Russalette (“Pinky”) Magbanua, MPS, OTR/L, CHT is a seasoned occupational therapist with two decades of professional experience in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, and academia. As the co-founder and Clinical Director of ProTherapy Rehabilitation in the Bronx since 2011, she leads start-up operations, staff development, and community outreach initiatives, while managing a diverse caseload of adult and pediatric clients. Specializing in upper extremity orthopedic conditions and post-surgical rehabilitation, she is dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through innovative therapeutic interventions. Her leadership in occupational therapy extends beyond clinical practice, constantly serving as a mentor and educator for both students and healthcare professionals.

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Pinky’s career includes her work as an adjunct faculty member at Dominican College and York College, where she taught courses on hand therapy, advanced practice in OT, anatomy and kinesiology. She also held supervisory roles in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, as well as private practice, where she enhanced pediatric programs, introduced the development of custom assistive technology and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient recovery.

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Pinky received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Philippines, and a Master’s degree in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University.  Through her educational background, Pinky has acquired a unique expertise in combining her clinical knowledge with technological innovation to create custom solutions for rehabilitation.

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Beyond her clinical and administrative responsibilities, Pinky is now focused on her advocacy towards achieving a sustainable future for all OT-PT-SLP private practices and improve access to therapy services.  She is deeply involved in efforts to strengthen this sector by collaborating with industry leaders to influence payer reimbursements and address other challenges that private practices face.