COVID-19: Learn the precautions SpineZone is taking for safe in-person visits and about our Tele-health services

 

Kamshad Raiszadeh, MD, CMO

Doctor of Medicine, Chief Medical Officer


Dr. Raiszadeh’s passion for non-operative treatment started by realizing that many patients undergoing surgery for neck or back pain were not getting their desired long-term results.

After completing undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, Dr. Raiszadeh completed medical school at UC San Francisco, an orthopedic surgery residency at UC Davis, and his Pediatric and Adult Spine Fellowship at the Hospital for Joint Diseases/NYU in New York City. He has 20 years of experience with a broad range of spine surgery including minimally invasive surgery, complex spinal disorders such as scoliosis and kyphosis, and cervical spine disorders. During these 20 years he has noticed a dramatic increase in patients turning to surgery for treatment of neck and low back pain, but many of them not getting their desired long-term results. He, therefore, became increasingly interested in the improvement and standardization of non-operative treatment. By developing the best aspects of non-operative treatment in an atmosphere of empowerment to maximize the body’s own healing capacity, he noticed that many fewer patients required surgery, and the ones who underwent surgery had much better long-term results.

 

Pamela Erickson

Director of Operations - Onboarding/Billing


Pam’s background includes over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and spine industry. She specializes in practice optimization and has developed an in-depth knowledge of business operations and revenue cycle management. Pam honorably served in the United States Army for six years where she attended the Academy of Health Sciences.

In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.

 

Amalia Munguia

Patient Care Coordinator


Amalia has over 15 years of patient care experience.

Amalia enjoys going shopping and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

 

Cole Hobson, DPT, ATC

Physical Therapist


Cole graduated from Cal State University Fullerton with a BS in Athletic Training. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including physical therapy and also high school and collegiate athletics.

Cole values educating his patients about their bodies, the nature of their injuries, and the steps that are necessary for healing. His future career goals include obtaining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

In his free time, Cole enjoys running, weight training, surfing, and watching a good movie.

 

Josy Rivera

People & Culture Specialist (Admin)


Josy Rivera is an experienced HR Professional with 5+ years of demonstrated history of working in the HR Industry.

Josy enjoys outdoor fun including bike riding, hiking, and soaking up the sun at the beach.

 

Jeannie Ngo

Physical Therapist Assistant


Jeannie graduated from California State University Fullerton with a B.S in Kinesiology and earned her Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from Stanbridge University.

After undergrad, Jeannie spent time exploring the various fields in health care and became a PT aide in orthopedic and sports at St. Jude Centers for Rehabilitation and Wellness. She also used that time to volunteer at the Cognitive Rehab Center and Medical Fitness Department at St. Jude CRW. She completed her clinical rotations in outpatient orthopedics, SNF, and outpatient/inpatient neurological rehab. Following PTA school, Jeannie worked in an outpatient wellness center along with chiropractors, acupuncturists, LMTs, and other outpatient orthopedic clinicians with post-op, neurological, sports-related injuries, and acute/chronic pain diagnoses. Additionally, Jeannie worked at St. Jude CRW as a special population instructor encouraging clients of a diverse population (Parkinson’s- Let’s Be Big, bone builders, arthritis, pool therapy) on the importance of healthy living and exercise. In her free time, Jeannie loves to play with her baby pug Larry, stay active with exercise, garden in her new home, explore various National Park camping sites, and enjoy river adventures with her friends.

 

Nirali Amin, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant


I am an India-born American who grew up in Nairobi, Kenya. I graduated from Manipal University in India with a Bachelor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2010. After completing BPT, I moved back to Nairobi where I worked as a Physical Therapist at Faraja Cancer Support, a non-profit charity for cancer patients.

After relocating to the USA, I pursued post-baccalaureate studies to be eligible for a Physical Therapy Assistant license. While obtaining a PTA license, I worked as a Physical Therapy Aide at Pegasus Physical Therapy. After being licensed since February 2017, I worked at Able Physical Therapy Corp, an outpatient and aquatic rehabilitation facility.

In my free time, I like to bake, swim, explore new places, and hang out with family and friends.

 

Sana Kausar, PT, MPT

Clinic Manager, Physical Therapist, Master of Physical Therapy


Sana earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy in 2006 and her passion for rehabilitation of various orthopedic conditions inspired her to graduate with her Master’s in Physical Therapy (Orthopedics) in 2008.

Her research projects were based on Isokinetic concentric/eccentric strengthening and biomechanics of gait. She has been asked to present papers on these projects at national seminars. She has experience in varied clinical settings and strives for evidence-based practice which has been a driving force for her to join SpineZone as we follow the same philosophy. She has a comprehensive treatment approach that relies heavily on patient education, clinical experience, biomechanics, and strengthening programs.

Sana enjoys traveling, biking, running, badminton, and spending time with her family.

 

Sophia Kanakaris, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist, Doctorate in Physical Therapy


Sophia graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Kinesiology: Pre Physical Therapy in 2016 and obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University in 2019. Sophia is a freshly minted Physical Therapist with experience in a skilled nursing facility over the past year and in multiple outpatient clinics. Her interest lies in outpatient care and she’s looking forward to being an asset to the SpineZone team, where she hopes to continue her career goal of being an outpatient orthopedic-oriented physical therapist.

During Sophia’s clinical rotations at San Diego State’s DPT program, Sophia took a strong interest in outpatient orthopedics during her rotation at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in La Jolla. There she experienced a multitude of veterans living a life of chronic neck and back pain and pain associated with these conditions. This rotation sparked her interest in the challenging effects of neck and back pain and methods of resolving patient’s chief complaints. She hopes to continue growing in her career by becoming a clinical Instructor and assisting future physical therapist students to love this field as much as she does, as well as volunteering with the veteran community that is at large in San Diego. In the future, Sophia looks forward to obtaining her CSCS and CKTP. Sophia was born and raised in sunny San Diego and enjoys delving in all that San Diego offers in her spare time. Sophia enjoys being with friends and family, playing with her dog, and working out… but she also enjoys as many sweets as possible.

 

Teresa Walker, MS, ATC

Spine Rehabilitation Specialist


Teresa earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from Missouri State University and became a certified athletic trainer in 2012. She then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Sports Training and Nutrition from the Universidad Europea de Madrid, where she took advantage of the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish and travel around Europe.

Before recently relocating to San Diego, she worked for a physical therapy company in Seattle as an athletic training lead in the sports medicine department. While most of her career has focused on athletes, she enjoys working with patients of all types, and is passionate about making physical therapy a fun and rewarding experience.

Teresa believes patient education and empowerment are paramount to successful rehabilitation.

In her free time, she enjoys hanging out at the beach, traveling, learning new languages, and going to rugby games.

 

Valerie Cuartas

Intake Coordinator


Valerie moved to California from Jacksonville, FL in 2017. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in History in 2012. She previously worked at a chiropractic office as a Registered Chiropractic Assistant for 6 years while finishing her degree.

In her free time, Valerie enjoys spending time outside with her husband, daughter, and 2 fur babies.

 

Victor Do, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist, Doctorate in Physical Therapy


Victor earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May of 2018 from the New York Institute of Technology.

Victor is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients while treating them with compassion and kindness.

During his time in New York, he focused on gaining experience in treating neurological and orthopedic conditions. After shadowing the SpineZone team, Victor immediately knew their mission aligned with his core values and SpineZone was where he could fulfill his passion as a physical therapist. A native Californian, Victor is proud to be back and begin his career at SpineZone where he will be able to use evidence-based practice and the knowledge he has gained in previous clinics to help patients improve their quality of life.

Aside from work, Victor likes to spend his free time with his family, significant other, friends, and dog. He enjoys staying active with a variety of activities including mixed martial arts, snowboarding, weight lifting, and hiking.

 

Andy Hobbs

VP Marketing


Andy Hobbs is an experienced marketing leader with a passion for connecting people with needed care. Prior to SpineZone, Andy led digital access and engagement at LifePoint Health where he planned and executed digital health strategies for over 80 community hospitals and employed providers. Andy is passionate about building brands trusted by the communities they serve.

In his free time, Andy enjoys the great outdoors with his wife, 4 kids, and dog, Indie.

 

Betty Jimenez

UM Lead Coordinator/Worker's Compensation Specialist


Betty was raised in San Diego. She is a mother of three beautiful children and a proud grandmother. She has worked in the medical field for 30 years as a patient services representative, intake coordinator, and referral coordinator. Betty is now our Worker’s Compensation Specialist.
In her free time Betty enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
 

Amanda Castro


 

Annie Tran, PT, DPT


Annie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Cal State University and a Doctorate degree at University of St. Augustine, San Marcos. Annie completed a year-long residency specializing in orthopedics after graduating from physical therapy school and obtained her orthopedic certified specialty (OCS).In her free time, Annie enjoys exploring new foods in SoCal and traveling with her partner, Mel, and their two dogs Mochi (Golden Retriever) and Miki (Pomeranian). She also loves watching sports! Go Dodgers and Lakers!

 

Beverly Weithman-Posey, PT, DPT, OCS, MS


Dr. Beverly graduated from West Liberty University with a double-major in Biology and Exercise Science, obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University, and then graduated with a research-based degree from The University of Southern California with her Masters in Biokinesiology.As a physical therapist with over 10 years of experience, Beverly strives for excellence as a clinician, which is demonstrated by her extensive educational background and her specialization in outpatient orthopedics. Over the years, she’s had the opportunity to work in a variety of outpatient physical therapy clinics ranging from small rural locations to large urban, nationwide companies. In that time, she has worked with many different patient populations with orthopedic, neurological, geriatric, industrial, and sports injuries. Her recent career advancement was attaining her American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) Board-Certified Clinical Specialty in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS). Beverly’s extensive background in assessing and treating musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions and an evidence-driven treatment
approach, has led to many patient success stories.Outside the clinic, she enjoys adventuring in the outdoors with her husband and dog, visiting Disneyland, trying new restaurants, and she’s an avid Ohio State football fan so you’ll find her cheering them on every game day.

 

Brandon Pham, PTA


Brandon graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a degree in Kinesiology where he later graduated from Cerritos College and obtained his PTA license. He has experience in working in outpatient clinics around Orange County. In his free time he enjoys powerlifting, watching movies and eating.

 

Courtney Johnson, PT, DPT


Courtney has been a Physical Therapist for over nine years specializing in outpatient orthopedics. She grew up a competitive swimmer and water polo player and coached a competitive swim team as well. She has been involved in the rehabilitation of patients from 7 years old to 107 years old. She enjoys increasing all of her patient’s quality of life so they can return to the activities that they enjoy. In her spare time she loves being active, working out, and trying new restaurants.

 

Derrick Oriondo, PT, DPT


Derrick is experienced in multiple physical therapy settings and has years of experience in leadership roles, including Clinic Director of a high-volume outpatient clinic, as well as Regional Director of a start-up company in San Diego specialized in athletic performance and sports rehabilitation. Throughout his career as a physical therapist, Derrick has worked with collegiate and professional athletes of several sports, including football, basketball, track, and tennis. Aside from patient care, Derrick enjoys traveling and staying active through basketball, Muay Thai, and snowboarding.

 

Derriel Almario, PTA


As a Physical Therapist Assistant, Derriel has worked or over 13 years in Southern California in many orthopedic settings.  He enjoys working with young athletes and getting those weekend warriors back to their sport of choice.  Whenever he gets a moment, Derriel enjoys photography/videography, playing basketball and Muay Thai kickboxing.

 

Douglas Blaney


 

Bon Terbio


 

Jason Luevano


 

Nash Weinberg


 

Patrick Scott, PT, Cert. MDT, CMP, COMT


His expertise lies in provocation testing and treatment. Patrick’s educational background includes a BA in Psychology and a BS in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach, as well as an MBA from California State University, San Diego. He commenced his practice in 1993 and joined Scripps Clinic in 1997. Additionally, he has served as a clinical education meeting facilitator since 2006 and as a clinical instructor in physical therapy for two master’s students. Patrick is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). While not presently engaged in formal studies, his clinical interests within his specialty encompass mechanical treatment, manual therapy, neurodynamics, identification of pain generators, pain study, and management across all body regions including TMJ, along with KT 1000 testing.

 

Robert Killebrew, PT


 

Steven Watson, PTA


With over a decade of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Steven specializes in integrative biomechanics and golf rehabilitation and performance. Originally from Los Angeles, he moved to San Diego in 2015 to continue expanding his expertise in neuromuscular orthopedics. Passionate about helping people regain and enhance their functional movement, Steven is committed to lifelong learning and advancing his knowledge in rehabilitation science. Outside his profession, he enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling with his wife, always seeking new experiences and perspectives to enrich both his personal and professional life.

 

Vanisha Amin, PT


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