Who We Are

Dr. Nick Cutri, PT, DPT, FAFS, CSCS

President, MOTI Physiotherapy

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, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Clinic Director

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 total body approach to manage musculoskeletal injury and has focused her continuing education to increase her knowledge in developmental and functional movement to treat the body as whole based on the foundational principles of Dynamic Neuromuscular Reeducation (DNS), Movement Links and the Gray Institute. To further pursue her expertise Megan received her Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) board certification in 2016, and she is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Megan uses her background in DNS as a contributor to Sugarfoot Therapy, creating movement flows specific to the dance community that focus on dynamic stability, alignment, and muscle activation. Megan played ten years of competitive water polo, and was recruited and played four years for the Division 1 University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is a co-founder of the Los Angeles Athletic Club Elite Women’s Water Polo team and has contributed content and created the Dry Land screen for 6-8Sports, as well as, assisting in zoom dry land trainings for high school water polo club teams. Megan enjoys working with all aquatic athletes, including water polo players, swimmers and surfers. She is inspired to help all athletes learn how to move their bodies more optimally to enhance performance and reduce risk of injury.

Dr. Ann Nguyen DeGrey, PT, DPT

Clinic Director

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. Ann 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. She also volunteers as a medical provider for professional sports organizations including Team USA Weightlifting, AVP Beach Volleyball, World Police Games, USA Olympic Training Center, the US Powerlifting Association, and is a Certified USA Weightlifting Performance Coach. With her education and experience in Sports Physical Therapy, Ann is currently pursuing her Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) to further her expertise in athletic injury management and rehabilitation.

Dr. Traci Ferguson, PT, DPT

Assistant Clinic Director

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 and certification for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Traci has had clinical experience in many physical therapy settings including orthopedics, dance medicine, and neurological rehabilitation. Traci approaches physical therapy from a functional movement background utilizing neuromuscular reeducation for alignment and stability. She enjoys working with patients of all ages and fitness levels – her goal is to help her patients feel confident with movement while reaching their fitness or rehabilitative goals.

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. She works within the dance community to educate dancers and dance instructors about injury prevention and cross training. She is a contributor and course leader for Sugarfoot Therapy. And she has presented lectures and workshops for many dance organizations such as Dance Teacher Summit, CLI Studios, AMDA, and The Bridge Dance Project.

Dr. Kirk Ramirez, PT, DPT

Assistant Clinic Director

Dr. Kirk Ramirez graduated from the University of La Verne with a Bachelors in Movement and Sports Science and he earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine. 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 that incorporates manual therapy, corrective exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, and certified techniques such as Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and kinesiology taping to help people reach their goals. Kirk is specialized in concussion/PCS management and recovery. He has undergone extensive post-doctorate coursework and studies the latest research surrounding the world of concussions to ensure these patients are able to recover quickly and safely. He also provides sideline medical coverage for LA Premiere Soccer League, Covina High School Football, and Northview High School Football. Kirk also has experience as a volunteer medical provider for sporting events such as US Powerlifting Association competition. Additionally, Kirk has become passionate about working with the dancer athlete population. He has developed a following with many professional dancers in the Los Angeles area…with esteemed credits such as the TL Collective, Taylor Swift world tour, and Diavolo: Architecture in Motion.

Dr. Ari Baquet, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Physical Therapist

Ari Baquet is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Originally from New York, he started his career as a sports journalist in Colorado, before returning to the University of Southern California for his doctorate in physical therapy. He has published research on running and on tendon disorders with the US Navy and USC, respectively, and has presented at the national conferences of the American College of Sports Medicine and American Physical Therapy Association. Ari is a competitive mountain biker, and a passionate trail runner and skier, who appreciates the value of healthy movement in getting the most out of life.

Dr. Lindsay Brunner, PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist

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).  She works with patients to optimize the way they move, whether it be for simple daily tasks or advanced athletic skills. 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 has completed the Pelvic Floor Level 1 & 2 courses through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, with plans to continue through the educational series. She treats patients with both orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions with an integrative approach. Lindsay has a passion for working in women’s health, from pregnancy and postpartum issues to pelvic pain. She leads Mom Strong at MOTI Physiotherapy, a 6-week fitness program to help postpartum women return to safe and confident exercise, and is a founding contributor to our virtual prenatal exercise platform Mom Growing Strong.

Dr. Rhoda Bea Hernando, PT, DPT, ATC

Physical Therapist

Dr. Rhoda Bea Hernando (she/her/hers) earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA. Prior to PT school, she received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at the University of the Pacific and became a certified athletic trainer. Her athletic training background includes working with high school football, Division I men’s water polo, women’s basketball, softball, sand volleyball, and interning at Woodward West Action Sports Camp. Rhoda’s passion for physical therapy stemmed from undergoing post-ACL reconstruction rehab after tearing her ACL while playing soccer in high school. She is a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo and has a 10-year history of competitive Olympic-style fighting. Though she does not compete anymore, Rhoda has done sports medicine coverage for state and national taekwondo events. She is a firm believer of lifelong learning and is Pelvic Floor Level 1 certified through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. In her free time, Rhoda enjoys going to the beach, hiking, cycling, traveling, and exploring the food scene.

Dr. Lei Lee, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Lei Lee received her Bachelors degrees in Human Biology and Japanese Studies from University of California, San Diego.  She then found her passion for physical therapy during an internship at a hospital, and pursued her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA. Lei has clinical experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings in orthopedics, neurology, and geriatrics. Her treatment approach includes individualized plans to optimize movement and function so that the patient can reach their personal goals. Constantly finding time to opt outdoors to hike, backpack, run, and swim, Lei also loves promoting an active and fun lifestyle to patients. She is trained in IASTM, Pelvic Floor therapy, and PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s patients.

Dr. Katie Lichty, PT, DPT, OCS

Senior Physical Therapist

Raised by the California sun, Katie earned her B.S. from UCSB, and then received her DPT from Chapman University. She also has the special distinction of being a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist and has completed all coursework for The McKenzie Method. She treats the full spectrum of orthopedic and sports-related injuries and is more than qualified to perform personal training for athletes of all abilities.  She specializes in running, soccer, volleyball, the pregnant athlete, and weightlifting. 

Dr. Greg Moy, PT, DPT, CSCS, FRCms

Physical Therapist, Clinic Instruction Program Director

Dr. Jacob Moyer, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Derek Nishikawa, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Derek Nishikawa earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Wellness and Minor in Nutrition from Arizona State University.  Derek has strong outpatient orthopedic and inpatient skills from his clinical and didactic education.  He has experience empowering patients from a diverse population ranging from patients recovering from post-surgical ACL reconstruction, patients with concussion-like symptoms, patients who experienced overuse injuries due to recreational sports or occupations, patients with vestibular dysfunctions, patients with chronic pain, and patients who suffered strokes.  Derek prides himself on providing high-quality patient-centered care to empower patients to achieve their physical therapy goals.  He has presented independent research at the California Physical Therapy Association’s virtual conference in 2020 on “Reliability of Visual Inspection and Palpation to Assess Relative Flexibility in the Shoulder.”  When he is not in the clinic, Derek enjoys reading, running, weekend hikes, and rooting for the Los Angeles Rams, Lakers, and Dodgers.

Dr. Alexa Savitz, DPT

Physical Therapist

Alexa Savitz (she/her/hers) is originally from the East Coast where she received a B.S. in Kinesiology from Temple University. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and was awarded the Order of the Golden Cane, USC’s highest recognition for leadership, clinical practice, and research. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Alexa danced professionally nationally and internationally while living and teaching Pilates-based fitness in New York City. Her clinical experiences include performing arts, pelvic health, orthopedics, neurological, and vestibular rehabilitation in the outpatient setting. She has a passion for treating pelvic floor dysfunction, with continuing education from Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and integrates wellness through education, evidence-based practice, and the mind-body connection. She is a member of the Performing Arts Special Interest Group (PASIG) section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), and is actively seeking ways to improve screening and education for injury prevention in dancers through various projects and current research. Her clinical approach includes a holistic view of the individual while guiding her patients to optimize daily function and performance in order to approach life and their goals with confidence. Outside of the clinic, Alexa enjoys traveling, live music, spending time in nature with her dog, Briggs, practicing yoga and Pilates, searching for the best pizza in LA, and being with her family and friends while dancing through life.

Dr. Nickon Sharifabadi, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Nickon Sharifabadi earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from California State University of Long Beach. Nickon utilizes a movement-based approach focusing on functional biomechanics and whole body integration to help people achieve their goals. Nickon is working toward a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certification to assess golf-specific injuries, rehabilitation techniques, and condition his patients to improve their performance. Nickon also works with both overhead and jumping athletes to improve their strength, coordination, and on court/field execution. In his spare time, Nickon enjoys playing volleyball, snowboarding, camping, and traveling.

Dr. Mia Sugi Wassink, PT, DPT, ATC

Physical Therapist

As a native Angeleno since birth, it was only fitting that Dr. Mia Sugi Wassink received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from USC after graduating from UCLA with a B.S. degree in Physiological Sciences. After her studies at USC, she completed a post-graduate fellowship at her beloved UCLA (go Bruins!) with their  Center for Cerebral Palsy. She continued to integrate her love of pediatrics thereafter doing Early Intervention PT for many years while also doing out-patient orthopedics. With over 15 years of experience as a physical therapist, she has completed countless continuing education courses ranging from post-operative orthopedic management of injuries, integrative yoga with physical therapy, fundamentals of kinesiology tape, lymphedema management for cancer patients, prevention and treatment of dance injuries, and myofascial decompression (cupping) – to name a few. While at UCLA, Mia completed a 3yr student athletic training internship while working with the football, mens’ soccer, and women’s track teams before being certified as an athletic trainer (ATC). She has literally worked with infants less than 1yr old… to patients close to 100yrs old! Her strengths lie in her passion for learning while developing trusting relationships with her patients to meet and exceed their goals for rehabilitation. Her hobbies include travelling, family time with her husband and daughter, volunteering, reading, surfing, yoga, hiking, playing basketball, and snowboarding. She loves all things outdoors and is a diehard Lakers, Dodgers, and Bruins sports fan.

Dr. Daniel Villamayor, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Daniel Villamayor received his BS in Biology from California State University of Long Beach and went on to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine where he received high honors. Daniel has lived an active lifestyle which helped solidify his career in physical therapy. Daniel enjoys seeing his patients progress towards their goals and believes in patient-centered care. He believes patient education is a key component in reaching successful outcomes. His treatment utilizes a movement-based approach that incorporates corrective exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, and a variety of manual therapy techniques such as spinal and extremity joint mobilization and IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization). Daniel also volunteers as a medical provider for professional sports organizations such as AVP Beach Volleyball and the Dew Tour; and he enjoys working with dancer athletes at the competitive and professional levels. Aside from working at MOTI, Daniel spends his time playing basketball, tennis, jump-roping and rooting for the LA Lakers.

Dr. Nancy Wong, OTR/L, OTD

Occupational Therapist, Pelvic Therapist

Dr. Nancy Wong received her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Pacific University in Oregon. As a clinical specialist in pelvic floor therapy, Nancy (she/her/hers) believes in empowering her clients with skills and knowledge they need to reclaim function and health in their pelvises. Through her career she’s been happy to help people of all sex and gender reach their goals in having pain free sex, full control of their toileting, and to engage in the activities they care about without pain. She is passionate about treating pelvic floor issues including pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, vaginismus, vulvodynia, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and bowel incontinence, tailbone pain (coccydynia), endometriosis, prostatitis, and rehabilitation post gender-confirmation surgeries. Her clinical approach utilizes compassionate communication, active listening, respectful touch, and client collaboration throughout the treatment process.

With a background in yoga therapy, mindfulness meditation, and bodywork, clients can expect individualized treatment using modalities including functional movement training, neuromuscular reeducation, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy including trigger point release, visceral manipulation, soft tissue manipulation, connective tissue manipulation, scar tissue massage, and myofacial release.

Nancy is also trilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, and English. When she’s not working you’ll likely find her hanging out with friends and family, at a dance class, roller skating, gardening, or petting her dog.

Dr. Eddie Yacynych, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Edward (Eddie) Yacynych received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 2019 (Fight On!). He previously earned his BS in Mathematics from the University of Maryland where he was a Division 1 Cheerleader. Eddie completed the orthopedic residency program at Adventist Health Glendale in 2020, where he received advanced training in orthopedic physical therapy and enjoyed working with people of all ages and all fitness levels. Aside from working at MOTI, Eddie also works as a professional jump rope performer. He has made appearances on “America’s Got Talent”, “The TODAY Show”, “Holey Moley”, and “The Late Late Show”, toured with “Cirque Dreams”, and worked as a guest entertainer for Disney Cruise Line. He has a passion for helping others and  looks forward to working with his patients to decrease pain, optimize performance, and prevent future injury.

Dr. Fei Zang, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Keely Ahrold

DPT Intern

Keely is a 3rd year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles, CA. She first received her Bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology and dance from the University of Colorado, Boulder and then received her Master’s of Science in kinesiology from Cal State University, Northridge. Keely is also a certified Pilates instructor and has been teaching group and private Pilates classes in Los Angeles since 2017. Keely is originally from Dana Point, CA and loves everything Southern California, if she is not at the beach, she is hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, or finding the next greatest glass of wine.

Victor Fong

DPT Intern

Victor is currently a third-year Student Doctor of Physical Therapy at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, California. He completed his B.S in Kinesiology, Exercise Science at California State University, Long Beach. Victor loves to try anything he finds interesting. Last year he took up camping and top roping, and has had his hands in aquariums, caring for shrimp. He also plays basketball and League of Legends, and has a weakness for ice cream.

Michelle Lee, SPT

DPT Intern

Michelle is a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Mount Saint Mary’s University located in Los Angeles, California. She received her B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience from University of California, San Diego. Her passion for physical therapy began in high school after being injured while playing basketball and was subsequently exposed to the impact and importance of rehabilitation. Michelle enjoys working with patients to restore their quality of life and return to their activities and sports. In her free time, Michelle enjoys kickboxing, playing basketball, traveling, and exploring the food scene throughout Los Angeles.

Ariel Jones

Clinic Administration Manager

As Clinic Administration Manager, Ariel oversees all scheduling, patient intake, billing, and compliance. 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.

Katie Schaar Cutri

Director of Operations

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.

Gabriela Aburto

Billing and Collections Specialist

Christiana Greene

Patient Coordinator

A Mississippi native, Christiana spent her formative years in Orange County. She majored in Theatre in Nashville, TN., and has always had a lifelong passion working with children. After 15 years of nannying, childcare and teaching fine arts overseas, she decided it was time for a change. Next she applied her interpersonal skills for 8 years at USC Verdugo Hills Physical Medicine and Rehab, working as a receptionist, mastering scheduling, insurance verification and juggling phone calls with their Physical, OT and ST patients. Once again she was ready for a growth opportunity and joined MOTI as a patient coordinator. She is active with her two dogs and sings in church choir and is an avid swing dancer along with her husband.

Joefy Lobanga

Patient Coordinator

Joefy is currently working towards completion of her Bachelors degree in Healthcare Management. Before joining MOTI she was a care coordinator at a psychiatrist office; she has also worked as a Child Behavioral Interventionist in Santa Monica. Joefy tries to ensure that all of our patients get the most of what MOTI can offer. In her spare time, Joefy enjoys art and history museums, playing soccer, cooking and competitive cheerleading.

Christina Lucero

Patient Coordinator

Christina, a Golden State native, moved to Los Angeles to continue her education in business and healthcare. She believes every patient deserves top quality care and scheduling should be an enjoyable experience. In her hometown, Christina coached flag football, swim team and taught aqua aerobics. When not in the clinic, she loves being outdoors, learning new crafts, traveling, new plant based foods, and rooting for the Dodgers