Physical Therapist

I am a Montana native and graduated from Montana State University with a BS in Microbiology. At MSU I competed for the NCAA Bobcats cross country and track teams. I completed a CLS internship at UCLA and worked in a trauma center as a CLS for 5 years before attending Physical Therapy school at California State University Long Beach where I graduated in 1997.

I have worked in outpatient orthopedics using my personal experience as a competitive runner and physical therapy knowledge to specialize in treating running-related injuries. For the past 6 years, I have has also been an assistant cross country coach at Dana Hills High School. In 2005 I was inducted into the MSU hall of fame. I reside in Dana Point with my husband and 2 sons.

Physical Therapist

I was born and raised in Southern California. I received my Physical Therapy degree from California State University, Long Beach. I love helping patients improve their function and quality of life. I strive to bring positive and caring energy to my practice and feel blessed to be a part of each person’s road to recovery.

My experience includes working with developmental disabilities at Fairview Hospital and outpatient rehab in Ogoto, Japan. I utilize manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and movement retraining programs to meet each patient’s goals. My favorite activities include family time, running, making jewelry, and crafts of all kinds.

Physical Therapist

I was born and raised in east Africa and then shifted to India to be with my grandparents during my teenage years. After meeting my loveable husband, I moved to the US three years ago.

I have 6 years of experience working in Charotar University of Science and Technology as a Physical Therapist, Tutor, Vice President of Student Council, and Head of the Department of Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Physical Therapy.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

A Northern California native, I headed south to attend Loyola Marymount University (LMU) where I earned my B.S. in Health and Human Sciences. While at LMU, I worked closely with the Wellness Manager & Ergonomics Specialist; although I had personal experience with physical therapy during high school athletics, it was my time at LMU where I first cultivated my interest in rehabilitation and preventative care.

I later earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) and spent the majority of my clinical rotations in orthopedic settings that focused on holistic care. Additionally, I currently serve on the executive board for a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3), Movement Alliance, that focuses on preventive care and education for youth coaches and athletes.

I am excited to begin my time in Orange County joining the LOR team, whose values coincide with my beliefs of rehabilitation and body work: Movement is not only a powerful change agent but a healer as well! You can often find me exploring hiking trails with my husband, preparing for more backpacking adventures such as our recent trips to the Trans-Catalina Trail and The Kepler Track in New Zealand. I also enjoy beach volleyball, practicing yoga, and spending time with my loving family.

Physical Therapist

I was born and raised in Southern California and competed in gymnastics, swimming, and dance from a very young age. I have always loved to be active, and that's what initially drew me to a career as a Physical Therapist. After earning my degree from California State University Long Beach in 1992 I worked for the renowned Dr. Jacqueline Perry as her Polio Clinic Coordinator at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center. That experience provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge to transition to outpatient orthopedics, where I’ve worked ever since. It's the place I feel both comfortable and challenged at the same time.

I now specialize in movement assessment to determine asymmetries and dysfunction. I utilize manual techniques and exercises that include functional training, yoga, and Pilates to promote normal movement patterns. My goal is to get my patients back to their previous level of function, or better! Helping my patients feel better and educating them to better understand their bodies is the most rewarding part of my job. My love of movement and sharing it with others is what truly makes me happy and fulfilled.

When I'm not in the clinic you can find me practicing yoga and Pilates, running with my dog Charlie and spending time with my husband Matt and two daughters, Delaney and Taylor.

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist

I am a native Californian and relish being by the water here in south Orange County. I have loved every area I have practiced in my PT career from the hospital, rehab, home health, and outpatient orthopedics. My goal is to treat the whole person. Areas I specialize in are vestibular, balance, and concussion rehabilitation. I have taught continuing education workshops in these areas nationally for over 18 years. I had the privilege to work at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton as the Traumatic Brain Injury Vestibular Physical Therapist treating naval and marine personnel with brain injuries. I love the slogan of the California Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association that physical therapists help “improve the way you move,” and I find that spirit embodied at Laguna Orthopedic Rehabilitation.

When I am not working as a physical therapist, I love to bike, hike, snorkel, scuba dive, whale watch and travel the world. I am a big animal lover and have three rescue cats at home. I like to say they adopted me though.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

After initially being born and raised in Long Island, NY (Go Yankees!), I completed my undergrad at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, where I played Division II basketball. I returned home for Physical Therapy school and received my Doctorate from New York Institute of Technology in 2011. I spent my early years as a PT working for several hospitals in NY doing acute bedside care and acute rehab. Working in these environments gave me a solid background in my understanding of acute medical situations while working closely with patients immediately out of surgery, for example. Soon after, I moved to Boston, MA, and started working full time in Outpatient Orthopedics for Boston Medical Center. I just moved to California, so I look forward to your great food, brewery, and event recommendations! I have worked in a variety of settings and bring my full-spectrum knowledge to LOR. My goal is to empower my patients to learn how to manage their symptoms and continue to become stronger even after completing formal PT.

My love for PT began after my first knee injury playing high school basketball. I subsequently had 5 knee surgeries throughout my HS and college basketball career, and my PTs were the reason I was able to continue to play the sport I love. While I can’t play competitively anymore, in my spare time you can find me at Orange Theory, riding my Peloton, or doing anything outside with my family.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Born and raised in San Diego but I decided to go back east to Pennsylvania State University to get my BS in Kinesiology. In 2018 I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in Australia at Melbourne University.

I have been working in the health and wellness space since 2014. I started my work in health care as a personal trainer and quickly became eager to advance my knowledge to better help people. Special areas of interest include orthopedics and sports related injuries, manual therapy and exercise science. I am passionate about finding the style of exercise that best fits each client. I have been certified in CrossFit, Personal training, USA weightlifting and APPI Pilates Matwork and Reformer. My husband and I recently opened a Crossfit and personal training gym in Laguna Niguel called Industry Fitness!

My personal interest include travel, hunting for delicious food and being anywhere outside with my husband and dog!

Doctor of Physical Therapy

I grew up spending most of my time in the pool for swimming and water polo until I got a little taller and transitioned to basketball and track as well. I injured myself in virtually every sport I ever played from capture the flag to football. Athletic training and physical therapy became my passions out of necessity nearly as much as I desire to help people return to doing the things they love. My extensive first-hand knowledge of rehabilitation ranging from herniated discs to knee surgeries gives me an added insight into the patient experience aside from staying up to date on the latest research on various rehabilitation techniques as well.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my son, playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, swimming, and hiking.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

As a Southern California native, I grew up swimming competitively and playing water polo. My affinity for water sports initially peaked my interest in the practice of physical therapy. By the age of 15, I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist.

I graduated from Cal State Northridge with my BS in Kinesiology, Exercise Science. During my undergraduate career, I dedicated most of my time volunteering in San Fernando Valley community leading senior fitness classes and diabetes prevention programs. While in college, I started running which lead me to assist training the San Fernando High School students in the Students Run LA marathon program.

I went on to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2019. Throughout my graduate career, I grew a passion for evaluating & treating orthopedic and sports-related injuries. In my years practicing as a PT, I have treated a wide variety of injuries and post-operative surgeries across all ages and patient populations. I value providing an individualized treatment approach to help you achieve your goals.

When not in the clinic, I'm often spending quality time with my husband, family and friends. I enjoy cooking, baking, working out and taking in the beautiful outdoors. I love to be in the water, if it's sunny outside you likely can find me at the beach or hanging by the pool.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Deborah Weinstein obtained her M.A. Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 1974, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from Chapman University in 2014, and a Certification in Manual Lymph Drainage in 2022.

Dr. Weinstein’s areas of specialization include Pelvic Health, helping patients restore optimal function after struggling with bowel and bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, and pre and post-partum postural strain including shoulder, back, and groin pain; Breast Cancer Rehabilitation including restoring optimal ease of movement and strength after breast surgery and radiation therapy, and Lymphedema Management, the prevention and control of swelling after removal of lymph nodes or other surgeries. She also has extensive experience in Orthopedic physical therapy treatment, and enjoys helping patients improve after shoulder, hip, knee, or back injury. Deborah remains current with state-of-the-art physical therapy technique, through continuing education workshops and conferences.

Deborah lives in Laguna Niguel, California, and in her spare time enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling the world with her husband.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Marena’s passion for physical therapy grew from her interest in human anatomy and wanting to help people improve their mobility. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s in health science and Loma Linda University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. We are so excited to have her join our team at LOR Physical Therapy with her specialties including treatment of orthopedic impairments and pelvic health dysfunction.

Marena strives to leverage her skills, knowledge and experience in effort to see patient’s health improve with every visit. Her top priority is seeing her patients satisfied and living with optimal level of function. Marena values getting to know her patients and working closely with them to ensure they’re getting the proper treatment.

In her free time, Marena enjoys the outdoors, swimming and warm weather. Her personal interests include vacationing at tropical destinations, riding bikes, and spending time with family and friends.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Nancy has been a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) for 28 years working in orthopedics, home health, skilled nursing, as well as the hospital setting.

She has her bachelor's degree in physical education from Long Beach State University and graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Cerritos College. She is a certified Pilates Instructor and enjoys incorporating Pilates exercises into her patient care and rehabilitation.

Nancy's passion is orthopedics. She enjoys the problem-solving aspect and feels extremely rewarded to assist patients in restoring their mobility, strength, and function while having fun doing it. She participates in Half Ironman triathlons and especially love swimming in the ocean. Most weekends she can be found cycling throughout Orange County, swimming in Laguna Beach, or running.

She is involved in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and participates in their Bay-to-Bay bike ride each year. She has been very fortunate to experience cycling in Europe with her husband and friends. Nancy's other hobbies include reading, baking, and spending time with her friends and family. She mostly enjoys time spent with her husband and dog.

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

I can still remember my 8th grade science class. I can see myself standing over a diagram of the Anatomy of a Fish and a dissected fish, with my mind blown at how amazingly made it was! All those “things” inside of it made it eat, breathe, swim, and perform so many other functions that I didn’t even know existed. Fast forward about a decade, and there I am in my Doctorate of Physical Therapy Anatomy class with my own cadaver. It may seem crazy to others, but what an honor, privilege, and a joy to be learning about this amazing body we have all been given. I graduated with my DPT in 2005, got hitched to a cute smart guy in PT school, and started working. Over the years I have worked in Outpatient Orthopedics, Home Health, was an Instructor at Saddleback Community College in the Adaptive Kinesiology program as well as rehabbed the athletes in the Athletic Training Room. My goal as a PT is to not only get the injured body part feeling better and moving as it should be but to motivate, empower and support the human being attached to it.

As much as I love treating patients, I find joy in painting, helping my church, going on field trips with my little girls but mostly going to the beach with my family. Taking pictures of Jenavieve and Jaycee tandem surfing with my husband John and building birthday cakes in the sand is my happy place.

Physical Therapy Assistant

No two paths are the same, and if you looked at mine it would be a winding one. I fell in love with PT when I got to see it in action in caring for my Grandmother years ago. I completed my AA at Saddleback College and worked here at LOR as an aide. However, before I could take that next step on my path, my husband and I were transferred to Oahu, HI. As I pursued my PTA certification, my path was diverted to motherhood, and I now have a little boy who is my constant challenge to be more, and do more. My newly expanded family moved to GA for 4 years where I was able to complete my certification and licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Lanier Technical College. I graduated on the Dean’s List and qualified for Honors.

When I am not in the office, I love to be down in the harbor, baking and cooking in the kitchen, out in the garden, or on the floor with my son and my boxer playing games.

I now have the distinct pleasure of serving my community surrounded by the incredible talent and experience of the team of LOR PT, which has been my home for cumulative 11 years.

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

There isn’t a sport I haven’t played, watched, or wanted to participate in. It was my hobby and passion until I entered PT school. Now I have another hobby and passion, Physical Therapy. This passion of 20 years has driven me to learn as much as I can to help the high-level athlete as well as the desk jockey. I have taken multiple biomechanical courses and love to analyze movement. I am TPI certified in golf and have been blessed enough to train under some of the biggest names in orthopedic, manual, neurological, and vestibular PT to make sure I am treating my patients as best as I can. I have also enjoyed teaching at the graduate level as well as giving back to the community through free monthly workshops.

I’m always looking for some friendly competition, so I have competed against many of my patients in their sport once they are healthy…softball, water polo, swimming, poker, soccer, track, golf, triathlons, and pull-ups to name a few. I look forward to working with you, getting you back to what you love to do, and maybe even beating you at your own game!

I have 2 daughters that keep me on my toes and a wife that puts up with my sports obsession. Being from the East Coast, I’m continually on the hunt for good pizza and Italian food so I look forward to any recommendations that you may have while we get you back to feeling and moving better.