Meet the NRI Montclair Team
Martin Perminas 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 recovery, Martin saw first-hand the importance of hope, determination, and access to innovative rehabilitation. Dipa became one of the earliest users of the Outbounder Advanced Rehabilitation System, completing more than 200 sessions and helping shape the technology. Martin later served on the Board of Torque3, the developer of Outbounder, before founding NRI.
Drawing on experience across large corporations, startups, and corporate ventures, Martin is focused on building a compassionate, clinically guided model of neurological rehabilitation inspired by Dipa’s resilience.
Fatima Ramos
Center Manager & Client Experience Lead
Fatima is responsible for ensuring every client, care giver and family member feels welcomed, supported, and understood throughout their journey with Neuro Recovery Institute.
As Center Manager and Client Experience Lead, she oversees the day-to-day experience at the Montclair center, coordinating closely with clients, families, and the clinical team to maintain a compassionate, organized, and professional environment.
With a background in nursing science and many years of hands-on healthcare experience, including work in mental health settings, Fatima brings valuable practical knowledge to her role. She also brings personal experience of recovery as a two-time stroke survivor.
Her focus is ensuring every interaction reflects the values at the heart of NRI - dignity, encouragement, and meaningful support for each individual and their family.
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 nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals with neurological conditions including stroke, balance, and movement disorders. She also serves as Associate Professor at Western University of Health Sciences, where she trains future Doctor of Physical Therapy students, and provides her expertise to Casa Colina, a nationally renowned neurological and physical rehabilitation center.
With advanced knowledge in motor control, biomechanics, and neurological recovery, Tammie helps guide NRI’s clinical approach, combining evidence-based rehabilitation principles, innovative technology, and compassionate care to support individuals 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 connection between neuroscience, technology and patient care. He has held senior medical leadership roles within the U.S. military healthcare system, including pioneering 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, with numerous academic publications and presentations.
At NRI, Dr. Lacy provides medical insight and strategic guidance as the team explores how emerging technologies and evidence-informed approaches can support the future of 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 with expertise in neurological rehabilitation, advanced gait analysis, and technology-assisted therapy.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy, his experience 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. 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 sessions align with evidence-based standards.
He is passionate about combining rigorous clinical reasoning, innovative technology, and compassionate care to support meaningful recovery.
Cassidy Overstreet BS
Client Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
Cassidy helps 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 support at the Montclair center. Cassidy guides individuals and caregivers through their initial connection process, serves as a certified Outbounder Neuro Tech, and works closely with the center team to help ensure a smooth experience.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is currently undertaking graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University.
Her background gives her a valuable perspective on nutrition, emotional well-being, and family dynamics, while her focus is on building trusting relationships with clients and caregivers throughout their journey with NRI.
Youssef Hanna
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 clients and families.
As Operations Manager and certified Outbounder Neuro Tech, he supports center administration, client sessions, inventory, and community outreach. He also prepares clients for treatment and operates the Outbounder system with a focus on safety and comfort.
Youssef holds Master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Business Administration and is preparing for a Doctor of Physical Therapy pathway. His background includes hospital settings, outpatient rehabilitation, and operational leadership, giving him a strong foundation in both patient support and center management.
He is passionate about helping individuals improve mobility, function, and independence within a supportive, person-centered recovery environment.
Luke Mason
Client Support Specialist & Neuro Tech
Luke supports the day-to-day operations of Neuro Recovery Institute, helping create a smooth, organized, and welcoming experience for clients and families.
He first joined NRI as an observer before formally joining the team in April 2026 and has since achieved certification as an Outbounder Advanced Rehabilitation System Neuro Tech. In his role, he supports the Center Manager and clinical team with session preparation, equipment readiness, center flow, and general operational support.
Currently studying Kinesiology and preparing for a Doctor of Physical Therapy pathway, Luke also 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, while continuing to build his experience in neurological rehabilitation.