Dr. Roy Rivera Jr.

Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr., is the founder and CEO of Elation Physical Therapy, an international best-selling author, and a respected advocate for inclusive healthcare. His book, Shantay You Stay: A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practices, provides critical insights for practitioners, further establishing him as a leader in LGBTQ+ patient care. He is also the author of Lorenzo's Big Dream, an inspiring children's book that encourages readers to embrace their unique dreams and identities, reflecting his commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment at all stages of life.

A native of the Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Rivera began his academic journey at Southwestern University in Georgetown before moving to Houston in 2003 to complete a Master’s in Physical Therapy at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He subsequently earned two doctorates—a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University in Utah and a PhD in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University in Denton—solidifying his expertise in healthcare.

In 2014, after working for approximately 10 years in the Memorial Hermann Health Care System, Dr. Rivera founded Elation Physical Therapy, a Certified Minority and LGBT Business EnterpriseŽ serving the community of Greater Houston, providing compassionate and affirming care. Known for pioneering the ELATION protocol, a specialized post-operative care program for gender-affirming surgeries, Dr. Rivera has positioned Elation Physical Therapy as a leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare.

Dr. Rivera’s outstanding contributions to healthcare and his commitment to inclusivity have earned him and the practice numerous prestigious awards:

• 2024 American Physical Therapy Association Private Practice Section’s Community Impact Award

• 2024 U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency’s Minority Health Products and Service Firm of The Year Award

• 2024 Small Business Administration Houston District Small Businessperson of the Year

• 2022 U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big LGBTQ+-Owned Business Achievement Award

• 2022 Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s LGBTBEŽ Certified Business of the Year Award

• Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (2020), Top 10 Largest Houston-area LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses (2018-2023)

Dr. Rivera is also deeply engaged in community service. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, where he supports initiatives to foster growth and inclusion for LGBTQ+ businesses. He has a longstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ youth advocacy and serves on the Board of Directors at Out for Education (OFE), one of the nation’s most successful LGBTQ+ scholarship foundations.

Dr. Rivera’s dedication to healthcare innovation, community involvement, and advocacy continues to shape the future of inclusive, affirming physical therapy and rehabilitative care.