Meet the NRI Montclair Team
Martin Perminas BA, FCCA
CEO & Founder
Martin founded Neuro Recovery Institute following his personal journey supporting his late wife, Dr. Dipannita Basu, through her stroke recovery and later cancer diagnosis. The first NRI center is dedicated in her honor as the Dr. Dipa Basu Center.
During Dipa’s journey, Martin witnessed first-hand the critical importance of hope, determination, and access to innovative rehabilitation approaches. As one of the earliest users of the Outbounder Advanced Rehabilitation System, Dipa completed more than 200 sessions - helping shape the technology while gaining meaningful improvements in confidence and quality of life. Martin later served as a Board member of Torque3, the developer of Outbounder, before leaving to found NRI.
Inspired by her resilience, Martin created NRI to help others explore what may be possible beyond traditional recovery expectations. Drawing on a career that spans large corporations, startups, and corporate venture, combined with deep personal experience, he is focused on building a compassionate, clinically guided model of neurological rehabilitation.
Fatima Ramos AA
Center Manager & Client Experience Lead
Fatima is responsible for ensuring every client and family member feels welcomed, supported, and understood throughout their journey with Neuro Recovery Institute.
As Center Manager and Client Experience Lead, Fatima oversees the day-to-day experience at the Montclair center and serves as Client Experience Lead for the planned roll-out of the NRI LA center network. She coordinates closely with clients, families, and the clinical team to help create a compassionate, organized, and professional environment across locations.
With a background in nursing science and many years of hands-on healthcare experience - including supporting individuals in mental health care settings - Fatima brings both practical knowledge and a deep, personal understanding of recovery. As a two-time stroke survivor, she draws on her own journey to offer genuine empathy and insight to clients and caregivers navigating neurological challenges.
Her focus is ensuring that every interaction reflects the values at the heart of NRI - dignity, encouragement, and helping each individual feel supported throughout their recovery journey.
Tammie Keller Johnson PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, ATP
Founding Physical Therapist
Dr. Tammie Keller Johnson brings extensive expertise in neurological rehabilitation, clinical education, and patient care to her role as Founding Physical Therapist at Neuro Recovery Institute.
A Board-Certified Neurological Clinical Specialist with a PhD in Neuroscience, Tammie has dedicated her career to helping individuals affected by neurological conditions including stroke, balance, and movement disorders. Her clinical experience includes nearly two decades supporting patients at leading rehabilitation centers. She also serves as Associate Professor at Western University of Health Sciences, where she trains future Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, and provides her expertise to Casa Colina, a nationally renowned center for advanced neurological and physical rehabilitation.
With advanced knowledge in motor control, biomechanics, and neurological recovery, Tammie helps guide the clinical approach behind the NRI model.
Her passion is combining evidence-based rehabilitation principles, innovative technology, and compassionate care to help individuals continue working toward their recovery goals.
Timothy Lacy M.D.
Senior Medical Advisor
Dr. Timothy Lacy brings more than 30 years of experience in neuropsychiatry, medical technology, and healthcare innovation to his role as Senior Medical Advisor at Neuro Recovery Institute.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lacy has focused on the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and patient care. He has held senior medical leadership roles within the U.S. military healthcare system, where he pioneered work in telehealth and the development of virtual reality-based treatment programs. He also serves as Chief Science Officer of Torque3, the developer of the Outbounder Advanced Rehabilitation System.
As a clinician, educator, and innovator, he has contributed extensively to medical education and research through numerous academic publications and presentations.
At NRI, Dr. Lacy provides medical insight and strategic guidance as the team advances the use of emerging technologies and evidence-informed approaches in neurological rehabilitation.
Melissa Macarewa
Physical Therapist PT, DPT, RN
Melissa is a licensed physical therapist with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, bringing a well-rounded clinical perspective to patient care.
She specializes in treating neurological disorders, vestibular conditions, and mobility impairments, and is a certified Parkinson’s Wellness and Recovery (PWR!) therapist. With prior experience as a pediatric ICU nurse and years across outpatient, home health, and inpatient rehab settings, Melissa takes a collaborative, whole-person approach to helping patients regain independence and improve quality of life.
She is passionate about empowering patients to reach their goals, whether that means returning to work, moving more freely, or getting back to the activities they love.
Ryan Lovell
Physical Therapist PT, DPT, NCS, ATP
Ryan is a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist who brings deep expertise in neurological rehabilitation, advanced gait analysis, and technology-assisted therapy to Neuro Recovery Institute.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy with a background that includes serving as Gait and Robotics Clinical Coordinator at Casa Colina and Research Physical Therapist at the Pathokinesiology Laboratory at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Ryan has extensive experience evaluating and treating complex neurological conditions. He currently serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at West Coast University while continuing clinical practice and pursuing a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation and Movement Science.
At NRI, Ryan conducts patient evaluations, develops individualized plans of care and Outbounder protocols, and provides clinical oversight to ensure every session aligns with evidence-based standards and NRI’s protocol-driven model.
He is passionate about combining rigorous clinical reasoning, innovative technology, and compassionate care to help individuals maximize recovery and regain meaningful function.
Cassidy Overstreet BS
Client Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
Cassidy is responsible for helping prospective clients and families feel welcomed, informed, and supported as they connect with Neuro Recovery Institute.
As Client Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, she bridges community outreach with hands-on care at the Montclair center. Cassidy guides individuals and caregivers through the initial connection process, serves as a certified Outbounder Neuro Tech, and works closely with the clinical team to ensure a smooth and encouraging experience from the very first interaction.
With a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and current graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, Cassidy brings a valuable understanding of how nutrition, emotional well-being, and family dynamics influence recovery. This foundation allows her to support clients and caregivers with greater empathy, practical insight, and a genuinely person-centered approach.
Her focus is building trusting relationships and ensuring every individual and caregiver feels genuinely encouraged and supported throughout their recovery journey with NRI.
Youssef Hanna BS, MBA, MBS
Operations Manager & Neuro Tech
Youssef supports the day-to-day operations of Neuro Recovery Institute while helping create a welcoming, organized, and efficient experience for every client and family.
As Operations Manager and certified Outbounder Neuro Tech, he assists with clinic administration, client sessions, inventory, and community outreach. He prepares clients for treatment, operates the Outbounder system with a focus on safety and comfort, and works closely with the clinical and administrative teams to keep the center running smoothly.
Youssef holds dual Master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences, and Business Administration and is an aspiring Doctor of Physical Therapy. His background spans hospital settings, outpatient rehabilitation, and operational leadership, giving him a strong foundation in both patient care support and clinic management.
He is passionate about helping individuals improve mobility, function, and independence, and is committed to contributing to a supportive, person-centered recovery environment at NRI.
Luke Mason AS
Client Support Specialist & Neuro Tech
Luke supports the day-to-day operations of Neuro Recovery Institute, helping ensure a smooth, organized, and welcoming experience for clients and families.
Luke first joined NRI as an observer before formally joining the team in April 2026. He has since achieved certification as an Outbounder Advanced Rehabilitation System Neuro Tech. In his role, he assists the Center Manager and clinical team with session preparation, treatment area setup, equipment readiness, and general clinic flow, while also providing administrative and operational support.
Currently studying Kinesiology and preparing for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) pathway, Luke holds an Associate of Science in Mathematics and brings hands-on experience as a Therapy Aide. He has a strong interest in biomechanics, movement, and patient support, and is focused on contributing to a professional, person-centered environment while building his foundation in rehabilitation.