Denise Chyette, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
As a former competitive figure skater, Denise’s numerous injuries gave her a first-hand look at the importance of physical therapy and conditioning. Early on, she realized the benefit of a holistic approach, combining both the physical and mental aspects of training. She transformed her personal experience to help skaters and other individuals recover from injury and stay healthy. Denise received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology / Exercise Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a Certified Perinatal Health and Fitness Instructor. Denise emphasizes proper biomechanics and combines a variety of techniques including functional training, sports performance, Pilates and yoga. She also enjoys leading community wellness initiatives such as health fairs and fitness / wellness workshops.
Denise is passionate about leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle. She enjoys beach volleyball, stand up paddle boarding, tennis, healthy cooking, travel, and spending time with her husband and two sons. Denise is involved locally in the community with various philanthropic organizations and globally with UNICEF, where she has traveled to Africa to help secure clean drinking water in remote villages, and aided in the development of sports program for children with disabilities.
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Jerry Sher
Physical Therapist
Before his career in physical therapy, Jerry was a professional dancer trained in New York City and Los Angeles. His personal injuries led him to want to help other dancers continue to perform on stage. He earned his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, and spent several years in New York treating dancers at Performing Arts Therapy with repetitive shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle injuries. Jerry enjoys utilizing Pilates-based rehabilitation with his clients to help improve alignment and deep core strength.
Jerry's passion for health and fitness is apparent in his daily life. He is an avid tennis player, and also loves to play beach volleyball and bike on the Strand. He teaches cardio dance and also owns an orthopedic physical therapy practice in Beverly Hills.
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Ashley Smith
DPT, CEAS I, CCRT, AdAPT
In her youth, Ashley was a competitive gymnast who went on to coach competitive gymnastics and cheerleading. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Southern California in 2010. While at USC, she worked as a student Athletic Trainer in the Athletic Medicine Department for soccer and track and field. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from USC in 2013. After obtaining her Doctorate, Ashley earned further credentials as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and additional certification as a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist from the Back School of Atlanta.
Ashley is passionate about ergonomics and injury prevention. She practices evidence-based treatment and functional movement screenings to provide the most effective outcomes for her patients. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, exercising and traveling.
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Sandesha Singh
MPT
Sandesha's journey through life has always been marked by a deep passion for physical activity and a fascination with the human body. Growing up, she found joy in playing volleyball, basketball, and tennis, constantly seeking the thrill of movement and competition.
During her time at UC Santa Barbara, Sandesha had a pivotal moment that would shape her career. It was there that she stumbled upon the field of physical therapy, and it was as if she had found her true calling. In 2000, she graduated from Loma Linda University's Master of Physical Therapy program. Sandesha continued to expand her expertise and holistic approach to wellness by completing a yoga therapy/yoga training course. This endeavor deepened her understanding of the profound connection between the mind and body, emphasizing the importance of breath work and mindfulness in achieving optimal health.
Outside her professional life, Sandesha loves spending time with her husband, two daughters and her dog. She maintains an active lifestyle, playing beach volleyball, swimming, pickleball and yoga.
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Nicolle Rhodes, DPT, CSCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Nicolle is a highly accomplished physical therapist with a passion for helping her patients achieve optimal health and wellness. She holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a Physical Therapy Doctorate from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Nicolle is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Corrective Exercise Specialist.
Before entering the world of physical therapy, Nicolle spent several years in the fitness industry, working in personal training and corporate fitness. This experience has given her a unique perspective on the importance of movement and exercise in promoting long-term health and wellness. Nicolle is passionate about movement analysis and takes the time to educate her patients on how to care for their bodies to prevent further injury.
When she's not working, Nicolle loves to stay active through a variety of activities. She is an avid road cyclist, former triathlete, and enjoys weight lifting, hiking, swimming, yoga, snowboarding, and golfing at Los Verdes. Her passion for fitness and movement is a testament to her commitment to living a healthy and active lifestyle, which she shares with her patients every day.
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David Birznieks
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Dave has over 20 years of experience as a soft tissue Chiropractor specializing in sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Boulder where he worked with the Athletic Department.
He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic medicine at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. His experience as a former competitive athlete led him into the benefits of various soft tissue techniques and their applications including fascial stretch therapy, active release technique, athletic injury assessment, and chiropractic. Dr. Birznieks has extensive clinical experience with athletes from olympic medalists to professional and amateurs of all levels.
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Elizabeth Aragon-Ryan
Certified Pilates Instructor
Elizabeth has been a Classically Trained Pilates Instructor for over 13 years. She has additional training in Thai Yoga massage and an Advanced certification of the Usui Reiki system used in natural healing. Elizabeth enjoys integrating Pilates and physical therapy together in a way that is unique and truly effective. Emphasizing not only core strength, but also flexibility is the heart of Elizabeth’s technique.
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Lisa Thiel
Certified Pilates Instructor
Lisa was first introduced to Pilates in 1998 while on a dance scholarship in Los Angeles. She immediately fell in love with it and continued to practice and seek out classes until getting certified to teach classical Pilates at the Pilates Institute of Southern California in 2005. She has been training clients of all ages and abilities ever since. She truly believes that Pilates is ideal for every body and enjoys designing a session based specifically for the body in front of her. She is motivated by watching her clients build strength and flexibility as well as recover from injury. Lisa loves having the opportunity to bond with her clients as they travel this journey together.
Lisa loves to be physically active with yoga, running, hiking, biking and dancing. In her spare time, Lisa along with her husband and three daughters enjoy spending time outdoors at the beach and traveling.
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Frank Alvarado
Certified Massage Therapist
Frank grew up in the South Bay and is an avid surfer and runner. He attended National Holistic Institute and received a certification in massage therapy. He went on to receive another certification in neuromuscular therapy, a technique that focuses on muscle memory and re-education for the body. Frank was a registered veterinarian technician for 23 years and brings his passion for animals to now help humans. He utilizes his hands-on skills to assist individuals in their recovery from injury and on their path to overall wellness.
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Kristy Kelsey
Practice Manager
Certified Yoga Instructor
Kristy is the Practice Manager of The Wellness Bank. With her business degree and yoga certification, she has the perfect background to run day-to-day operations. Kristy grew up in Hermosa Beach and draws inspiration for her yoga teaching career from her background as an elite dancer. Kristy has completed over 1,000 hours of yoga teacher trainings with Julie Rader and focuses on creative sequencing, safe alignment and the breath + body connection. She is also experienced in therapeutic yoga, as she has worked in physical therapy for 4 years. Kristy leads annual 200-hour teacher trainings for students wanting to become teachers or those just wanting to deepen their yoga practice. When she's not teaching, she's practicing, continuing her education with trainings, reading as much as she can and exploring the world. You can find Kristy on the mat or at the beach! Learn more about her yoga practice here:
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Genevieve Pujalet
Certified Yoga Instructor
Genevieve fell in love with yoga while healing from dance and running injuries as well as debilitating anxiety. She began teaching in the South Bay in 2000 after completing a teacher training through YogaFit, then went on to complete additional teacher training programs at YogaWorks in 2003 and later workshops in therapeutics with Jill Miller. She opened Yoga Loft in downtown Manhattan Beach in 2004 and sold it in late 2009 to focus on teaching. She is also the co-founder of Yoga Mittra teacher trainings, and has led international and local retreats in addition to corporate classes and seminars. Genevieve has taught group Vinyāsa classes of all levels as well as prenatal, kids, yin, and restorative yoga at various studios throughout the South Bay. She believes that breath work, intention, and healing are at the heart of a safe, effective yoga practice. When she's off the mat, Genevieve enjoys reading, hiking, writing, and spending time with her husband, her rambunctious twin boys, and her furry babies.
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