Adam Harner
Adam Harner graduated with his doctorate of physical therapy. He has been a physical therapist since 2000 and at Rady Children’s since 2008. Adam specializes in orthopedic and pediatric rehabilitation, and he is currently the physical therapist for Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s. Adam serves as a mentor for new physical therapy graduates and as a clinical instructor for students currently enrolled in physical therapy programs.
Allison Angeli
Allison Angeli has been a physical therapist since 2012 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2013. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the pediatric and research sections. Allison’s goal is to provide outstanding patient care to her patients and families.
Andre Bell
Andre Bell has been a physical therapist since 2017 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2021. He has expertise in orthopedics, manual therapy and sports rehabilitation. Andre’s goal is to create a fun, exciting environment where his patients learn and grow while achieving their goals.
Anita Intorre
Anita Intorre has been a physical therapist since 2008 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2015. Anita specializes in orthopedic, neurologic and cardiac rehabilitation. She is a certified personal trainer and a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Her goal is to improve the quality of life of her patients.
April Long
April has been a Physical Therapist since 2011 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2018 and at CCS since 2011. She is a pediatric certified specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). April’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to deliver exceptional patient care and be a part of a multi-disciplinary team to enhance patient care.
Arnold Lazaga
Arnold Lazaga has been a licensed physical therapist since 2015 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2017. He also works with our nation’s veterans as a physical therapist at Veterans Affairs San Diego and has a special interest in chronic musculoskeletal conditions. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. His goal in working at Rady Children’s is to develop exercise programs to help children get back to their daily and recreational activities.
Bridget Nolan
Bridget Nolan has been a physical therapist since 2016 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2018. Bridget specializes in pediatrics and orthopedics. She is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Section on Pediatrics. Her goal is to help patients and their families reach their specific goals while having fun.
Catherine Murphy
Catherine Murphy has been a Physical Therapist since 2020 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2024. Catherine has special talents in the areas of working with kids with sensory impairments/multiple sensory loss. She is a board-certified Physical Therapist and is a current member of the APTA and the Developmental Services Inpatient Team. Catherine’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to help children and their families reach their goals and realize that anything is possible with the right mindset.
Christine Amacker
Christine Amacker graduated from the University of Southern California and has been working at Rady since 2021. She has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient pediatric settings. Christine currently specializes in developmental and orthopedic pediatrics and is also a member of the Rady Children’s Motion Analysis Lab. Christine’s goal is to have every child meet their specific goals through fun and educational treatment sessions.
Christine Jeng
Christine Jeng has been a physical therapist since 2018 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2021. Christine specializes in developmental and orthopedic pediatrics, with experience treating individuals with developmental, neurologic, genetic and orthopedic conditions and is a member of the Rady Children’s Balance Disorders Clinic team. She is a certified RockTape Advanced Taping and IASTM practitioner and is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Christine’s goal is to create a supportive, fun and collaborative therapeutic experience for each of her patients.
Courtney Gaardsmoe
Courtney Gaardsmoe has been a physical therapist since 2021 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2022. She has experience treating orthopedic and sports injuries and is a NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her goal is to be an advocate for all her patients and their families and to provide fun, individualized care to help patients get back to the activities they love.
Danielle Lindsey
Danielle Lindsey has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s since 2012. She attended undergraduate school at San Diego State University, where she served as captain of the school’s Division I softball team. She later went on to play professional softball in Italy, where her team won the Italian Cup and league championship. Danielle is grateful for the life lessons learned while playing competitive sports, and she often applies it to her daily life and work. She has a special interest in developmental pediatrics and sports orthopedic rehabilitation. Danielle is a certified educator of infant massage and in 2020 became a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy. She strives to empower parents in being the experts for their child and to improve the quality of life for every patient she sees.
Doris Shen
Doris Shen has been a physical therapist since 2008 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2011. She has special training in the areas of pain management, core strengthening, vestibular rehabilitation and physical therapy interventions for hematology and oncology patients. Doris’ goal is to help children and families increase their quality of life through physical activity and help them achieve their sports and activity goals, whatever they may be.
Elizabeth Hall
Elizabeth Hall is the department supervisor for inpatient Developmental Services. She has been a physical therapist since 2004 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2010. Elizabeth specializes in hemophilia/thrombophilia, point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound, acute inpatient care, critical care, cardiac rehabilitation, early intervention, and neurological or genetic conditions. Her goal is to provide family-centered care to improve the child’s quality of life and maximize their potential.
Emily Maxwell
Emily has been a physical therapist since 2020 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since September 2020. She has experience with pediatrics, adaptive sports, acute care and orthopedics. Emily’s goal is to provide children and families with the tools they need to succeed and live their lives to their fullest potential.
Eve Edwards
Eve Edwards graduated from the University of Southern California and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2023. She has special talent in working with young dancers and performing artists as she was a competitive dancer for 14 years. Eve’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to create a welcoming, uplifting environment in treatment sessions that are uniquely catered to meet a child’s individual needs.
Hannah Walter
Hannah Walter has been a physical therapist since 2017 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2020. She specializes in developmental pediatrics, torticollis and orthopedics. Hannah’s goal is to help patients and families achieve their goals in a comprehensive, positive working environment. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys staying active and plays professional ultimate frisbee.
Heather Deja
Heather Deja has been a physical therapist since 2018 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2019. Her special interests include treating infants with developmental delays and helping young athletes overcome orthopedic injuries, especially dancers. Heather spent over 20 years training and competing in ballet and Scottish Highland dancing. She is currently a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her goal is to provide excellent, fun care that enables kids to achieve their highest potential.
Heather Waters
Heather Waters has been a physical therapist since 2014 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2015. She has a special interest in pediatric orthopedics, manual therapy and torticollis. She is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her goal is to provide patient-centered, quality care while helping children achieve their maximum potential in a fun and safe environment.
Heather Welham
Heather Welham has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2015. Heather has a special interest in orthopedics, sports medicine, return to sport training and running biomechanics, specifically in the adolescent pediatric population. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, she was a YMCA sports coach for a variety of sports. Her goal is to provide fun individualized treatments and help her patients reach their highest potential in sport and play.
Holly Elwell
Holly Elwell has been with Rady Children’s since 2004 as a member of the outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine team. Holly serves as a mentor for new physical therapy graduates and as a clinical instructor for students currently enrolled in physical therapy programs. Her mission is to facilitate each child’s return to sports, play and life activities and to educate young people about how to better care for their bodies.
Isabella Beal
Isabella Beal has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2023. She has experience working in Orthopedic and Developmental Pediatric settings. Isabella played collegiate soccer and continues to be passionate about individualized and sport-specific rehabilitation. She also worked as a Behavioral Technician using play-based early intervention and ABA techniques with neurodivergent children. Isabella’s goal is to empower patients and their family to allow them to reach their goals.
Jay Blumberg
Jay Blumberg, Supervisor of Physical Therapy, received his DPT at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He began work at Rady Children’s Hospital as an outpatient physical therapist in 2014, specializing in sports rehab. Jay has developed injury prevention programs for both professional and youth sports clubs and has given numerous talks to players and coaches. He regularly hosts sports medicine presentations at local high schools. He wrote and published a children’s book, which focuses on youth health and fitness and has published articles for orthopedic magazines. Jay served as the PT Coordinator of Clinical Education for many years and transitioned to his new leadership role in 2023.
Jennifer Blazer
Jennifer Blazer has been a physical therapist since 2004 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2011. Jenn specializes in developmental pediatrics, torticollis, adolescent orthopedics and sports injuries. She is an American Physical Therapy Association-certified clinical instructor and has taken numerous continuing education courses in various areas, including hypotonia, kinesiotaping, and athletic injuries and rehabilitation. Jenn has played sports most of her life and enjoys working with young athletes. She also has previous experience in early intervention and enjoys working with children under age 3. Jennifer’s goal is to help children and families achieve their goals as quickly as possible.
Jennifer Harris
Jennifer Harris has been a physical therapist since 2001 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2002. Jennifer has specializes in developmental pediatrics, including treating children with neurological, congenital and orthopedic impairments, as well as in adolescent orthopedics, including children with sports injuries and post-surgical needs. She has taken many continuing education courses in pediatrics and orthopedic treatment.
Jessica Garfin
Jessica Garfin is a physical therapist who has worked at Rady Children’s since 2008. Jessica has taken numerous continuing education classes to improve her orthopedic and sports training skills. These include classes on shoulder and knee sports injuries, a year-long class that focused on orthopedic manual physical therapy and many Pilate classes. Jessica also worked with semi-professional female soccer players, male ice-hockey players and professional female volleyball players to help them with rehabilitation. She loves working with young athletes, as they are very motivated to return to their sport.
Jessica Mangilit
Jessica has been a physical therapist since 2020 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2022. Jessica has a special interest in providing early intervention services and has experience working with children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Jessica trained in Tae Kwon Do for 16 years and was an assistant instructor until she began graduate school at the University of Southern California. She also plays drums and has performed with various drumline groups across San Diego. Jessica’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to utilize evidence-based practice to assist children and their families with meeting their goals in a fun and safe way.
Joan Connolly
Joan Connolly has been a physical therapist since 1985 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2006. She has experience in treating children with cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, developmental delay, torticollis/plagiocephaly and Down Syndrome. She was a physical therapist for California Children’s Services for nine years. Joan’s goal is to help parents help their children.
Joy Pickering
Joy Pickering has been a physical therapist since 2000 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2015. Joy specializes in orthopedics. She has taken many orthopedic continuing education classes, including a year-long manual therapy course to further her skills as a clinician. Joy played soccer at UC Santa Barbara and still loves to play and watch her children play. Her goal is to provide excellent patient care and maximize each patient’s potential to return to sports or prior level of function.
Julie Klus
Julie Klus has been a physical therapist since 2003 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2009. Julie specializes developmental delay, acute care, rehabilitation and orthopedic pediatric physical therapy. She also has experience in geriatric rehabilitation. She is currently pursuing holistic health studies to complement her physical therapy skills.
Katherine Keller
Katherine Keller (KC) has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s since 1999. KC specializes in pediatrics and orthopedics, and is currently the physical therapist at MDA Clinic at Rady Children’s. KC has played softball, volleyball and soccer in high school as well as volleyball at a Division II University, where she went to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. KC enjoys running and completing in half marathons. She enjoys working with children, helping them achieve their goals.
Kelly Randich
Kelly Randich is the Manager of Physical Therapy at Rady Children’s Hospital. Kelly has been with the organization since August 2011, when she started as a physical therapist on the team. During her clinical time, she has been actively involved in the development of 360 Sports Medicine, a multidisciplinary program that helps young athletes make a safe and rapid return to sports and activities. Kelly has been published in two research studies in collaboration with the Orthopedics division. She transitioned to her leadership role in February 2015, where she has worked to expand the department into Riverside County, continued to seek opportunities for collaboration in research, and developed a national continuing education seminar for the team to share the unique and exceptional work of the team with other practicing providers.
Larry Berman
Larry Berman has been a physical therapist since 1987 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 1999, serving the needs of North County San Diego youth. Larry has specializes in orthopedic and sports medicine, exercise and manual therapy. His goal is to provide comprehensive and quality care to children and adolescents in our community.
Lesley Avilez
Lesley has been a physical therapist since 2017, and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2024. She has experience working in outpatient private practices and early intervention. She treats a variety of disorders including torticollis, developmental delay, idiopathic toe walking, as well as genetic and neuromuscular conditions. She has also completed continuing education in the topic of pediatric pelvic floor. Lesley has been board-certified as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist since 2022. Her goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to provide a fun and nurturing environment for patients and their families to meet their movement and mobility goals.
Lindsey Dupont
Lindsey Dupont has been a physical therapist since 2013 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2014. Lindsey has experience in a variety of pediatric settings, including outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation and acute care. She specializes in developmental delays, torticollis, oncology and neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. Her goal is to provide high quality care for children and their families in order to maximize their functional abilities while making exercise fun and enjoyable.
Lisa Schroeder
Lisa Schroeder has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s since 2015 at the Health Services location and has a special interest in developmental pediatrics, torticollis and orthopedics. She also supports physical therapy services through Children’s Care Connection (C3) in the South Bay. She became a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist in physical therapy in 2019 and is an American Physical Therapy Association-credentialed clinical instructor for physical therapy students. Lisa’s goal is to encourage her patients to reach their full physical potential by creating specialized treatment programs based on their individual needs. In her free time, Lisa enjoys running marathons and strives to promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle.
Luci Schmeiser
Luci Schmeiser has been a physical therapist since 2010 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2011. She is local to North County San Diego, growing up in Escondido. Luci competed at the national level in track and field while attending school at Cal State San Marcos. She specializes in working with children of all ages and was a preschool teacher and high school track coach before becoming a physical therapist. Luci’s goal is to serve the needs of North County San Diego youth.
Maranda Smith
Maranda Smith has been a physical therapist since 2018 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2019. She has expertise in inpatient acute care, neurology and pediatrics and is a certified LSVT clinician. Previously an NCAA Division I gymnast — earning five All-American honors — she has experience in coaching competitive and adaptive gymnastics for children 2-18 years old. She also worked as a college academic advisor, specializing in counseling first-generation at-risk students. Maranda’s goal is to improve the quality of life of children and their families through movement, exercise and advocacy.
Mary Kaleta
Mary Kaleta has been a Physical Therapist since 2010 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2023. Mary has special talent in the areas of neurodevelopmental diagnoses, limb deficiencies, and wheelchair mobility/assessments. Mary has extensive experience in equipment evaluations that include but are not limited to both wheeled and power mobility assessments and training. She is a Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist and is a current member of the American Physical Therapist Association (APTA). She was a former Pediatric Resident at Munroe Meyer Institute and helped develop Gillette Children’s Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency program. In her free time, you can find Mary training for competitive rowing. Mary’s goal is to help each child progress in their own personal journey and help them find joy in every step.
Meeta Jost
Meeta Jost has been a physical therapist since 1999 and has worked at Rady Children’s since October 2003. Meeta specializes in the areas of pediatrics and orthopedics and is currently the physical therapist for the Cardiac Prevention Clinic. She enjoys running races in her spare time, as well as snowboarding and hiking when she is not chasing her two little girls. Meeta’s goal is to return her patients to full function as quickly and safely as possible.
Meg Sioui
Meg Sioui has been a physical therapist since 1990 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2022. Meg has expertise in typical and atypical development, juvenile arthritis, torticollis and idiopathic toe walking, and is NDT trained. Her goal is to continue to develop her pediatric physical therapy skills and to positively affect the experience of patients and families.
Megan Wagner Ashton
Megan has been a physical therapist since 2021, and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2022. Megan specializes in developmental pediatrics and torticollis with clinical experience in developmental, orthopedic, and genetic conditions. She is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Outside of work, Megan enjoys beach volleyball, rock climbing, and hiking. Megan’s goal is to support children and families in their growth and development and create a fun and enriching environment.
Meghan Bochnak
Meghan Bochnak has been a physical therapist since 2011 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2019. Meghan has a special interest in neurologically involved patients, including those with spina bifida, cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disease. She is a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist and a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her goal is to continue to deliver excellent care for patients and their families while helping them achieve their goals.
Monica Sheppard
Monica Sheppard has been a physical therapist since 2001 and has worked at Rady Children’s since 2004. Monica specializes in pediatrics, early intervention and torticollis. She has a background in school-based therapy, as well as outpatient clinical practice.
Samantha Ramos
Samantha has been a physical therapist since 2021 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2022. Samantha has a special talent in the area of developmental pediatrics, torticollis and sports orthopedic rehabilitation. Sam’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to help patients achieve their goals in a collaborative and fun environment.
Shelly Rosenthal Kleiman
Shelly Rosenthal Kleiman has been a physical therapist since 2015 in Canada, and since 2017 in the United States. She has worked at Rady Children’s since 2021. Shelly specializes in inpatient rehabilitation and has a special interest in acquired neurological conditions and balance disorders. Shelly has completed continuing education in wheelchair seating, vestibular disorders and pediatric pelvic floor. Her goal is to maximize the quality of life of her patients and to motivate children to enjoy an active lifestyle to maintain health beyond their hospital stay.
Sierra Aparicio
Sierra Aparicio began her career as a physical therapist at Rady Children’s Hospital in 2013. Sierra specializes in acute inpatient care, critical care, cardiac rehabilitation, early intervention, neonatal intensive care, torticollis, and developmental delay. As an American Physical Therapy Association-certified clinical instructor, Sierra also enjoys mentoring students to help them find their passion in the professional realm. Her goal is to motivate and facilitate her patients and families to meet their goals with compassion and a positive attitude.
Supamas Tseng
Supamas Tseng has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s since 2016. She has specializes in pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Supamas was an industrial engineer and worked for Amazon. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading and being a mom. Her goal is to provide patient-centered care that is fun and safe so that kids can reach their maximum potential.
Susan Murphy
Susan Murphy has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2013. She is a board-certified sports physical therapy specialist and has an interest in sport-specific training. Susan has past experience as a competitive gymnast, competitive weightlifter and as a coach to high-level athletes. She enjoys helping athletes return to the sport they love. Additionally, Susan has a specialization in neuromuscular disorders and provides physical therapy services in the Multidisciplinary Neuromuscular Clinic (Muscle Disease Clinic). She also assists with collecting data for research and clinical trials to help improve the care provided to patients with these disorders.
Steven Shatzer
Steven Shatzer has been a physical therapist since 2018 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2020. Steven has expertise and interests in sports therapy and chronic pain management. He is a certified champion performance specialist. His goal is to help improve his patient’s abilities to perform at their highest level in any and all aspects of their lives.
Suzi Collins
Suzi Collins has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital for over 25 years specializing in adolescent orthopedics. She is devoted to the recovery and rehabilitation of youth athletes and has worked closely with the 360 Sports Medicine program since its inception in August 2012. Suzi utilizes manual techniques in combination with a progressive therapeutic approach. She aims to give each of her patients an individualized experience that allows them to quickly reach and exceed their goals.
Tina Deguzman
Tina Deguzman has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2016. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Section on Pediatrics. She became a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist in physical therapy in 2022. She has experience working with children with torticollis, developmental delay, orthopedic and neurological conditions. Tina strives to help patients increase their functional mobility by providing individualized patient care and purposeful play.
Vicky Deguzman
Vicky has been a physical therapist since 2013 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2022. She is a board certified pediatric clinical specialist and is especially passionate about working with infants, toddlers and their families. Vicky’s experience as a PT includes a variety of settings such as a level 1 trauma center, clinics treating neuromuscular diseases, early intervention in the homes, and school-based services. Vicky’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to reconnect with the community in which she grew up and support and empower the families within it.
Yvette Paquin
Yvette has been an occupational therapist since 2011 and has worked at Rady Children’s Hospital since 2020. Yvette has special talent in the areas of: Feeding and Swallowing disorders, developmental delay in the acute care, inpatient rehab and outpatient settings. She is qualified for advanced practice in Feeding and Swallowing evaluation and treatment. Yvette’s goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to continue to learn and provide high quality care to patients and their families while supporting and improving their independence in activities of daily living.
Zach Zimmerman
Zach has worked as a physical therapy assistant since 2012 before going back to school to graduate with his doctorate in 2019. He started at Rady Childrens in 2020. Zach has a special interest in improving biomechanics to enhance on field performance and minimize risk of injury. Over the years he has participated and coached a variety of sports and represented the US during a baseball tournament in Cuba. His goal in working at Rady Children’s Hospital is to educate children on the fundamentals of movement so that they can continue to live an active, pain free and healthy lifestyle.