Meet the ASPIRE Team
AARON MCGUINNESS PT, DPT, OCS, OWNER
LOCATION: LA CAÑADA 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 and 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 to 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
JACLYN LINDELL PT, DPT, OCS
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES HOURS: M/T/W/TH/F 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Jaclyn is a graduate of the Doctorate in Physical Therapy program at the University of Southern California in 2015. She is also an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and has experience with a variety of orthopedic and sports populations from the young athlete to the weekend warrior.
As a clinician, she enjoys working with each patient for an individualized program focused on not only improving injury but also improving performance and reducing the risk of re-injury through movement analysis and functional re-training. She has extensive training in a variety of martial arts where she earned her black belt in Tang Soo Do which has led to her passion for treating combat and tactical athletes.
She also specializes in working with endurance athletes. She hopes to expand Physical Therapy’s role with these athletes in rehabilitation, prevention, and performance. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and finding new fitness adventures! She has completed multiple tough mudders/spartan races, climbed mount Whitney, backpacked the Salkantay trek in Peru, and motivates the Aspire PT staff in fitness challenges.
Certifications/Affiliations:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
CPR and AED certified
APTA member
CHRISTOPHER GERONA PT, DPT, SCS, CAFS
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES HOURS: M/T/W/F: 9:00AM-6PM, TH 2:00PM-6:00PM
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 when it comes 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 that drives his treatment approach with the use of manual techniques and cutting-edge technology. He believes in creating an environment that allows the body to heal effectively and efficiently to perform at his/her highest level as the patient transitions back into their 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 of 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 with his 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: LA CAÑADA HOURS: M/W/F 8:00AM-5:00PM
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 that 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.
NICOLE PETROUSIAN PT, DPT
LOCATION: LA CAÑADA
HOURS: M/W 12:00AM-6:00PM, T/TH: 7:00-7:00PM, F 7:00AM-2:00PM
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 spanning 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 got 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 in order to improve movement, impairments, and reduce the risk of injury.
Certifications/Memberships:
AMANDA “AJ” VOLK, pt, dpt
LOCATION: LA CAÑADA HOURS M/W 7:00AM-12:00PM, T/TH/F 7:00AM-6:00PM
AJ “Amanda” Volk is a graduate from the former Saint Joseph’s College in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Biology/Human Sciences, Summa Cum Laude. During her time in college, AJ was the starting goalkeeper for the Pumas varsity soccer team traveling around the Midwest for collegiate competition.
After her time in Indiana, AJ ventured west to study at the University of Southern California graduating with her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Following her graduation, she was accepted into USC’s Orthopedic Residency program. That was also ASPIRE’s first year being a clinical site for an orthopedic resident which is composed of clinical mentoring, literature review, MD shadowing, and research.
AJ enjoys working with athletes of all ages and anyone who has a passion for movement or activity. She enjoys using functional movement, manual therapy, and exercise to ensure each patient has a specific plan unique to them to ensure quality physical therapy care.
Originally from Victoria, Canada (eh!), AJ loves to be outdoors and stays active with hiking, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, soccer, running, etc. She also loves the Pacific Ocean, mountains, cold weather, and hockey of course!
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
USC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident
DORIAN SAINT-DANIC PT,DPT,OCS
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES HOURS: M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM
Born in Bosnia, then raised in South Pasadena, Dorian Saint-Danic has held a lifelong passion for movement and sports. Dorian played basketball and water polo at the high school and collegiate level, graduating with his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology & Exercise Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2012.
His own sports injuries introduced him to the world of rehabilitative medicine, paving the path to his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of California San Francisco in 2016. In 2017, he completed the University of Southern California Orthopedic Residency Program and became a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Until his debut at ASPIRE in July 2020, Dorian was working in San Francisco primarily treating runners, cyclists, swimmers, weightlifters, and high school athletes.
Dorian is a proponent of movement optimization, and strength & conditioning to not only rehabilitate injury but establish resilience to future episodes. Patients can expect individualized care that is founded on current literature, clinical experience, and client values. Using positional and movement-based performance analysis, Dorian’s clients gain awareness of where they are and where they need to be to reach their sport, hobby, and activity goals. Dorian’s clinical and research interests focus on the lower extremity, ACL injury, and youth athlete development.
Outside of the office, Dorian enjoys following the Lakers, playing basketball, yoga, meditation, and books exploring human psychology. Most importantly, Dorian enjoys spending time with his newlywed wife (and high school sweetheart), reacclimating to sunny Southern California.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialists (OCS)
Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
CrossFit Level 1 Certified Trainer (CFL1-Tr)
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Myofascial Decompression (MFDc)
Functional Movement Taping (FMT) Basic & Performance
CPR/AED for the Healthcare Provider
Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)
Brett Ballesteros PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS
LOCATION: LA CAÑADA – FOOTHILL HOURS: M/W/Th/F 7:00AM-6:00PM
Brett Ballesteros is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training in 2014. Following his graduation, Brett had the opportunity to work as an Athletic Training Intern with the Golden State Warriors during the 2014-2015 season. Following this, Brett worked with Stanford University’s Football and Track & Field Programs. During this time, Brett realized he wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy and was accepted to the University of Southern California’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program.
During his time at USC, Brett was fortunate to have a diverse set of clinical experiences. His first and second physical therapy rotations were here at Aspire. He also had rotations in the pain management, inpatient orthopedics, and outpatient orthopedic settings.
Prior to the start of Brett’s third and final year of physical therapy school, he was fortunate enough to return to the Golden State Warriors as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Performance Coach for the 2018-2019 season. In this role, he assisted players in their rehabilitation programs and helped implement their performance programs. He then graduated from USC in December 2019.
Currently, Brett is completing USC’s Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program. Besides working in the clinic, Brett assists in teaching in the entry-level physical therapy program at USC, has scheduled mentor hours each week, takes part in a weekly literature review, completes research, and participates in MD shadowing.
In his free time, Brett enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Amanda, and their 6-month-old chocolate lab, Clark. They enjoy exercising, going to the beach, and going for hikes and walks.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
USC Physical Therapy Orthopedic Resident
Certified Athletic Trainer
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
PRESTON POOLE PT, DPT
LOCATION: LA CAÑADA – FOOTHILL HOURS: M/W/Th/F 7:00AM-6:00PM
Preston Poole is a graduate from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) with a Bachelor of Science degrees 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 a variety of 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, Preston became very familiar with the process of physical therapy and how necessary such a profession was for someone wanting to return to their passion and quality of life. Preston understood the importance movement had on being able to obtain 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 from occurring. Preston accomplishes this by incorporating a total body analysis which takes the focus from the injury site to the person as a whole. Preston 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 high level of activity, body awareness and understanding posture and positioning are key elements when preventing injury. Preston strives to gain the trust of his patients through maintaining integrity and compassion and enjoys connecting with everyone on a more personal level.
Certifications/Memberships
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CPR Certified
APTA Member
TIFFANY GU, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, otr/l
LOCATION: LA CAÑADA HOURS: TH 9AM-2PM
Tiffany is our amazing occupational therapist. She specializes in treating the hand, wrist, and elbow.
KIMBERLEE VAN DYKE, aspire Office manager, PT Aide
LOCATION: LA CANADA 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 taking care of 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!
