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!
Melissa Magdangal, OTD, OTR/L, HTC – Occupational Therapist
Melissa Magdangal was initially inspired to pursue a career in occupational therapy following working as a hand therapy aide at Newport Hand Center. She graduated from UC Irvine receiving her BA in Psychology and also received the Chancellor’s Award of Distinction due to her exceptional contribution to UC Irvine through leadership, community service, & research. Melissa went on to obtain her Master’s of Occupational Therapy degree from San Jose State University, and continued on to complete her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. Throughout her graduate studies Melissa has gained experience in both pediatric and adult rehabilitation settings, however has been primarily interested in working with individuals following neurologic or orthopedic injury. Melissa’s past experiences include working with individuals following life-changing illness or injury such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, and hand & upper extremity rehabilitation. Melissa completed her doctoral residency at Newport Hand Center, and is continuing to pursue advanced specialization in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. She continues to be involved in hand therapy study groups and is hoping to become a certified hand therapist (CHT) in the near future. She is extremely passionate about providing compassionate and client-centered care, which can be evidenced by the positive relationships and trust she builds with her patients. In her free time you can find her enjoying the outdoors, hiking, travelling, or creating new pottery pieces.
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 Sanchez, 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.
Kennith Tran – PT Aide
Kennith Tran is an upcoming junior at the University of California, Irvine at the school of Biological Sciences, specialized in Exercise Science. Prior to working at Corona Del Mar Physical Therapy, Kennith worked with athletes by shadowing athletic trainers. Transitioning from the courts to the clinical setting, Kennith greatly enjoys working alongside the wonderful physical and occupational therapist, thriving to learn and serve the patients in the best way possible. During his free time, you could catch Kennith at the gym training for his next powerlifting meet with the UCI team. Implementing the skills gained through powerlifting into patient care, Kennith strives to help each patient find their optimal recovery, strengthening/conditioning route, as each and every individual’s case is different. Kennith looks forward to getting the chance to work with you!
Jarrod Delin, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Jarrod is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science. He is also a volunteer at a pediatric occupational therapy clinic and a private karate instructor for special needs children. Jarrod is passionate about the importance of emotional and physical well-being in people. He plans on pursuing occupational therapy school with the aspirations of becoming an occupational therapist. During his free time, Jarrod enjoys playing the piano, watching basketball, and eating food with friends and family.
Vivian Ngo, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Vivian currently attends the University of California, Irvine as a biological sciences major. After graduation in 2024, Vivian plans to apply to PA school in hopes of becoming a physician assistant with a specialty in neonatology or obstetrics. Throughout high school she was on the water polo and swim team. Now she enjoys swimming, hiking, and going to the gym. Her favorite thing to do is travel and her favorite place she’s traveled to is Thailand. Vivian enjoys the physical therapy community because everyone is very welcoming.
Marina Ebeid, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Originally from the Bay Area, Marina is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine and received a degree in Human Biology with a minor in Public Health. She aspires to be a Physician Assistant in the field of pediatrics in the near future. She is passionate about working with patients and being able to assist in their healing process. In her free time, Marina enjoys singing, playing tennis, spending time at the beach, going to Disneyland, and hanging out with friends and family.
Jazlyn Garcia, B.A. – Physical Therapy Aide
Jazlyn is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science and Education Sciences. Originally with the aspiration to be a teacher, Jazlyn decided to now pursue occupational therapy. She came to this decision after realizing she can still offer support to students in the school setting by using therapeutic activities to improve a student’s ability to function and adapt to the school environment. During her free time, Jazlyn enjoys watching films, riding the most thrilling roller coasters, and taking scenic hikes with friends.
Jana Tsai – Physical Therapy Aide
Jana is an upcoming senior at 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.
Stephanie Fung – Physical Therapy Aide
Stephanie is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Public Health Sciences and a B.A. in Educational Sciences. She seeks to become an occupational therapist and is applying to graduate schools later in the year. Stephanie enjoys getting to know patients and watching them progress more in stabilization and strength. Outside of the clinic, she likes to go to coffee shops, swim, and spend time with her dog.
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 – Physical Therapy Aide
Deryek Kon currently attends 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.
Alicia De Dios – Physical Therapy Aide
Coming soon…
