Team
Jeff Thomas, MA
Managing Director / Postural Specialist
Jeff Thomas received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northern Arizona University in 1994 and a Masters Degree in Theology in 2004. Jeff’s introduction to therapy began as a patient of The Egoscue Method in 1994 when he hurt his knee playing semi-pro baseball. This led to a career as an Egoscue therapist until 1998 when he co-founded Therapy Solutions, Inc. In 2004, Jeff and his wife Natalie opened In Motion Physical Therapy. After a few years, Jeff and Natalie grew frustrated that In Motion’s patients were left without a next step after therapy was complete. They spent 18 months studying the fitness industry looking for the best solution. They found that “Functional Fitness” in small groups, combined with a good nutrition program is the most effective way to help people achieve results. In 2008, In Motion Physical Therapy became In Motion O.C., in a newly expanded facility, and the dream of helping patients take that next step became reality. Jeff has treated thousands of individuals in pain, giving them the tools to become pain free. Notably, he has trained numerous professional athletes including:
Tony Boselli, John Lynch, Steve Stenstrom, Jamal Williams, Kenny Perry, Tom Purtzer, Luke Walton, and Chris Dudley, to name a few. Jeff is exceptionally gifted at training people who want to get out of pain, improve their posture or athletes who want that competitive edge. When not at work, you can find Jeff with his wife and 4 wonderful young kids, and trying to survive the chaos.
Natalie Thomas, PT, DPT, MPT, CFNS
Doctor of Physical Therapy / Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Dr. Natalie Thomas is thoroughly educated in her field. She has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences. Natalie earned her Masters of Physical Therapy Degree with honors from Loma Linda University. Natalie has been fortunate enough to have learned from some of the best. She is highly skilled in Orthopedic Manual Therapy which is evidenced by her extensive continued education in orthopedics. She has been trained directly under renowned orthopedic therapists such as Ola Grimsby, earning 150 contact hours, as well as the equally renowned Joe Godges, earning over 100 contact hours. Her well rounded continuing education also includes Pilates, Postural Strength & Conditioning, Strain/Counter-Strain, Aquatic Therapy, Yoga-Integrated Rehab, Mulligens Movement of the Spine, to name a few. Additionally, she has tremendous experience in her field. Before founding In Motion O.C., she worked in a variety of different environments including Orthopedic, In Patient Acute Rehabilitation, In Patient Neuro Rehabilitation, Aquatic Therapy, etc. Natalie is also a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She has a passion for helping people through Nutrition and Kangen Water. Natalie loves spending time with her husband Jeff and their 4 small children.
Victor Rusenescu, PT, DPT
Director of Physical Therapy / Doctor of Physical Therapy
Victor has been a Physical Therapist since 2007. He attended Loma Linda University and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Much of his experience has been in outpatient orthopedics but he has also worked within the hospital setting allowing him to get a better understanding on how his patients progress out into the real world from acute care. He says “Through my years in the industry I learned that everyone is very different. I take the approach of listening to my patients’ needs, and to start to develop goals that can be achieved through physical therapy. I enjoy teaching my patients about their pathologies and/or their diagnosis giving them a better understanding to how the healing process will go while they are in physical therapy.”
Outside of being a physical therapist, Victor spends most of his days with his friends, family, and girlfriend. He keeps his life pretty busy being involved with outdoor activities including cycling (mountain and road), running, golfing, playing tennis, and being in the ocean. One of his passions is cooking and finding new places to eat. He really enjoys trying new flavors and understanding the culture of it and also the people that have created the food. Victor concludes by saying “I give praise for all my success, blessings, and life adventures to my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.”
Melanie Connell, PT, MPT, CHC
Physical Therapist / Certified Health Coach
Melanie has been a Physical Therapist in the outpatient orthopedic setting for nearly 15 years. She graduated with her Masters in Physical therapy from Azusa Pacific University in 2001 and obtained her Manual therapy certification from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences in 2005. Recently Melanie has become a certified health coach through the National Society of Health Coaches Association. She believes in addressing all the facets of one’s health in order to help her patients fully thrive in life. In her free time she is outside with her family and rides her bike wherever she can.
Haze Hernandez, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Haze has been a Physical Therapist since 2015. He first became interested in PT following a soccer injury in high school. Haze attended the University of Central Arkansas where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with emphasis on Physical Therapy, then continued on to PT school at UCA where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Most of the experience he has is in the outpatient orthopedic setting, particularly in clinics employing manual therapy and McKenzie specialties. Haze hopes to pursue an orthopedic or sports specialty in the field of Physical Therapy. Haze says of Physical Therapy “it is quite remarkable what the body can do to heal itself with the proper push” and is passionate about helping others achieve their health goals. Outside of Physical Therapy he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, friends, and family and is always looking to explore something new outdoors. Haze’s hobbies include hiking, camping, kayaking and he continues to play recreational soccer and tennis.
Mitchelle Giorgi, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bio:
Mitchelle received her Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine with a Coaching Minor from Pepperdine University in 2010. She went to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2015 with an emphasis on manual therapy. Most of her experience is in the outpatient sports/orthopedic setting, but also in acute settings. She is currently working on a Corrective Exercise Specialization and Fitness Nutrition Specialization through National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is passionate about helping patient’s reach their goals by addressing the entire patient and challenge them to succeed all aspects of their health. Outside of Physical Therapy Mitchelle enjoys playing soccer, being outdoors, traveling, backpacking, hiking, and snowboarding.
Jimmy Duong, NCCPT
Fitness Coach
Jimmy received his first personal training certification from the NCCPT in 2007. He had discovered his love for fitness at age 21 when he started his first weightlifting/fitness routine. As his body changed so did his love for fitness. Jimmy loves helping people of all ages and body types make changes in their lives and turn fitness into a lifestyle. In his spare time you’ll catch him at the gym or the beach. He loves the sun, the ocean, athletics, business, traveling, and experiencing different cultures.
Tyler Ray, PTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Tyler first became interested in Physical Therapy during high school after he suffered a knee injury during a baseball game for which he had surgery and physical therapy. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Redlands in 2011, Tyler’s passion for health, fitness, and educating others rekindled his interest in a career in physical therapy. Eventually he graduated from Loma Linda University’s Physical Therapy Assistant program in 2015. Tyler expects to advance his career by enrolling into a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the future. Outside of physical therapy, Tyler is a certified personal trainer and works with high school athletes. He spends most of his time relaxing with his girlfriend, friends and family. He enjoys exploring new foods and outdoor activities such as golfing, surfing and hiking.
Perris Rowan, CPT
Patient Care Coordinator
Perris grew up in San Diego. He moved to Orange County and attended college at Hope International University where he received his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. Athletics has always played a major role in Perris’ life. He played soccer all four years of college, captaining two of those years, and was recognized as a GSAC Scholar Athlete. Perris has applied his knowledge in various fields of fitness ranging from personal training to sports performance to CrossFit. However, what he truly cares about is getting to know people and building relationships. Outside of work, Perris enjoys spending time with his wife and son, volunteering at church, and singing in the shower.
Mimi Lira
Front Desk Associate
Mimi has been working in Physical Therapy for over a year and appreciates the experience and knowledge base she’s gained working in this rewarding field. Her interest working in Physical Therapy stems from the treatment her daughter received from a soccer injury. Mimi’s true passion is cooking and baking for her family and friends. She also finds the time to take her grand babies to Disneyland and other fun outings. Mimi is also a huge sports fan and enjoys attending sporting events with her boyfriend and kids.
Ilene Perez
Admin Assistant
Ilene was introduced to the medical field at the age of 9 by her mother who worked as an RN. Since then she has developed a passion for helping people and passionately believes in the great benefits that physical therapy has to offer. She is currently studying kinesiology. Prior to that, Ilene earned her certification as a massage therapist. She continues to go to school to further her education. In her spare time she likes to camping, hiking and swimming with her family.
Thalia Chan
Physical Therapy Aide
Thalia graduated from University of California Riverside in 2013 with a B.S. in Biological Anthropology. In high school, she ran cross-country, track and field and was part of the dance team. In college she was on a competitive hip hop dance team and participated in numerous dance competitions all over California. Thalia’s passion for fitness and overall health along with her compassion to help others led to her goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. Aside from Physical Therapy, Thalia enjoys traveling, studying culture, participating in outdoor activities, watching comedy movies and going to the gym.
Tawny Chan
Physical Therapy Aide
Tawny is a recent graduate of the University of California, Irvine, with a double major in Psychology and Social Behavior, and Education Sciences. She is a certified Pilates instructor and a figure skating instructor. Tawny began practicing Pilates at age fifteen, as a form of rehabilitation to her sports-induced knee pain. As a figure skater for ten years and figure skating instructor for five years, she discovered the benefits of Pilates.
In 2013, Tawny was accepted into the comprehensive teacher training program which consisted of four hundred and fifty hours of practice, observation, workshops, and work-studies. With interest in helping others recover and prevent injury, Tawny plans to further her studies by eventually entering in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Outside of school and Pilates, she was involved in UCI Women’s rowing (coxswain), tennis, and Musicality club. As if that wasn’t enough, in her free time Tawny enjoys singing, playing guitar, playing piano, performing, hiking, and going on outdoor adventures.
David Draghici
Physical Therapy Aide
David graduated from UCLA in 2013 with a degree in Physiological Sciences. He plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and is gaining incredibly valuable experience working with the team at In Motion O.C.. David loves the outdoors and to play sports such as baseball, hockey, golf and football. His dream is to visit every baseball stadium in the US & Canada.
Dakota Downs
Physical Therapy Aide
Dakota gradudated from Concordia University in 2014 with a degree in Biology. While there, he played both baseball and basketball on scholarship. Dakota plans on attending Physical Therapy school to become a Physical Therapist. He enjoys going to the beach, the movies, and playing sports.
Michelle Rocha
Physical Therapy Aide
Michelle received her Associates of Science Degree in Sports and Rehab Therapy and she’s certified in Kinesiology Taping. She enjoys being outdoors, playing soccer, workout out and being active. She wants to further her experience and education in Physical Therapy. She has a passion for fitness and helping others staying healthy and living pain free.
Jason Hsieh
Lead Physical Therapy Aide
Jason graduated from UC Irvine in 2014 and hopes to pursue a degree and future career in physical therapy. He is big on living a clean, active, and healthy lifestyle. In his spare time, Jason likes to swim, workout, hike, and travel with his girlfriend.
Debbie Rickner
Administrative Systems Supervisor
Debbie Rickner received her B.A. in Finance from Cal-State Fullerton and has worked in accounting for the past twenty five years. During Debbie’s spare time she enjoys golf, long distance road biking and racquetball. Debbie also enjoys taking her two girls to the beach to snorkel in the warmer months and watches them play soccer on the weekends year round.
Kristi Frisby
Front Desk Associate
Kristi grew up in Orange County and has been interested in health and wellness for many years. Her goal is to see everyone achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle. She is committed to customer service, and helping people is a top priority. Outside of work Kristi is a freelance violinist and enjoys gardening, hiking, going to the beach with her daughters, and she is also an avid hockey fan.
Kevin Castillo
Physical Therapy Aide
Kevin graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a B.S. in Cellular & Developmental Biology. In the future, he plans to continue his studies by enrolling in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys being outdoors and exploring new places. He loves playing basketball, working out, snowboarding, swimming and traveling the world.
Romeo Perfecto, CPT
Fitness Coach / Physical Therapy Aide
A graduate in the study of Kinesiology, Romeo is a Fitness Coach by trade. He is interested in one day becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy in order to maximize his knowledge and skills given how that translates into his ability to make a difference in peoples’ lives. He especially enjoys helping people who have physical limitations. In his spare time, Romeo enjoys a variety of sports.
Vanessa Kanamoto
Physical Therapy Aide
Vanessa graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. During her studies at CSUF, Vanessa had the opportunity to combine her dance abilities with her Kinesiology perspective. She assisted graduate student research by assessing the compensations of dancers’ body mechanics. The results were used to create an injury prevention manual. Vanessa will be attending the University of California, Irvine to obtain an M.F.A in Dance where she hopes to continue her education and continue to learn the aspects of Dance Medicine and Science.
Beth Schmidt
Patient Services Representative
Beth graduated from Towson University in Baltimore, MD in 2014 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. She enjoys being outdoors and loves being active. Beth likes hiking, camping, and traveling. She, also, has a strong passion for dance, especially Ballet. She has been dancing for 21 years and has taught dance classes to children for over 5 years. In the future, Beth wants to further her education and attend Graduate school for Physical Therapy. She has a strong desire to help improve the lives of others.
