Meet Our Physical Therapists

The following physical rehab and speech specialists practice at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. We welcome new patients who have a referral from their physician.

Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego

4077 5th Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

619-849-4470

Get directions and parking info.

Physical therapists

• Annie Raghavan, PT, CEAS
• Education: Dalhousie University of Physiotherapy
• Specialty: Maitland manual therapy, functional strength training, running analysis, muscle energy for pelvic/lumbar disorders, kinesiotaping and sport injury prevention, ergonomics
• Jon-Ian Gallamoza, PT, DPT
• Education: University of St. Augustine
• Specialty: Orthopedics, sports medicine, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, neuro, ergonomics, instrument-assisted soft tissue massage
• Stephanie Reichenberg, PT, MPT, OCS
• Education: Mount Saint Mary’s College
• Specialty: McKenzie mechanical diagnostic therapy, manual therapy, stroke rehabilitation, kinesiotaping, functional exercise, vestibular rehabilitation, balance disorders
• Wendell Parks, PT
• Specialty: Pilates, McKenzie mechanical diagnostic therapy, exercise-based therapy, joint replacement rehabilitation
• Jesse Cristobal Barriuso, PT, DPT
• Education: State University of New York, Stony Brook University
• Specialty: Orthopedics, post-op rehabilitation, post-trauma, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, sports injuries, gait assessment, running assessment, SFMA-Selected functional movement assessment, kinesiotaping
• Angela Tognoni, PT, DPT, OCS
• Education: Regis University, Western University of Health Sciences, University of California, San Diego
• Specialty: Poly trauma, orthopedic manual therapy, sports medicine, post-operative rehabilitation, knee rehabilitation

Speech-language pathologists

• Courtney Weimer, MA, CCCSLP
• Education: University of Pittsburgh, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Specialty: Swallowing disorders (dysphagia), traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation, cognitive communication disorders, language disorders (aphasia), community re-entry after neurologic injury
• Jennifer Bieda, MA, CCC-SLP
• Education: Portland State University, Azusa Pacific University
• Specialty: Neurological rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), language disorders (aphasia), voice therapy, modified barium swallow (MBS) studies
• Tanya Buzzanga, MA, CCCSLP
• Education: Wayne State University, University of Windsor
• Specialty: Neuro rehabilitation, voice therapy, multilingual assessment and treatment, LSVT LOUD, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
• Sara Durkovich, MS, CCC-SLP
• Education: Boston University, California State University Long Beach
• Specialty: Neurological rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), language disorders (aphasia), modified barium swallow (MBS) studies, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
• Kortney Lee Eng Uchida, MD, CCC-SLP
• Education: New York Medical College
• Specialty: Swallowing disorders (dysphagia), language disorders (aphasia), pulmonary disease, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), modified barium swallow impairment profile (MBS-ImP)
• Kristy O’Malley, MS, CCC-SLP
• Education: Florida State University, University of Central Florida
• Specialty: Passy Muir valve application for speaking and swallowing, dysphagia in the trach and vent population, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), modified barium swallow (MBS) studies
• Joy Wong, MEd, CCC-SLP
• Education: University of Georgia, Truman State University
• Specialty: Swallowing disorders (dysphagia), language disorders (aphasia), modified barium swallow (MBS) studies, acquired brain injury, cognitive linguistic impairments, Parkinson’s disease, transgender communication
• Allison Nebel, MS, CCC-SLP, NDT
• Education: San Francisco State University, University of Winnipeg
• Specialty: Neurological rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), modified barium swallow (MBS) studies, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), language disorders (aphasia), voice therapy, LSVT LOUD, VitalStim Provider, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT)

Hand therapists

• Emily Smith, MOT, OTR/L, CHT
• Education: University of St. Augustine, California State University, Fullerton
• Specialty: Hand therapy

The following neuro occupational, neuro physical rehab, ortho, hand, speech and swallowing specialists practice at Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services at 1092 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas. We welcome new patients who have a referral from their physician.

Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Servies

Outpatient Rehabilitation

1092 N El Camino Real

Encinitas, CA 92024

760-633-6507

Get directions and parking info.

Ortho physical therapists

• Christian Carter DPT
• Education: University of Puget Sound, University of St. Augustine
• Specialty: Orthopedics; vestibular; pre-post surgical rehab; injury prevention; sports rehab
• Vivian Yousef, PT, DPT
• Education: PT School: University of Southern California; College: University of California San Diego
• Specialty: Orthopedics, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, geriatrics
• Celeste Blankenship, MS, PT
• Education: Duke University
• Specialty: Orthopedics, manual therapy, vestibular rehabilitation
• Colleen Brennan, MSPT, CLT
• Education: Duke University, Stanford University
• Specialty: Orthopedics, lymphedema
• Cody Misuraca, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
• Education: St. Catherine University, University of Minnesota
• Specialty: Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, acute and chronic athletic injuries, strength training, balance, shoulder, lower back, hip, knee, foot/ankle
• Destiny Bochinski, PT, DPT
• Education: Chapman University, Linfield College
• Specialty: Pelvic floor rehabilitation, orthopedics, prenatal/postpartum health
• Dawn Grottke, PTA
• Education: California State University Sacramento
• Specialty: Aquatic rehabilitation, running rehabilitation, Maitland spine and SIJ mobilization, myofascial release, strain counterstrain for the spine
• Jacqueline Castillo, DPT, MSCI
• Education: Washington University in St. Louis, University of California San Diego
• Specialty: Orthopedics, pelvic floor, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation
• Jeanne Hicks, PT, DPT
• Education: University of Southern California, California State University Long Beach
• Specialty: Stroke and spinal cord injury, geriatric strengthening, manual therapy, spine and extremity rehabilitation, kinesiotaping, selective functional movement assessment
• Jennifer Jocz, DPT, COMT
• Education: University of Southern California, University of Notre Dame
• Specialty: Orthopedics, sports medicine, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, manual therapy
• Kelly Sheridan, MSPT
• Education: University of California San Francisco, University of California Berkeley
• Specialty: Orthopedics, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR), myofascial mobilization
• Lindsay Craig, PT, DPT, CLT
• Education: University of the Pacific, California State University Chico
• Specialty: Lymphedema, Mulligan upper and lower quadrant, Maitland peripheral joint mobilization, kinesiotaping
• Monika Tangney, PT, DPT
• Education: University of St. Augustine, San Diego State University
• Specialty: Pelvic floor, manual therapy
• Monique Munro Werner, PT, OCS
• Education: California State University Long Beach
• Specialty: Orthopedics, manual therapy
• Christina Banuelos, PT, DPT
• Education: Northern Illinois University, A.T. Still University
• Specialty: Orthopedics, pelvic floor, prenatal/postpartum health, visceral fascia mobilization
• Leslie Ann Munoz, PT, DPT, OCS
• Education: Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
• Specialty: Orthopedics
• Maddy Bingham PT, DPT 
• Education: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, University of Southern California
• Specialty: Pelvic health, orthopedics, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, injury presentation, yoga, strength and conditioning
• Ruben Banuelos PT, DPT, ATC
• Education: A.T. Still University
• Specialty: Sports medicine, orthopedics, injury prevention, effects of exercise on diabetes prevention/management
• Raymond V. Ednie PT, DPT
• Education: The College of New Jersey, University of Scranton
• Specialty: Sports medicine, orthopedics, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, injury prevention, functional movement, rock climbing and running injuries  
• Lucy Santillan, PT, DPT
• Education: California State University Fresno, University of St. Augustine 
• Specialty: Neurological rehabilitation, stroke, Neuro-IFRAH (Integrative Functional Rehabilitative and Habilitative) approach, Parkinson's disease, LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR), spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis     
• Timothy Lane, DPT
• Education: Westmont College, Chapman University
• Specialty: Orthopedics pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, injury prevention, vestibular rehabilitation therapy
• Drew C. Blanchard, PT, DPT, OCS, NREM
• Education: University of Southern California, Northwestern University
• Specialty: Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, men’s pelvic health, knee and shoulder pathologies, whiplash-associated disorder/concussion, soccer injury prevention and rehabilitation
• Ashley Bark, PT, DPT
• Education: University of California, Santa Cruz, Western University of Health Sciences
• Specialty: Orthopedics and neurological rehabilitation, functional manual therapy, pre- and post surgical rehabilitation, injury rehabilitation and prevention, balance training, Parkinson's Disease, stroke after care, geriatric strengthening and functional mobility

Hand therapists

• Deborah Fukai Lee, OTR/L, CHT
• Education: San Jose State University
• Specialty: Hand therapy, arthritis, repetitive stress injuries, hand trauma
• Diane Josephs, OTR/L, CHT
• Education: Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University
• Specialty: Hand therapy, wound care, cumulative trauma/repetitive strain injuries, hand trauma, arthritis
• Mary Munevar, COTA/L
• Education: Grossmont College, Mesa College, Miramar College
• Specialty: Hand therapy

Neuro occupational therapists

• Elise Benik, MOT/L
• Education: University of Florida
• Specialty: Spinal cord injury, neurological disorders, burns
• Lily Guerrero, OTR/L, DPT
• Education: University of St. Augustine
• Specialty: Neurological rehabilitation, lymphedema management, wound care, hand therapy, LSVT BIG
• Megan Robbins, OT/L, DRS
• Education: University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Specialty: Brain injury, driving
• Patrice Snyder, OTR/L
• Education: University of Saint Augustine, University of California Davis
• Specialty: CVA, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, community re-integration, LSVT BIG, Neuro-IFRAH (Integrative Functional Rehabilitative and Habilitative) approach
• Joel Zwanziger, MOTR/L
• Education: Samuel Merritt University
• Specialty: Stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury
• Ashley Colburn, OTR/L
• Education: University of St. Augustine
• Specialty: Brain Injury, return-to-work, neurological rehabilitation

Neuro physical therapists

• Helen Chan, PT, DPT, NCS
• Education: University of California San Francisco, University of California Los Angles
• Specialty: Stroke, vestibular, concussion, multiple sclerosis (MS), gait and balance disorders, Neuro-IFRAH (Integrative Functional Rehabilitative and Habilitative) approach
• Amelia Mettler, PT, DPT
• Education: Northeastern University, Wesleyan University
• Specialty: Vestibular therapy, neurological rehabilitation, post-concussive rehabilitation, balance and fall prevention
• Holly Vicario, PT, DPT, NCS
• Education: University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin
• Specialty: Brain injury rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, concussion rehabilitation
• Ira Keefer, PT, DPT, NCS
• Education: University of California San Francisco, San Francisco State University, Santa Clara University
• Specialty: Vestibular rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, brain injury rehabilitation, orthotic prescription and management, wheelchair seating and positioning
• Lee Anne Robotta, PT, DPT
• Education: Western University of Health Sciences, Mount St. Mary’s College
• Specialty: Neurological and vestibular rehabilitation, concussion, brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury
• Lindsey Heard, PT, DPT
• Education: Mount St. Mary’s University, University of Washington
• Specialty: Neurological rehabilitation, stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion rehabilitation, LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR)
• Maxine Joyce, PT, DPT, NCS
• Education: Samuel Merritt University, Point Loma Nazarene University
• Specialty: Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, CVA, gait and balance
• Mark Pakulat, PT, DPT
• Education: San Diego University, University of St. Augustine
• Specialty: Spinal cord injury, neurology, stroke, balance, brain injury
• Rebecca Askew, PT, MPT, NCS
• Education: San Francisco State, Samuel Merritt
• Specialty: Brain injury, concussion, vestibular, spinal cord injury, robotic-assisted gait training, adolescent neuro rehabilitation
• RoseMarie Narvaez, PT, MSPT
• Education: James Madison University, California State University Long Beach
• Specialty: Neuro, stroke
• Kaiti Jarratt, PT, DPT
• Education: San Diego State University
• Specialty: Geriatrics, stroke
• Christina Dinh, PT, DPT
• Education: University of Georgia, Emory University
• Specialty: Neuro, Parkinson’s disease, LSVT BIG, PWR, vestibular, functional movement systems
• Francesca Mainiero, PT, DPT
• Education: University of Rhode Island
• Specialty: Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, vestibular, gait analysis, LSVT BIG, PWR
• Maria Milasinovic, PT, DPT
• Education: University of California San Diego, Mount St. Mary’s College, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
• Specialty: Neuro: BI, CVA, SCI, PD; LSVT BIG and PWR
• Ashley Bark, PT, DPT
• Education: University of California, Santa Cruz, Western University of Health Sciences
• Specialty: Orthopedics and neurological rehabilitation, functional manual therapy, pre- and post surgical rehabilitation, injury rehabilitation and prevention, balance training, Parkinson's Disease, stroke after care, geriatric strengthening and functional mobility

Speech-language pathologists

• Brenda Blum
• Education: California State University Fresno
• Specialty: Traumatic brain injury and concussion, cognitive communication disorders, language disorders (aphasia), speech disorders (apraxia, dysarthria)
• Janelle Gumayagay, MA, CCC-SLP
• Education: San Diego State University, California State University Fullerton
• Specialty: Traumatic brain injury, cognitive communication disorders, language disorders (aphasia)
• Kelsie Nelson, MS, CCC-SLP
• Education: University of the Pacific, California State University Fullerton
• Specialty: Voice and swallowing disorders, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy, LSVT LOUD
• Michelle Diamond, MS, CCC-SLP
• Education: Boston University, University of Witwatersrand
• Specialty: Cognitive linguistic, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), dysphonia, language disorders (aphasia), dysarthria/apraxia, LSVT LOUD, neuro-developmental treatment (NDT)
• Melissa Frederickson, MS, CCC-SLP
• Education: University of Utah
• Specialty: Brain injury, language disorders (aphasia), swallowing disorders (dysphagia), neurogenic disorders, LSVT Loud
• Marianne Shamlou, MA, CCC-SLP
• Education: Syracuse University, San Diego State University
• Specialty: Language disorders (aphasia), swallowing disorders (dysphagia), Modified Barium Swallow examinations
• Sarah Norton, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS
• Education: San Diego State University, Chapman University
• Specialty: Brain injury, language disorders (aphasia), neurogenic disorders, LSVT LOUD
• Hilary Skelton, MA, CCC-SLP
• Education: Miami of Ohio University, The George Washington University
• Specialty: Adult neurological disorders, brain injury, swallowing disorders
• Jessica Hague, MCD, CCC-SLP
• Education: Louisiana State University
• Specialty: Cognition treatment for BI, concussion, CVA, language disorders (aphasia), swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

The following occupational, physical rehab and speech specialists practice at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. We welcome new patients who have a referral from their physician.

Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo

15004 Innovation Drive

San Diego, CA 92128

858-605-7189

Get directions and parking info.

Occupational therapists

• Ling Merkes, OTR/L, CHT
• Education-Loma Linda University
• Specialty: Orthopedics, pre- and post-surgery for finger, wrist and elbow injuries.
• Mary Munevar, COTA/L
• Education: Grossmont College
• Specialty: Hand therapy

Physical therapists

• Bhakti Velker, PT
• Education: University of Western Ontario
• Specialty: Sports medicine, orthopedics, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, injury prevention, aquatic therapy, yoga, kinesiotaping
• Christine Guarini, PT
• Education: Russell Sage College, New York
• Specialty: Orthopedics, sports medicine, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, TMJ issues
• Denny Tran, PT, DPT
• Education: California State University Long Beach, San Diego State University
• Specialty: Orthopedics, sports medicine, post-surgical rehabilitation, ergonomics
• Joyce Steele, PT, DPT, PRPC, BCB-PMD, CEEAA
• Education: College of St. Scholastica, University of Alberta
• Specialty: Women’s pelvic health, biofeedback
• Patrick Scott, PT, Cert. MDT, CMP, COMT, MBA
• Education: California State University San Diego, California State University Long Beach
• Specialty: Provocation testing and treatment, mechanical treatment, manual therapy, neurodynamics, pain management, vertigo (BPPV)
• Phillip Garcia, MPT
• Education: San Diego State University, California State University Fresno
• Specialty: Orthopedics, sports medicine, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, vestibular/balance, ergonomics
• Wendy Wynveen, PT
• Education: University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School
• Specialty: Orthopedics (spine and extremities), pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, sports medicine

Speech-language pathologists

• Shayla Manthei, MA/CCC-FLP
• Education: University of Minnesota
• Specialty: Dysphagia, aphasia, pediatric speech and language development