Staff Profiles

Arizona Staff

Eric Burness

PT, DPT

Eric is currently the Regional Director for our Arizona clinics and the Clinic Director for our Ahwatukee location. He graduated from A.T. Still University in 2003 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree and has worked for Physical Therapy and Hand Centers since 2003. Professionally, Eric enjoys treating patients with all types of Orthopedic disorders ranging from the elite athlete to the general population. Outside the clinic he relishes time with his family and playing beach volleyball.

Eric Christensen

PT, DPT

Eric graduated from Regis University, School of Physical Therapy, in Denver, Colorado in 2009 receiving his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Prior to that, he attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Health and Exerices Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine in 2006. Professionally, he enjoys treating all orthopedic ailments, specifically disorders of the spine, and vestibular disorders. He utilizes a manual therapy approach combined with specific exercises programs to facilitate quick return to daily activities or sport. In his spare time he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Renee Hodges

PT, DPT

Renee graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 2000 and obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from The Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, AZ in 2003. Renee joined the Arizona PTHC team in September, 2007. Renee enjoys treating all orthopedic disorders and believes strongly in importance of applying manual techniques to improve a patient’s dysfunction and improve their quality of life. When not at work, Renee enjoys training for marathons and triathlons and spending time with her family.

California Staff

Gerald Aballi

PTA

An over 20-year veteran with PTHC, Gerald has extensive clinical experience and manual skills. As a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Gerald utilizes progressive exercise techniques to quickly progress his patient's rehabilitation. Gerald graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Athletic Training in 1985. He also holds a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University--which was earned in 1992. Outside the clinic, Gerald and his wife Elise enjoy the rural lifestyle of inland north county.

Chris Ambrose

MPT

Chris graduated from the University of Delaware in 1996 with his Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Prior to that, he graduated from the University of Scranton in 1992. Chris also specializes in treating TMJ disorders as well as all other orthopedic injuries. When he is not at work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family as well as participating in Taekwondo and soccer.

Dave Boutelle

Dave created Carlsbad Physical Therapy in 1986. A former swim coach and teacher, Dave’s enthusiasm carries over into his business. Over the years, Dave’s creativity and foresight have allowed PTHC to grow into the network it is today. His morals and insistence on absolute integrity, throughout the company, make PTHC a leader in the field of physical therapy. When not working, Dave enjoys spending time with his family.

Diane Creamer

OTR/L, CHT

Diane heads the Hand Program at PTHC. She earned her Occupational Therapy degree in 1972 from the University of Kansas. In 1991, Diane became a Certified Hand Therapist and has since become one of the top Hand Specialists in San Diego County—mentoring therapists who aspire to become Certified Hand Therapists.

Elizabeth Hansen

PT, DPT

Elizabeth is currently the Director of Rehabilitation for our San Marcos clinic. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in Denver, CO in 2007. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO in 2004. Professionally, Elizabeth enjoys treating all orthopedic ailments, specifically disorders of the foot and ankle as well as vestibular disorders. When she’s not at work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and their Great Dane, Zeus. She also enjoys playing golf with friends and family.

Jeremy Hansen

DPT

Jeremy grew up in Montana and attended Carroll College where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He then attended Regis University in Denver where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2007. Jeremy joined PTHC in 2008. His professional interests include treating patients with orthopedic injuries especially of the spine. He utilizes manual therapy techniques and customized exercise programs to ensure patients return to their normal daily activities. He enjoys skiing, learning how to surf and spending time with family, friends and his wife and Great Dane Zeus.

Teri Haskins

OTR, CHT

Teri received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 1999. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from San Diego State University in 1996. She is currently a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association as well as the San Diego Hand Therapy Special Interest Group. Teri specializes in clinical, outpatient rehabilitation as well as personalized splinting. When she’s not at work, Teri enjoys spending time with her husband and three children as well as working out and spending time outdoors.

Janine Honath

OTR, CHT

Janine Honath received her Degree in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. She found her niche in hand therapy and further obtained her Certification in Hand Therapy. Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity. The hand therapist combines comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity with specialized skills in the assessment and treatment to prevent dysfunction, restore function or reverse the advancement of pathology in the upper extremity. “The joy of my job as a hand therapist is working with a team of professionals to assist you in achieving your highest potential toward a happy, healthy, and independent lifestyle in both work and play. I truly enjoy the occupation that I have chosen and hope that my enthusiasm for it is conveyed in the treatment that you receive and by your outcome.”

Robert Lamont

MPT

Robert Lamont joined PTHC in 2000 after receiving his Masters of Physical Therapy Degree from Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. He has been the Director of Rehabilitation at Ramona Physical Therapy since 2001. Robert has dedicated himself to treating the full spectrum of orthopedic injuries as well as working with a variety of neurological disorders in the outpatient environment. He is committed to improving his skills in manual therapy and progressive exercise through continuing education.

Mike Morasco

Mike has been in private practice in the North County since 1984. Mike joined PTHC in 1998 when his practice became San Marcos PTHC. In 1999, he helped to establish Escondido-Valley PTHC. Mike has a long history of community involvement and service. He has brought that same tireless work ethic to PTHC and has helped PTHC expand to its’ current network of facilities. Mike’s professional interests include practice development and orthopedic therapy. Outside of work Mike enjoys water-skiing, mountain biking, golf and spending time with his family.

Chuck Nitsch

Chuck has over 30 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings and geographical locations. His continuing professional education has focused on orthopedic and soft tissue disorders. He is also a part-time faculty member at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences at San Diego for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which is located in San Marcos. In his free time, Chuck enjoys traveling and all outdoor activities.

Barry Peuker

PT, JSCC

Barry joined PTHC in July of 2003. Since earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from CSU Fresno in 1982, Barry has taken and helped instruct numerous manual therapy courses for the spine and extremities. He is a certified Jones Strain Counterstrain specialist and has been a laboratory instructor for the Jones Institute since 1992. In his spare time, Barry enjoys cycling, camping, and spending time with his family and two Labrador retrievers.

David Salzer

MA, ATC, PTA

Dave graduated from San Diego State with a BA with an emphasis in Athletic Training in 1986. He then became a Certified Athletic Trainer in 1989, recieved a Masters degree from San Diego State in Physical Education in 1996 and became a Physical Therapy Assistant in 1996. Dave enjoys bodyboarding, gardening, exercising and his loving wife and three children. Dave is a former collegiate rugby player and an Old Aztec Rugby Football Team Athletic Trainer.

Dennis Smith

MS, PT, CHT

Dennis Smith has been the Director of Rehabilitation at Tri-City Physical Therapy and Hand Center since 1997. Dennis Smith demonstrates a passion for the field of physical therapy, continually upgrading his knowledge through education courses and adding it to his experience. He has become well-known by physicians in the surrounding community for his excellence in treating orthopedic injuries. His educational background includes graduating with honors from San Diego State University in 1993. In 1996, he received a Masters of Physical Therapy Degree from University of California at San Francisco. In 2002, Dennis Smith became a Certified Hand Therapist.

Todd Sparks

MPT, CMT, CSCS

Todd is a 2002 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a 2004 Graduate of American International College with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy. He is a nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and received an advanced clinical certification in manual therapy from the world renowned Ola Grimsby Institute in 2007. Todd specializes in the assessment and treatment of orthopedic dysfunction with an emphasis on advanced manual techniques as well as functional rehabilitation. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Manual Therapy. Todd's goal is to help patients of all ages and levels restore function and return to an active, pain free lifestyle.

Susie Sue

Susie graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Psychology and the University of Washington with a degree in Physical Therapy. She has worked with PTHC since 2004, but she has worked in the San Diego community since 1981. Susie enjoys treating a vast variety of orthopedic disorders.

Natasha Tininenko

PT, DPT

Natasha Tininenko received her Bachelors in Health Science from the University of Arizona. She went on to earn her Master's and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. She has managed PT owned practices in AZ, IL, and CA for the past 10 years. Natasha enjoys educating her patients regarding their current condition and how to prevent future injuries. She utilizes a variety of modalities including Active Release Technique, Kinesio Tape, Therapeutic Yoga, and Pilates. Natasha's interests include triathlon training, dance, yoga, travel, and spending time with her family.

Betsy Wallace

PT, OCS

Betsy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Ohio State University in 1985. She became Board Certified as an Orthopaedic Specialist in 2003. Betsy enjoys working with a wide variety of orthopaedic patients. She especially delights in helping each patient understand his or her individual condition, achieve personal goals, and prevent recurrence.

Jake Walsh

DPT

Jake utilizes various treatment methods such as joint mobilizations, manipulations, traction, and muscle energy techniques to accelerate recovery and improve results for his patients. He received his BS in Exercise and Movement Science from the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University (Denver, CO). Jake is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He enjoys snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, and spending time with his dog Oaklea. In addition, he is an avid triathlete who competes in many local triathlons. In 2009 Jake qualified for and competed in the USA Age Group National Championships and also completed his first Ironman distance race.