Heather Ritchie, PT – Clinic Director
Hailing from Canada, Heather graduated from the University of Manitoba and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and began her Physical Therapy career in orthopedic rehabilitation in 2004. She moved to sunny Southern California in 2007 and has been exclusively involved in the private practice setting ever since. Heather enjoys getting to know each client so she can provide quality, comprehensive one-on-one therapy for each patient. Her approach is to treat the patient, not just the diagnosis. She feels this allows her to provide the most thorough rehabilitation. Heather believes that correct posture and alignment, along with strong core muscle strength, is important for all patients to help return them to their sports, their hobbies or even to their basic daily activities. She also believes that education is fundamental in having each patient understand their body and how they can help limit or prevent re-injury. Heather is a strong yoga practitioner and enjoys bringing what she’s learned in her yoga studio to her patients. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher. She teaches an introductory yoga class at Corona del Mar Physical Therapy which is open to everyone. This class is an invigorating full-body flow to explore the yoga postures and fundamental principles of Vonyasa yoga. This class is a foundation-building yoga class that will stretch and strengthen every muscles through movement and breath. Heather lives in Costa Mesa with her husband. In her free time, Heather spends her time cooking, baking, traveling and exploring all that Southern California has to offer with her husband and the wonderful friends they have made here.
Joanne Mimm, CHT, PT – Physical Therapist
Joanne has been a CHT for the past 25 years working with hand surgeons in order to provide the best outcomes in hand rehabilitation following surgeries, fractures and over it you syndromes. She has been a presenter at the ASHT 5 consecutive years on tendon transfers and rehabilitation. As a clinical instructor for 10 years at Loma Linda University she instructed students in soft tissue techniques and management of rheumatological conditions through PT And OT. She is now the clinical Director Newport Hand Center and has worked in Newport Beach for the past 15 years. She enjoys golf and hiking, and strives to help her patients return to the activities they love.
Dr. Michael Fernandez, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Michael graduated from Azusa Pacific University with his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Before that he received his B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. His first day of going to school at UC Irvine was also his first day working for SoCal PT and Corona del Mar Physical Therapy. Michael spent 6 years with the company working as a volunteer, Physical Therapy Aide, and Front Office Manager. He now returns after his schooling to work as a Physical Therapist for the company he grew up loving to work for. Michael is also bilingual in Spanish and has a background of experiences in orthopedics, pediatrics, telehealth, and chronic pain patients.
Michaels approach to physical therapy is patient centered in which he enjoys creating a specific plan of care for a patient’s specific needs and goals. He likes to implement the most up to date and studied biomechanical research to his treatment plans to not only assist in treating the patients injuries or pain but also to prevent from any future injury or issues. Michael was also published in the International Journal of Exercise Science for his review on warm up strategies and injury prevention for running sport athletes. While Michael loves being a physical therapist, he also has a love for business and healthcare administration. He has also received a certificate in Business Administration from UC Irvine and a certificate in Health Sciences from Coastline Community College.
Michael enjoys spending time with friends and family in his free time. He also enjoys watching and playing basketball, going to Disneyland, listening to music and comedy, cooking, and trying new restaurants as a food blogger. So feel free to ask for recommendations!
Panna Patel – Hand Therapist , OT
Panna Patel is an Occupational therapist and has 6 years of orthopedic hand therapy experience. She graduated with Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from University of Houston and graduated with Masters of Science in Occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University and with previous experience in acute care in Houston, TX. Panna was always intrigued with hand injuries and aims to blend holistic and therapeutic care while supporting the health and wellness of her patients. Panna is also ASTYM certified and a Yoga therapist. She moved to Southern California to be with her husband in 2010 and has a passion for biking, hiking, traveling, running and keeping up with her 8 year old son. She recently ran 2 half marathons and would like to run a full marathon soon!
Nicole Reaves, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Nicole Reaves is an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist (CHT). Her passion and journey to become a hand therapist began with the Newport Hand Center. Nicole decided to “check out” occupational therapy and hand therapy by volunteering at the Newport Hand Center with Vicky Adams in 2010. She was an aide at NHC for a year and a half, and then she pursued her master’s in science of occupational therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Upon entering graduate school, Nicole knew she wanted to specialize in hand therapy. She has been practicing in this specialty since graduating with her master’s in occupational therapy in 2014. Nicole became a CHT in 2017. In addition to being a hand specialist, she has expertise in workplace ergonomics and she is a Graston Technique Specialist. Nicole performs frequent ergonomic evaluations as part of her practice, especially for individuals with overuse injuries. Additionally, working with new moms and women who are pregnant is a passion for Nicole. Outside of hand therapy, Nicole loves to be silly with her children (2 years old and 4 years old). Playing frisbee golf and exploring new restaurants is what she and the hubby enjoy.
Heather Cortez, B.A. – Office Manager
Graduated from Mt. San Antonio College in 2021 with an Associates Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I enjoy getting to know each and every client that walks through the doors of Corona Del Mar Physical Therapy/Newport Hand Center. After graduating from Mt. San Antonio College, I moved to Huntington Beach. I enjoy spending quality time with my husband Mike and three boys, Nathan, Andre and Johnny. I love watching my three boys play roller hockey in West Covina. I like to travel, cook/barbecue, watch movies, and go to the beach. I love creating everlasting memories with my loved ones and friends.
Jana Tsai, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Jana is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine at the school of Biological Sciences, specialized in Exercise Sciences. She plans on pursuing physical therapy school with the aspirations of becoming a physical therapist. Jana has a love for helping others and strives to aid people in overcoming their injuries. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, doing yoga, watching shows, and trying new foods.
Kari Giordano, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Kari is a recent graduate from Arizona State University with a B.S. degree in Health Science. She also holds associate degrees in Kinesiology, Math and Science, and Social and Behavioral Science. Kari is passionate about learning about the human body and is currently working as an instructional aide for an anatomy and physiology course at Santa Ana College. In addition to her work at the college, Kari has been a dance coach for ten years and enjoys teaching children. Her passion for teaching has ultimately inspired her to pursue a career as a pediatric occupational therapist, and she plans to apply to the OT program at CSU Dominguez Hills in August of 2024. In her spare time, Kari enjoys cooking, exploring the outdoors, and staying active.
Ishpreet Mangar – Physical Therapy Aide
Ishpreet is currently an undergraduate student at the University of California, Irvine studying Public Health Sciences and Social Ecology. She enjoys helping patients make progress in their healing journey and is passionate about helping improve people’s ability to function. In the future, she plans on pursuing PT/OT school, or PA school. In her free time, Ishpreet enjoys going to the gym, doing yoga, spending time at the beach, and going on hikes.
Deryek Kon, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Deryek Kon is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine as a Biological Sciences major. He plans to apply to a PT program after graduation in hopes of being able to help people recover from injuries and assist in their overall recovery process. Deryek has a desire to help people become the healthiest versions of themselves. In his free time Deryek enjoys playing basketball, going to the gym and trying new food with friends and family.
Sydney Sakamoto – Physical Therapy Aide
Sydney is currently an undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine as a Biological Sciences major. With a strong interest in physical health and rehabilitation, Sydney is excited to develop her skills that will contribute to a future career in healthcare as a physical or occupational therapist. In her free time, Sydney enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends.
Chelsea Paylaga – Physical Therapy Aide
Coming soon…
Juliette Fajeau – Physical Therapy Aide
Juliette Fajeau is currently an undergraduate student at the University of California Irvine, where she studies Biological Sciences. She plans to attend PT or PA school following graduation to help people during their recovery process and improve their overall health. In her freetime she loves going to the gym, hanging out at the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Dalia Valenzuela – Physical Therapy Aide
Coming soon…
