“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust, and care for each other.” -Vala Afshar
Simon Gibson, PT
- President & Owner
- Diploma in Physical Therapy - Auckland University of Technology, 1985
Simon is the CEO and founder of Montclair Physical Therapy, Inc. Simon was born and raised in Richmond, New Zealand. Went to Massey University, Otago University and Auckland Technical Institute for his Diploma in Physical Therapy. He moved to California and started MPT in 1989.
Andy Huynh, DPT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy - Samuel Merritt University, 2019
- B.S. Biology - University of California Los Angeles, 2015
Andy is a Samuel Merritt University and UCLA Alumni. He is an Oakland, CA native and has a passion for helping out individuals from his community. He enjoys being part of the process of helping an individual improve their quality life and livelihood. When he is not at work, he loves to spend his free time hiking/camping/backpacking in the wilderness, hanging out with his family and friends, playing and watching sports, or playing videogames. With his background in sports, Andy has an interest for orthopedic physical therapy and plans to pursue a certification in the future.
Abraldo Perez, DPT, CMT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy - University of California San Francisco/San Francisco State University, 2013
- Certified Massage Therapist - Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts, Santa Cruz CA, 1999
Abe is a graduate of the UCSF/SFSU physical therapy doctoral program. He is passionate about working with a diverse client population and truly enjoys being part of an individual's rehabilitation. When not working with clients, Abe loves exploring movement activities such as yoga, capoeira, acroyoga, slackline, surfing, snowboarding and backpacking.
Joseph Dannels, DPT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy - Samuel Merritt University, 2019
- B.S. Industrial Engineering - California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, 2003
Joseph received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA. He was born in Oakland and has lived here for the last 10 years. During his clinical rotations, he worked for 6 months at the VA in Martinez, CA in both their outpatient orthopedic clinic and rehabilitation hospital. He also spent time at an outpatient neurological clinic for Kaiser Permanente, and an outpatient orthopedic clinic in the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. He recently presented a poster board presentation at the American Physical Therapy Association- Combined Sections Meeting national conference titled "Reactive Balance Control in a Person with Stiff Person Syndrome: A Case Report." He enjoys taking a task oriented and collaborative approach with his patients to help them achieve their goals.
Alice Riegert, DPT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy - Samuel Merritt University, 2020
- B.A. Literature and Creative Studies - UC Santa Barbara, 2008
Alice was born and raised in the East Bay and received her doctorate from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA. During her clinical rotations, Alice gained experience in a variety of settings including: outpatient orthopedics, inpatient neuromuscular rehabilitation, and pediatric neuromuscular rehabilitation. When not in the clinic you can find her teaching capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, which she has practiced for 15 years. She has traveled internationally to teach injury prevention to capoeira students and enjoys participating in capoeira encounters around North America and in Brazil. Alice is passionate about serving and learning from a diverse community and excited to guide you in moving and feeling better.
Henry Nguyen, PTA
- A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant – Sacramento City College, 2015
Henry has background in neuro and musculoskeletal physical therapy skills. He’s worked in both outpatient and acute inpatient settings with various orthopedic and neuro injuries. After a career change, Henry graduated from Sacramento City College with an Associate of Science Degree and a Physical Therapist Assistant license. After graduating he returned home to Oakland and enjoys providing health services to his community.
Carly Pon, PTA
- A.S. Physical Therapy Assistant - Loma Linda University 2017
- B.A. Sociology, Minor in Exercise & Health Science - UC Santa Barbara, 2010
Carly graduated from Loma Linda in 2017, but has been working in outpatient orthopedics for 10 years. She is working towards a Mulligan certification and is already certified in Rocktape: functional movement kinesiology tape. In her spare time she likes to participate in triathlons, hike and snowboard.
Erica DeGuzman, PTA
- A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant - Ohlone College, 2017
- B.S. Kinesiology - Exercise, Nutrition, and Wellness CSU East Bay, 2013
Erica is a Bay Area native and genuinely enjoys meeting and working with a diverse population. She is a graduate of the Ohlone PTA Program in Newark, CA and has experience in both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings. She is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to help people. Erica forms a team with physical therapists and her clients to improve their quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, exploring the outdoors, dancing hula, and spending time with friends and family.
Melanie Rodriguez, PTA
- A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant – Sacramento City College 2019
- B.A. Graphic Communications – Central Saint Martins 2012
It was during art school that Melanie became introduced to physical therapy as a patient. Fascinated by the tools given to take care of her body, she went on to change paths. Along the way, picking up a yoga teacher certification and spending 10+ years studying various types of yoga. She enjoys working in orthopaedics helping people of all ages and mobility levels learn to move their bodies for the better. She’s also certified in cupping therapy and will happily explain the benefits of cupping therapy coupled with movement patterns to help with various goals!
The aide teams are prepared to help you through your therapy session. Our aides are trained extensively to demonstrate exercise appropriately and correct form when necessary. Your aide will feedback information to keep your therapist informed. If modalities are prescribed by your therapist the aides will get you set up and on your way home with everything you need for success!
Our client care coordinators will go above and beyond to help you reach your health goals! We can answer most insurance questions related to payment and continuation of care, however some issues may need to be addressed with your insurance provider or the office staff of your primary care provider. Whatever the issue, we are happy to do all we can to keep you along your path to wellness.
