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. KATIE THOMAS
Clinic Lead
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Movement Specialist
Dr. Katie is a San Diego native with a love for health and fitness. She grew up in Chula Vista and started her education locally at San Diego Mesa College. After transferring to CSU, Chico and receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, she decided to pursue her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona.
Dr. Katie has a special interest in bladder and reproductive health, running, and cycling. She has also completed coursework for treating barbell athletes and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
Dr. Katie’s personal fitness started with Cross Country and Track in High School, and she continued to race while at SD Mesa and Chico State. She has since begun mountain and road biking, Crossfit, yoga, hiking, and skiing in addition to running for exercise and fun. Her downtime is spent gardening, reading, and playing with her dogs. Dr. Katie always enjoys new challenges and is also currently working to add surfing and snorkeling to her list of fun activities.
DR. JASON TARESH
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Movement Specialist
Dr. Jason (Dr. “T”) earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy with honors from both West Coast University in Los Angeles, and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy’s National Student Honor Society, Delta Phi Tau. He also earned his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with an emphasis in physical therapy from San Diego State University. He could not help but return to beautiful San Diego to apply his passion for the field of orthopedics and sports medicine to the San Diego community.
Originally from Durham, California, Dr. “T” grew up loving the great outdoors and enjoying a highly active lifestyle. As a three-sport athlete in high school, Jason earned all-league designations in basketball, baseball, and swimming. He is also a golf enthusiast and has personal experience with jiu-jitsu, soccer, BMX, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and surfing which allows him to combine his formal education with a first-hand understanding of various sport-specific demands.
Dr. “T” aspired to be a physical therapist from a young age after gaining exposure to the field following his own athletic injuries. His favorite aspect of his profession is the ability to motivate and assist clients to return to the activities they love and provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to remain active and healthy for life!
When he is not in the clinic, you might catch Dr. “T” longboarding with his Siberian husky, exploring new trails and beaches around San Diego, or playing the guitar!
DR. TERESA BERG
Sports Physical Therapist
– Doctor Of Physical Therapy
– Movement Specialist
Dr. Teresa is an east coast transplant from Maryland where she graduated from the University of Maryland with her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. She then went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida. Dr. Teresa completed her graduate school clinical rotations through the Covid-19 pandemic and through those difficult times, found a passion for sports rehabilitation. After graduation, Dr. Teresa knew that it was time for a big change, and moved to sunny southern California, where she now calls San Diego, home.
Growing up, Dr. Teresa was a high-level soccer player and had the opportunities to play in England, Denmark, and Mexico. You will have to put her juggling skills to the test! She also loves to participate in golf, trail running tennis, wakeboarding, hiking and gives it her best attempt to surf. Also, her and her family are avid Spartan Race participants.
Dr. Teresa is interested in post-operative orthopedics, post-concussion rehabilitation, return to sport, and sports performance. She loves to learn more about any sport that she can get her hands on and treat athletes of any age, or any individual who loves to maintain their fitness and activity levels to ensure health and wellness throughout their lives.
MASSAGE THERAPY
ANISE WIRTH
Sports Massage Therapist
Anise is a massage therapist with a deep-rooted passion for movement as medicine. Anise was a competitive gymnast, diver, and fire performer and as an athlete herself understands the importance of a healthy body from the mind to the muscle. Her love for movement stems from a lifetime of activity; from SCUBA diving to rock climbing and all things inverted (you can catch her on her hands at most times). She is a graduate of National Holistic Institute, a school of massage therapy, and has gone on to train a number of different modalities. Anise is acupressure and reflexology, She has had the privilege of working with Cirque Du Sole athletes, professional fighters, and competitive rock climbers to assist with their recovery and overall wellness and success.
With over twenty years of experience as a high-level competitive gymnast, both as a coach and an athlete, it’s no surprise that she has been drawn to sports injury recovery as her line of expertise in massage. She genuinely loves movement of all forms and is fascinated by how the body functions and heals. Anise is a practicing acrobat, fire performer, rock climber, surfer, and musician. She continues to find new forms of athleticism to pique her interest and inspire her love of massage therapy.
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 & PERSONAL TRAINING
ALEX HART
FITNESS SPECIALIST
– Certified Personal Trainer
Alex Hart was raised in Greenwood, Indiana where he developed a passion for sports and fitness. He started playing soccer at a young age and played a variety of other sports including basketball, baseball, football, swimming, and ultimate frisbee but developed a special passion for weightlifting that he would carry into his adult life and eventually teach others.
Alex joined the Navy in 2013 upon graduating high school and Attended Navy Dive School where he was tested to his mental and physical limits before beginning a career as a deep-sea diver. He spent his 6 years of service stationed in San Diego, CA diving on Navy vessels and performing underwater repairs but his true passion was above the surface training and coaching others. As a Company Fitness Leader for his unit, Alex developed fitness programs for his team to stay in excellent shape and provided personal training to those who wanted to go the extra mile to meet their goals.
After being Honorably discharged in 2019, Alex earned His Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and enrolled in National University where he is currently pursuing a degree in Human Biology in preparation for Physical Therapy school.
NELLY QUEVEDO
FITNESS SPECIALIST
– Certified Personal Trainer
Coach Nelly was raised in Tijuana in a little part of the city called Santa Fe, she grew up playing soccer as a wide midfielder. This is where she developed her passion for movement and in high school, she explored running in Cross Country and Track and Field. Upon
graduating high school Nelly went to San Diego Miramar Community College where she completed her associate’s degree in Personal Training and where she completed coursework to transfer to a university.
Coach Nelly recently graduated from San Diego State where she pursued her bachelor’s in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy with the future goal of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her mission is to keep people moving so they can live their best life.
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 CARE 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.
JORDAN LUPDAG
CLIENT EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST
Jordan is a San Diego native who was born and raised in Chula Vista. His love for sports began at a young age with flag football and Tae Kwon Do but he soon developed a strong passion for basketball that would continue into the present day. Jordan played all four years at Olympian High School where he would cap off his senior season with a league championship and a deep run into the CIF southern state finals.
Jordan recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology with the future goal of obtaining his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. By combining his love for sports and his passion to help people, Jordan found Sports Performance where he interned for over a year, before officially joining Team SP.
When he’s not in the clinic, you can find Jordan trying new food & boba spots around Southern California and spending quality time with his friends and loved ones.
ANALIA VEGA
CLIENT EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST
Analia is a San Diego native born and raised in Chula Vista. She attended and recently graduated from Bonita Vista High’s class of 2022. Throughout high school, she realized she wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy due to two major ACL tears.
Analia had been playing club soccer for 11 years. She primarily played with ALBION and Rebels Soccer Club until her second ACL tear deciding it was time to hang up her cleats. Due to her recovery, she found Sports Performance and called it her new home for recovery and internship for three years!
Her next plans in life are to attend Southwestern College and transfer to a four-year university majoring in Kinesiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.
If you don’t see Analia in the clinic she’s probably spending time with family and friends, reading, or indulging in her love for music.
MARKETING TEAM
DIEGO GOMEZ
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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