Our Team

Ronald E. Snyder, MD

Pediatric and Adult Physiatrist

Currently, he serves as the Medical Director and Founder of Physiatry Life Care Planning Associates in Maitland, FL, Dr. Snyder graduated from the Indiana University Medical School in 1972. Dr. Snyder began his career in Pediatrics via Yale University, where he was Chief Resident. Being a consummate learner, he furthered himself as a physician, attending a second residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Snyder has served as Medical Director of several brain injury programs including St. Joseph Center for Rehabilitation and Ocean State Rehabilitation (Rhode Island), as well as at the New England Goodwill Industries Brain Injury Program and River Ridge Brain Injury Program (Maine).

Chronic pain states and treatments, as well as appropriate documentation for medical-legal situations, have resulted in Dr. Snyder providing training programs jointly throughout the United States with the DEA, medical, and pharmacy boards.

Dr. Snyder is ever working to hone his experience and knowledge. With a high priority focus on proactive patient care, he has been providing adult and pediatric Life Care Plans for 15 years. Cases have ranged from pediatric birth trauma, traumatic brain injury, minimal consciousness, and vegetative states burn, up to four limb amputations, childhood rape, and incest, as well as nursery school abuse.

Maria Ocasio, MD

Pediatric and Adult Physiatrist

Dr. Maria Ocasio has a diverse medical background in Physiatry and specializes in Pediatric Rehabilitation. Graduating with Honors, she has served as Medical Director and worked in multiple settings including private practice, hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics. Her experience has allowed her to work with children and adults. At Physiatry Life Care Planning Associates, Dr. Ocasio is not only skillful in her comprehensive yet gentle examination of patients, but in her ability to bridge a person’s current condition with their needs over time. This is especially valued as her specialty in Pediatric Rehabilitation can lend itself to extensive planning for a child as they grow into adulthood. Additionally, speaking Spanish and English fluently, she is able to relate and understand patient needs in a multicultural setting.

Dr. Ocasio enjoys exercise of all kinds, and if she were not a physician, she would have become a teacher of Physical Education or own a volleyball academy (she was an Olympic qualifier). Out of the office, she can be found enjoying time with her husband and three children.

Rafael Santiago, MD

Dr. Rafael Santiago is a board-certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with subspecialty training in Interventional Spine and Pain Management. He earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical School and completed his residency at JFK Rehabilitation Institute, affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He then pursued a fellowship in Interventional Spine Medicine at the Florida Spine Institute.

Dr. Santiago spent nearly two decades in private practice as an Interventional Spine Physician before returning to inpatient rehabilitation, where he led the rehabilitation service at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of North Tampa. He currently serves as the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program Medical Director at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, continuing his dedication to improving the lives of veterans and individuals recovering from serious injuries

Leslie L. Watson, MA, CRC, CMDE

Research Specialist

Leslie Watson is a leader in the field of research and medical cost research for Life Care Planning. Beginning her career under the direction of Paul M. Deutsch, she then went on to own several successful companies within the field of Rehabilitation. Leslie is a multi-faceted rehabilitation specialist, with work experience inclusive of Life Care Planning, Worker’s Compensation Case Management, Neuropsychological Testing, as well as in literature and research development for Rehabilitation Professionals under the approval of the National Certification Boards. She has worked in the field of Life Care Planning Research, publishing multiple articles and conducting presentations and training to those seeking to learn about the world of medical cost research as it relates to Life Care Planning.

​​​​​​​At Physiatry Life Care Planning Associates, Leslie lends her acumen to Dr. Snyder, providing consultation for effective medical cost research. She assists the team immeasurably, working to produce Life Care Plans that are comprehensive and accurate in scope.

Salena Thomas, BAS

Medical Legal Coordinator

Salena Thomas attended Polk State College and Florida Atlantic University and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Supervision & Management. Salena has over 15 years of administrative experience and a strong background in legal support. She manages complex workflows, streamline processes, and support executives at the highest level. Salena has worked across diverse legal practices—including insurance defense, workers’ compensation, personal injury, and elder law,—where she coordinated high-volume caseloads, scheduled hearings and depositions, prepared trial materials, and maintained exceptional document organization.

With her experience in supporting attorneys, physicians, and executives has helped excel in her position at Physiatry Life Care Planning Associates. She is the first line of communication in obtaining new case intake information, medical records and coordinating physician testimonies with attorney offices. Her responsibilities also include calendar management and organizing exhibits for the purpose of discovery and testimony preparation. Her willingness and dedication to helping people makes her a great contact to answer any general questions about our company.

Michael Roberts, BSHCM

Physician Liaison

Michael Roberts has over five years of experience in healthcare operations, logistics, and customer service. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management and has a strong passion for streamlining complex processes to improve efficiency and outcomes.

In his role as a Research Specialist, Michael works closely with treating physicians by preparing and sending questionnaires to determine their willingness to support Life Care Plans. He travels to patient evaluations to assist physicians by documenting examinations through photography. He also assists in researching pricing for medical services and equipment at the local, regional, and national levels to ensure accuracy and reliability in each Life Care Plan. Additionally, Michael coordinates travel arrangements for both in-state and out-of-state cases and gathers intake information from attorneys to support the development of each case.

He is passionate about staying organized, maintaining attention to detail, and contributing to a team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Anne Marie Thompson, AA

Executive Editor

Anne Marie Thompson is an experienced professional with over 25 years of work in law, Victim Advocacy, Criminal Justice Information Systems, HIPAA and compliance. Having worked with complex criminal cases, she is proficient in research, audits, and reviewing records of both medical and law enforcement while assessing the needs of the victims and their family members. She is active in her community utilizing her K9 in Courts, schools and community events, educating the public on the benefits of a service animal.

With her extensive and diverse background of proofing reports and records, she reviews the documents prepared by the Physicians for the Life Care Plan for each patient. She assists the team in combining the research completed and cost report to provide to the physicians for depositions and trials.

Jose A. Diaz, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Jose Diaz uses his TBI background to aid in Life Care Planning and guide individuals through complex health challenges with empathy and tailored support. Despite overcoming a severe traumatic brain injury as a teenager, Jose has remained diligent in the pursuit of his goals as a Physician Assistant in Physiatry Life Care Planning. The passion Jose has about life care planning allows him to support others in navigating complex choices with confidence, ensuring their values and wishes are honored every step of the way.

Mr. Diaz plays a pivotal role in supporting our practice. He thoroughly manages medical records, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for effective patient care coordination. And he collaborates closely with physicians, providing crucial assistance during evaluations in clinical settings, patient homes, and various situational assessments. His ability to travel and actively participate in these evaluations contributes directly to the development of detailed life care plans suited to each patient's unique needs and circumstances.