Ubylee

ABOUT

Experience Matters

Ubylee Pain & Injury Treatment Centers’ providers have extensive clinical experience in
managing and treating injury and chronic pain patients.  Ubylee has developed comprehensive rehabilitation services directed at improving the quality of lives of these patients and their families.

Our Clinicians have paired professional experience and compassionate care to develop a variety of customized services offering care and relief to injury and chronic pain patients.


Meet The

Ubylee Team

Dr. Baptiste Marino, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Baptiste Marino, MD

Dr. Baptiste Marino is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and the Medical Director for Ubylee Pain and Injury Treatment Centers. Dr. Marino graduated from The Medical College of Ohio in 1986 and has extensive experience performing clinical anesthesiology services, managing chronic pain and providing total comprehensive rehabilitation services for injured patients. He previously held dual chair positions as Chief of Anesthesiology and Director of Pain Management Services at Lexington Memorial Hospital in Lexington, NC.

Jennifer Sager, OT/CHT

Vice President of Operations

Jennifer Sager, OT/CHT

Jennifer Sager, OT/CHT, is the Vice President of Operations at Ubylee Pain and Injury Treatment Centers. She earned her degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 1999 and completed more than 5,000 hours of advanced training to become a Certified Hand Therapist. With over 25 years of experience in outpatient rehabilitation, Jenn specializes in the treatment of the stiff hand and flexor tendon injuries, in addition to a wide range of orthopedic and neurological conditions. Additionally, Jennifer received specialized training in Orthotic Fabrication and Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness (CMMS) to improve hand mobility and reduce pain. CMMS has a proven success in helping patients regain range of motion and function following hand fractures, tendon injuries, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Passionate about patient-centered care, Jenn is dedicated to helping individuals restore mobility, regain independence, and return to the activities they love.

Debra Knuckles, FNP

Debra Knuckles, FNP

Debra Knuckles, FNP has been a Nurse Practitioner since 2001. Originally from Miami, FL, she graduated from Barry University with a Master of Science in Nursing Degree and chose to further her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a proud mom to two sons, as well as grandmother to three granddaughters and two grandsons. She loves working in pain management, and nothing makes her happier than when a patient tells her, "you've changed my life.

Amber Chewning, PT, DPT, CLT

Amber Chewning, PT, DPT, CLT

Amber Chewning is a physical therapist with more than 10 years of experience. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University in 2013. Amber has advanced education in cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health/pelvic floor physical therapy. She offers myofascial release and trigger point dry needling and is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). In her free time, Amber enjoys running, hiking and camping, and is a proud mom of two girls.

Yesenia Stavros OTR/L, CHT

Spanish Speaking Therapist

Yesenia Stavros OTR/L, CHT

Yesenia Stavros, OTR/L, CHT, is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist, and the Director of Rehabilitation Services at Ubylee. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University and obtained her Hand Therapy certification in 2023. Mrs. Stavros provides comprehensive care to individuals across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of orthopedic and neurological conditions. Her clinical experience spans both outpatient and inpatient settings, including Acute Care Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities, equipping her with a well-rounded and versatile skill set. Her primary focus and professional passion lie in the field of Hand Therapy. She has received specialized training in Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness (CMMS) to improve hand mobility and reduce pain. CMMS has a proven success in helping patients regain range of motion and function following hand fractures, tendon injuries, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Ms. Stavros is also highly experienced in Orthotic Fabrication, Work Conditioning, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), and Myoelectric Orthotic training. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ms. Stavros is committed to delivering high-quality, culturally competent care to the Hispanic community. She places great emphasis on building strong therapeutic relationships with her patients, believing that trust and connection are essential to empowering individuals to return confidently to work and daily life activities.

Mallory Valverde, LCSW

Mallory Valverde, LCSW

Mallory Valverde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing social work in the medical field for over a decade. She is licensed in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2008 and received her Master’s in Social Work, graduate degree, from Newman University’s Colorado Springs Campus in 2014. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate of the Year award. Mallory is passionate about supporting individuals impacted by life-changing health challenges. She finds purpose in helping patients recognize their inner strengths and resilience while providing a safe and compassionate space for reflection, healing, and growth. Mallory works collaboratively with each person to develop meaningful goals and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and preferences, with the aim of improving overall quality of life. In her personal life, Mallory is married and has two daughters. She and her family enjoy traveling and making memories together!

Katrina Traverso, FNP-BC

Katrina Traverso, FNP-BC

Katrina Traverso, FNP-BC is originally from Upstate New York and began her medical career as a combat medic in the US Army. She served 4 years before returning home to further her education at SUNY Polytechnic, gaining a graduate degree and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2011. Katrina relocated to Charlotte that summer and has been practicing pain management ever since. She thoroughly enjoys building a rapport with her patients by actively listening to their concerns and utilizing an array of resources to help achieve an improved quality of life. It is truly a team effort. In her free time, she loves playing tennis, traveling, and spending quality time with her son and daughter.

Catherine Bordeaux, BSN, MS, PA-C

Catherine Bordeaux, BSN, MS, PA-C

Catherine Bordeaux, BSN, MS, PA-C is a Physician Assistant who has been in healthcare for over 30 years. She spent 12 years in emergency medicine as a Registered Nurse and then graduated in 2004 with honors from South University Physician Assistant Program with a master's degree. Throughout her career, she has worked in orthopedics and plastic surgery, including first assist in the operating room. Since moving to the Charlotte area in 2018, she has enjoyed a career in pain management and has a passion for helping people maintain their level of function and quality of life. Catherine's philosophy involves providing patients with multiple options for their pain management and improvement of their healthcare status. In her personal life, she enjoys cooking for her family, planning Sunday night dinners, and spending time with her dog who lovingly requires a staff of at least 3 people.

Mallory Valverde, LCSW

Mallory Valverde, LCSW

Mallory Valverde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing social work in the medical field for over a decade. She is licensed in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2008 and received her Master’s in Social Work, graduate degree, from Newman University’s Colorado Springs Campus in 2014. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Graduate of the Year award. Mallory is passionate about supporting individuals impacted by life-changing health challenges. She finds purpose in helping patients recognize their inner strengths and resilience while providing a safe and compassionate space for reflection, healing, and growth. Mallory works collaboratively with each person to develop meaningful goals and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and preferences, with the aim of improving overall quality of life. In her personal life, Mallory is married and has two daughters. She and her family enjoy traveling and making memories together!

Olga Leon, LCSW

Olga Leon, LCSW

Olga Leon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience in providing psychotherapy services to youth and adults, in Spanish and English. She is licensed in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina and New York. Olga obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College of the City University of New York in 2003. She draws on cognitive-behavioral and person-centered models, in addition to other approaches, to personalize your therapeutic journey to personal growth and emotional well-being. Olga can support clients to navigate a range of issues—including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, as well as other life transitions and everyday stressors. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with family and pets, as well as arts and crafts.

Paul Fagan, PA-C

Paul Fagan, PA-C

Paul Fagan, PA-C is a Physician Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in pain management. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2010 with a degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science and started his career in vascular surgery. He currently resides in Cornelius, NC with his wife, and together they have a daughter and an English Cream Golden Retriever. In his free time, Paul enjoys golf, boating and cooking.

Kristi Dougan, AGNP-C

Kristi Dougan, AGNP-C

Kristi Dougan, AGNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner who joined Ubylee in 2021. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Physics from NC State University. She continued her education at UNC Charlotte, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree followed by a Master of Science in Nursing degree from East Carolina University. In her personal life, Kristi has 4 dogs and enjoys hiking, gardening and learning about natural remedies.

Widad Alami, PA-C

Widad Alami, PA-C

Widad Alami is a board-certified Physician Assistant with prior experience in nephrology and pain management. A North Carolina native, Widad earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from D’Youville University in 2019 and published her thesis on organ transplantation in Journal of the American Academy of PAs (JAAPA). She is dedicated to continuous learning and has completed advanced training in aesthetic medicine, including botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and sclerotherapy. Widad has worked in pain management prior to joining Ubylee and has experience with trigger point injections, joint injections, and management of interventional procedures and spinal surgeries. Outside of work, Widad enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband and daughter. She is passionate about promoting wellness both in and out of the clinic, striving to improve patient outcomes through compassionate and effective care.