Our Staff
Kevin Rausch began his career in Physical Therapy flat on his back on a PT's table. Yes, indeed, he started as a patient, too. A volleyball-induced knee injury while in high school required surgery and, in turn, Physical Therapy. Not only did he leave PT with a better athletic mindset than when he came in, but with a profoundly different career direction. From there it was a straight track from high school, through under grad, and then PT school. He was blessed with the opportunity to play for two Men's Volleyball National Championships while attending California Baptist University. He graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology in 2001. Kevin then accepted an invitation to attend Physical Therapy school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In 2003 he earned his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University.
Running biomechanics, cycling biomechanics, and throwing biomechanics as well as out of the box diagnosis and rehabilitation programs are his specialties.
Kevin has provided treatment support and attended sports medicine conferences at the 2004 World Gymnastic Championships, 2004-5 AVP Beach Volleyball and 2008-9 Ironman World Championships. Kevin fully comprehends a competitive nature and knows what his patients and athletes need to achieve that extra edge.
His philosophies and techniques have been featured in:
- 2007 Impact Magainze, "Home Exercise Program Technology"
- 2008 Physical Therapy Magazine, "Home Programs.net" featured article
- 2008 Physical Therapy Magazine, "Common Running Issues"
- 2008 Physical Therapy Product Magazine, "Home Exercise Program Issue"
Physical Therapist
President, Rausch Physical Therapy & Sports Performance
John Thomas 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 hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, before returning to Loma Linda for graduate school where he received his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. While in the Masters Program he received the Student Research Award and graduated with honors.
Since then John has gathered a vast wealth of knowledge from multiple work experiences such as Neurological, Vestibular, and Sport rehabilitation. His love of the profession has motivated him to obtain multiple certificates such as his Certified Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He has continued his quest for knowledge and desire to help his patients with a speedy recovery by taking two 1 year long courses that were focused in Manual Therapy and in Sports Therapy. He enjoys bio-mechanical courses that analyze movement patterns involving gait, running, pitching, and golfing. His interest in golf bio mechanics led him to the Titleist Performance Institute where he became certified as a Golf Fitness Instructor and has achieved his Level 2 Junior Golf Instructor certification.
John is a member of the San Clemente Men’s Golf Club and enjoys playing in tournaments, fundraisers, and scrambles. He enjoys watching anything golf related and is currently trying to introduce his daughter to the game (she just turned two). When he is not out on the golf course he enjoys surfing, training for triathlons, gardening with his wife, co-ed softball with his friends and family, and spending time with his two daughters.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Certified Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist
Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
Melissa A. Mathes has been a registered dietitian (RD) and a member of the American Dietetic Association (now called the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) for over thirteen years. She has a Master’s in Public Health (2010) from Loma Linda University and has a certification specialization in sports dietetics (CSSD). The CSSD is highly regarded by the United States Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association colleges who hire dietitians with this certificate. Of the 3,800 active RD’s in California, only 40 have attained this certification. Melissa also has a certification in Obesity and Weight Management. Melissa specializes in sports and medical nutrition counseling. This includes emphases on weight loss, pregnancy, pediatrics as well as numerous diseases, including: cardiovascular, diabetes, gastrointestinal (e.g., Cohn’s disease, Colitis, Celiac), renal, liver, neurological disorders (e.g., multiple scoliosis, Parkinson’s), immunological conditions (e.g., Lupus, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis).
Melissa is a member of many dietetic practice groups, including: Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN), Pediatric Nutrition, Weight Management, Dietitians in Integrative Functional Medicine, Health and Environmental Nutrition and Nutrition Entrepreneurs group. Melissa is also a participant in the Orange County District Dietetic Association, and California Dietetic Association.
When she not working, spending time with her husband, three children and adorable dog, she can be found running trails or surfing.
Masters of Public Health
Registered Dietitian
Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
Certification in Obesity and Weight Management
DeeDee Burke received her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy (M.S.P.T.) in 2000. Following graduation, DeeDee began practicing physical therapy with an emphasis in orthopedic sports medicine. It was during this time that she began incorporating Pilates with rehabilitation and immediately found her true passion. She received her certification as a Pilates instructor through Body Arts and Science, International in 2003. She has lectured for Stott Pilates educational courses, the Nevada school of Ballet, presented anatomy lectures for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and will be presenting courses for the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute, which focuses on a modification of traditional Pilates to reflect current research findings and the implication in rehabilitation. DeeDee enjoys treating a wide variety of patients. She provides exceptional care that prioritizes the patient’s goals and patient education in a one-on-one environment.
Physical Therapist
Certified Pilates Instructor
Christine Leo brings over 20 years of medical experience with direct patient care to Rausch Physical Therapy to assist patients with financial options in order to maximize your physical therapy treatment results. Rausch PT accepts most PPO plans and takes into consideration the challenges of understanding each specific insurance plan. Christine is committed to doing her best to help you understand the benefits and limitations of your particular plan. She is on your side--if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask! Don't worry if you don't have insurance –Rausch PT has pay as you go plans to make getting well affordable.
In her spare time, Christine is passionate about teaching Pilates, enjoys being outdoors at the beach or in the mountains, and loves her family, friends and amazing therapy dog, Grace.
Administrative Supervisor/Insurance Billing Manager
Michelle Gerwin joined the Rausch Physical Therapy team as the front office manager in May of 2008. In making sure that the office day-to-day activities run smoothly, this multitasking superstar seamlessly covers everything from scheduling to lattés and whatever else should happen in between.
An Orange County transplant by way of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Michelle was raised on a horse ranch with her three younger sisters. When out of the office, she enjoys running, Triathlons, mountain biking, skydiving, the beach and family time.
Front Office Manager