Who We Are

Dr. Nick Cutri, DPT, FAFS, CSCS

Dr. Nick Cutri earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Southern California after earning his BS in Kinesiology at San Diego State University. A practitioner of functional physical therapy, he completed the Fellowship Program in Applied Functional Science with the Gray Institute for Functional Therapy. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). An expert in Sports Physical Therapy, Nick has worked with many professional athletes. He has developed special expertise and programming for NBA athletes, professional skateboarders, and professional dancers. Opening MOTI Physiotherapy is a dream come true, and it is Nick’s aspiration to provide a positive healing environment that produces results for all patients.

Dr. Megan O'Linn, DPT, OCS

Dr. Megan O’Linn earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mt. St. Mary’s University after earning her BS in Kinesiology at University of Hawaii at Manoa. Megan is inspired by using a holistic approach to manage musculoskeletal pain and has focused her continuing education to increase her knowledge in developmental and functional movement to treat the body as whole. To further pursue her expertise Megan received her Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) board certification in 2016.  Megan played ten years of competitive water polo, four at the collegiate level, and enjoys working with aquatic and extreme athletes.

Dr. Brian Schwabe, DPT, SCS, COMT, CSCS

Dr. Brian Schwabe earned his DPT from Saint Louis University.  Following PT school he sought out specialization and was accepted into USC’s Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program which allowed him to learn and be mentored by some of the top sports medicine doctors and physical therapists in Los Angeles. After concluding his sports residency, he went on to achieve board certification in sports physical therapy (SCS) and continued to further his education with a year long certified orthopedic manual therapy program (COMT).  Brian has worked with numerous professional athletes and been fortunate to cover unique events such as AVP beach volleyball, WNBA games, NBA workouts, ESPN sports science show, and on-set TV shows.  He believes in an eclectic approach to movement with a healthy balance of mobility, manual therapy, strengthening, and biomechanics to create a healthier, more active person.

Dr. Katie Lichty, DPT, OCS

Born and raised in the central valley of California, Katie has always loved living in California, earning her BS from the University of California Santa Barbara, and then receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Chapman University in 2011.  She also has the special distinction of being a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS), and has completed all coursework for The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) training for the spine.  Katie is experienced in treating the full spectrum of orthopedic and sports-related injuries and surgeries in children and adults.

Katie’s love for orthopedic and sports physical therapy began as a freshman in high school when she injured her knee in soccer, tearing her ACL.  After working countless hours with physical therapists, she was able to get back on the field and also go on to play competitive volleyball.  She continues to have a great interest in ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation. If she isn’t working in the clinic, you can find her running a marathon, playing classical piano, raising money for 18-mile night walks for suicide awareness, or cooking up a storm for a themed dinner party.

Dr. Ann Nguyen Degrey, DPT

Dr. Ann Nguyen Degrey graduated from UC Irvine with a B.S. In Public Health Sciences and then continued her educational pursuits at University of St. Augustine, earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) with an emphasis on Manual Therapy. Dr. Degrey utilizes a movement-based treatment approach that incorporates manual therapy, corrective exercises, and certified techniques such as Myofascial Decompression (Cup Therapy), IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), and Kinesiology taping. Additionally, she also is a Certified Medical Emergency Responder and active Trainer for the Los Angeles Premier Futbol Club, US Developmental Academy, and Women’s Premier Soccer League. Dr. Degrey also volunteers as a medical provider for professional sports organizations including Team USA Weightlifting, AVP Beach Volleyball, World Police Games, Crescenta Valley Futbol Club, the US Powerlifting Association, and is a Certified USA Weightlifting Performance Coach. With her education and experience in Sports Physical Therapy, Dr. Degrey is currently pursuing her Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) to further her expertise in athletic injury management and rehabilitation.

Dr. Michael Jeanfavre, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Dr. Michael Jeanfavre earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Duke University after earning a dual degree, BS in Biological Sciences and BS in Exercise Science, at the University of Connecticut. His clinical development continued by completing an APTA accredited Orthopedic Residency with Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, CA; and he is currently completing a Sports Fellowship with Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.  Certified with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS), Michael provides a blend of strength and conditioning principles with functional movements assessment and correctives through the Functional Movement Systems (FMS Level 1 and SFMA Level 1 & 2). He treats a broad spectrum of orthopedics and athletic based injuries and takes a particular interest in shoulder, knee, and spine related injuries. His experience includes working as as a Tier 3 Trainer for Equinox. From playing college baseball, to competing in adventure races and cycling across the U.S. in 2013 to raise awareness for cancer, Michael shares a passion with his patients for living an active and healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Lindsay Brunner, DPT, OCS

Dr. Lindsay Brunner earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Mount St. Mary’s University. Upon graduating she completed the Orthopedic Residency Program at Kaiser Permanente, which involved a mix of additional didactic learning and clinical work under expert mentors in orthopedic physical therapy. Lindsay is a board certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). Lindsay addresses the body as an integrative system with movement patterns as a primary driver. She works with patients to optimize the way they move, whether it be for simple daily tasks or advanced athletic skills. Her approach incorporates targeted manual therapy, individualized exercise programs, and movement pattern training to increase long-term function, performance, and quality of life. Lindsay has a background of 16 years of experience as a ballet and modern dancer, as well as 12 years of competitive figure skating. Before becoming a physical therapist she taught hatha yoga, which she integrates into her exercise and movement approaches. Lindsay looks forward to continually broadening her clinical knowledge and skills, with goals of pursuing women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy.

Dr. Traci Ferguson, DPT

Dr. Traci Ferguson earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University St. Augustine for Health Science after completing her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos. Traci has a strong background in manual and orthopedic therapies, with advanced coursework on evaluation and treatment of spinal and extremity function. Traci has had clinical experience in many physical therapy settings including orthopedics, pediatrics, neurological rehabilitation with emphasis on spinal cord injuries, as well as prosthetic training for amputees. Traci aspires to focus her continuing education on increasing her knowledge on functional, developmental movements, dance medicine, and sports physical therapy. Traci has over 20 years of dance experience, with over 7 years at a competitive level, and enjoys working with professional dancers and performing artists.

Dr. Kirk Ramirez, DPT

Dr. Kirk Ramirez earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine after earning his BS in kinesiology from the University of La Verne. His history of playing and coaching football led him to pursue a career in PT and helped shape his drive to optimize performance in the active population. He utilizes a movement-based approach and emphasizes manual therapy, corrective exercise, and neuromuscular reeducation to help people reach their goals. He is certified in the application of instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM) and is working toward a Manual Therapist Certification (MTC) through the University of St. Augustine. Dr. Ramirez also has experience as a volunteer medical provider for sporting events such as US Powerlifting Association competition and LA Premier Futbol Club tournament.

Katie Schaar Cutri

Katie Schaar Cutri is an accomplished professional dancer/choreographer who has worked extensively with artists like P!NK, Taylor Swift, & Katy Perry, and on countless film and television productions. She developed Sugarfoot Therapy as an affordable and accessible way to bring the therapeutic exercises of sports physical therapy to dancers. Katie travels all over the country teaching the program to dancers and dance educators; and she is now happy to teach Sugarfoot Therapy classes at MOTI. Along with her husband, Dr. Nick Cutri, Katie oversees operations at MOTI Physiotherapy.

Rachael Gerstel , CSCS, CPT

Rachael is originally from Jamestown, NY and received her BFA in Musical Theatre and Dance from Point Park University. Through recovery of an eating disorder Rachael learned that it’s vital for each individual to be their own advocate for personal health and wellness. This knowledge allowed her to shift focus from performance on stage to human performance and quality of life.
Today Rachael is an NSCA certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Nationally certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant and athlete. She is Head of Wellness for the Debbie Reynolds Scholarship where she conditions and mentors dancers striving to succeed as professionals. Together they work to bridge the gap between artistry and athleticism. Rachael is the creator of Vélos, a fitness program launched and taught in Sherman Oaks. She is a coach for Orangetheory Los Angeles, contributing writer for “Living Fit Now,” a corporate trainer and educator, and a Legacy Ambassador for lululemon.
Rachael’s work is rooted in her love of human connection, and offers the tools necessary for a strong mind and body. She values the choice to “show up” especially when the odds are stacked against, and believes awareness, education and action are our power. That power creates change. Rachael is humbled to be part of the MOTI team with like-minded and inspiring professionals with whom to learn and grow.

AJ Brown

A NASM certified personal trainer, AJ believes in tailoring workouts to meet the needs and goals of the individual. He uses a variety of tools, such as kettlebells, maces, and clubs, as well as the more traditional dumbbells and barbells. He takes a detail oriented and methodical approach to ensure that movement quality is getting better every session. He is also StrongFirst Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor, an Onnit Academy Foundations Trainer and a Level II Box N Burn boxing trainer. AJ enjoys working closely with MOTI Physical Therapists to create biomechanically sound, individualized training programs for his clients.

Ariel Jones

As Office Administrator, Ariel manages all scheduling, patient intake, and billing. She has managed offices for multiple physicians, and is now proud to be a part of the MOTI team.  Ariel loves to ensure that each MOTI client is scheduled accurately and that our billing process works perfectly. If you have any questions about insurance benefits or out of pocket expenses, Ariel is the best person to talk to.

Cat Gonzalez

As Patient Coordinator, Cat will assign you with the best Physical Therapist for your needs and will help manage your scheduling needs. She will do everything she can to help you understand your insurance benefits and out-of-pocket expenses. Cat has 2 years of experience as a PT Aide, working with MOTI Director Nick Cutri, so she has experienced first-hand the amazing results patients can experience with Physical Therapy. Cat is passionate about helping patients get the best care they can. Se habla español.

Tara Brito

Tara is a current student at Grand Canyon University, studying advertising and marketing. She has worked in Medical Administration for over 12 years, having trained at both Cedars Sinai and Healthcare Partners Medical Group. Tara’s goal is to create a great experience for you here at MOTI!

“We offer so many skills to keep healthy. I’ve begun to apply them to my daily routines without a struggle. Hope to see you become a part of the MOTI family too!”