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.

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.