Meet the ASPIRE ocean view Team
SHANT MINASSIAN, pt, dpt, OCS, CSCS, USAW-1
HOURS: M-TH 8AM-6PM, F 8AM-12PM
Shant Minassian graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2018 with honors, earning his degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Science. In 2023, he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from USC and completed its Orthopedic Residency program in 2024. He has worked with various patient populations, from post-operative individuals to competitive athletes seeking a safe return to high-level play.
Shant has always been fascinated with how movement and exercise can promote healing, not only in the physical realm but also in enhancing mental and emotional well-being. He appreciates the human body and how interconnected each part is to create movement, and enjoys helping others feel and move better. This began before starting his DPT education, where he spent time working as a personal trainer and group exercise class coach.
He has also competed in and coached an Olympic Weightlifting team, taking part in local and semi-national meets. When he’s not in the clinic, he likes to stay active by training in Muay Thai, lifting weights, practicing photography, and relaxing at home, just watching cartoons.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
United States American Weightlifting Level 1 Coach (USAW-1)
Martha Goodwin, PT, DPT, OCS
HOURS: M/Th 9AM-2PM, W 9AM-6PM
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 the 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, SCS, ATC
HOURS: M/W/F 9AM-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, and completed USC’s Sports residency program the following year.
Through this rigorous curriculum, he learned to use evidence-based practice to help progressional, 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 is the team physical therapist for the Toronto Titans, a professional swimming team in the International Swimming League. Daniel specializes in shoulder injuries in overhead athletes and enjoys using the lessons learned from treating Olympians to help every patient he sees.
Outside 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, ATC
HOURS: M-F 9AM-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)
MAGGIE YAMAMOTO, PT, DPT, NCS
HOURS: TH 10AM-2PM
Maggie Yamamoto graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Human Physiology. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed the USC/Rancho Los Amigos Neurologic Residency program shortly after.
She is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist in physical therapy. Before coming to Aspire Physical Therapy, she worked as a full-time clinical faculty at USC, gaining further experience working with individuals with chronic neurologic conditions. Some areas of expertise include neurodegenerative conditions, headaches/migraines, post-concussion/traumatic brain injury, stroke, AIDP/CIDP, and dizziness/vestibular disorders.
Maggie maintains her adjunct faculty position at USC and she continues to teach in the USC DPT Program. Maggie grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California and played many sports, including volleyball, swimming, and tennis. She was a swim coach for children ages 4-18 years old for 2 years, before embarking on her physical therapy journey.
She enjoys treating those with neurologic conditions and feels she can be a positive support and advocate for these individuals. Her goal is to help people maximize their ability to participate in their desired activities. In her free time, she enjoys being in the outdoors, hiking, swimming, backpacking, fly fishing, and skiing.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)
Certificate in Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation, 2024
Jessica Ricafort – PT, DPT
HOURS: M 8AM – 12PM T/W/TH/F 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Jessica earned her BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento and then went on to participate in a rigorous surgical internship as a pre-medical student at the University of California Davis Medical Center where her fascination for the human body grew. At UC Davis she utilized her passion for teaching as a student instructor for Introductory Psychology and a mentor for freshmen in addition to serving as a teaching assistant for various professors during her sophomore and junior years. She was also an active member of two honor societies, Psi Chi and Delta Epsilon Iota.
During her volunteer experience, Jessica learned that she did not want to pursue medical school. However, she had a deep knowledge that she wanted to work in the healthcare industry in some capacity.
So In 2014, Jessica moved to San Francisco to become a fitness trainer. During this time, she grew her own personal training business and worked for various gyms. While helping others look their best, Jessica realized that she wanted to become a movement expert and guide people to improve their quality of life. Jessica soon became a rehabilitation aide at Select Physical Therapy, where she confirmed her life’s calling to become a physical therapist. She went on to earn her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Southern California.
Jessica is a black belt in Taekwondo and is currently exploring other forms of martial arts. She loves to lift weights and participate in races. She completed the Spartan race trifecta last year. She enjoys dancing, cooking, indoor bouldering, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with her husband and labrador Retriever/Pitbull mix (Falcon). She is now in the middle of publishing a children’s storybook.
Known for her holistic therapy approach, Jessica draws on her 8 years of experience in exercise prescription to design creative programs that integrate each patient’s lifestyle and passions with evidence-based practices, delivering personalized and effective treatment plans.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
ALEX ALVARADO, PT, DPT
HOURS: M/T/TH/F 7AM - 6PM W/F 7AM - 12PM
Alex Alvarado received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. While in San Diego, he worked as a physical therapy aide, gaining experience working with patients and understanding how Physical Therapy can truly help people. He then attended the Western University of Health Sciences to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, where he emphasized therapeutic exercise and manual therapy treatment plans.
Alex is passionate about educating patients on Physical Therapy and how PT can empower individuals to recover from their injuries. At the start of his career, he worked with an orthopedic surgeon, where he learned to manage the rehabilitation of post-operative patients.
His cases focused on shoulders, knees, and the spine, ranging from rotator cuff repairs to labral repairs, ACL reconstructions, meniscus repairs, spinal fusions, etc. He continues to challenge himself by learning the most recent evidence-based practices and implementing them into treatment plans.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alex is a passionate fan of LA-based sports teams, including the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, and Kings. His sports background includes playing baseball, soccer, and football, as well as coaching young athletes. In his free time, he loves swimming, hiking, and spending quality time with his family.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
JERICK NOMURA, pt, dpt
HOURS: Tues/Wed/Th/ Friday 7AM-6PM
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jerick grew up playing baseball year-round and staying active outdoors. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Whitman College in 2021, where he played outfield for the Blues for four years.
After graduation, he spent a gap year working as a physical therapy aide in Hawaii, where he came to appreciate the value of physical therapy and grew his passion for helping others heal through movement. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2025.
During PT school, Jerick gained experience in a wide range of clinical settings—from working on a hospital’s cardiopulmonary floor to treating professional baseball players during spring training. These experiences helped shape his approach to care: crafting personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that empower patients to return to the activities that matter most.
In his free time, Jerick enjoys fishing, golfing, playing pickleball, and supporting his favorite baseball team, the San Francisco Giants!
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Susanne Ibarra, Patient Care Coordinator
HOURS: WEEKDAYS 9AM-5PM
