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, DPT,
GYROTONIC® TRAINER, SOMA SNI® (ROLFING/SI) PRACTIONER,
CMT, REIKI MASTER TEACHER
Scott began his therapeutic career over 20 years ago entering in to a massage therapy program in Los Gatos, California. It was here that he found a passion and love for working with and manipulating the body to bring relief from pain and to improve people’s overall health. After working in the field for a couple of years and developing a knack and improving his skills, he went back to school at the University of California Santa Cruz and received his Bachelors in Biology.
After graduating and spending some time traveling (and surfing!) upon returning home met his then to be wife and before long found himself in Washington State. It was here that he discovered the Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration (Structural Integration- A branch of Ida Rolf’s original work). This was a very thorough exploration in to the world of manipulating Fascia and how to resolve stored chronic tension and restore function to the entire body. It gave him an incredible new understanding along with improved hands on skills.
It was also in Washington State where Scott was introduced to the GYROTONIC® Method of movement and exercise. The Gyrotonic Method focuses on the entire body as a whole, every part of the organism is important in movement and any weakness along the lines of connection can be problematic. Both of these experiences changed the way he understood the body and how it moves through gravity.
After practicing these new skill sets for a number of years, he knew that he wanted to deepen his understanding and hone his craft even further and set out to study Physical Therapy. He and his family moved back to California in order to attend the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USA) where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. He is very proud of his experience at USA as it has taught him how to incorporate all of these skill sets along with an extensive knowledge in anatomy, human physiology, and Manual Therapy lending him the ability to be a powerful clinician.
He now resides in San Clemente California where he and his wife have opened a very unique and special clinic incorporating over 20 years and 15,000 hours of hands on experience, the world renowned Gyrotonic Method, and the extensive education provided in the Physical Therapy program hoping to change the ordinary typical therapy experience. When you visit the clinic, you will very quickly realize that you have found something new and unique.
ALICIA PARRISH,
GYROTONIC® MASTER TRAINER APPRENTICE
GYROKINESIS® PRE-TRAINER
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.
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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 16-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.
ERIN MACKIN, DPT, CYT, LICENSED GYROTONIC APPRENTICE
CLINIC + STUDIO ADMINISTRATION
Erin is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a certified yoga teacher and nutrition coach, and is currently serving as champion of all administrative tasks here at WAV, as well as teaching some yoga at our Movement Studio!
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Erin continues to practice as a DPT part time while diversifying her talents behind the scenes at WAV. She is an outdoors enthusiast and loves to travel. She recently visited Bali, Croatia and Greece-- next on her list is Italy!
She loves being a PT and loves rehabilitating low backs and shoulders. Erin is truly an asset to the WAV Team!
WHITNEY SCHMANSKI,
GYROTONIC & GYROKINESIS TRAINER, PILATES, MEDITATION
Whitney is a GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® instructor that is inspired by the interconnectedness of movement and overall wellness. Dancing is her first love of movement; she is a Juilliard dance graduate and recently earned her MFA at UC Irvine. She is enthusiastic about exploring the profound connections between the mind and body especially through science and movement. She enjoys empowering her students and clients to rediscover integrated and pain-free movement by way of body awareness and total body conditioning. She works with clientele of various ages and skill levels including athletes, body-workers, professional dancers, and professional musicians. She has experience working with various diagnoses including chronic pain, hyper-mobility, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, sciatica, scoliosis, spondylolysis, and surgery rehabilitation.
JB KING, GYROTONIC LEVEL I, II TRAINER
JB spent the bulk of her life in the corporate world, helping businesses tell their stories with words, images and motion pictures. During that time, she explored all kinds of exercise including running, biking, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and barre.
She found her way to Gyrotonic exercise in 2019 as a way to manage pain and physical limitations due to scoliosis. With a 49-degree curve in her lower thoracic, she describes her spine as, “more like a U-shaped Kryptonite bike lock than something designed to hold a human being in an upright position.” She attributes the Gyrotonic method of movement for helping her to understand the importance of stability as well flexibility to a balanced body. She says it has also enabled her to change habitual patterns of holding or moving that don’t serve her well and to find new ways to move that are freer and create more ease and space in her body. As a result of regularly practicing Gyrotonic exercise, she’s now able to perform the tasks of day-to-day living with little or less pain and stiffness.
JB believes the key to aging gracefully is to maintain as much mobility as possible with the body and backbone she’s been given and says the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® has been enormously beneficial to her in this regard. In fact, it’s what inspired what she calls her encore career: to teach Gyrotonic exercise to others so that they, too, may experience the benefits.
In addition to being a lifelong student of fitness and wellness, JB is a mother, avid sailor and dog lover. When she’s not at the studio you can often find her zipping around town on her hot pink Vespa!
CARA HANSWICK, CERTIFIED PILATES & GYROTONIC TRAINER
Cara Hansvick is from Chicago, Illinois where she grew up dancing and initially fell in love with movement. She attended Indiana University where she majored in Ballet and received a full-time position with the Charlotte Ballet in North Carolina upon graduation. In Charlotte, she was offered a partnership with a classical Pilates studio which immediately sparked a passion for Pilates, seeing the benefits in her body and her dancing. She later moved to Los Angeles to dance with the American Contemporary Ballet as a Principal Dancer. Eager to continue her training, she completed her classical certification through the Pilates Institute of Southern California. She then began her journey into the Gyrotonic Method shortly after with Lisa Marie Goodwin, and completed her final certification with Debra Rose. She has been a movement educator for over 10 years. She moved to OC to dance with the Ballet Project Orange County and to continue to pursue her teaching career more fully. Cara regularly subs Gyrotonic Tower classes and teaches group pilates reformer classes at WAV Movement Studios! Book one of her classes below!
RACHEL KENDALL,CERTIFIED PILATES, GYROTONIC &
GYROKINESIS TRAINER
Born on Molokai, Rachel is a certified pilates trainer under Marie Jose Blom from Long Beach Dance Conditioning and has been teaching for over 14 years. She completed her 200-hour yoga instructor training and is also certified in Bhodi, TRX, Lagree, wall yoga, spin, and as a Flexologist. She has taught windsurfing, surfing, SurfSET, and has coached volleyball and basketball.
Rachel was featured in Surfline and was selected as one of the top 20 persons changing the surfing industry in Foam Magazine through pilates training.
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.”
ZURI FORS
PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
Zuri is a passionate dancer with over a decade of experience and a deep kinesthetic awareness of the human body. Her decision to pursue a career in physical therapy was ignited by the challenges she faced when she suffered from a dislocated kneecap. Finding a therapist who comprehended the nuances of dance-related injuries fueled her determination to bridge this gap in care. Zuri is currently a fourth year student at UC Irvine pursuing a double major in Exercise Science and Dance. She leverages her profound understanding of movement to help patients embody exercises and maximize their benefits. Assisting in patient rehabilitation and witnessing them progress brings her so much joy.
Beyond her commitment to dance and healthcare, Zuri is also an avid world traveler, having explored over 35 countries. She loves interacting with different cultures and getting to learn about peoples life stories. When she’s not at WAV you can find her rock climbing, hiking, or dancing!
ERIK HEGER
GYROTONIC TRAINER,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!
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.
LYDIAH SAMPSEL
PATIENT/CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR, SOCIAL MEDIA
Bio Coming Soon!
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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
SHELLIE THOMAS
CERTIFIED PILATES & YOGA INSTRUCTOR
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 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!
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MARISA PUENTE, DACM, L.AC., YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Marisa Puente, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a licensed acupuncturist, clinical herbalist, yoga instructor and owner of Radiant Wellness Acupuncture. Marisa completed her doctorate from Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, CA.
While studying Chinese medicine, Marisa had the opportunity to intern at UC San Diego’s Integrative Free Clinic Program, as well as at UCSD's Recreation, Intramural, and Athletic Complex (RIMAC) and treated student athletes. She trained with Acupuncturists Without Borders to learn National Acupuncture Detoxification Assn. (NADA) protocol for addiction, mental health and trauma; as well, she trained in neurological acupuncture to treat post-stroke patients and those with other neurological disorders.
A large motivation for Marisa to continue her education and study acupuncture was her work with Naval Special Warfare. From 2015 to 2019 Marisa had the privilege of training U.S. Navy SEALs in a stretch therapy modality to help them increase range of motion and flexibility, enhance performance, and overcome injuries.
It is her commitment to provide therapeutic acupuncture treatments that improve the health and wellbeing of her patients. Learn more about Marisa by clicking the link below, or book her yoga and group acupuncture class on Tuesdays at 7 am here at WAV Movement Studios!
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.
SARAH BOON,
USUI REIKI MASTER TEACHER, CERTIFIED YAMUNA BODY ROLLING PRACTITIONER
Sarah has always know that her path would involve helping people in some capacity. She is a Usui Reiki master teacher, but her journey didn’t begin that way. Sarah began her path in the helping and healing field as a speech pathologist- working with adults who had suffered from stroke and also working with children who needed support in their speech and language development.
In her early 30s, Sarah sustained a serious snowboarding injury which resulted in years of chronic pain. This lead her to seek out different therapies and healing modalities. Eventually, Sarah became certified in Yamuna Body Rolling which significantly helped with the pain.
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Through the work of healing herself and helping others work through their own pain, she came across Reiki. “I was immediately drawn to Reiki and the beautiful way it assists with all levels and layers of healing in the body, mind and soul. I could feel a significant shift in both my physical and emotional body after receiving my first reiki session”. Sarah knew that she wanted to learn more about this ancient healing art and share it with others. She found teachers who taught her how to channel Reiki for herself, her loved ones and community. Nothing means more to her than being able to help others tap into their own healing abilities.