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 received his Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He obtained his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University. Jim has a strong interest in orthopedic physical therapy – particularly, low back pain and rehabilitating the “throwing shoulder” of overhead athletes. Jim is an avid surfer and lifelong fitness buff. When not at work, he can be found braving the bone-chilling temperatures and potential sharks off the Northern California coastline to pursue his favorite aquatic sport.
Geoffrey Fong, MPT
Geoff received his Bachelors of Science degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA. He obtained his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of California/San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA. As a swimming instructor and former competitive swimmer, Geoff has a particular interest in treating shoulder injuries, as well as those individuals with surgical repair of the spine and peripheral joints (shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle). In his spare time, Geoff enjoys a variety of pursuits that include cycling the many hills of the bay area; outdoor photography; and coaching a competitive dragon boat racing team.
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 Childrens Hospital; Hasbro’s Childrens Hospital in Providence, RI, and recently, at a pediatric outpatient clinic in Burlingame. Additionally, she has extensive experience in sports medicine, outpatient orthopedics, and spinal cord rehabilitation at Boston Medical Center. A sense of adventure propelled her to explore, and recently settle here on the west coast after having spent the past year as a traveling physical therapist. 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 for the past 5 years. In her free time, she participates in triathlons, and is also an avid skier, cyclist, runner, and hiker.
Justin Petersen, MPT, CSCS
Justin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and his Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of California/San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University in Boston. Having obtained his certification as a Certified Sports and Conditioning Specialist, Justin has a strong interest in the rehabilitation and performance improvement of individuals with sports-related injuries. Additionally, he treats a wide variety of orthopedic injuries – but has a particular affinity for treating individuals suffering from back pain or injuries to the lower quarter (hip, knee, ankle and foot). When not at work, Justin keeps himself fit with a wide range of sports activities that include soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, running, hiking and cycling.
Kris Wittman, OTR, 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 has a special interest in sports injuries and training for balance, agility, and coordination. She has received training in the Stott Pilates method for both mat and reformer work. As a strong proponent of continuing education in physical therapy, Kris regularly attends educational/training courses in a wide variety of orthopedic/musculoskeletal topics throughout the year.
