Staff

Mark Culver

Dr. Mark Culver, PT, DPT, Cert MDT, CSCS, Cert DN

Mark is the son of founder, Roy Culver, Sr., PT. He’s been the owner since 1995. Mark graduated from PN-G High. He then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A & M University. Mark was a member Corps of Cadets – commissioned into U.S. Navy. After serving as a Naval officer, Mark went on to attend Physical Therapy school at Southwest Texas State in San Marcos, TX. Mark married his high school sweetheart, Tonya. Together they have 4 great kids and are all very active in local sports, church, family and community activities.

Dr. Mark Culver has a relentless pursuit for learning and serving. As a result, he was one of the first Certified McKenzie Spine specialists in our region (2004), he went on to achieve expert certification in Strength & Conditioning from NSCA, then went back to school to add his doctorate in Physical Therapy (2018) and has since added his certification in Dry Needling.

Dr. Gerardo Ruiz

Dr. Gerardo Ruiz, PT, DPT, OCS

Born in Chihuahua Mexico, Dr. ruiz’s family moved to the US as a young boy. Dr. Ruiz attended Texas Tech University, playing collegiate football. Upon graduating from Texas Tech with his doctorate in Physical Therapy, he and his wife moved to SE Texas where Dr. Ruiz worked in local hospital providing Physical Therapy. Dr. Ruiz joined the South County Physical Therapy family several years ago and has achieved the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification. Dr. Ruiz is the ONLY OCS Doctor of Physical Therapy in our region!! Dr. Ruiz is also bilingual in spanish and english and loves helping clients achieve their maximum recovery goals. Dr. Ruiz ( Dr. G) and his wife, Gabbi, now have 3 amazing boys and stay busy with various community and soccer organizations.

Roy Culver, Sr.

Roy Culver, Sr., PT – Retired

Roy is the founder of South County Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. He started SCPT in 1966, in response to need for an outpatient PT facility. Roy is known for integrity and first class patient care for 46+ years. He’s been married to Virginia for over 60 years. He is a father of six and a proud grandfather of 13.

Tonya Culver

Tonya Culver, RN

Tonya earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She has a critical care and orthopedic nursing background. Tonya met Mark while attending Port Neches-Groves High. She also attended Texas A & M University before nursing school. She now serves as Office Manager at SCPT and enjoys sharing in each patient’s recovery. Tonya and Mark are blessed with 4 great kids that keep them busy and amazed.

Eddie Woods Jr.

Eddie Woods, Jr., Retired July 2013

Eddie Woods had been with SCPT since the beginning and had served as a PT aide for 45 years. Now, Eddie serves as full-time golfer, fisherman, hunter and story teller. We miss you Eddie!

Belle Pitre

“Belle” Pitre, Receptionist / Scheduling (Retired)

“Belle” is the voice of South County. Her genuine care for each patient is obvious. Her pleasant and friendly voice is appreciated by all of our patients. Belle is always ready with a friendly smile to greet each patient as they enter our facility. Belle’s professionalism allows her to get patients scheduled and in for treatment quickly.

Sherri Elmore

Sherri Elmore, Assistant Office Manager

We are excited to have Sherri as our Medical Billing and Insurance Verification Specialist. Sherri has a high level of knowledge, experience and professionalism. She is eager to help each patient and Sherri treats each patient with a great deal of respect and kindness.

Jennifer

Jennifer – Receptionist

Jennifer greets each client with a genuine smile ( even if she has a mask on).Jennifer facilitates scheduling and helps clients throughout their time at SCPT. In her spare time, she stays active with family and enjoys decorating. Jennifer is a very important member of our staff family.

Gopi Bhakta, PTA

Gopi Bhakta, PTA

Gopi Bhakta grew up in Harlingen, Texas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from The University of Texas – San Antonio and an associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Houston Community College. Gopi joined the South County Physical Therapy family in fall 2018. Gopi enjoys being in an outpatient setting with practicing hands-on treatment and more importantly, helping clients recover to return to their daily routines. In her free time, Gopi enjoys traveling, exercising, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Mary Openshaw, PTA

Mary Openshaw, PTA

Mary Openshaw has been a Physical Therapist Assistant since 2017. She has experience providing physical therapy in Acute Care, Skilled Nursing, Inpatient Rehab, and Outpatient settings. Her favorite things about working at SCPT are providing hands-on therapy and being able to work with patients one-on-one. In her free time, she likes being outside, hiking, and dancing.

PT Techs

We at SCPT are blessed to have a great crew of techs who assist patients while here at SCPT. Patient safety during treatment transitions is top priority. Our trained techs each desire to pursue careers in related fields. In fact, over the years, more than 8 techs have become Physical Therapists, at least 5 have become PTA’s, and 2 have become doctors. We consider our facility a teaching facility. Under close supervision, students in training may observe therapy with a patient’s permission.