Our Staff

	Kevin Rausch, MPT, CSCS I began my career in physical therapy as a patient in 1997. Unfortunately, I injured my knee while playing volleyball. I was subsequently sent to physical therapy after a bit of knee surgery, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time there. I had a great P.T. named Sue, and I asked her what it took to become a P.T. like her? She described the process, the degrees, and the tests. I knew from that point on that's what I wanted to do. After finishing high school, I attended California Baptist University, where I played on the Men's Volleyball Team. We were fortunate enough to win the Men's National Championship in 1999. I graduated Cal Baptist in 2001, Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Kinesiology & Exercise Physiology. I then entered a Master's of Physical Therapy program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Nova Southeastern University. I really enjoyed going to grad school at Nova. The education was great, and the fishing was even better! I was able to be a part of a few nice rotations at Jackson Memorial Hospital, The Health South Sports Med & Rehabilitation Facility, and the Osteopathic Manual Therapy Clinic on campus. I became a licensed P.T. in 2003, and few years later, I started Rausch Physical Therapy & Sports Performance in Laguna Niguel, CA. Our new clinic is a dream come true for me. I actually thought of the clinic model while still in school. I imagined a place where all patients were treated by a their own P.T. every visit, a clinic that included: Pilates, Massage, Sports Nutrition, Golf Performance, Run Analysis, Bike Analysis, and many more. This way we can not only treat injuries, but more importantly prevent them in the first place. I have also been fortunate to be apart of the following professional activities: Ironman World Championship Medical Conference & Medical Tent Team Physical Therapist for team Tribuys.com Team Physical Therapist for "Train like you mean it" YMCA running group Medical Team for the USA Gymnastic Olympic Trials Medical Team for the AVP Huntington Beach Open Medical Team for the Surf City Marathon Part of the rehabilitation team for many professional & collegiate athletes as well... Author of "Things to Consider When Choosing a Home Exercise Program" for Impact the Journal of Physical Therapy Practice Owners Section Published in the Journal of Sports & Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and Physical Therapy Products Magazine I also had the opporunity to become a patient again in February 2008, when I fell off my triathlon bike and broke both elbows. It was a nice refresher to what its like to be on the table again... I am married to my lovely wife, Christiana, who recently gave birth our first child Cody in June 2008. When I'm not in the clinic, you can find me in the ocean: fishing, surfing, spearfishing, lobster diving or on the golf course or training for a triathlon (I'll be the slow one in the back :) )

	Diana “DeeDee” Burke, M.S.P.T. Physical Therapist Certified Vestibular Specialist Certified Pilates Instructor, Body Arts and Science International DeeDee has over ten years experience in the field of physical therapy and takes great pride in providing exceptional care to all patients. She received her Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2000. While in Las Vegas, she had the unique opportunity to work with a wide variety of professional and amateur athletes including: dancers, acrobatic performers, golfers, baseball players, swimmers, endurance athletes, and recreational weekend warriors. It was during this time that she began integrating Pilates principles with physical therapy to set new standards for rehabilitation. With an extensive background as an Associate Professor in anatomy, she has been a guest lecturer for the Nevada School of Ballet, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Stott Pilates. Additionally, DeeDee received her certification as a Vestibular Specialist from Emory University and the APTA in 2006. This has enabled her to integrate extensive neuromuscular re-education with Pilates principles to optimize rehabilitation outcomes, accelerate athletic performance, and prevent injury.

	John Thomas, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS Titlelist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor John entered the field of Physical Therapy in 1999 when he graduated from Loma Linda University with his Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) degree. He practiced for 3 years in his home town of Harrisburg, Pennslyvania, before returning to Loma Linda for graduate school where he recieved his Masters then Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. While in the Masters program he received the student research award and graduated with honors. Since graduation he has earned his Certified Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), and has taken two year long continueing education courses, one in Manual Therapy and one in Sports Therapy. His most recent achievement is being certified through the Titleist Performance Institute as a Golf Fitness Instructor. His next goal is to become a board certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) by 2010. When John is not studying to gain more initials behind his name he enjoys surfing, golfing, gardening with his wife, and weekly co-ed softball games with his friends and family.

	Paul Lacanilao, ATC, CSCS, PES Paul graduated from Chapman University in 1997 with a degree in Movement and Exercise Science with emphasis in Athletic Training. As a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), he specializes in the prevention, recognition, immediate care, and rehabilitation of injuries incurred by athletes. He has been the head athletic trainer for the Anaheim Storm (pro indoor lacrosse), Huntington Beach Unicorns (rugby), and Beach City Lightning (ice hockey). He is the head athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Riptide (pro outdoor lacrosse), CdM (high school) football, and CdM boys’ lacrosse. He also works with mixed martial artists from the UFC, WEC, and Elite XC organizations which include former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Tito Ortiz. In addition to being a certified athletic trainer, he is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES). By designing and implementing custom strength and conditioning programs, he has helped athletes and active individuals become stronger, faster, more agile, and more explosive. He is happily married with 3 children. Shane is 5, Peyton is 4, and Brodie is 5 months old. He resides in Mission Viejo with his family.

	Danielle Chapman, P.T., CMT Physical Therapist Certified Massage Therapist Knowing since her days as a high school volleyball player that her ultimate goal was to become a physical therapist, Danielle first completed her B.A. in Psychology at UCSD in 1996. Concurrently, she finished a 3 month/120 hour massage technician training at the International Professional School of Bodywork located in San Diego, California. Here she gained important hands-on skills in soft and deep tissue massage not available at most Masters programs in physical therapy. After earning a Masters in Physical Therapy in 2000 from Azusa Pacific University, Danielle returned to San Diego and began her physical therapy career. For the next three and half years Danielle worked at Sharp Rees-Stealy, who operates multiple outpatient rehabilitation clinics throughout San Diego County. In this setting, she was surrounded by a large peer group of physical therapists having extensive experience in the profession, some of whom have been practicing in excess of 30 years. It was here she honed her skills in physical therapy under the mentorship of a diversified staff which provided constant opportunities for learning new methods of assessment and treatment for orthopedic as well as neurological patients. After relocating in 2003 to Orange County, Danielle has continued to work as a physical therapist in an outpatient setting as well providing massage services for the purpose of wellness and fitness. She has had the fortune of working with a wide spectrum of patients as both a physical therapist and a massage therapist including: school-age children and high-school athletes, age-group or professional athletes and weekend-warriors, work-related injuries and the geriatric population. In the last 10 years, Danielle has taken over 200 hours of continuing education courses to keep her manual therapy skills current. Danielle’s full-time job is caring for her two young boys to whom she has passed on her love of sports and the outdoors. Swimming, biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, surfing, fishing name just a few activities her family participates in together. Her motto is: “Too many sports; not enough time!

	Michelle Gerwin, Front Desk Coordinator Full bio coming soon.

	Christine Leo, D.C., Pilates Instructor Christine Leo, D.C. is a certified Pilates instructor and a licensed chiropractor. She has worked with physical therapists for nearly 20 years treating a variety of conditions. Her special interests include lumbar spinal injuries and women's health & wellness. Christine's role in our clinic is to educate and guide patients through an individualized plan based on the Pilates Method. She will develop a personal program comprised of exercises utilizing the Reformer, Cadillac, Combo Chair and Mat Work. The program is designed to help you achieve optimal levels of strength, balance, stability and functional mobility. Everyone can benefit from practicing Pilates. Whether you are recovering from an injury, training for a specific sport, working to increase bone density or seeking to improve your overall level of fitness. Christine is available for private Pilates sessions Monday - Friday.

	Nancy Poulalion, PTA Physical Therapy Assistant Pilates Instructor Nancy graduated from California State University at Long Beach in 1992 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education/Exercise Science with an emphasis in fitness. She completed the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Cerrito’s college in 1997. She has worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting since 1997 and in transitional care and hospitals in acute care, neurology and orthopedics. Nancy has extensive training in Pilates and works with people ranging from professional athletes to geriatrics. She is very passionate about Pilates and enjoys the challenge of tailoring Pilates to the specific needs of each client. She integrates Pilates into most physical therapy treatments to improve balance, core strength and flexibility. Nancy also teaches private Pilates. Nancy has a background in swimming, running and biking. She swam competitively plus remains active in distance running and has completed four marathons, as well as numerous half-marathons, 10K’s and 5k’s. Nancy participates in the annual two-day, 100 mile bike ride for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. These experiences help her to treat and relate to what patients/athletes are going through when they’re injured. She has treated many runners, swimmers and cyclists from the novice to the high level competitor and helping them overcome injuries and improve their health is what keeps her motivated. Nancy has been part of the medical team for the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach and the Orange County Marathon. She was also a member of the medical staff for the USA Gymnastics team. She has done volunteer work for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and feels passionate about these charities. Nancy enjoys running, swimming, spin class, reading, cooking, yoga and Pilates. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and friends.


	Melissa Mathes, RD (Registered Dietitian) & Nutritionist Melissa A. Mathes, a registered dietitian for over ten years and a member of the American Dietetic Association. She specializes in sports nutrition and medical nutrition counseling for: weight loss, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases (Chrons, Colitis, Celiac disease, etc.), renal disease, liver disease, neurological diseases (M.S., Parkinson’s, etc), immunological diseases,( Lupus, HIV/AIDS), pregnancy, and pediatrics. Melissa is a member of many sub dietetic groups including Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN), Pediatric Nutrition, Weight Management, Nutrition and Complementary Care, Health and Environmental Nutrition and Nutrition Entrepreneurs group. Additionally, she belongs to the OC District Dietetic Association, and California Dietetic Association. Melissa also manages a nutrition program in an integrated health care HIV/AIDS clinic. She has 5 years experience in clinical dietetics (hospital) specializing in ICU, and inpatient/ outpatient counseling and was past president (2000) of the Northern Nevada District Dietetic Association. Melissa completed my registered dietitians internship from the University of Nevada, Reno and received her Bachelor’s of Nutritional Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is currently working on her Master’s at Loma Linda University. When Melissa is not working, studying or spending time with her husband and three young children, she's out on the trails running or in the ocean surfing.

Our Staff

Kevin Rausch, MPT, CSCS

Diana “DeeDee” Burke, M.S.P.T.

John Thomas, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Paul Lacanilao, ATC, CSCS, PES

Danielle Chapman, P.T., CMT

Michelle Gerwin, Front Desk Coordinator

Christine Leo, D.C., Pilates Instructor

Nancy Poulalion, PTA

Melissa Mathes, RD (Registered Dietitian) & Nutritionist