pineda, Office Associate

I recently relocated to Florida 2 years ago by way of Las Vegas, where I lived for 22 years. I came to St. Pete for a new start on life, and I found it…Farese Physical Therapy Center!

I love the beach and all that this town has to offer. I love flea markets, vintage markets and the amazing sunsets.

• Team Member since 2017