Physical Therapists
Joseph Hires, PT, DPT
Clinic Director – Physical Therapist
Joseph Hires, PT, DPT graduated from Armstrong University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Rehabilitation Science degree. He then went on to the University of St. Augustine where he graduated in 2019 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Born and raised in Jesup, GA, Joseph knew he wanted to return home after school to give back to his community. “It’s a dream come true to work with the physicians at the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia; physicians I’ve known of my whole life,” Joseph said. Growing up, Joseph was involved in sports and knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. “Physical Therapy allows me to combine my love of sports and medicine to help patients with a variety of conditions. We work hand in hand with the physicians to provide these patients with the best possible care.”
Cephas Gumbs, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Cephas Gumbs, PT, DPT, comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia with over 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. He received his Bachelor of Physical Therapy degree from Georgia State University and then went on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Montana. He has worked with patients of all ages creating optimal treatment plans to meet the specific goals of the patients and their families.
Derek Tucker, LPTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Derek Tucker, LPTA comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia from the Savannah/Richmond Hill area. Derek initially pursued a nursing degree at Armstrong University but following his interests, received his Physical Therapist Assistant degree at South University in Savannah, Georgia in 2019. “I’ve been in and out of Physical Therapy my whole life for a wide variety of injuries due mostly to my involvement in sports. Being in that environment piqued my interest and I knew it was my calling.” In his free time, Derek enjoys staying active and is involved in wrestling, power lifting, and participates in strongman events.
Chris Goddard, LPTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Chris Goddard, LPTA, comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia with nearly 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant. A native of Georgia, he has lived in Waycross since 1995. After being in a severe auto accident in 1988, and going through physical and occupational therapy to regain function in his right hand, he decided to pursue becoming a licensed PTA from Gwinnett Tech. He is excited to be a part of the physical therapy services at the Waycross location of BJISG.
Kaylee Flores, LPTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Kaylee Flores, LPTA was born in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from South University in Savannah, GA in 2023. She was a competitive gymnast for 15 years and coached for six years with children from 18 months to 18 years old. Kaylee chose Physical Therapy so she could stay close to sports and put her passion into helping other people feel better. She loves seeing people do what they did not think was possible because of Physical Therapy. Kaylee enjoys working out, riding bikes at the beach, and loving on her dog Cash.