![]() MEET OUR THERAPISTS
Click on a name below to learn more about our team.
Brandon Buehler, DPT MPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Greg J. Van Camp, DPT, ATC Director of Rehabilitation Angelo S. Urquico, DPT, OCS Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist Jennifer Hsieh, MPT, OCS, CSCS Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist Abdallah Omar Itani, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Rich Coury, MPT, OCS, ATC Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist Vanessa Kurata, MPT, OCS Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist Tricia T. Thoms, PT, DPT, ATC Doctor of Physical Therapy Amy Chi Tran, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Roland Dulla, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Christi Ewing, MPT Director of Rehabilitation Brian P. Blanco, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Chris Patterson, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Katie Winzig, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy Armia Abdo, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy BRANDON BUEHLER, DPT, MPT
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Doctor of Physical Therapy, Temple University, Philadelphia • Master of Physical Therapy, California State University, Long Beach • Bachelor of Science, University of California Irvine • Thesis work focusing on spinal stabilization: “Dynamic Electromyographic Activity of the Trunk Musculature During Common Therapeutic Exercises” • Extensive training in orthopedics and manual therapy through the IPA • Certified Essential Functions Tester • Co-Founder of POISE (Prevention of Injury and Sports Enhancement) Brandon received his Bachelor of Science at University of California Irvine and his Master of Physical Therapy at California State University, Long Beach and continued on to obtain his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Temple University, Philadelphia. Brandon decided to become a physical therapist after being involved in a car accident and had to go through months of treatment himself in order to return to playing soccer in college. After experiencing how physical therapy helped him return to his normal activities, Brandon decided that this was the career that he wanted to pursue. He has a passion for helping people return to their sport or daily activity without pain or limitations. Brandon has extensive training in orthopedics and manual therapy through the Institute of Physical Art. He places high value on continuing education and instructs a year long mentorship program focused on manual therapy techniques at CBPT. Brandon emphasizes the importance of quality and personalized care with one-on-one treatment for every patient, a philosophy that he passes onto those he mentors. Brandon is also the co-founder of POISE (Prevention of Injury and Sports Enhancement), a successful injury prevention program that was created with his partner, Richard Coury, MPT, to assist athletes to in preventing significant injuries, helping them in full recovery to their sport and enhancing performance on the field or court. In his spare time Brandon enjoys spending time with his wife and sons, running, hiking and kayaking. As a Philadelphia native, Brandon is always on a quest to find the best east coast style pizza in town. RICH COURY, MPT, OCS, ATC
• Master of Physical Therapy, Chapman University • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, Chapman University • Sports medicine fellowship trained at the Athletic Conditioning and Injury Center • Thesis work focused on neurovascular entrapment dysfunctions • APTA Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist • N.A.T.A Certified Athletic Trainer • N.S.C.A. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist • Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator • Co-Founder of POISE (Prevention of Injury and Sports Enhancement) Rich received his Bachelor of Science and his Master of Physical Therapy at Chapman University. Although born in Ohio, Rich moved to Orange County when he was 8-years old and considers himself a So Cal native. Rich attended Servite High School in Anaheim where he played football and was voted most inspirational his Junior and Senior seasons. He still follows the Friars closely. It was through a severe knee injury at Servite that Rich discovered physical therapy. “My physical therapist helped get me through one of the toughest times of my life by pushing me to get better and overcome my injury. It was a character building experience that I want to help provide for others,” Rich says. Rich has extensive training in rehabilitation of sports, orthopedic, and neurological injuries/disorders. Throughout his career he has served as team physical therapist, athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning coach at several Orange County High Schools. He also serves as a senior instructor for the manual therapy based mentorship program at CBPT. Rich is also one of the co-founders of POISE (Prevention of Injury and Sports Enhancement), a successful injury prevention program developed to assist athletes prevent significant injuries, help obtain full recovery for return to their sport, and enhance performance on the field or court. Rich is a die hard sports fan. Although he considers himself a “So Cal Native,” he is a life long Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland Browns fan! In his spare time Rich enjoys golf, working out, martial arts, snow boarding, and spending time with his wife and family. CHRISTI EWING, MPT
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Master of Physical Therapy, Loma Linda University • Bachelor of Science, Loma Linda University • Continuing education: • Orthopedic Year Long Manual Therapy Course • Cervical and Thoracic Mobilization • Sports Physical Therapy: Year long Sports Rehabilitation Course • Lower Extremity Biomechanics Course Christi graduated from Loma Linda University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, and continued at Loma Linda University to pursue her Masters degree in Physical Therapy. Christi has completed several continuing education courses and her areas of specialty include: sports specific rehabilitation, injuries and rehabilitation of female athlete, orthopedic casting and assessment of lower extremity mechanics, post operative rehabilitation, and manual therapy. Growing up playing volleyball, basketball and softball, physical therapy was the perfect career for Christi, one that utilizes her athletic background and where she can help her patients on a daily basis. Her treatment philosophy is based on the principle that every patient is unique and requires individual attention and treatment plans. Christi emphasizes a combination of hands on treatment techniques with patient education in order to achieve optimal results. In her spare time Christi enjoys spending time with her family and staying active with sports. Since recently being bit by the travel bug, Christi and her husband are always in search of their next travel destination. GREG J. VAN CAMP, DPT, ATC
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Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Southern California,
Los Angeles • Bachelor of Science, Biology University of California, Irvine • UC Irvine Sports Medicine Internship • Thesis work focused on foot and lower quarter dysfunctions • Former Clinical Faculty at U.S.C. Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy • Lecturer at C.S.U. Long Beach Physical Therapy Program • N.A.T.A. Certified Athletic Trainer • Extensive training focused on orthopedic manual therapy and functional exercise prescription Greg received his Bachelor of Science at University of California, Irvine and his Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of Southern California. Greg has extensive training in sports medicine, orthopedics and manual therapy. He completed a 3 year Sports Medicine internship at the University of California, Irvine where he served as the head trainer for the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams, swim team, and track & field. He has received his certification as an Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Greg was also clinical faculty at U.S.C. in the graduate program of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy, where he was an instructor of clinical physical therapy. With every patient that Greg treats he basis his treatments on the philosophy that every patient needs to be evaluated and treated as an individual and not as a diagnosis. With a strong emphasis on communication, Greg develops appropriate rehabilitation programs to meet their personal goals. Physical therapy has been an extremely rewarding career for Greg because of the fact that he can help his patients through every phase of their recovery and develop personal relationships with them. Greg places a high value on treating each patient individually and working with them to achieve their goals. In his spare time, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife, playing hockey, playing the guitar, and cheering for his USC Trojans. Fight On! VANESSA KURATA, MPT, OCS
• Masters of Physical Therapy, California State University, Long Beach • Bachelor of Science, University of California, San Diego • Participant of manual therapy mentorship program • Research thesis on the comparison of ground reaction forces and joint kinematics with Z-Coil shoes versus other walking/running shoes. Vanessa graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a BS in Physiology and Neuroscience. She then completed her Masters in Physical Therapy at California State University, Long Beach. Vanessa was inspired to pursue a career in physical therapy after her mother sustained a debilitating knee injury. She was immediately impressed with her mother’s dramatic recovery and enjoyed seeing her rapidly return to an active lifestyle. Since this experience, she has become highly motivated to help others attain their maximal potential utilizing a hands-on approach. Vanessa’s philosophy emphasizes communication and one-on-one individual tailoring of her treatment. Vanessa consistently offers a very high quality of care to a wide range of patients with a broad spectrum of challenging deficits. Currently, Vanessa lives in beautiful Long Beach, California. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, playing tennis, working out, and triathlon training. In the future, she is interested in expanding her education in sports performance and rehabilitation techniques. BRIAN P. BLANCO, DPT
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Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chapman University• Bachelor of Science, Biology University of Riverside • Research at Chapman focused on outcome measures for writers and musicians with focal hand dystonia • Participant of manual therapy mentorship program • Certified functional capacity evaluator Brian attended high school in the Riverside area at Notre Dame High School before attending the University of California at Riverside, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He then went on to pursue his doctorate degree in physical therapy at Chapman University. He had particular interest in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Brian knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the health industry during college; he decided on physical therapy because of the ‘hands-on’ approach to providing healthcare for his patients. The personal interaction and direct effect that he could have on the quality of life for his patients is the most rewarding part of his career. To improve the quality of life for each of his patients through personalized treatment and one-on-one care is the standard that Brian sets for every patient. In his spare time Brian enjoys cycling on trails around his home, and spending time with his family and friends. He is also a fan of all Chicago sports teams, having grown up just outside of Chicago. He has also been involved with martial arts for more than 10 years. He has a black belt in both karate and jujitsu and was an instructor for 6 years. Angelo S. Urquico, DPT, OCS
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Doctor of Physical Therapy (Chapman University)• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (California State University, Fullerton) • Graduate of an APTA credentialed Orthopedic Residency Program • Clinical Instructor of Physical Therapy Students • Continuing Education: o Year Long Orthopedic Manual Therapy Course o Year Long Movement Science Course o Various Rehabilitation and Clinical Reasoning Courses Angelo received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton, and his clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University. He then completed a year long Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency which focused on manual therapy, clinical reasoning, and various continuing education courses. Angelo was always active in sports and martial arts as a kid and knew since high school he wouldn’t be able to handle a “desk job,” so physical therapy was a natural choice for him to remain active while making a difference in people’s lives. Angelo is passionate about improving public access to health care, and supports pro bono services for the underprivileged. Angelo’s treatment philosophy emphasizes personalized care and patient collaboration in order to achieve his patients’ individual goals. Angelo has found success in treating his patients by providing an eclectic approach to rehabilitation combining manual therapy, movement science, and patient education. Angelo strives to maintain balance in all
aspects of life, so staying healthy, picking up
random books, watching sports, and hanging out
with friends and family help him achieve that.
Angelo feels very blessed to being able to
permanently reside in La Mirada, where him and
his wife will be raising a family as new proud
parents of identical twin girls! He looks
forward to learning how to make pigtails, and
not letting his daughters date until they buy
their own house! Christopher Patterson, DPT
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (Azusa Pacific University)• Bachelor of Science (Arizona State University) • Continuing Education o Manual Diagnosis and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine, SIJ, and Hip A southern California native, Chris was born and raised in Fullerton and attended El Dorado High School. Chris is a sports enthusiast and played youth soccer and tennis and spent several summers at Camp Greylock in Massachusetts teaching tennis to young campers. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Arizona State University, Chris worked as a physical therapy aide where his passion for patient care and physical therapy was confirmed. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University and focused his doctoral research and thesis on the cardiovascular effects of isometric exercise on patients with diabetes. Since receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Chris has been able to continue to deepen and refine his skills working with a variety of orthopedic, spine, and sport related injuries. In addition, Chris has gained experience in treating dance-related injuries working with the ballet dancers from Inland Pacific Ballet. He is continually reading and implementing the latest orthopedic literature to keep patient treatment rooted in current research. He believes that physical therapy should be an educational process for the patient to improve their individual understanding of their body and how they can help themselves. Chris is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Orthopedic Section of the APTA. In his free time, Chris enjoys woodworking, running, travel and spending time with his family. Jennifer Hsieh, MPT, OCS, CSCS
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Masters of Physical Therapy, Western University - Bachelor of Liberal Studies, UC Riverside - Thesis work focused on the changes in adolescent posture with backpack loading - APTA Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Jennifer grew up in Rowland Heights, CA and went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. While in college, a friend of Jennifer told her about physical therapy. Once Jennifer began to look into this profession, she instantly fell in love with it. She was amazed at how physical therapists were able to help restore people’s lives and help them return to their sport, work, or even playing with their children. Jennifer decided to become a physical therapist because she really enjoys working with and helping people. She found that physical therapy combined her interests in sports, teaching, counseling, and helping others. Quality of care is very important to Jennifer. She treats everyone as if they were members of her own family, and likes to see her clients return to an optimum level of function. Jennifer specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation. She has completed several continuing education courses in orthopedics and sports therapy, and completed a year long manual therapy course. Jennifer enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, family and friends. She loves to eat all kinds of food, except liver! She also enjoys being active and is game to try almost anything once. Tricia T. Thoms, PT, DPT, ATC
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chapman University Katie Winzig, DPT
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (University of Southern California) Abdallah Omar Itani, DPT
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chapman University • Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles • Research on Neuro Dynamic Tension Testing of Upper and Lower Extremities • Continuing Education: o Manual Diagnosis and Treatment: Lumbar Spine, Sacroiliac, and Hip joints o Evidence Based Approach to Managing Shoulder Dysfunctions • Active member of the American Physical Therapy Association Orthopedic, Geriatric and Neurologic sections Omar was raised in the South Bay and attended North Torrance High in CA. He was part of the wrestling team for all 4 years, competing in Greco-Roman, Freestyle, and collegiate wrestling under USA wrestling for the South Bay wrestling club. He was also team captain his junior and senior years. Omar has trained in Jiu-Jitsu and Kick Boxing until a severe shoulder injury introduced him to physical therapy. After a few surgeries, he stopped competing as he had a career turning point. He went on to completing his degree in physiological sciences at UCLA and received his post-graduate degree, Doctor of Physical Therapy, at Chapman University. Omar has received extensive training and completed research on lumbar spine instability and stabilization. He also completed a contractual that involved extensive review of evidence based clinical practice for treating various shoulder pathologies. In his spare time, Omar enjoys spending time with his family (wife and 11 month old daughter), hiking, camping, fishing and watching sports (UFC, soccer, and Formula one racing). Amy Chi Tran, DPT
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Western University of Health Sciences• Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology, University of California at Berkeley A southern California native born and raised in Orange County, Amy decided to move to the Bay Area for her undergraduate studies where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology from the University of California at Berkeley. Although she loved the Bay Area, family and school brought her back to “SoCal” where she obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. Amy first considered the field of physical therapy when she was in high school. As an avid volleyball player, she always had a love for sports and wanted to pursue a career where she could interact with athletes. After college, she worked as an aide in a sports medicine clinic where she was able to experience hands-on patient care. Her desire to become a physical therapist was confirmed and she was confident this was the career she wanted to pursue. What she loves most about being a physical therapist is the relationship she is able to build with each individual patient through interaction and communication. Amy approaches each patient as a unique individual deserving of quality care and personalized treatment plans. Her treatment philosophy is to find the underlying cause of the injury through knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics of the body in able to prevent future injuries from occurring. She believes it is essential to utilize manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to help the patient return to his or her prior level of function. Amy enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her 3 year old nephew, playing indoor and beach volleyball whenever she can make time, reading, drinking coffee, watching football and basketball, and simply relaxing. A few of her future goals include learning to swim, traveling so she can collect more stamps on her passport, and starting an injury prevention program in volleyball for local high school and college athletes. Roland Dulla, DPT
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (Chapman University)• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (California State University, Long Beach) Roland attended California State University Long Beach where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. He then moved on to Chapman University and obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy. Roland was exposed to physical therapy at a young age. As an active teen involved in many sports year round, he spent a lot of time in physical therapy. It was then when he fell in love with the profession. He was fascinated by the idea of being able to work closely with a variety of people to improve their overall wellness. Roland is passionate about providing high-quality, individualized care in order to achieve each patient’s goals. He believes that communication and patient education are the keys to reaching and maintaining an optimal level of functioning. In his spare time Roland enjoys snowboarding, cooking, eating, playing the guitar, playing the drums, working out, and spending time with family and friends. Armia Abdo, DPT
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton, CA • Thesis work focusing on the use of common modalities used to facilitate healing time in "non-healing" diabetic ulcers. Armia was brought up in Orange County and attended Mater Dei high school. He then went on to receive his bachelors of science from Cal State Fullerton in Kinesiology where he played Rugby and was voted rookie of the year and president of the club. Armia later earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Armia first became inspired to work in the health industry after volunteering in a wellness program for the disabled in college. He worked with many individuals taking them through workouts. One of his most memorable moments was helping one individual to walk again for the first time in years. Since that moment, Armia realized the satisfaction and the good that comes from helping others. What he loves most about being a physical therapist is the one on one interaction with his patients. He believes in the importance of getting invested in each patient and inspiring them to achieve all their goals. In his off time, Armia likes to be active and is regularly involved in triathlons, and marathons. He also enjoys watching movies, playing sports, traveling anywhere and everywhere, and spending time with his family and friends. In the future, Armia plans on furthering his knowledge by earning his CSCS, OCS, and pursuing extended education in manual skills. |
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