Meet Team PhysioFit

Executive Director, Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor

       "He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything."

Every week, for more than a decade, hundreds of people have consulted Kim Gladfelter looking for answers to their debilitating back pain and stiffness. Kim is now a trusted health advisor to doctors and other healthcare providers in the area educating them about how to reduce their back pain in their line of work as needed. Kim decided she wanted to be a physical therapist as a teen when one of her classmates was severely injured and recovered through the use of physical therapy. Nothing is more satisfying to her than knowing she is helping her patients keep doing the meaningful activities they love to do.

Credentials & Teaching Experience:

• Graduated from UCLA in 1991 with a degree in Kinesiology.

• Received her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1994 from Mount Saint Mary’s College.

• Completed a 1-1/2 year long residency program in Advanced Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 1998.

• Certified in 2001 as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).

• Obtained Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). Both certifications (OCS and FAAOMPT) represent recognition of advanced clinical proficiency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice.

• Teaching assistant for a highly regarded year-long course for manual physical therapists from 1999-2001, in addition to taking numerous long and short-term courses on various topics in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

• Certified Practitioner in Pilates Rehabilitation, including mat and equipment, through Polestar Education. She also has special training in the area of pelvic floor therapy.

• Graston Technique Provider.

TIP: Ask Kim about the time she shaved off half her eyebrow trying to imitate her Dad shaving or when she ran away from a fenced in dog and dislocated her kneecap.

Vacation: Hawaii

Celebrity: Robin Williams

Book: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Team: my kids teams

Hobbies: jogging and dance

Physical Therapist

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live in."  

Janet has embraced a life long love of learning, as evidence by her 40+ continuing education classes in physical therapy, and has been thrilled to apply her knowledge over the last 20+ years to clients of all walks of life and backgrounds. She is especially interested in using manual therapy to address orthopedic and sports-related issues, as well as treating clients with vestibular, post-partum, neurological or lymphedema issues. Janet possesses a strong base of experience in orthopedic and sports injury treatment.

• Undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology from Miami University in 1989.

• Master of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 1995.

• BA in Zoology (yes, we are animals) and Psychology.

• Worked for seven years in Chicago with Loyola University Medical Center treating orthopedic, vestibular, lymphedema, burn, amputee, and neurological disorders.

• Especially interested in using manual therapy to address orthopedic and sports-related issues.

• Graston Technique® Provider

TIP: Ask her why her BA in Zoology made for a great beginning as a Physical Therapist.

5 Favorites:

Place: New Zealand (never been but it is at the top of my list for dream places to visit).

Food: I love my husband's home made pizza best but I miss ethnic foods such as Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern since I have picky children.

TV Show:  Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, and Game of Thrones.

Singer/Group: Annie Lennox to enjoy the music, Alanis Morissette when I want to sing loudly, Katy Perry to hang out with my daughter.

Sports: Dance and Ice skating.

Physical Therapist

"Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can."

• Degree in Physical Therapy in 2008 from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in Mumbai, India.
• Special interest in Orthopedic Manual therapy, treating a variety of dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system and treating patients with neurological conditions.
• Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner(CKTP), using the rehabilitative taping method to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain, enhance performance and prevent injury.
• Experienced in Aqua-therapy and enjoys educating patients on proper ergonomics.
• Continues to expand her expertise within these areas by attending numerous continuing education classes during the year.
• Graston Technique provider.
• Speaks fluent Hindi, Gujarati and a little bit of Marathi.

5 Favorites:

• Indian Classical Dance
• Traveling
• Spending time with family
• Dancing
• Watching movies

Physical Therapist 

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”

Nidhi chose to become a physical therapist so that she could combine her passion for science, movement and a desire to help people. She derives immense pleasure and satisfaction in assisting patients achieve their goals. Nidhi specializes in musculoskeletal physical therapy and has a special interest in women’s health. She fulfills her quest for continuous learning by attending physical therapy education courses throughout the year.   

• Bachelor's Degree in physical therapy in 2012 from Seth G.S. Medical College in Mumbai, India
• Master’s Degree in physical therapy in 2014 from Dr D.Y. Patil University in Navi Mumbai, India
• Graston Technique provider
• Fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi

5 Favorites:

City: Queenstown, New Zealand

Activity: Bollywood Dancing, Crafting, playing board games   

Food: Dark Chocolate

TV shows: Person of interest, White collar, House, Grey's anatomy

Loves to: Explore new places; find creative solutions to problems (ask my husband about it!)

Physical Therapist/Pilates Instructor 

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming
the things you once thought you couldn’t”
- Rikki Rogers

Alison has a passion for providing a holistic, individualized approach to physical therapy. She enjoys integrating osteopathic manual therapy with traditional and Pilates-based exercises to optimize movement and quality of life. .

• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York University in 2002
• B.S. in Biological Sciences and Gerontology from Mount St. Mary’s College in 1999
• Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation (mat & equipment) through Polestar Education in 2007
• Training in Myofascial Release
• Training in Pelvic Floor physical therapy

5 Favorites:

Workouts: Spinning, Pilates, barre, yoga sculpt

Food:  Sushi, burgers, breakfast burritos

Hobbies: Discovering new places to eat, traveling/exploring

TV: Anything on Food Network & Travel Channel, FBI/CIA shows

Movie: Sleepless in Seattle

Physical Therapist

“You must also give mental and physical fitness priority.” - Jim Otto

Every day for Shalini is a new opportunity to support, care and help people.  She is mindful of how challenging life can be for people who are in physical pain and is inspired to continue pursuing her career in health care.  She looks forward to making a difference in people's lives by encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.

• Physical Therapy degree from India
• Licensed in California and New York
• Focused on Manual Therapy and Graston Techniques
• Volunteered at Stanford, El Camino Hospital, with the Boy and Girl Scouts, and for the Cupertino School District
• Proficient in English, Hindi, and Punjabi

TIP:  Ask her about her experience as Preschool and Elementary Teacher 🙂

5 Favorites:

• Family and friends get together 
• Classical music
• Traveling
• Family videos
• Creating happy moments

GYROTONIC®/Pilates Instructor-Teacher Trainer, Hanna Somatic Educator®

"Make the impossible possible, the possible easy, the easy elegant."
- Moshe Feldenkrais

After being told to stop dancing by several doctors, Lori came to Pilates as a young dancer and swimmer in 1988 to rehabilitate a chronic hip injury. Over the next 2 decades of her dance career, she used Pilates to rehabilitate her back and knee injuries.

• Obtained first Pilates certification from the Physical Mind Institute in 1998.
• Continuing education since includes scoliosis, osteoporosis, gait, vestibular issues, disk issues, various other joint conditions, and golf.
• 2009 Apprenticeship with master trainer Kathy Corey.
• 1999 she came across GYROTONIC® and fell in love. Certified in every aspect of GYROTONIC®, level 2 Pulley Tower, Golf, Scoliosis, Pelvis and is an approved pre-trainer of level 1 GYROTONIC®.
• Certified Hanna Somatic Educator®. HSE retrains the nervous system to turn down chronic tension.

TIP: Lori is especially fond of the city of love, Paris!

5 Favorites:

City:  Paris

Movie:  Farewell My Concubine

Singer: Billie Holiday

Sport:  Hockey - San Jose Sharks

Animal: Cat

Yoga Instructor

"Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are." 

Divya is an inspired yoga and meditation instructor of 20 years. She introduces creative discussion of yogic philosophy as it relates to our modern lives, and encourages each person to come to the poses in balance of effort and ease. She hopes for you to deeply feel good, to laugh, and to find peace in every breath, not just in class, but as a means to engage with life. Wellness, after all, includes more than just the body.No matter how you look or feel when you enter the room, Divya’s community will welcome you warmly. Whatever your experience, please, come to yoga. Divya’s educational achievements include:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Multi-subject Teaching Credential
• Certified Yoga Instructor
• Meditation/ Stress Reduction Specialist
• Certified Hypnotherapist
• Certification in Guided Empathetic Meridian Tapping

TIP: Here’s the wild card. Even yoga instructors can be avid ice hockey fans who sometimes yell at the TV. Divya’s favorite goalie of all time is her teenage son. She also loves baking (and she’s been known to share).

5 Favorites:

Quiet activity: Colored pencil drawing

Smell: Redwoods on a warm afternoon

Book: House on Mango Street

Sport: Ice hockey

Beverage: Soy chai latte (You know...in case you're offering.)

Pilates Instructor

"Nothing is more revealing than movement."  
- Martha Graham  

Lauren has been a professional modern dancer and teacher for over ten years. Before moving to the bay area, Lauren taught modern dance and pilates/conditioning classes at Cal Poly SLO. She is a life-long mover, starting dance at the age of 4, growing up playing soccer and softball, learning traditional folk dance as a teen, and diving into yoga and pilates as she transitioned into college. Lauren focuses on providing classes adaptable for all ages, abilities, and experience. Using anatomy, body awareness, and dance principals; to focus on finding challenge in a safe and fun environment.  

Credentials: 

• Masters of Fine Arts, Dance Sarah Lawrence College in 2013
• Bachelor’s of Science, International Business Cal Poly SLO in 2011
• Pilates Mat Certified through Pilates Academy International with Anne Bishop in Petaluma in 2016
• Pilates Reformer Certification through Pilates Academy International with Anne Bishop in Petaluma in progress

TIP:  Lauren is a passionate cook and baker and will spend hours researching new recipes and techniques. 

5 Favorites:

Food: Pizza or traditional Basque pintxos

Animal: Cats (Lauren has 2, she will gladly show you photos)

Movies:  Anything with Katherine Hepburn or John Wayne. Love the classics.

Sport: Formula 1 

Singer/Group: Tom Waits

Certified Pilates Instructor
Gyrotonic Apprentice

"When the body, mind and spirit are in harmony, happiness is the natural result."
-Deepak Chopra

Movement has been a lifelong passion of Alexis’. Her mission is to share that passion with her clients.

Alexis started taking dance lessons at the age of 3 and went on the train at San Francisco Ballet School, Joffrey Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive. In addition to ballet, Alexis has studied classical Japanese dance, contemporary, and hula, among others. She danced professionally with the Oakland Ballet and Sacramento Ballet Companies.

Credentials:

• Bachelor of Science in Communications/Mass Media from New York University in 2002
• Certified Pilates mat and equipment instructor from the Kane School of Core Integration in 2006 and 2007
• Certified Buff Bones® Instructor in 2017
• Certified GYROKINESIS^® Instructor in 2017

TIP:  Alexis is a huge animal lover/advocate. Ask her about her amazing experience at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

5 Favorites:

Vacation: New Zealand  

Singers: Ingrid Michaelson and Pink!

Movies: Whale Rider, The Garden State, Hula Girls, Old Boy and Slumdog Millionaire

Animals: Elephants, whales and dolphins

Hobbies: Hiking, dancing and reading, doing anything with my 5 year old son

Certified Pilates Instructor
Gyrotonic Apprentice

 “Breathing is the first act of life and the last, our very life depends on it.”
- Joseph Pilates

Amie first came across Pilates many years ago when she was traveling as a consultant. It was the first time she fell in love with a movement method. While she continued pursuing a career in product management and marketing, Amie often considered becoming a Pilates instructor. Then, life presented an opportunity - motherhood and moving to a different country where she couldn’t take her desk job - and she embarked on her movement education journey.

Since becoming a certified Pilates instructor and teaching, movement education has become Amie’s passion. As a mom of two energetic and life-loving boys, she has a deep desire to enjoy active play with them. This means keeping fit and strong, mentally and physically, through Pilates and complementary movement methods such as Gyrotonics/Gyrokinesis, and Yoga. Amie pays special attention to alignment and form in her teaching and specializes in working with women (including prenatal and postpartum) and kids. Her mission is to share her passion and knowledge with clients so they can develop their own body awareness and movement practices to lead active and play-filled lives.

Amie obtained her Pilates certification through STOTT Pilates in 2013. She takes multiple STOTT Pilates workshops and courses each year to keep her certification updated. To deepen her knowledge and satiate her curiosity of the body and its capacity for movement, she has taken workshops in Feldenkrais Method, Move Your DNA (Nutritious Movement), Gyrokinesis, and is planning to get certified in Gyrotonics.

TIP: Ask her about the time when a stingray thought she was food and actually tried to eat her leg. Luckily no teeth were involved. Geek out with her on neuroscience, anatomy, and movement. 🙂

5 Favorites:

• Spending time with her kids

• Getting together with family and friends

• Traveling and exploring new places

• Watching movies

• Reading and enjoying a yummy cup of coffee alone

Pilates/GYROTONIC® Instructor

“Change happens through movement and movement heals.” - Joseph Pilates

As a Naturopathic Doctor, Tanya believes in the healing power of movement. Embracing a holistic approach to teaching, she draws on her training and experience in Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, GYROTONIC® and Yoga to create a joyful and rewarding experience for her students. She loves watching her students grow in grace, power and precision as they learn to integrate mind-body principles in her classes.

TIP: Born and raised in Canada, Tanya has a few interesting tales about the strange customs of her homeland. Ask her about gunnel bobbing (Hint: it involves a canoe).

5 Favorites:

Food: Dark chocolate

Pastime: Curling up with a good book (even better if paired with chocolate)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Mythical Creature: Dragons

California Getaway: Anywhere along the Mendonoma Coast

Customer Service Rep.
Physical Therapist Aide
Sales Assistant

"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me." -Batman

Jaime is excited to join the PhysioFit team. She graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth and previously worked at the local news television station as a production technician.

She enjoys going on jogs, listening to podcasts and puzzles.

5 Favorites:

TV Show: Shameless

Food: Spaghetti

Color: Purple

You Tuber: Jenna Marbles

Hobby: Crochet

Physical Therapy Aide
Customer Service Rep.

“Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just illusions.”
–Michael Jordan

Ryan has a huge passion for sports which inspired his dream to become an Athletic Trainer. He currently attends SJSU for a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. He plans on applying to the Athletic Training graduate program at SJSU in 2019, in hopes of achieving his dream of being on the sidelines of a professional sports team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing video games and binge watching shows on Netflix.

5 Favorites:

Sport: Football

TV Show: Impractical Jokers

Food: BBQ Ribs

Color: Blue

Teams: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), New York Yankees (MLB), and UNC Tar Heels (NCAA Basketball)

Physical Therapy Aide
Customer Service Rep.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou 

Julie has been in the physical therapy profession since moving to Sacramento in 2014. She enjoys not only watching patients improve their physical wellness, but also interacting with patients and getting to know them on more of a personal level. She resides in San Jose with her husband and two year old son Julian.

5 Favorites:

• Favorite Movie: Couples Retreat

• Favorite Food: Moms Cooking

• Favorite Color: Blue

• Favorite Football Team: Wherever my Husband is Coaching & San Francisco 49ers

• Favorite Thing to Do on the Weekend: Being with my Family

Physical Therapy Aide
Customer Service Rep.

"What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract.
What you imagine, you create."  Buddha 

My goal in life is to help others discover movement and power within themselves they never knew they had, and as a current student I have fallen in love with Physical Therapy. I love to help others conquer their pains and develop themselves not only physically but also mentally.

5 Favorites:

• Hiking
• Eating
• Having new adventures
• Learning new things
• Spending time with my family and friends

Operations Manager

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not."

A native of the Bay Area, Tracy joined the team at PhysioFit as it gave her the opportunity directly contribute to her local community. Tracy cares about our patients and works hard with the team to get them back to doing what they love. She's been a part of PhysioFit for so many years that both the staff and patients feel like a second family. In her spare time, Tracy brings the same spirit and love for physical well being to the Special Olympics.

TIP: I love learning foreign languages. Know any great sayings or idioms?

5 Favorites:

Vacation: Somewhere on a beach, lake or river or where there are lots of museums.

Team: Motevideo Piranhas (my nephew's swim team) first and Niners, Warriors and Giants are a close second.

Movies: My Fair Lady, Love Actually, Grease (the original)

TV Show: Almost any medical/science series and American Ninja Warrior

Animals: Dogs and sea turtles

Sales Manager

"Strength. A river cuts through a rock, not because of its power but because of its persistence." - Jim Watkins

Erica has always been a people person. She loves meeting new people and discovering what makes them light up. Erica uses exercise to lower stress and increase her ability to care for those she loves.  A self-confirmed wellness geek, she loves to matchmake people's health and wellness needs with the right solutions for their time and money.

5 Favorites:

State of Being: Learning

Dog Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Flavor: Sweet and Tangy

Dream Trip: Cornwall, England

Sport: Comedy Sportz

Marketing Manager

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” - Steve Jobs

Michelle joined team PhysioFit in April 2016. She is responsible for the marketing and communication efforts of the practice directing media relations, branding, advertising and website development.

Prior to joining our team, Michelle was co-owner of a full service advertising agency in Texas for 20+ years. With a passion for never losing sight of the end goal, Michelle is a valued member of the core leadership team dedicated to the growth of PhysioFit’s long term goals.

Michelle loves to keep life interesting, be it through launching a new marketing strategy, traveling beaches of the world, or discovering a new live music festival. She’s excited by new experiences, big ideas, and connecting with great people.

TIP:  Ask Michelle which music artist put a spotlight on her while singing a song to her during his concert.

5 Favorites:

Happiest when: Working or on vacation

Furkids: Chewbacca, The Mountain Mew and Coco Chanel

Food: Seafood especially lobster and Chilean Sea Bass

Place: Amalfi Coast, Italy

Hobby: Mixed media collage and abstract painting

Physical Therapist

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." C.S. Lewis

Katrina graduated from Mount Saint Mary's University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Her interest in physical therapy began when she taught a balance exercise class at a senior center in her undergraduate years at Whittier College.  Throughout physical therapy school, Katrina found a special interest in orthopedics and women's and men's pelvic health.  In her free time, she enjoys being outside, whether that is running, walking, hiking, or helping out in the garden.

5 Favorites:

Hobbies: Running, hiking, aerial yoga

Katrina graduated from Mount Saint Mary's University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Her interest in physical therapy began when she taught a balance exercise class at a senior center in her undergraduate years at Whittier College.  Throughout physical therapy school, Katrina found a special interest in orthopedics and women's and men's pelvic health.  In her free time, she enjoys being outside, whether that is running, walking, hiking, or helping out in the garden.

Hobbies: Running, hiking, aerial yoga

Book: Everybody Always by Bob Goff

Food: Ramen

Vacation: New Zealand

TV Show: Survivor

TIP: Ask Katrina about the time she ran her first marathon!