Background:

• Born and raised in Hilo.
• University of Hawaii at Hilo – BA Sociology, Occupational Safety & Health.
• Kapiolani Community College – AS Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Licensed Massage Therapist & Certified Medical Massage Therapist.
• Practicing PTA in private practice outpatient physical therapy since 2009.
• Founder & Co-owner of Core Wellness Hawaii, dba 80/20 Physical Therapy since 2016.

Hobbies/Interests:

I spend my free time hiking, jogging, and trying my best at golf. If I have a little extra time, you’ll find me cruising on my bike (road or mountain) or hanging out with my cat, dog, and flock of fluffy chickens – who are always looking for hugs… after food.

Background:

• Born and raised in Hilo.
• Marquette University – BS in Nursing & Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), 2006
• Clinical experience since 2006 in outpatient orthopedics, inpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing
• Co-owner of 80/20 Physical Therapy since 2017.

Hobbies/Interests:
Jiu jitsu, Surfing, Golfing, Road biking, Mountain biking, Hiking.

Recognized within the top three Best Physical Therapist of East Hawaii 2021

Background:

• Born and raised in Southern California. Family is originally from Vietnam.
• Completed undergraduate studies at  University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theater.
• Completed graduate studies for Doctor of Physical Therapy and University of St Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA.
• Worked as a rehab aide after undergraduate for several years before developing passion for physical therapy.
• Special Training/Certifications: Experienced with treating vestibular dysfunction and neuromuscular disorders including Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.

Hobbies/Interests:
Enjoys running for fun from 5Ks to half marathons with the occasional marathon thrown in the mix.

“If I’m not outside, I’m probably watching something with superheroes or wizards.”

Background:

• Filipino boy originally from Oakland, CA
• Participated in triathlons and marathons and competed in amateur boxing.
• Found interest in physical therapy due interest in sports/fitness in relation to athletic rehabilitation.
• Married to another great physical therapist at this facility with a fur baby (dog).
• Obtained BS in Kinesiology at SJSU.
• Obtained DPT at University of St. Augustine (USA).
• Lab assistant for DPT program.
• Experienced PT in out-patient ortho, NICU/out-patient pediatrics, and skilled nursing facility.
• Goal is to provide innovative, evidence based, current practice back to Hilo.
• Focused areas include sports, wellness/fitness, and orthopedics.

“I want to do more than just rehab athletes, but to also enhance their performance in their sport/hobbies coming back stronger with reduced risk for re-injury.”

Special Training/Certifications: Advance assessment B UE/LE, pelvic, cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine assessment & manipulation. Rock tape and blades, FMT mobility, Strong First Kettlebell, sports-orthopedic focused continuing education.

Hobbies/Interests:
Fitness that involves high intensity interval training (HIIT) involving calisthenics, kettlebells, plyometric, TRX.
Balancing the exercises with my love for food…. I “Live to Eat.”

“I’m still a big child/nerd that collects figures, art and comics from childhood and also attends comic conventions (Comic-Cons).”

Background:

• Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii
• Hilo High School
• Played collegiate baseball at Monterey Peninsula College & UH Hilo
• University of Hawaii at Hilo – BA in Kinesiology & Exercise Science
• West Coast University, Center for Graduate Studies- Doctor of Physical Therapy

Hobbies/ Interests:

• Hanging out with family and friends
• Playing with my dog
• Golfing
• Jumping in the ocean
• Traveling

Background

• Born and raised in Queens, New York, with family roots in Poland.
• Earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Boston College, concentrating in Global Health & Ethics and International Social Justice.
• Completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Hawai’i Pacific University.
• Drawn to physical therapy for its versatile methods in restoring quality of life.
• Professional interests include rehabilitation for chronic pain, orthopedic conditions, and pre/post-operative recovery.

Hobbies & Interests

• Swimming, bodyboarding, paddling
• Photography, meditation, hiking

Background:

• Born and raised in South Africa and moved to central California at 12 years old
• Taught elementary school in Hawaii for 7 years before changing careers to Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Licenced Yoga Instructor: Yin yoga, restorative yoga, kids yoga and yoga for adults with Autism.

Hobbies/Interests:

• Aerial Dance
• Open Ocean Swimming
• Scuba Diving
• Fire Dancing
• Yoga

Background:

• Born & raised in northern California
• Lived in Colorado then moved to Hawaii.
• PTA since 2002, with 17 yrs of experience in skilled nursing, acute care. Transitioned to outpatient rehab in 2018.
• Licensed Massage Therapist.
• Certified in Manual lymph drainage & Alzheimer’s.

Hobbies:/Interests:
Loves spending time with her daughter, being outdoors and participating in Pilates.

Background:

• Born & raised in Hilo, spent a few years living in the Bay Area.
• Graduate of UH Hilo with a degree in Business Administration.

Hobbies/Interests:
Enjoy’s growing succulents, watching Korean drama’s, and buying “entertaining gifts” for her nephew & niece to enjoy.

Background:

• Born and raised in the small town of Lodi, California.
• Moved to Hilo in September 2024.
• Previously worked as a Preschool Teacher’s Aid for a few years.

Hobbies & Interests

• Loves cruisign and riding around on a skateboard.
• Prefers spending free time outdoors in nature rather than being indoors.
• Enjoys practicing yoga.
• Absolutely loves being around all animals.
• Enjoys swimming, snorkeling, and jumping into the ocean.
• Likes gardening.

Background:

• Born and raised in Quebec, Canada.
• Lived in Hilo since 2013.
• Licensed Massage Therapist.
• Special Training/Certifications in Medical Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Cranio Sacral 1, Cupping and Trigger Point Therapy.

Hobbies/Interests:
Gardening, Tennis, Cycling and Hiking.