Our Team
At WAV Physical Therapy & Movement Studios, we are committed to providing the highest quality physical therapy and movement experience for our patients and clients. Our team of highly specialized physical therapists and movement professionals create a warm and inviting culture,
making our studio a safe place to learn, grow, and heal.
DR. SCOTT PARRISH,
PHYSICAL THERAPIST,GYROTONIC® TRAINER, CERTIFIED SOMA SNI® (ROLFING/SI) PRACTITONER,
MASSAGE THERAPIST,
REIKI MASTER TEACHER
Scott (AKA Dr. P) began his therapeutic career over 25 years ago as a Massage Therapist in Los Gatos, CA. He holds a BS in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. He is a Reiki Master Teacher, a certified SOMA Neuromuscular Integration Practitioner, and a Certified GYROTONIC® Trainer. He is certified on all Gyrotonic Specialized Equipment plus Level 2, Justine’s Applications for Osteoporosis, and extensive work with Karen Mullen, Specialized Master Trainer.
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Scott’s unique path has made him an empathetic, powerful, and skilled clinician. A Bay area native, his adventures have led him through living in Costa Rica for research (and surfing!) and moving up to Seattle, WA in 2004 where he was first introduced to the Gyrotonic Method through his wife, Alicia. It was here he was able to complete his certification as a Structural Integration Practitioner-- a branch of Ida Rolf’s work- at the SOMA Institute in Buckley, WA. This training was an in-depth exploration into the world of manipulating Fascia and how to resolve stored chronic tension and restore function to the entire body. It gave him an incredible understanding along with improved hands-on skills. Experiencing how The Gyrotonic Method and Bodywork work synergistically changed the way he understands our bodies and how we move through gravity.
After practicing these new skill sets for several years, he knew that he wanted to deepen his understanding and hone his craft even further, and set out to study Physical Therapy. This landed him in Southern CA where he completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. He incorporates the Gyrotonic Method into his practice along with an extensive knowledge in anatomy, human physiology, and Manual Therapy.
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He now resides in San Clemente, California where he and his wife, Alicia own WAV Physical Therapy & Movement Studios, home to GYROTONIC® South Orange County. Their clinic is a hybrid Insurance and cash-based practice, offering a personal, comprehensive approach to therapy, wellness, and continuing education for teachers. They have 3 children, ages 30, 26, and 17, and a 70 lb GoldenDoodle named Shaka. They love the coast, traveling, and community, and hope everyone who walks through our doors at WAV feels that vibe!
ALICIA PARRISH,
GYROTONIC® MASTER TRAINER APPRENTICE
GYROKINESIS® PRE-TRAINER, PILATES,
PT AIDE, INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION HEALTH COACH
Alicia is a former classical ballet dancer and educator and has been teaching the Gyrotonic Method for over 20 years. Born and raised in the Bay Area in Northern California, she lived in Seattle where she established and directed a large, successful dance conservatory for over 16 years, eventually selling to get back to her roots in CA!
Through her years as a dancer and teacher, her passion was in movement mechanics and with her empath personality, connecting deeply with others. While living in Seattle she found her Gyrotonic practice, knowing after the first session that she wanted to teach this method. A few years later she was certified as a Gyrotonic trainer with Juliu Horvath and eventually worked her way to becoming a Gyrotonic Pre-Trainer under Specialized Master Trainer, Karen Mullen. ('Pre-Training' is the first step in the Gyrotonic teacher training process.)
Alicia had the privilege of working very closely with Karen for years while living in Seattle, inside and outside official course settings, spending a great deal of time on modifications, therapeutic applications, Level II and Gyrokinesis classes. She is also certified in Level II both formats, Jump Stretch Board, Leg Extension Unit, both Gyrotoner Formats, Archway, Gyrokinesis, and therapeutic applications. She has worked with many other amazing Master Trainers along the way, repeating courses for enrichment with different teachers. Most recently she added on her contemporary Pilates training with Alicia Head in Long Beach.
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After moving up and down the West Coast, selling the dance studios, supporting her husband (Dr. Scott) while he completed his doctorate, teaching and continuing to study and train--She is thrilled to have put down roots in San Clemente, CA where WAV and GYROTONIC® SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY can stay to serve our local community and Gyrotonic family!
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Alicia most recently decided to go back to school during the pandemic, becoming an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. This allows her to work with clients and patients at the clinic in a deeper way, coaching through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Alicia, her husband Dr. Scott, and her youngest 17 year old son reside in San Clemente, CA. She is also a proud mom to two older children.
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Alicia thoroughly enjoys working with individuals of all backgrounds and ages- including children, people looking to create lasting change in their bodies, find relief from pain, working with dancers, athletes, certified trainers, movement professionals, and with Dr. P's patients, assisting with rehabilitation and injury prevention, movement re-education, surgery prep and recovery, Scoliosis, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, MS, and post-stroke.
DR JENNA FRAZER,
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Jenna is a passionate physical therapist specializing in women's health and orthopedics with a passion for understanding the human body and promoting wellness. She grew up in Southern California where she dedicated herself to gymnastics for 10 years before transitioning to swimming in high school. She pursued her bachelor's degree in exercise science at California Baptist University, where she was also a member of the swim team. Building on this foundation, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from West Coast University in Los Angeles.
With 3.5 years of experience under her belt, she's delved into women's health, focused on pelvic floor therapy, and she's eager to deepen her expertise in orthopedics as well. Dr. J has great hands on and is loved by all her patients at WAV!
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jenna finds joy in traveling to new places, staying active through various forms of exercise, hitting the slopes for snowboarding adventures, and unwinding at the beach.
ERIK HEGER
GYROTONIC TRAINER,PILATES & NASM CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER, TITLEIST PERFORMANCE CERTIFIED
Erik is a certified GYROTONIC® instructor, a certified Personal Trainer, and a Health, Wellness, and Performance coach. For 25 years Erik has guided athletes, executives, and performers on their respective paths to getting the most out of their lives.
Erik’s diverse training includes The Gyrotonic Method, Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Tai Chi, Bioenergetics, the Alexander Technique, Laban movement, TMJ rehabilitation, Kali Filipino martial arts, HIT Training, Maximum Aerobic Function Method, Back Stabilization/Rehabilitation, Breath Work, and Mindfulness Meditation.
Erik was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, played college and professional basketball, and spent a year as a live-action stuntman. Erik has performed on Broadway, opened for Lou Reed and Roberta Flack at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and was the Master of Ceremonies for a Las Vegas circus variety show. Erik is a graduate of Colorado College where he received a B.A. in Drama and a B.A. in Comparative Religions. He received an M.F.A. in Acting from American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Erik also has 3 solo harp albums.
Erik has overcome several "career ending" injuries without resorting to surgery (not a miracle - just focused, hard work). Erik was once told that he would never be able to run again. He is currently training to compete in his first IronMan Triathlon.
As a former professional athlete, musician, and performer, Erik believes that meaningful outcomes and positive results are within everyone's reach.
“Vitality is an essential aspect of a vibrant, healthy, and joyful life. And vitality starts with movement!
KATIE FLESHER
PERSONAL TRAINER, PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
Katie is a fitness professional with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology Fitness from the University of Cal State Long Beach. For the past 24 years she has been passionate about fitness and coaching people how to improve their life style through health and fitness. Katie has a tremendous amount of experience working with clients in many different health and fitness environments from PT clinics to gyms and pilates studios, including owning her own gym which she sold a few years ago. Katie has taught strength training, TRX, Spin, Pilates and more. Outside of fitness Katie is a wife, mother of two and loves working out, running, cycling and all outdoor activities. “The only bad workout is the one you didn’t do.”
SHELLIE THOMAS
CERTIFIED PILATES & YOGA INSTRUCTOR, GYROTONIC APPRENTICE, PT AIDE
Shellie is a long time local, born and raised in Southern CA, mom of 3 boys, and experienced pilates trainer. Her training includes BASI (Body Arts and Science International), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified, and Prana Vinyasa Flow Yoga. She most recently achieved a personal goal and wish to finish her Gyrotonic Foundation Course! Shellie has a deep passion for helping others! Her goal is to help clients achieve optimal heath and fitness, and to enjoy a pain-free quality of life. She strives to provide a class environment where people can become friends and provide a support system in any and every way she can! Shelly's classes have a chill yet challenging vibe!​​
TAMARA LOVERE
CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Tamara is a professional massage therapist devoted to helping her clients find relief from their pain and stress. With has over 15 years and 14,000 hours of hands on experience, she has developed a finesse and a depth of skill to find where the pain is - and in assisting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies in releasing it. As a certified yoga teacher for for over 17 years, she has enhanced her knowledge of anatomy, movement, and the deeper energy knots and traumas to help inform her massage therapy work. She can move to different modalities depending on what the client needs. She says that the loyal friendships for over a decade in her practice is really the greatest reward she could ever achieve!
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In addition to the 250 hr basic therapeutic massage training, Tamara is certified in:
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Deep Tissue
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Post Surgery Rehab
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Sports Specific: i.e.: Muscle sprains/strains, overuse injuries,
massage for repetitive stress injury such as tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
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Lymphatic massage
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Oncology massage
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Craniosacral Therapy to help alleviate headaches, TMJ, stress/anxiety held in the body.
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Prenatal Massage
KRISTI HENNESSY
MASSAGE THERAPIST, TRAINER
With over a decade of experience in massage therapy and 1,100 hours of clinical training, Kristi (Atkinson) Hennessy is dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal wellness through therapeutic bodywork. Since 2011, she has worked with a diverse range of clients, integrating her deep knowledge of anatomy and movement to provide personalized, effective treatments.
A former professional athlete, Kristi competed on the beach volleyball tour (WPVA) for eight years—all while raising three young children. Her first hand experience with the demands of high-level competition gives her unique insight into injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimization.
In addition to her expertise in massage therapy, Kristi is a certified Trauma Therapy Coach and Personal Trainer, allowing her to support clients not just physically, but holistically by addressing their stress levels, tension, and emotional well-being. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, recovery from injury, or enhanced athletic performance, Kristi’s skilled and intuitive approach ensures a tailored experience designed to meet your specific needs. She is also starting her journey to become a full comprehensive pilates trainer, and is interested in Gyrotonic training as well.
Kristi enjoys learning and continues to expand her knowledge of the beautiful multi-faceted dynamics of the human body through the study of interpersonal neurobiology. She’s also very fond of camping, hiking, swimming, biking, tennis, beach walks, and loves a good laugh!!
CLAUDIA SHERK
CERTIFIED PILATES INSTRUCTOR
​With over 20 years of experience teaching Pilates mat and reformer, Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to WAV. She is certified through BASI Pilates (Body Arts and Science International) and has built a strong, loyal following. She spent years teaching for Shellie (also a fantastic WAV trainer!) when she owned her own Pilates studio in San Clemente. Shellie praises Claudia as her top instructor—someone she trusts implicitly with her clients. After recently spending some time living in Texas, she’s thrilled to be back in San Clemente, where she continues to teach pilates and work as a freelance interior designer and home organizer. She’s teaching reformer and mat classes as well as private Pilates training and therapeutic exercise with our PT patients. Claudia offers challenging reformer and mat classes with personalized attention and expert guidance—just the way we like it at WAV! Last but certainly not least, Claudia is a proud mom of two and grandmother to sweet Ada Mae.
ANAHITA TAJMAHER
GYROTONIC APPRENTICE TRAINER
Bio Coming Soon!
SAMANTHA WEEKS
CERTIFIED GYROKINESIS TRAINER
Samantha is a dancer and Gyrokinesis Instructor currently based in Orange County. She graduated from the LINES Ballet BFA Program through Dominican University of California in 2019. During her time at LINES, Samantha studied the Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic Methods under Debra Rose at San Francisco Gyrotoni. Upon graduating, Samantha pursued a professional dance career in Chicago as a Company Dancer with Visceral Dance Chicago. After four years with Visceral, Samantha moved to Los Angeles, where she has since done project work with companies including Selah Dance Collective and Symbiosis Arts. She moved again to Orange County this year, and has loved reconnecting with teaching the Gyrokinesis Method and various dance styles!
KRISTEN SMITH
RN, CERTIFIED PILATES AND YOGA TEACHER, INTEGRATIVE HEALTH COACH
Kristen brings 16 years experience as a Certified Pilates Instructor, Certified Yoga Teacher, former RN, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She is also a board certified Childbirth and Lactation Educator.
She is a warm and kind soul, passionate about helping others achieve health and well being through nutrition, movement and breathwork.
Kristen is teaching pilates and yoga classes here at WAV, and will be offering Prenatal Pilates Reformer, Postnatal Pilates Reformer, and childbirth education classes and workshops.
MARY REISCHL, PT, PILATES
Mary Reischl has enjoyed the practice of physical therapy for over 37 years. Her background is in orthopedics and sports medicine.
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Mary has her own personal Physical Therapy practice within WAV PT. She offers 60-90 minutes of personal, one-on-one treatment and also offers small group Pilates classes, mat Pilates, and private reformer/chair sessions.
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Mary looks forward to helping you become Your Best Self. You can join her classes by clicking our schedule​ link! We are thrilled to have Mary practice within our clinic, to share our like minded goals and energies within one space! Click below to visit Mary's website to learn more about her practice and what she has to offer.
LIZ MONTAGNA, PT, MPT, YOGA & PILATES TEACHER
Liz is a long time licensed Physical Therapist, certified yoga and pilates teacher, and most recently completed her training as a certified Structural Integration Practitioner. She was trained by Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Karen Bannon for her Yoga Alliance certification, and received her rehabilitation-based Pilates teacher certification through the Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute. She believes that true healing can only be achieved with a holistic approach that treats the whole person in mind, body, and spirit, rather than just a body part. She owns her own PT practice and teaches group classes here at the WAV Movement Studio.
Liz lives in San Clemente and is married with two kids in college. Her goal is to balance work with family and fun. She loves to cook, garden, sing, ride bikes, hike, and pursue her home yoga and pilates practice. Liz sees every client and student as a gift and enjoys guiding them to find balance, ease, and joy in their lives. Her mission is to make a profoundly positive and empowering change for each client she works with.
We are thrilled to host her personal practice within our clinic. If you would like to learn more about Liz, you can visit her site by clicking below. at holisticptw.com.