Meet Our Staff

Kathy Whooley, PT, OCS, CSCS, CPI

Physical Therapist
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
United States Golf Certified Fitness Trainer (USGFA)
B.S., Physical Therapy, Boston University 1976 (Magna Cum Laude)
MBA, Pepperdine University
CPI, Certified Pilates^® Instructor

Kathy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University Sargent College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976, and earned an MBA from Pepperdine College in 1982. She has practiced in a variety of patient care settings including pediatrics, acute, geriatric, sports medicine, rehabilitation and private practice. She has taught at Children's Hospital and Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles. She received her Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist Certification (OCS) in 1992 and was re-certified in 2001 and 2010. She also earned her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2001 (CSCS). Kathy is also active in the "professional community" as a continuing education course instructor and a member of the APTA, California Private Practice Special Interest Group and the Larchmont Boulevard Association. An avid golfer with an (8) handicap, she was the fitness consultant to the Wilshire Country Club from 1998 to 2008. She earned her certification with the USGFA as a golf- specific fitness trainer in July 2001.

Julie Kelman, PT, DPT, OCS

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Western University of Health Sciences Doctoral Program for Physical Therapy

Julie Kelman, PT, DPT graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2008. Her desire to pursue a career in the medical profession with a passion for helping others and her interest in sports led her to Western University of Health Sciences where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012. Julie continues to advance herself through continuing education courses including a course in soft tissue mobilization techniques. In her free time, she enjoys spin class, dancing, playing softball, hiking, swimming, snowboarding and traveling.

Jason Gordon, PT, DPT

Western University of Health Sciences - Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of California, Berkeley - Bachelor's in Anthropology
Certified LSVT Big & Loud Therapist for Parkinson's Disease

Jason received his Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. His journey to becoming a physical therapist first began as a patient, where he fell in love with the idea of helping others to achieve their optimal strength and mobility. He graduated from Western University of Health Sciences as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016. His professional interests include orthopedic manual therapy and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques. He is a certified therapist for LSVT Big & Loud physical therapy for those with Parkinsons. He is also a member of the APTA Geriatric and Oncology special interest groups. Jason is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys cycling, hiking, and camping.

Sylvia Chac Liang, PT, DPT

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Belmont University
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Southern California

Sylvia was born and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee; she moved to sunny California after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2012 from Belmont University. She graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University Of Southern California in 2015. During her time at USC and following years, she honed her skills in various settings and departments including outpatient orthopedics, in-patient hospital, and pediatrics. Sylvia enjoys working with and motivating all individuals. She has worked with individuals of all ages and with various movement disorders whether it be genetic, sport related, from repetitive overuse, or post-surgery. Outside of physical therapy, she enjoys spending time with family, going to musicals, hosting cookouts and get-togethers with her husband, exploring the LA foodie scene, traveling and playing lacrosse.

Yi Sheng, PT, DPT, MFA

Master of Fine Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Southern California

Yi Sheng was born in Shanghai, China and raised in central New Jersey. After moving to Southern California, long distance running became a passion and a source of frequent injuries which lead to a becoming physical therapist. Yi received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from USC in 2019. Clinical rotations has provided her with a wide variety of skills in different settings; orthopedics, inpatient acute, wound care, and neurology with a focus on helping patients with Parkinson's and MS. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and conditions, and brings a unique set of skills along with her rigorous training at USC....When she's not working, Yi enjoys running, hiking, and exploring the Los Angeles arts scene.

Zack Lygizos, PT, DPT

University of Colorado School of Medicine – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Colorado College – Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Zachary received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Music from Colorado College where he competed on the men’s varsity tennis team. His interest in physical therapy began after being sidelined by overuse injuries. The thoughtful care and ultimate full return to function inspired Zachary to become a physical therapist, earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado in 2019. During his coursework, Zachary worked in multiple settings including inpatient in the intensive care unit, outpatient with high medical complexity focus, and outpatient/home-health through a PACE program. Zachary applies these experiences to his outpatient orthopedic practice, focusing on exercise prescription, home exercise programs, and manual therapy to restore mobility and function. Zachary loves tennis, hiking, reading, watching movies with his family and friends, and taking his dog Charlie for long walks.

Doreen Cohen, PT, DPT

California State University, Northridge- Doctor of Physical Therapy
University of California, Los Angeles- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Doreen Cohen graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Doreen always had a passion for medicine and sports, and while taking courses at UCLA, she was also busy coaching her high school volleyball team. Doreen was very active in sports growing up, which led her to pursue physical therapy as a career. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2020. While getting her doctorate degree, Doreen took additional courses in Pilates for rehabilitation, which focused on flexibility, strength, and body awareness. In her free time, Doreen enjoys pilates, hiking, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Birgitta Mattson, PTA, CKTP

Physical Therapy Assistant
Certified Kinesiotape Practitioner
BS, Exercise Science, University of Southern California
Certified Crossfit Level 1 and 2 trainer
Crossfit Kids Certified trainer
Rock Blades (IASTM Certification)
Licensed Clinical Instructor

Birgitta is a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and fitness trainer. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner, and is studying for Crossfit Level 2. She has over 20 years of experience in athletic and fitness training, focusing on sports rehabilitation, family workouts and post- pregnancy. She enjoys a variety of indoor and outdoor sports and completed the 1999 and 2000 AIDS Rides. Birgitta played 8 years of professional football;4 years for the Long Beach Aftershock and 4 years for the California Quake. She is currently coaching the defensive line for the Los Angeles Bobcats, as well as youth football, baseball and basketball. She also is a level 1 and 2 Crossfit coach/instructor. Sports background includes football, water polo, swimming, tennis, weight lifting, golf and crossfit.