DR. CHRIS GARCIA
PHYSICAL THERAPY
CEO & Founder
Dr. Chris Garcia holds the distinction as San Diego’s first and only residency trained sports clinical specialist in physical therapy. He has extensive experience in treating athletes of all levels and sports, including working with Olympic, professional and recreational athletes. For three years, Chris served as a physical therapist at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, where he treated the nation’s best athletes. Additionally, he has been an integral member of sports performance teams during the NFL Combine Training program. He further enhanced his treatment methodology with a 4-month clinical internship with world-renowned physical therapist, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA. Chris excels at relieving pain and improving performance of athletes by blending manual therapy with movement analysis to quickly identify and correct inefficient movement patterns. He has a special interest in managing low back pain, hip pain and knee ACL injury prevention. He has developed a unique screening assessment and approach to identify athletes at risk for injury. Having traveled around the world managing the care of the nation’s best athletes, Chris brings this vast experience and knowledge to help you train longer, harder and pain free.
A San Diego native, Dr. Garcia received his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Kinesiology and was honored as the Outstanding Graduate of the Year in a graduating class of 10,000 students. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis, ranked at the top 1% of the nation’s physical therapy programs. Chris went on to complete a 15-month intensive sports physical therapy residency from The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center. Chris is a board certified Sports Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and Advanced Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting. Chris has presented at local, state and national conferences on sports medicine, including core stability, hip pain, sports performance, and bridging the gap between rehabilitation and return to sport. He also serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at San Diego State University.
- Licensed Physical Therapist, PT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT
- Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, SCS
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, CSCS
- USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach Level 1 and 2, USAW
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1 and 2, SFMA
- Functional Movement Screen Level 1 and 2, FMS
- Graston Technique Accredited Technician
- Sports Taping Specialist
- Posture Specialist
- Movement Expert
- 4-month Movement System Impairment Clinical Internship with World Renowned, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Chris served on various medical teams to provide care for Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes nationally and internationally.
- ATP World Tennis Tour: Rogers Cup – Montreal, Canada
- IPC Athletics Grand Prix Final – London, England
- EXOS / Athletes’ Performance NFL Combine Prep Program
- ATP World Tennis Tour: Wimbledon – London, England
- ATP World Tennis Tour: Roland Garros French Open – Paris, France
- UCI BMX Supercross World Cup – Chula Vista, CA
- IPC Athletics World Championships – Lyon, France
- Paralympic Games – USA Track and Field, London, England
- USA BMX Olympic Trials – Chula Vista, CA
- USA Rowing National Regatta Olympic Trials – Chula Vista, CA
- USA BMX National Championships – Chula Vista, CA
- USA Sevens Rugby Tournament – Las Vegas, NV
- HSBC Seven Ruby World Series- Wellington, New Zealand
- ParaPan American Games – Guadalajara, Mexico
- USA Track and Field Torpe Cup – Chula Vista, CA
- USA Archery SoCal Showdown – Chula Vista, CA
DR. STEPHANIE GARCIA
The Real CEO
– Doctor of Physical Therapy
– Certified Athletic Trainer
– Certified Strength And
Conditioning Specialist
– Sports Performance Coach
Dr. Stephanie Garcia is co-owner of Sports Performance and is one of our most experienced physical therapists. Originally from Ohio, she graduated with her Bachlor’s Degree from Ohio University with a double major in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology in 2006, as well as competed as a Division 1 athlete on the Ohio Bobcat’s Track & Field Team, running the 800m. Her personal best was 2:17.
Stephanie graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009 from Ohio University. She met Dr. Chris Garcia while working at The Ohio State University Sports Medicine, and moved to San Diego in 2011. As a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 2006, she has experience treating a wide variety of injuries and athletes, specializing in a manual therapy approach.
Stephanie enjoys an active lifestyle, including CrossFit, yoga, running, and traveling.
DR. JASON UMALI
Lead Physical Therapist
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Certified Clinical Athlete Weightlifting Coach
– Movement Specialist
Dr. Jason is originally from the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he graduated with his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from Washington State University (Go Cougs!). Jason now calls San Diego home after receiving his Doctorate of Physical Therapy with high honors from the University of St. Augustine. Jason made it an emphasis to gain experience in a variety of settings from an inpatient level 5 trauma center for spinal rehabilitation, vestibular rehab, aquatic therapy, post-operative orthopedics, and sports rehabilitation and performance for athletes at all levels. Dr. Jason found his true passion with Orthopedics and Sports Performance and enjoys treating fitness athletes. He is a Certified Clinical Athlete Weightlifting coach using a combination of manual therapy techniques and strength and conditioning principles in his practice.
During school, Jason volunteered his time working with Rock Steady boxing classes for Parkinson disease clients and the Senior CA Olympic Games athletes which truly showed there is no limit for anyone to perform at a high level no matter age or skill level. Jason considers anyone an athlete that wants to pursue an active lifestyle so it’s his mission to keep you healthy to keep you doing what you love throughout your lifespan.
Jason places a big emphasis on personal growth and continual learning which he shares with his clients to empower them to make positive decisions for their well-being. Jason spends time keeping up to date with scientific literature both in the Physical Therapy and Strength & Conditioning realm along with continuing education courses such as Spinal Thrust Manipulation, Corrective exercise, and Olympic Weightlifting assessment courses with much more planned in the near future to provide the best service to his clients.
Outside of Sports Performance, you can find Jason exploring sunny San Diego at breweries, coffee shops, or out hiking with his girlfriend, Robin, and their dog, Porter. Jason competes in Olympic Weightlifting at a national level in the 67kg/73kg weightclass with plans to also compete in Powerlifting. He also enjoys cooking, reading, skateboarding, and he is always open to new hobbies to challenge himself.
DR. SHANE ADAMOS
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Movement Specialist
– Certified Strength And
Conditioning Specialist
Dr. Shane is from San Diego and grew up involved with martial arts and playing baseball. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine before serving as a Marine and Deputy Sheriff.
Dr. Shane’s love for the gym led him to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with work starting in a CrossFit facility. His work as a strength coach eventually led to opportunities to work with athletes of all types – recreational, professional, tactical, and youth athletes.
In the pursuit of learning more in order to give more to others, Dr. Shane earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. With a broad range of skills and experience, his goal is to keep you performing in the activities you love.
When not in the clinic, you can find Dr. Shane riding his mountain bike, raising 4 kids and teaching then how to play baseball/softball.
DR. BRANDON HUBER
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Movement Specialist
Dr. Brandon is originally from a small town in Northern California where he developed an amazing sense of community that encompassed kindness and a family-oriented approach to life. Following his dreams of the sun and beach, he graduated with bachelor’s degree in General Biology with honors from UC San Diego. Enjoying his time in San Diego he decided to go to University of St. Augustine where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy with high honors. Along with this degree he received a Scholastic Achievement award and the Stanley V. Paris and Catherine E. Paris award for excellence in manual therapy.
As a multi-sport athlete in high school, Brandon earned all-league designation in Baseball, basketball and football. However, Brandon’s sport interest did not stop there as he is an avid golfer, disc golfer, snowboarder, and skateboarder. His love for sports and physical activities has drove his ambitions to pursue a career in Sports Physical Therapy.
When not in the clinic you can find Brandon hitting the links with his fiancé, Allison, enjoying the San Diego restaurants, or spending the day lounging with his two cats!
DR. MORGAN STANYER
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Movement Specialist
Dr. Morgan was born and raised in eastern Washington where she fell in love with the outdoors. She always loved to try new things and learn new skills. Her favorite sport in high school was basketball which she went on to play in college while majoring in health science. Her interest in overall performance and health soared when she started doing CrossFit after college.
She is one of many retired athletes who started CrossFit for the community, friendly competition, and the opportunity to learn new skills. She loves to see others achieve goals they never thought were possible!
Her passion for travel brought her to San Diego in 2021 for physical therapy school at the University of St. Augustine. She even spent 6 months in Tampa, FL for PT school internships. Dr. Morgan graduated with honors and chose to pursue her career in fitness and sports. She has a passion for health/wellness and wants to see all athletes perform at their highest potential: feel good, play good!
Along with traveling, she enjoys hiking, skiing, playing sports, reading, and spending time with friends/family. On the weekend you may find Morgan exploring San Diego and enjoying the sunshine!
MASSAGE THERAPY
MARITZA ADAN
Lead Sports Massage Therapist
Maritza “Maya” Adan has always had a passion for holistic care and alternative medicine since she was young due to her own health struggles and physical injuries. She decided to dive into the holistic world by enrolling in Charter College and completing their Massage Therapy program with honors in 2012.
Thought the years she has worked in different facilities from chiropractic offices to high-end resorts and spas. To this day she continues to expand her curriculum by taking continued education classes and continues to have a passion for helping people heal and recover through massage therapy.
With over 10 years of massage therapy experience, she specializes in deep tissue/ sports massage and has a unique style of blending different techniques into every single session.
Still being fairly new to the area you can catch Maritza out of SP exploring all of San Diego!
Her future goals are to go back to school one day to become an occupational therapist, become fluent in ASL, and continue to travel to new destinations at least once a year.
KAROLINE SHEFFIELD
Sports Massage Therapist
Karoline “Karo” Sheffield, hailing from Germany, has an extensive athletic background. As a Track & Field athlete, she medaled in national and international championships and finished a stellar collegiate career with multiple All-American honors and Hall of Fame induction at San Diego State University. After two decades, she still holds the German national youth record in the triple jump. Following her career, she continued her journey on the Track as Sprints and Jumps coach for Division I as well as Junior College.
Besides her love for Track & Field, Karo developed a passion for holistic healing and alternative medicine early on. Out of necessity, she increasingly sought out ways to prevent and quickly heal from injuries. Today, Karo is a Certified Health Education Specialist holding a master’s degree and a graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, CA with certification in Massage Therapy/Asian Bodywork. Her philosophy of healing is highly influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Karo’s desire is to help prevent injuries and disease and support the healing process along a holistic spectrum of health. Her treatment approach combines Eastern and Western techniques introducing an effective method to alleviate pain and promote healthy living.
FITNESS & PERFORMANCE TRAINING
SAM WILSON MIETZ
PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST
– Certified Personal Trainer with an emphasis in Functionality and Hypertrophy
Originally from Northern California, I spent my childhood years engaging in a variety of sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and track. It was during my time at Santa Rosa Junior College that I decided to focus on baseball at the collegiate level, a pursuit that lasted two years. Following this, I discovered a new passion for weightlifting, focusing on a hybrid training style that incorporated elements from both bodybuilding and powerlifting.
Currently, I am in the final year of my undergraduate studies, working toward obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. I have aspirations to further my knowledge and expertise by pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. My ultimate career goal is to collaborate with athletes, whether in the collegiate or professional realm.
As a personal trainer, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, each with their own unique fitness goals, targeting hypertrophy, strength, functionality, and weight loss. Currently, I am dedicated to my own training, with a future goal of competing in my first Classic Physique bodybuilding competition.
RYAN WEIR
PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST
I am from Northern California specifically the county of Sonoma. I moved down to San Diego where I attended San Diego State University where I graduated with Bachelors in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy. My career goal is to enter Doctorate of Physical Therapy School and to become a licensed Physical Therapist. I am NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a wide range of client experience while also working as a Physical Therapy Technician at a Neurorehab Physical Therapy Clinic.
I have had a passion for weightlifting that has lasted for over a decade and outside the gym I love the outdoors, beach, traveling, and overall new experiences.
I have passion for training people anywhere from general wellness to preparing athletes into their season and their specific needs but especially the friends I make along the way.
CLIENT SUCCESS TEAM
CRISTIANAH COMADURAN
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Cristianah is a native San Diegan who loves all that this beautiful city has to offer! From a young age, Cristianah was a very active individual. She grew up playing competitive softball on a travel ball team, she also dabbled in soccer, field hockey, and volleyball. (She is no stranger to injuries.) She found a love for sports at 6 years old when she found herself being the only girl on a little league baseball team and from then, she was hooked.
Cristianah first started at Sports Performance as an intern, then worked her way up to Client Care Specialist, Client Care Coordinator, and Marketing Assistant, and is now supporting our mission to provide world-class healthcare and customer service as our Operations Manager.
Some of Cristianah’s lifetime goals include competing in a bodybuilding competition, traveling to each continent, and becoming fluent in ASL.
She has a passion for learning and helping others and helping you get back to being healthy and active is her #1 priority. Cristianah is here to ensure you get back to doing the things you love, without pain, or limitations.
ALYSSA ESPARZA
CLIENT SUCCESS SPECIALIST
Alyssa was born and raised in Chula Vista and grew up in the San Ysidro area. She attend Chula Vista High School and graduated class of 2019. Alyssa was a four-year varsity volleyball player during high school and won the first-ever women’s volleyball banner in her school’s history.
She has been playing volleyball since she was 13 and played club for Eastlake Starlings. After finishing her club season, she then moved into the coaching world and now coaches for her old club team. She has always loved sports medicine and helping others perform at their best.
Alyssa has been involved in sports since she could walk, which meant she loved the outdoors. When she isn’t working, she has her own photography career. Alyssa has done photography for about 4 years and loves doing random shoots with her friends.
Outside of Sports Performance, she’s a happy person who loves painting. Alyssa loves sightseeing in San Diego and loves Rottweilers.
ALANI SARABIA
CLIENT SERVICE COORDINATOR
Alani was born and raised in Chula Vista, CA. She grew up always wanting to be outdoors and loved to stay active. For that reason, playing sports was an easy decision to make. She played various sports growing up such as soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, cross country, and track & field.
Her main sport that she still plays to this day is soccer. Before college, Alani primarily played for the Selección de Baja California and Rebels Soccer Club. While playing for those teams she was able to win two bronze medals in the Olimpiada Nacional and won the 2018 National Championship.
Her passion for soccer helped grow her love for health and fitness. Because of this she recently obtained her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Diego State University and became a coach for Elite IQ Football. Alani is eager to continue growing in this field and helping others therefore her future goal is to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Alani first started at Sports Performance as a client. After a year of recovering from an ACL injury, she became an intern, then worked her way up to becoming a Client Care Specialist.
MARKETING TEAM
DIEGO GÓMEZ
MARKETING ASSISTANT
Diego was born and raised in San Diego. He has always been a sports enthusiast, especially for soccer. After graduating high school from Bonita Vista, Diego went to Southwestern College and then transferred to Long Beach State University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
He has experience in covering various professional sports such as NCAA Division 1 tennis, basketball, and volleyball tournaments, the Mexican men’s soccer national team, and Club Tijuana in the Mexican soccer first division, Liga MX. Diego combines his passion for journalism and digital marketing to help clients at Sports Performance stay healthy and active for life.
When he is not working, you might see Diego exploring various places in San Diego or across the border in Tijuana. He loves the beach, enjoys video games, reading books (especially if they are sports-related), and likes to spend quality time with his family and best friends.
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