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Staff Bios

The staff at Core Physical Therapy welcomes you! Though our clinical staff hails from diverse professional backgrounds, we are dedicated to providing excellent physical therapy services in a positive, supportive environment.

James Cegelnik, DPT

Jim graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology. He went on to obtain his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University, where he graduated as one of the top students in his class.

Although he treats clientele with a diverse range of orthopedic and neurologic conditions, Jim is particularly known for rehabilitating injuries associated with overhead athletes (especially, baseball players) – emphasizing throwing mechanics and their relationship to joint health/injury prevention, and lumbar stabilization/core strengthening. Besides working with athletes, Jim has special interest in treating those with cervicogenic headaches.

A lifelong fitness and sports enthusiast, Jim is an avid surfer who has traveled the world to experience some of the most well-known surfing “hot spots” – including Bali, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico, and El Salvador.

Geoffrey Fong, MPT

Geoff received his Bachelors of Science degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz. He obtained his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of California/San Francisco State University. Additionally, Geoff has pursued training in vestibular and balance rehabilitation with leading experts in the field. This includes the assessment and treatment of Benign paraoxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), cervicogenic dizziness, and atypical BPPV; recognizing clinical presentations of other causes of dizziness (Menieres disease, acoustic neuroma, migraines, Mal de Debarquement); and balance and fall risk assessment.

In addition to this specialized area of physical therapy, Geoff also treats our general orthopedic and sports injury clients. A former competitive swimmer at the collegiate-level, he emphasizes proper shoulder mechanics and core training for prevention and management of shoulder and back injuries associated with swimming and other water sports. Currently, Geoff coaches one of the top dragon boat racing teams in the Bay Area. When not on or in the water, Geoff enjoys cycling and outdoor photography; his photos capturing the beauty and vitality of the Bay Area can be found gracing the walls of our clinic.

Jennifer Kautz, MSPT

Jen received her Bachelors of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science and her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Boston’s Northeastern University. She has a strong background in pediatric physical therapy, and has treated infants and children/teens of all ages at Boston Children’s Hospital; Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI (where she was instrumental in the development of a pediatric sports medicine program), and at a pediatric outpatient clinic in Burlingame, CA. Additionally, Jen has extensive experience in sports medicine, outpatient orthopedics, and spinal cord rehabilitation at Boston Medical Center.

Jen is a certified Kinesiotape practitioner, and is also a Sportsmetric certified instructor, a PSIA certified ski instructor- and has been an adaptive ski instructor. In her free time, she participates in triathlons, and is also an avid skier, cyclist, and runner.

Kris Wittman, OT/L, MPT

Kris received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University, and her Masters in Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt College. As both an occupational and physical therapist, Kris has diverse clinical experience treating a broad range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders in a variety of settings that include acute rehabilitation, transitional care, acute care, hand therapy, and outpatient orthopedics. Kris trained and taught classical ballet and jazz for several years before majoring in dance at the University of California, Irvine – where she also danced professionally. She credits dance with developing her interest in studying human movement.

Kris completed additional training in manual therapy through the Australian Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy (AMSPT) Yearlong Course in Redwood City, CA. She also trained in the Stott Pilates method for both mat and reformer work.

In her spare time, Kris enjoys clowning around with her three dogs (two german shepherds and a border collie who likes to herd everything). She also volunteers with a german shepherd rescue group as a fosterer for abused and abandoned dogs.

Liz Giometti, MPT, CSTS, CKTP

Liz graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University. An accomplished physical therapist, Liz has an extensive background in outpatient orthopedics, with a strong manual therapy emphasis. She is also a certified personal trainer, and certified Kinesiotape practitioner. She developed several programs (Post-Rehabilitative Personal Training, Core Conditioning, Weight Management, Gait Analysis/Orthotic Management, Sports Injury-Reduction for Adolescents, Balance for Seniors, and Posture) for a number of Chicago-area private practice physical therapy clinics and hospital rehabilitation departments.

A sports enthusiast, Liz has experience in both sides of the spectrum as a coach and athlete. She served as a volunteer Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Depaul University’s Division I Athletes. She also served as a Strength Coach for both National and World Class Athletes, including those competing in the Ironman Triathlon, as well as USA Track and Field Long Distance Runners.

When not breaking patients out into a sweat, Liz loves to travel and is an avid participant in sporting activities that include trail running, inline skating, skiing, mountain/road biking, yoga, swimming, and weight-lifting.

Melanie Brooks, MSPT, DPT, CSCS

“Mel” graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. She obtained both Masters of Science and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco.

Mel has recently returned to the Bay Area after having practiced for the past couple of years in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she treated high level athletes and skiers. Though she regularly treats a wide variety of orthopedic and sports medicine injuries, Mel has particular interest in low back and ankle injuries – having experienced them herself due to skiing!

Following the birth of her first child about nine months ago, Mel began expanding her practice base to include pediatric physical therapy. Working in close collaboration with Jen Kautz, Mel now treats some of our pediatric clients as well.

In her spare time, Mel stays fit by hiking, biking, surfing, skiing, and chasing after her toddler!