CORENEWPORT - Key Persons
Ally was born and raised in sunny Southern California. She grew up in the small town of Glendora just 20 miles east of Pasadena. Ally attended Pasadena City College where she graduated with her Associates in Science and volunteered in the athletic department. Working with the athletes she gained a love for the physical therapy world and knew that's where she belonged.
During the next three and a half years Ally developed knowledge in the Physical Therapy industry while learning about medical billing and insurance verification. This is where she feels her true calling in the world is.
In her free time Ally loves spending time with her very big family, and her boyfriend. She also loves going to Disneyland any chance she gets, watching old black and white films, spending time hiking in the beautiful California sunshine of spending time at the beach.
Amanda was born and raised locally in Anaheim, California. At a young age, she found her passion in playing competitive volleyball. She went on to play in high school, club volleyball and eventually in college. Throughout the years of being an athlete, she came across a few injuries due to her love for the game. Those injuries lead her to develop another passion, and interest in human anatomy. This drove her to study and graduate with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Grand Canyon University.
She is currently running the front office at Core Performance's Irvine location and enjoys the fellowship amongst her coworkers and patients for they are like family to her.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to Disneyland, spending time with her boyfriend and just being outside in the great California weather.
Ben comes from a unique background, having grown up overseas and in the Midwest, and brings with him an understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds. After high school, Ben served an enlistment with the Navy before being honorably discharged in 2014. After which he pursued his education and achieved his BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering from the University of San Diego. Though he enjoyed his work, he felt called to making more of an impact with people on a more intimate and personal level. His wife's acupuncturist recommended he look into massage therapy and he hasn't looked back since. He graduated from one of the most prestigious massage therapy programs through the National Holistic Institute, and comes to us highly recommended. Not only does he do great work, but he also has great people- and connection-skills so you will feel welcomed and relaxed when working with him. When Ben isn't at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young son. The Iwan family is excited to be expanding their family this November as they welcome their second son. Ben brings a level of care and warmth to every room he's in so we are so happy to have him here with us!
Job Titles:
- Front Office Receptionist
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Cesar was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA and was introduced to a variety of sports growing up. He has grown a strong passion for everything in the sports world but his favorite to watch and play is basketball. He is currently enrolled at Cal State Fullerton in his Senior year majoring in Kinesiology and concentration in Exercise Science.
Throughout high school and college Cesar has dedicated a lot of his time to learn and practice athletic training by going to the gym consistently keeping a healthy mind and body as a priority. In his free time he loves to play the trumpet and guitar the two instruments he learned to play growing up making sure he does not forget how to play. He has a lot of hobbies and is open to having new exciting experiences from hiking, rock climbing, sky diving, but also enjoys his peaceful and relaxing time at home.
His goal is to one day work with a professional sports team collegiate or major leagues and provide the proper care and treatment athletes need to excel and perform at elite levels.
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Cole was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. He played baseball at Edison High School but decided to hang up the cleats and pursue his career in physical therapy. Throughout his childhood, Cole had several sports injuries due to overuse. Being a pitcher, he sustained a handful of upper extremity injuries. It was during his rehab that Cole realized the career that fit him. He found a passion for helping others reach their post-rehab goals.
After graduating high school, Cole attended Orange Coast College where he received an Associate's degree for transfer. He graduated in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. Currently, Cole is taking prerequisites for physical therapy school. He is grateful for his experience as an aide at Core Performance Physical Therapy.
In his downtime, Cole enjoys going to the beach, playing video games, and traveling to other countries.
Dr. Alex Sung is an aspiring clinician who has a deep passion for helping people achieve their goals and becoming their problem solver. He was born and raised in South Korea and immigrated to the United States when he was 12 years old. He spent most of his life in Southern California. Dr. Alex was a dedicated personal trainer/coach and was involved in various departments in hospitals for 5 years before attending Chapman University to receive his doctorate in physical therapy, graduating in May 2022.
When it comes to outpatient sports practice, he strives to provide proper manual therapy for case-by-case scenarios, which includes soft tissue massages, joint mobilizations, and specific exercise progressions tailored to the patient's diagnosis and needs. Dr. Alex has a strong belief in combining his knowledge as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, his experience as a personal trainer, his work in various hospital settings, and his personal journey through numerous injuries from competing in martial arts to assist his patients.
His work with high-level athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals whose health was at risk has taught him valuable lessons on the importance of considering patients' overall condition, being mindful of their circumstances, and being present to support their success.
Alex has a background in competing in Judo and Kickboxing tournaments since the age of 9 and continues to train in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. He has a strong passion for combat sports and continuing to challenge his fitness. Dr. Alex's hobbies include golfing on weekends, cooking, grilling, enjoying quality time with his loved ones, and traveling, as well as enjoying a good whiskey.
He is dedicated to helping you find a way to provide evidenced based treatments, get back to your sports, activities, powerlifting/olympic lifting, and becoming physically capable. He is committed to being there for you and helping you achieve your goals!
Dr. Amalia grew up in a warm and loving Argentinean household in San Clemente, CA. Her experience as a bilingual American has allowed her to connect with people from many cultures while having a true appreciation for the wondrous melting pot we all live in. Being more inclined to her creative side, Amalia always gravitated to the arts, singing and dancing through middle/high school. She was a second soprano for years in the Madrigals group and danced on the San Clemente High School Dance Team, extensively training in classical and street styles of dance. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA in 2013, which led her to providing at-home behavioral treatment to children of the autism spectrum. Working as a behavioral interventionist allowed her to experience elements of physical therapy, including sensory integration therapy and fine/gross motor therapeutic exercise. Thinking of where she wanted to take her career next, she sought out a couple of physical therapy clinics for hours of observation, and Amalia knew she found her calling.
She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2021, where she was able to work with a spectrum of patient populations including orthopedic outpatient, acute inpatient, cerebral palsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Collaborating with an array of physical therapists, medical professionals, and patients in these experiences allowed her to have a well rounded understanding of all the factors that contribute to providing excellent patient care. Above all, she cares about making her patients feel comfortable and listening to them. She believes this is key to best tailor treatments to meet their unique needs and provide them with the most beneficial resources. Amalia utilizes a combination of soft tissue mobilization, manual facilitation, neuromuscular reeducation, therapeutic activities, therapeutic exercise, and modalities, emphasizing the treatment options that will make the greatest improvements for each individual patient. She likes to have fun with her patients and believes, "you can work hard without taking life so seriously." Being well aware that life comes with its ups and downs, she strives to be an uplifting and empowering figure throughout her patients' recovery journey.
When Amalia is not in the clinic, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, watching foreign cinematic productions, frequenting the gym, practicing her dance freestyle, roller skating around her neighborhood, and taking her fur baby on walks.
Delanie Gastineau is a CSULB graduate, all the way! She received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science, Magna Cum Laude and then her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. As a former Student Athletic Trainer and Adapted Exercise Assistant she is well versed in helping all ages of the adapted exerciser, the post surgical patient, or performance athlete. Her objective is to treat each patient with an individualized approach to ensure they reach their own definition of success. Delanie has been a licensed Physical Therapist in the State of California since 2022.
In her free time she loves to surf, rock climb, travel, and cook all kinds of food. Additionally she is also one to try new things by signing up for classes of all kinds.
Emily Sanchez earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2022. She chose a career in physical therapy to help people improve their quality of life. Being a multi-sport athlete throughout life she has been passionate about movement and how to recover from injuries from a young age.
She helps patients recover from musculoskeletal injuries, orthopedic surgeries, and chronic conditions while providing patient-centered care that incorporates evidence-based practice. She strives to be a lifelong learner in the field of physical therapy and is excited to explore the many specialties and areas the field of physical therapy has to offer.
Emily enjoys going to spin and yoga classes. She loves to cook, travel and spend time with her
Dr. Jesse Byington has been a dedicated health and wellness professional going back to his time
in undergrad while in North Dakota, where he began as a scholarship athlete to play baseball
until injuries shortened his playing career and began a new interest in health, wellness,
performance and recovery. While at the University of Jamestown Jesse spent time as a head
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist, Orthopedic Certified Specialist & Owner
Joseph Lee was born and raised in Fullerton, CA where he grew up playing competitive soccer since the young age of 6. During his freshman year of high school, he suffered an injury that sidelined him from his JV soccer team. He was soon exposed to the world of physical therapy, through which he was able to return to the field and finish out his season. By experiencing the benefits of sports-specific rehabilitation firsthand, Joseph developed an interest in physical therapy.
Joseph attended the University of Southern California for his undergraduate education and received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from California State University, Long Beach. While earning his doctorate degree, he developed a passion for treating youth athletes, as they underwent the same rehabilitation process he did during his high school years. For one of his internships, he even partnered with a youth soccer and basketball camp to provide treatment and education on injury prevention to hundreds of teenage athletes. He also has a special place in his heart for his geriatric patients, conducting a research project on fall prevention amongst the elderly. Now as a physical therapist, Joseph is driven by the belief that everyone should strive for a life geared towards physical and mental well-being. He wants to help all his patients get back to the things they love most, whether that is a sport, a hobby, or simply getting back to spending time with loved ones. Today, Joseph's hobbies include playing soccer and pickleball with friends, golfing, rock climbing, traveling, and babysitting his niece and nephew.
Kelly was born and raised in Corona, CA. She spent most of her time participating in strict dance training from a young age, including styles such as ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, and musical theatre. She participated in many competitions with her high school and studio teams, including the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix Finals held annually in New York City. She also performed soloist roles on pointe, including that of Cinderella and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Along the way she experienced several injuries, which eventually led to a total of 3 knee surgeries throughout high school and college. After many hours spent in physical therapy sessions for herself, Kelly realized her growing passion for the field of rehabilitation and hoped to be able to inspire and motivate young athletes with injuries to get back to doing what they love most.
Kelly received her bachelor's degree in Biology from University of California, Riverside in 2016. When she wasn't studying or commuting to school, she spent a lot of her free time volunteering at several physical therapy clinics, including Loma Linda University Medical Center. After graduation, she worked for a year as a Lead PT Aide at an outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy clinic, as well as instructing classes at the local dance studio. This work solidified her desire to become a Physical Therapist.
She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2020 from the University of Southern California. During these three years, she gained experience working in many different patient settings including outpatient orthopedics, post-op, pediatrics, neurology, ICU, and inpatient acute care oncology. During her second year, she even had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with a small group of classmates to provide pro-bono physical therapy services. Kelly truly enjoys working with patients of all ages and physical abilities, by providing individualized care that is patient-centered and evidence-based. She utilizes movement analysis and manual therapy as needed, including joint and soft tissue mobilizations, muscle energy techniques, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with a comprehensive therapeutic exercise program in order to help patients achieve all of their goals.
During her free time these days, Kelly enjoys working out usually by participating in HIIT and Yoga classes, or hiking. She also values reading a good book, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, or one of her many pets!
Job Titles:
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
After early medical career undergraduate training at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, Lisa Nelson discovered that she loves to travel. Earning a position as a flight attendant for major carrier airlines satisfied Lisa's initial need to be "on the road", and found her in the air for over a decade and several million miles of travel all over the globe. When Lisa discovered Traditional Chinese Medicine via treatments engaged for a travel related injury, she decided to "settle in" with a more office-based career and entered the Yo San University MATCM program.
Lisa earned the MATCM degree in 2006, and after achieving licensure as an acupuncturist, Lisa again took to the road. After extensive study in China, it was not the interstate highways, or the friendly skies, but the wide open expanse of our Earth's blue oceans that satisfied Lisa's travel itch. For three years, Lisa served as an acupuncturist at sea for both Holland America and Celebrity Cruise Lines.
It was the Yo San University Healthy Aging specialty doctoral program and the opportunity to deeply and intensely study Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice in a well focused specialty area that brought Lisa Nelson back to terra firma. From the minute she initiated her doctoral studies in the Healthy Aging specialty at Yo San University in 2012, Lisa immersed herself in the exploration of the potential that Traditional Chinese Medicine has in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Lisa explored and engaged a number of clinical mentorships and other experiences that allowed her to learn even more regarding TCM and cardiovascular health intersections. Among those experiences was a mentorship observing pediatric cardiac surgeries at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, a series of consulting assignments with major retailers regarding heart healthy products, development and marketing of her own heart and skin healthy elixir, and collaboration with a UCLA physician in the development of an NIH grant proposal.
Whether on land, sea, or air, Dr. Lisa Nelson is truly an acupuncturist who practices from the heart.
Mark is a graduate of USC receiving his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010. He graduated with his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Chapman University. He has worked in sport/orthopedic rehabilitation for over 10 years and continues to expand his clinical knowledge with continuing education courses in management and treatment of shoulder, knee, foot/ankle, and lumbopelvic disorders. He is a certified SFMA Level 1 and has taken courses in instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and blood flow restriction. He enjoys basketball, Crossfit, hiking, and spending time with his two nephews and niece in his free time.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Physical Therapist
With a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Southern California, Matthew has dedicated years to the healthcare industry. His academic journey was marked by a well-rounded education, covering musculoskeletal assessment, neurorehabilitation, pediatric physical therapy, cardiopulmonary care, oncology care, and athlete/sport rehabilitation, among other specialized areas.
His extensive knowledge and clinical experience serve as the foundation for his multifaceted role at Core Performance Physical Therapy, where he proudly wears multiple hats as the Chief Operating Officer, Clinic Director, and a hands-on Physical Therapist.
As a COO, Matthew drives the strategic direction of our organization, foster innovation, and ensure excellence in patient care. His leadership and management skills, honed through years of experience, help steer our healthcare facility toward continued success.
As the Clinic Director, his role is multifaceted, encompassing the leadership of a diverse and talented team that includes physical therapists, aides, students, front office staff, billing professionals, marketing experts, and ancillary staff. He is dedicated to creating an environment where learning and growth thrive. As an APTA-certified Clinical Instructor, he passionately guides the next generation of physical therapists, instilling in them the values of patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. Matthew's responsibilities extend beyond clinical guidance to ensure the efficient operation of the entire facility, promoting a holistic approach to healthcare delivery.
His clinical role focuses on orthopedic conditions across all age groups, employing a movement-based approach for precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. He is committed to optimizing the well-being of each patient, utilizing a wide array of skills acquired over years of practice.
Matthew's journey in physical therapy has been marked by innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of optimal patient outcomes. He is dedicated to ensuring that the healthcare services we provide at Core Performance Physical Therapy are of the highest quality and that we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our patients.
Ferin is a Dutch-trained physical therapist with 20+ years of experience. Her treatment philosophy is to look at the patient as a whole, gain knowledge of their goals and utilize the tools and her experience to help them return to their preinjury lifestyle. She specializes in lower quarter injuries, which allows her to work closely with foot and ankle specialists.
Always striving to improve, she has been involved in continuing education courses to include Strain Counter Strain, orthotic fabrication, Diagnoses of Movement Impairments, and many other courses to help treat the competitive athlete, post-op rehab and all those who want to remain active.
She has competed in triathlons since 2004, played soccer, and she enjoys snowboarding with friends and family. This provides her with first-hand knowledge to help treat and advise on training, injury prevention, and return to sport programs. Ferin also volunteers with The Achievers, Hearts for Sights, and Life Rolls On, who assist those with disabilities to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Job Titles:
- Front Office Receptionist
Job Titles:
- Executive Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Jesus Zuniga is an undergraduate student attending California State University, Fullerton pursuing a major in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology. He is one of 31 students in California to be on the Angels Full-Ride Scholarship, awarding him full financial coverage all four years to any university he attends. He graduated from Santiago High School in Garden Grove and partook in basketball, winning the league championship three of his four years.
When Jesus was 16, he dislocated his shoulder during a basketball game and had to go to physical therapy. It was then that he developed an interest in the concept of anatomy and learned about the importance of maintaining physical health. However, Jesus also believes that mental health is a very crucial aspect in the life of an individual. He took on the role as a Registered Behavior Technician specialized in ABA therapy where he works with special needs children, giving at-home sessions to improve their behavior, thoughts, and social lives.
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Therapy Aide and Personal Trainer
Matt was raised in Orange County. He grew up playing sports like basketball, wrestling, boxing, and skateboarding. During high school, Matt wrestled for 3 years for 2 different schools but then he began to develop a passion for health and fitness at the age of 17. After high school, he continued his education at Irvine Valley College, pursuing Mechanical Engineering then changed his major to Kinesiology due to the love and passion he had for anatomy and physiology. In his past job position, he worked at the Vitamin Shoppe, further contributing to his knowledge on health and wellness. He very much enjoyed educating customers on health and wellbeing in support of their fitness goals.
Matt has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at California Baptist University and is a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). He is also working on the necessary prerequisites and certifications to help him for PT school. In addition to being a full-time student, Matt likes to find time between studying and work to hit the gym which is still his love and passion. He also enjoys fun activities like golfing, swimming, and skateboarding.
Job Titles:
- Medical Biller and Front Office Supervisor
Melissa is originally from Northern California and moved to Orange County in middle school. She played soccer while growing up for West Coast Futbol Club and Southern California Blues. She went to California State Monterey Bay on a soccer scholarship and studied Biology. Melissa developed a passion for physical therapy through rehabilitation for her knee from a soccer injury. She started in the physical therapy field as an aide, however, transitioned to medical billing where she has been for the past 5 years. Melissa got married last year and her and her husband welcomed their first child Liam at the end of 2015. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching sports and being outdoors
Michelle has been practicing and teaching private Pilates sessions at Core Performance since 2016 and is Balance Body Certified in the classical Pilates method. She received her training from UCI Pilates and Dance Professor, Diane Diefenderfer, founder of Studio Du Corps in Costa Mesa. Michelle was born in Yokohama, Japan and lived in New Jersey until she was 5, before moving to Orange County. She has danced ballet for over 20 years with training from Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Laguna Hills and University of California Irvine. She was also a member of the Orange County Ballet Theater and has done multiple performances at the Segerstrom Concert Hall. She graduated from University of California, Irvine in 2015 with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and a minor in Biological Sciences.
Having a history of three ACL knee reconstructive surgeries, rotator cuff injuries and multiple ankle sprains, Michelle has developed a true passion for the physical therapy practice. Achieving nearly full recovery after each surgery, she realized how significant and miraculous the physical therapy practice is.
Her love for Pilates became rooted as she witnessed the positive impact it has made in rehabilitation, injury prevention and overall core and body strength. Michelle designs each Pilates workout with strengthening exercises specifically tailored to the individual's weaknesses and anatomy. In order for individuals to achieve an overall body balance, she teaches them to focus on connecting mind, body, core strength, fluidity and flexibility.
Currently, she is working towards going to graduate school to obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. In her free time she likes to play with her dog named Nori, go on bike rides to the beach and take dance classes.
Nikki grew up in Orange County, specifically Irvine, California. She fell in love with soccer when she was 4 years old and played competitively for 14 years. Nikki was fortunate enough to continue her soccer career at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles on an athletic scholarship. She was lucky enough to be able to travel all over the country to compete and enjoyed experiencing new places. While playing soccer in college, it led her to learning and inquiring more about physical therapy as she personally had to undergo physical therapy for injuries that she pertained over the years. It truly sparked a light in her heart to pursue a career in the health care field as she would see other athletes go through therapy for different types of injuries and saw the amazing outcome and joy they had as they were recovering. Nikki graduated from Loyola Marymount with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and has been currently taking prerequisites to apply to graduate school.
In her free time, she loves being outdoors, specifically, going on hikes or camping! She loves staying active and going to the gym or going on runs outside. Her family means the world to her and she loves spending time with them as well as with her friends!
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Therapy Aide and Personal Trainer
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Job Titles:
- Front Office Receptionist