Meet the ASPIRE Pasadena Team
AARON MCGUINNESS PT, DPT, OCS, OWNER
HOURS: T/TH 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 athlete’s 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/Memberships:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS)
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Hawk Grips Technique for Manual Therapy
ALEX ALVARADO, PT, DPT
HOURS: T/TH 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)
adriana Ardila, PT, DPT
HOURS: T/TH 7AM-6PM, W/F 7AM-12PM
Adriana graduated from Columbia University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and is currently a USC orthopedic resident, delving deeper into her orthopedic clinical experience and research.
She was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in Miami, FL. Throughout her youth, she has studied all styles of dance, from classical to social and cultural. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Florida State University. Adriana has performed professionally with Princeton Ballet, and various dance festivals both nationally and internationally.
Through her experience teaching dance, she fostered her understanding of movement patterns and injury prevention. She prioritized learning and nurturing people’s needs to maximize movement efficiency, empowering clients to proactively prioritize their health.
Adriana is a lifelong student dedicated to traveling all over the world to teach, dance, perform, build community, and learn about different cultures.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Patty Burson, PT, DPT
HOURS: M/W/F 8AM-6PM T/TH 8AM-12PM
In the clinic, Patty brings a thoughtful, individualized approach to patient care, blending evidence-based practice with a deep commitment to education, empowerment, and movement optimization. She is especially passionate about helping people return to the activities they love with confidence and resilience. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys working out, going for walks, and spending time at the beach whenever she can—even if it’s a bit more of a drive now that she lives in Pasadena. She loves spending time with friends and family and cherishes quality time with “her people”.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
PRESTON CHAU, PT, DPT
HOURS: Mon/T/Th 7AM-4PM W/F 7AM-12PM
Preston earned both his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. His experience working with active and athletic individuals has given him a genuine appreciation for how injuries can impact not only physical performance but also confidence and mindset.
While in PT school, Preston loved being involved in the community, especially volunteering at the San Diego State Adapted Sports Clinic, where he had the opportunity to work with Paralympic athletes. Those experiences helped shape his passion for helping people of all abilities move and feel their best.
In the clinic, Preston focuses on using evidence-based strategies to guide patients through recovery and help them understand their bodies better for optimal injury prevention and enhance performance.
Originally from San Diego, he still (quietly) roots for his hometown teams, even while living in Los Angeles. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll probably find him out golfing, traveling, relaxing at the beach, or snowboarding in the mountains.
Certifications:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
JASMINE ITTI – MANAGER AIDE
Rebecca Aguilar
Front Office coordinator
COURTNEY RUSSELL
Patient Care Coordinator
HOURS: WEEKDAYS 7AM-5PM (LUNCH 1-2PM)