Staff:

Michael Weinper, M.P.H., P.T., Founder and President


	Michael Weinper, M.P.H., P.T. Founder and President
Michael Weinper founded Progressive Physical Therapy in 1977 in Tarzana, California. Progressive Physical Therapy has grown over the last twenty-seven years to five locations in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys and employs a professional and support staff of over forty employees. In 1985, he started Physical Therapy Provider Network (PTPN), an independent practice association of physical therapists, now in twenty-three states. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Physical Therapy, from California State University, Northridge. He then earned a Certificate in Physical Therapy and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Services Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. He specializes in hand rehabilitation including splinting, lower extremity rehabilitation and TMJ therapy. In 2000, Michael was nationally recognized by his peers when he was awarded the prestigious Robert G. Dicus Award for outstanding private practitioner by the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Mr. Weinper received the California Physical Therapy Association. s highest honor; the Royce P. Noland Award of Merit for outstanding and unique contributions to the profession in 1987. He has been involved in many civic service organizations and currently serves as President of the Los Angeles Valley College Patron's Association. His outside interests include golf, sailing, walking, travel and fishing.
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	Ruth Gomez, Dr. P.H., P.T. Clinical Director
Ruth graduated from San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN) in 1970 earning her BS in Health Science. In 1972, she obtained her MPH from UCLA and went on to earn her Doctor of Public Health in 1978 from UCLA. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Public Health Association and specializes in pediatrics, knees, shoulders, hands, lymphedema, cancer and incontinence. Ruth became interested in physical therapy when she was a patient herself who sustained a major trauma to her spine and leg as a teenager and she has enjoyed her profession for over 34 years. Aside from being a physical therapist, Ruth is an associate professor with California State University and an alpaca and llama breeder.
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	Angela Constantino, D.P.T. Physical Therapist
Angela is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science in 1998. Thereafter, she earned her degree as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2002. Angela is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Orthopedic Section of the APTA. She has a great interest in orthopedics and manual therapy and has focused on related topics throughout her training. She became interested in physical therapy after she was injured in a motor vehicle accident as a teenager and required extensive rehabilitation. Her interests include working out, traveling, and playing with her dogs.
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	Michelle Haw, P.T. Physical Therapist
Michelle obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in Manila, Philippines in 1998. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association & the Orthopedic Section of APTA. She has worked in various settings both in the Philippines & USA (Oklahoma & California). She has developed great passion in orthopedics & manual therapy & has been pursuing continuing education on related subjects throughout her career. Aside from English, she is fluent in Filipino (Tagalog & Visayan) & Chinese (particularly Fookien) languages. Her interests include reading, traveling, swimming, etc.
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	Judy Leese, M.Ed., P.T. Physical Therapist
Judy graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science and a Certificate of Physical Therapy in 1969. While teaching at Boston University in Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, she began a Masters in Education degree which she completed in 1975. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Orthopedic Section of the APTA. Her interest in orhopedics has taken her through extensive ongoing continuing education including coursework with Feuerborn, Mulligan, Powers, Jackson, McConnell, Hodges, McConnell and Gray. Judy’s passion is in outpatient orthopedics and Pilates. Her outside interests include being a con-ed junkie, traveling, hiking, and playing with her grandson.
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	Carol Powell, P.T. Physical Therapist
After earning her BS in Health Science in 1970 from San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN), Carol obtained her certificate in Physical Therapy from UCLA. For many years she worked in various hospital settings where she enjoyed helping pediatric, stroke, and orthopedic patients. She experienced the multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary approach to patient care while being the physical therapist for Spina Bifida and Hemophilia teams. With an interest in behavior modification, she researched the effects/outcomes of these techniques on children with hemophilia. After being director of physical therapy at a community hospital in the San Fernando Valley, she assisted in setting up a private physical therapy department. She worked in a chronic pain management setting prior to joining the staff at Progressive Physical Therapy, where she particularly enjoys orthopedics and physical therapy management of multiple sclerosis. Outside interests include jogging, tennis, baking, paper crafts, and reading.
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	Diane Poladian, P.T. Clinical Director
Diane attended California State University, Northridge where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and her Certificate of Physical Therapy in 1977. Diane joined Progressive Physical Therapy in 1985 and has served as the Clinical Director of both the Santa Clarita and Granada Hills offices. She is currently a member of the Pediatric Pain Management Team at UCLA, providing biofeedback and physical therapy services. Diane has guest lectured at Loma Linda University and California State University, Northridge. She has assisted with teaching with the North American Orthopedic Institute of Manual Therapy. Diane. s special interests include orthopedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, temporalmandibular joint rehabilitation, biofeedback, and Pilates.
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	David Lanum, D.P.T. Physical Therapist
David obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Structural Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2002, he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University where he researched patient satisfaction and outcomes measures. David recently earned credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. His current clinical interests include exercise design principles and functional rehabilitation concepts. Aside from physical therapy, David enjoys outdoor exercises, resistance training and traveling.
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	Stacy Jensen, C.H.T., O.T.R./L
Stacy obtained her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1982 from the University of Southern California. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 1994 and is an active member of The American Society of Hand Therapists. Stacy has special interests in the treatment of traumatic hand injuries and arthritis. She enjoys educating her patients and enabling them to resume the activities they enjoy with less pain and disability. Her outside interests include spending time at the beach, hiking and cooking.
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	Joy Nelson, PT, NDT Physical Therapist
Joy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from California State University, Northridge in 1987. Joy's varied experience includes ten years in an outpatient setting working with patients with orthopedic injuries/syndromes, post surgical diagnoses, as well as neurological diagnoses. Joy has specialized training in Neurological Development Technique (NDT). She is interested in and committed to helping patients achieve functional and measurable goals that help enhance their quality of life. She currently lives in the Santa Clarita Valley and home schools her two children.
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	Tina Shockley, B.S., P.T. Clinical Director
Tina graduated from Santa Clara University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing and a minor in German. In 1997, She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from California State University, Northridge. Tina has many specialties including back education and training, the osteopathic approach to the cervical and lumbar spine, kinesiotaping, and functional mobilizations. She is a Certified Mat Pilates Instructor and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She enjoys traveling around Europe and the Western United States with her family and is an avid athlete in multiple sports.
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	Amy Huenniger, M.S.P.T. Physical Therapist
Amy earned her Masters of Clinical Science and Masters of Physical Therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Ithaca College in 2003. Areas of personal interest and study include orthopedics, pain management, lymphedema, psychology, medical ethics, and philosophy. She has been involved in medical research concerning repair and rehabilitation of the ACL and meniscus, and has presented research concerning ethical practice/moral philosophy in the field of physical therapy to the medical community in Rochester, New York. She was attracted to the field of physical therapy because she wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives. Her outside interests include participating in multiple sports, singing, songwriting, and playing the guitar.
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	Kathy Caplan, P.T. Physical Therapist
Kathy earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1985 from California State University, Long Beach. Kathy has extensive experience in a hospital setting working with a variety of patients. She has trained and worked with patients in the following specialty programs: Chronic Pain, High Risk Pregnancy, Burn Unit, Wound Care, and Diabetic Teaching. Kathy has 16 years of Aquatic Therapy experience with orthopedic and neurologic patients, as well as 9 years of experience in private orthopedic clinics and opened 3 clinics for a large HMO organization. Kathy recently received training in Lymphedema Management using the Le Duc Method. She believes strongly in continuing education to enhance and sharpen her evaluation and treatment skills in physical therapy.
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	Shelly Cloughley, M.P.T. Clinical Director
Shelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with emphasis in community health from San Diego State University in 1991, after which she attended College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific to earn her Master of Physical Therapy in 1995. Shelly is a certified pilates instructor as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her experience ranges from orthopedics, manual therapy, pain management and neuro-rehabilitation. She entered the field of physical therapy due to a fascination of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Her drive towards this career was fostered when she realized she had the ability to make an impact in one’s functional capacity and well-being. Shelly’s favorite pastimes include hiking, traveling and tennis.
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	Gary Kelly, M.A., P.T. Clinical Director
Gary earned his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education in 1971 and Master of Arts in Kinesiology in 1973 from California State University, Los Angeles. He then completed his certificate in Physical Therapy in 1976 from Children. s Hospital Los Angeles. He served as Director of Physical and Occupational Therapy and Administrative Director of Rehabilitation at Simi Valley Adventist Hospital for 7 years. In 1989, Gary joined Progressive Physical Therapy as Clinical Director of the Palmdale office. He specializes in orthopedics and pediatric rehabilitation. Gary enjoys creating a positive impact on people. s lives, particularly children. His outside interests include country dancing, camping, and fishing.
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	Tahni Gustin, P.T. Physical Therapist
Tahni obtained a Bachelor of Arts in General Science and a Certificate in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 1974. She specializes in workers’ compensation injuries and has extensive experience in group education, hand therapy, orthopedics and geriatrics. She ran on-site physical therapy clinics at the Department of Water & Power, Lockheed Martin, and McDonnell Douglas, Helicopter Division. She also co-owned a private practice specializing in workers’ compensation in Los Angeles. She enjoys the study of anatomy, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, kinesiology, as well as exercises. Tahni is a Pilates Mat instructor and studied the Feldenkrais Method. Aside from physical therapy, Tahni enjoys walking and painting.
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	Chris Mies, P.T. Physical Therapist
Christine earned her Bachelor of Science from California State University, Northridge and her certificate in Physical Therapy from CSUN/UCLA in 1981. She developed a specialty in neonatal and pediatric rehabilitation while at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in addition to advancing rapidly to Senior Therapist level. She joined Progressive Physical Therapy-Palmdale in 1989. Christine has numerous years of experience working with a variety of patient groups including cardiac rehabilitation, general medicine, acute/inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient neurology and orthopedics. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and three children.
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Staff:

Tarzana:

Granada Hills:

Santa Clarita:

Valencia:

Palmdale: