Meet the ASPIRE Team
AARON MCGUINNESS PT, DPT, OCS, OWNER
LOCATION: FOOTHILL
HOURS: M/W/F 7:00AM-6:00PM
Born and raised in Glendale, Aaron McGuinness is the founder and owner of Aspire Physical Therapy & Sports Performance. He specializes in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Gonzaga University, where he was a 4-year starting shortstop on the Bulldog baseball team. He completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2011 and was accepted into the university’s residency program, where he completed his Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2011.
Aaron worked closely with many sports physicians, including a Dodger physician, Dr. John Itamura, the USC sports physician Dr. George Hatch, and the Lakers physician Dr. Dan Kharrazi with Kerlan and Jobe Orthopedics. Aaron works with a wide array of athletes, from adolescent to professional, by developing sport specific exercises, injury prevention programs, post-operative protocols, and strengthening programs to return to the prior level of function.
Aaron’s Vision: “I want to help athletes of all ages perform at the peak level with strength and body mechanics that will promote the athletes maximum ability while preventing injury. Many athletes are unaware of their faulty movement patterns and risk for injury until it is too late, and that’s where we can help. With proper training, treatment, and motivation the athlete can get the most out of themselves. And remember, we are all athletes in our own way, so this approach is appropriate for all patient types.”
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS)
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Hawk Grips Technique for Manual Therapy
CHRISTOPHER GERONA PT, DPT, SCS, CAFS
LOCATION: GLENDALE/LOS ANGELES
HOURS: M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM
After suffering a torn ACL during high school football, physical therapy did more than just heal him; it would become his new love and passion. Born and raised in San Francisco, Chris Gerona moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California.
In 2010, he completed USC’s Sports Residency Program and became a board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist. Passionate about always learning and helping others grow, Chris is also an adjunct faculty instructor for the University of Southern California, teaching in orthopedic courses.
Chris is no stranger to specialized treatments and research in a wide range of sports. He published research papers in baseball and has presented at multiple physical therapy and medical seminars, and conferences. His expertise ranges from treating young and upcoming athletes to professional athletes in numerous sports.
He has worked closely with boxers and professional mixed martial arts fighters during training camps in preparation for fights. From 2010-2017, Chris worked as the physical therapist for the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA basketball team, who recently won the 2016 WNBA championships.
He has also worked closely with physicians from the Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Group, inpatient care, developing post-surgical protocols, return to sport protocols, research, writing blogs, and volunteered services with Dr. Clarence Shield’s Team HEAL program in team physicals, assessing the musculoskeletal system of high school athletes. Along with teaching at the USC, he also mentors within the USC Residency Program, and is a clinical instructor to physical therapy students across the U.S.
Chris uses evidence-based practice with clinical experience as his foundation to drive his treatment approach with manual techniques and cutting-edge technology. He believes in creating an environment that allows the body to heal effectively and efficiently perform at the highest level, as a patient transitions back into a career, sport, hobby, and life. What truly makes Chris special and what his patients rave about is his passion, drive, and commitment to help you get better.
Outside the office, Chris is a die-hard Star Wars fan, watches Game of Thrones, and loves to golf. Most importantly, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and three adventurous boys—including a set of twins—who are learning the ways of the force, thanks to dad.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS)
Applied Functional Science (CAFS)
Myofascial Decompression (MFDc)
Graston Technique Trained
Functional Movement Systems Y Balance Test Certified (YBTc)
Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specialists (MMACS)
Emergency Responder and CPR (ER)
Memberships:
The exclusive American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists (ASSET)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)
ALEXANDRA CARLIN PT, DPT
LOCATION: OCEANVIEW
HOURS: M-TH 7:30AM-4:00PM
Alexandra Carlin is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Natural Sciences/Physical Therapy. She graduated cum laude with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. She feels USC provided her with a strong foundation, while allowing her to incorporate her own philosophies of manual therapy and functional movement to promote superior care to her patients.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
NICOLE PETROUSIAN PT, DPT
LOCATION: FOOTHILL
HOURS: M/T 12:00PM-5:00PM
Nicole Petrousian is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology. During her undergraduate years, Nicole worked as a physical therapy aide in multiple settings, from outpatient ortho to inpatient acute rehab. As a PT aide, she confirmed her love for physical therapy and worked hard to one day become one. Her dreams became a reality when she was accepted to the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences, where she received her doctorate degree in physical therapy in 2018.
Born and raised in La Crescenta, Nicole attended Crescenta Valley High School and was a varsity cheerleader. During this time, Nicole worked as a children’s gymnastics coach at a local gym and participated in gymnastics, soccer, and ballet training. Her passion to motivate individuals to be physically active is where her love for PT began.
Since becoming a physical therapist, Nicole has attended multiple continuing education courses with a focus on movement analysis. She has experience in working with athletes of all levels, as well as workers comp, neurological disorders, and post-op rehabilitation.
Through evidence-based practice, Nicole creates individualized programs best suited for each patient, to improve movement, impairments, and reduce the risk of injury.
Certifications/Memberships:
KEVIN YU PT, DPT
LOCATION: OCEAN VIEW
HOURS: T/TH/F 7AM-6PM
LOCATION: GLENDALE/LOS ANGELES
HOURS: M/W 1:00PM-6:00PM
Kevin Yu received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of Southern California with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and then completed USC’s Orthopedic Residency program to specialize in orthopedic injuries.
Kevin grew up in the Los Angeles area, playing various sports, such as basketball, football, and a more recent interest in the game of golf. This passion for sports and exercise led him to pursue further education as a certified strength and conditioning specialist, to develop a better understanding of exercise principles to treat various patient populations.
Kevin has a passion for helping individuals understand how to optimize their health and physical ability, so that they return to their personal passions and joys in life. He uses current evidence-based research, his strength and conditioning background, and a whole-body perspective to guide his treatment practice and provide the best care possible for his patients.
In his personal time, Kevin enjoys playing golf and basketball, watching his Lakers win championships, and finding delicious restaurants and foods throughout the LA area.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Allison Lombardo DPT, PT, OCS
LOCATION: LA CRESCENTA
HOURS: M-TH: 9AM-2PM
Allison Lombardo is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training. She graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and then participated in a rigorous postdoctoral residency program at the University of Southern California to specialize in orthopedic injuries. She is now a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.
Allison grew up in Norcross, Georgia, and enjoyed playing various sports including soccer, basketball, swimming, and volleyball. Allison initially became interested in physical therapy after her own exercise related injuries. In her recovery, she discovered the importance of using movement as medicine. As a physical therapist, Allison works with patients to create a treatment plan tailored to each patient. Her top priority is to empower each patient to take control of their healing journey, to get them back to their goals. She uses the latest research to guide her practice and provide excellent care to patients of all ages.
In her free time, Allison enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and three kids. They enjoy hiking, neighborhood adventures, and trips to the beach!
PRESTON POOLE PT, DPT
LOCATION: OCEANVIEW
HOURS: M/W/F 7:00AM-6:00PM, T/TH 7AM-12PM
Preston Poole is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and an epiphysis in Pre-Allied Health. While working on his bachelor’s degree, Preston was a Physical Therapy Aide at two outpatient orthopedic clinics that specialized in return-to-sport for high school and professional athletes involved in NFL, MLB, AVP and PGA, along with weekend warriors from various athletic backgrounds. After obtaining his degree from CSUF, Preston received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Preston graduated at the top of his class, while receiving the inaugural Distinguished Student Award. Preston enjoyed his time in the Lone Star State, but is happy to be back in sunny Southern California, where he can bring the knowledge and experience he received in Texas back to his SoCal community.
Preston grew up in Downey, California, where he developed a passion for outdoor activities including beach volleyball, snowboarding and motocross. Through participation in extreme sports, he became familiar with the process of physical therapy and how necessary such a profession was for someone looking to return to their passion and quality of life. Preston also understood what the importance of movement was, why it impacted the true essence of the human experience, and how physical therapy was the gateway to achieve such goals.
Preston possesses a passion for developing personalized programs for individuals who are not only returning from injury, but also to prevent future injuries. Preston accomplishes this by incorporating a total body analysis, which takes the focus from the injury site to the person as a whole. He understands that physical therapy is an all-encompassing field that incorporates restoration of the mind and body, and has shown to be a proactive and preventative resource for the global health of the individual. Whether you are sitting at a desk for long hours or returning to a higher level of activity, body awareness and understanding posture and positioning are key elements for preventing injury. Preston strives to gain the trust of his patients while maintaining integrity and compassion, and enjoys connecting with people on a more personal level.
Certifications/Memberships
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CPR Certified
APTA Member
Reid Gantney PT, DPT, ATC, CSC
LOCATION: FOOTHILL
HOURS: M 8AM-6PM, T/T 7AM-6PM, W 12-6PM, F 7AM-12PM
Reid was born and raised in La Canada, and has been involved in youth sports in the area his whole life as a player, coach, and Athletic Trainer. While attending his undergraduate studies in Athletic Training at California State University Northridge (CSUN), Reid coached high school football and volleyball at La Canada High School and Saint Francis High School.
Reid started his professional career as the Head Athletic Trainer for John Burroughs High School in Burbank, where he worked for the better part of a decade to evaluate, rehabilitate, and prevent injuries to student athletes. During that time, Reid continued to pursue his education, completed his Masters Degree in Exercise Science, and became a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
He also became a part time faculty member at CSUN as a professor in the kinesiology department, sharing his passion with future athletic training students. Reid decided to further his clinical knowledge and returned to CSUN to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. At CSUN, he developed a passion for working with a wide variety of patients beyond athletes. Reid is grateful to serve the community he calls home to his family.
Martha Goodwin PT, DPT, OCS
LOCATION: OCEANVIEW
HOURS: M 12:30-6:30PM W 1-6:30PM
Martha received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Studies at the University of Tampa with a minor in Chemistry.
While attending the University of Tampa, she was a member of the women’s soccer team, winning a NCAA National Championship. Martha initially became interested in physical therapy after multiple knee injuries and subsequent surgeries she underwent in high school and college.
Her desire to return to athletic competition following injury has led to her interest in treating individuals who wish to return to a previous level of function post injury, whether it is athletic competition or daily activities.
After graduating from the University of Southern California with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, she participated in a rigorous post-doctorate residency program at USC to specialize in orthopedic injuries.
She is now a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. In her free time, Martha enjoys hiking, running, baking bread, and the company of her family and friends!
Board certified Orthopedic clinical specialist
Certified PWR! Clinician: Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery
Daniel Fox PT, DPT, ATC
LOCATION: OCEANVIEW
HOURS: M/W/F 7AM-6PM
Daniel Fox received his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of New Mexico. He graduated from the University of Southern California with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, then completed USC’s Sports Residency program the following year. Through this rigorous curriculum, he learned to use evidence-based practice to help professional, college, and amateur athletes achieve their goals and prevent further injury.
Daniel grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and played every sport he could, including basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, and baseball. He developed an interest in sports medicine after suffering a torn ACL while playing basketball. He is still passionate about using his own experiences with a year-long recovery process to help athletes recover from their own ACL injuries.
When not in La Cañada, Daniel has had the opportunity to travel the world, providing medical care to Olympic-level swimmers. He works as the team physical therapist for the Toronto Titans, a professional swimming team in the International Swimming League (https://isl.global/). Daniel specializes in shoulder injuries in overhead athletes and enjoys using the lessons learned from treating Olympians to help every patient he sees.
Outside of the office, Daniel still enjoys playing basketball, golf, tennis, and spending time with his fiancé. Between swimming trips, they both return to the mountains of New Mexico to visit family and get lost hiking and snowboarding.
Certifications/Memberships:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
USC Sports Physical Therapy Resident
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA
Naomi Shapira PT, DPT
LOCATION: OCEANVIEW
HOURS: M/W/F 7AM-6PM
Originally born in Israel, Naomi moved with her family to Dallas, Texas at the age of 10. She began her pre-professional ballet training there and was invited to train at the School of American Ballet (SAB) in New York when she was 16.
After graduating from SAB, she joined Los Angeles Ballet and danced professionally with the company for 2 years, before changing career paths to pursue physical therapy.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from California State University, Northridge, and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. She is happy to be back in LA and excited to pursue her passion for treating dancers and general orthopaedic patients.
In her free time, Naomi still enjoys taking ballet classes. She also loves cooking and finding the best foodie spots around town.
Certifications/Memberships:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
ARMAND SALAS, pt, dpt
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES
HOURS: M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM
Armand Salas graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He found his passion for physical therapy during his time with his grandmother or “abuela”, in which he witnessed how physical therapy could help those move in all facets of life. After being inspired to become a physical therapist, he graduated with his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of California.
Armand grew up in the border town of El Paso, Texas, where Latino culture and “Spanglish” are common themes. His passion continues to stem from empathizing with his patients to meet them where they’re at, while combining his treatment with his love for movement analysis. He loves working with both inpatient and outpatient populations, where he treated various post-op patients, including those with Parkinson’s Disease and CVAs.
He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from USC this past May, and will be working at our Los Angeles/Glendale location.
Outside of being a complete stud in the clinic, Armand enjoys weightlifting, hiking, practicing Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and listening to EDM while Armand frequents various food stands around L.A. (As an El Paso, Texas native, Armand has enjoyed eating burritos his whole life to maintain his physique!) On the weekends, he enjoys practicing Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and bike riding around L.A. Fun fact: Armand is full of love due to having had open heart surgery at 4-years old.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Courtney Yewell, PT, DPT
LOCATION: FOOTHILL
HOURS: M 7AM-12PM, T/T/F 7AM-6PM
Courtney graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Kinesiology. She then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of Southern California. During her time there, she worked with patients of all ages and athletic abilities. She is excited to continue working with this population to create a unique plan of care for each individual and get them back to the activities they love!
Robert Fundter, PT, DPT
LOCATION: LA CRESCENTA
HOURS: M-TH: 7AM-6PM
Robert Fundter’s bio is coming soon.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Katie Sacha, PT, DPT
LOCATION: FOOTHILL
HOURS: T-TH 7AM-6PM, F 7AM-5PM
Bio coming soon
KIMBERLEE VAN DYKE, aspire Office manager,
LOCATION: FOOTHILL
HOURS: WEEKDAYS 9AM-5PM
Kimberlee is our awesome Office Manager! She was born in Glendale, raised in Burbank, and grew up loving people and playing sports. She studied kinesiology and graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, emphasis in Exercise Science. Her passion for caring for people is in her nature. To continue her dream of helping others, she is currently aspiring to go to PT school within the next couple of years. With a background in volleyball, she’s ready to dig for all kinds of challenges!
