OUR TEAM

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Belinda McDonald, PT DPT, Owner

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Evidence in Motion of Health Professions, 2017
  • Pain Specialist Certification from the International Spine and Pain Institute, 2016
  • Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist from the Maitland Orthopedic Physiotherapy Seminars, 2006
  • Physical Therapy Board of California Certification, 2001
  • Further continued education in Manual therapy, Sports rehabilitation and Neurodynamic approach to rehabilitation

With 24 years experience, Belinda was educated in South Africa in an intensive four year Manual Physiotherapy Honors program and having completed an additional year-long fellowship in the Maitland approach, after working for three years, she moved to the USA. Having completed a yearlong fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy while still in South Africa, and have completed an additional certification here in the USA as a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist. Her focus is in manual technique, and she is trained in the skills needed for direct access to the patient population.

Nicole Jensen, PT DPT

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, San Marcos, 2011
  • Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise physiology with a minor in nutrition and psychology from California State University Chico, 2008
  • Nicole’s thirst for knowledge continues to drive her to learn and has since continued her education in Maitland mobilizations, nueromobilizations and pain management

Nicole was a certified massage therapist for 5 years before becoming a physical therapist which enhanced her ability to feel the differences in tissue sensitivity. Her passion is to teach others the tools they need to maintain balance throughout their active healthy life styles. Nicole’s personal experience with tearing her ACL has allowed her to truly understand the medical and rehabilitation process making her more empathetic and eager to help others overcome their injuries. In her free time she enjoys ballroom dancing, Pilates and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Megan Charles, PT DPT

Megan graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2022 where she also completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. While in the physical therapy program, she worked in a variety of settings including outpatient ortho, inpatient poly trauma unit at the Palo Alto VA Hospital where she also received her dry needling certification and outpatient pelvic floor therapy. Megan is passionate about working 1 on 1 with patients and has a strong interest in optimizing movement patterns, pain management strategies and manual techniques to improve quality of life. In her free time, Megan enjoys being outdoors, playing basketball and enjoying a beer at a Dodger game! 

Arielle Gerrish, PT DPT

Arielle received her doctorate from Chapman University in 2022 and settled right in to the Signature PT team. Prior to her graduate work, she received a BS in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and served as an aide for a private PT clinic in San Diego. She believes that manual therapy and individualized exercise programs are necessary components of a successful physical therapy plan. She incorporates techniques inspired by dance and yoga into her treatment sessions and views human movement as both art and science. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside, hiking with her pup, and exploring the Southern California food scene with her partner and friends.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION 

Alex M.

Alex is responsible for administrative duty management, front office staffing, patient scheduling, and medical billing. She has an Associate’s degree in Health Sciences, and an Occupational Certificate for Medical Billing and Coding. Her interest in the medical field was sparked when she began working with a student permit at the age of 14, she was inspired to further her knowledge and studied a variety of healthcare courses in college. Alex joined with Signature Physical Therapy in late May of 2010 and started working at the front desk, she immediately rooted herself in the hearts of the owners and patients. As our practice grew she grew with us-her natural leadership skills, unparalleled compassion, and medical training were catalysts for her moving into the Office Manager position she now conquers.

Alyssa D.

Alyssa joined our team in November of 2020 as a front office administrator- responsible for day to day office administrative duties, patient scheduling and our pilates schedule. She is a graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Mass Communications & Fashion Merchandising. She is a Texas native but has been a California resident for 4 years. Alyssa is passionate about making patients feel cared for the moment they step through the door. She enjoys her time off, soaking up the sun with her two dogs and husband.

Hanna M

Hanna joined our team in April 2021. She has worked in medical front office/costumer service relations for over seven years. She graduated in Southern California with a license in Esthetics from The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, with an emphasis in medical skin care. Her experience and love for working with people led her to settle in very quickly in our front office and as our Laser technician.  In her free time, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops and road tripping to visit her family.

PILATES & PERSONAL TRAINERS

Lisa Montaño

Lisa began her Pilates journey 10 years ago while recovering from a back injury and has been hooked since. After working in the corporate environment as a corporate trainer and Marketing professional for over 25 years, she followed her passion for Pilates and left corporate work to become an instructor full-time in 2021.  For Lisa, the most gratifying aspect of teaching Pilates is seeing the strength, confidence, and energy that students gain through their Pilates practice.  Lisa is a Certified Stott Pilates instructor.  She earned a B.A. in Comparative Literature from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco.  Lisa played volleyball competitively and spent many years cycling, with a handful of century rides under her belt. Lisa enjoys cycling, walking, cooking, and spending time with her two teenage sons and husband.