STAFF
We'd like to introduce the talented people who keep this office running on a day to day basis. From therapists to trainers to office aides, CORE Physical Therapy's employees are all dedicated to helping their customers reach their physical goals.
Administration
Matthew Reekstin
MPT, MBA, CSCS
Managing Owner
Monica Alvarez
Chief Operations Officer
Managers & Supervisors
Krista Contreras PT, DPT
Director of Continued Education
Dr. Contreras is a board-certified, licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2016 where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She completed her last clinical rotation at CORE Physical Therapy in 2015, and joined the CORE team shortly after graduation in..
Dr. Contreras was born and raised locally. She attended Rosary High School in Fullerton, where she played tennis and softball. She then started on her pursuit of a career in Physical Therapy, a lifelong dream of hers, by earning her bachelor’s degree at Loyola Marymount University.
Dr. Contreras has special interests in treating diagnoses including neurological disorders such as stroke (CVA) and Parkinson’s disease, balance and gait disorders, disorders of the TMJ, head and neck pain, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Dr. Contreras enjoys working with patients that span the lifespan including pediatric patients, young athletes, and geriatric patients.
When she is not treating patients at CORE, Dr. Contreras enjoys swimming, biking, watching Angels baseball games, and going to theme parks with her husband and daughter.
She is passionate about the education of future Physical Therapists and serves as an APTA credentialed clinical instructor. Dr. Contreras has firm beliefs in the value of evidence-based physical therapy treatment and strives to provide exceptional care to all of her patients.
Jessica Negrete
Administrative Supervisor
Jessica has been a part of the healthcare arena for 12 years. Jessica was born and raised in the North Orange County Placentia area with her parents and 1 brother. Jessica played soccer and basketball as a child and now enjoys going to Angel games, Disneyland, and the beach with her husband, son, and their dog.
Jessica's main objective is to ensure that her team provides excellent customer service to our patients, clients, and guests. Her goal is to ease the process of the administrative burden to our new patients and that any returning guests are welcomed professionally and made to feel comfortable. She prefers to see patients leaving our office and feeling better after their services than in pain and discomfort when they came in.
Jessica has been a part of our CORE family since 2017 and was chosen as our Top Performer prior to receiving her promotion to Administrative Supervisor. Jessica states that she can't imagine working anywhere else and we can't imagine CORE without her. Jessica is a vital asset to our company and is liked and respected by everyone who comes in contact with her.
Carey Laurent PT, DPT
Health & Safety Manager
Student Education Manager, CCCE
Dr. Laurent was born and raised in La Habra, CA with two older sisters, an older brother, and two loving parents. From a young age, he played any and all sports and took a liking to basketball and soccer most. He attended Servite High School in Anaheim, CA where he played basketball for 4 years and lacrosse for 1 year. He went on to graduate from UC Santa Cruz, home of the Banana Slugs, with a BS in Health Sciences.
It was during his undergraduate years he found that physical therapy was his calling. After undergraduate studies, he decided to move to the south for 3 years and attend the Doctor of Physical Therapy school at Western Kentucky University, where he was class treasurer in charge of fundraisers. Dr. Laurent has been working at CORE PT since September 2018 and enjoying every minute of it.
Dr. Laurent enjoys treating in the outpatient setting, especially with orthopedic injuries, and he gets ultimate satisfaction when his patients leave on the last day of PT pain-free and returning to what they love doing most. Dr. Laurent serves as an APTA credentialed clinical instructor here at CORE Physical Therapy
Over the years he has increased his grasp of the Spanish language and is now independent when working with Spanish-speakers here in the clinic. During his free time, Dr. Laurent enjoys doing anything outdoors, whether this is shooting hoops, going to the beach, kayaking, going on hikes, or traveling.
Luis “Artie” Hernandez, BS
Clinical Aide Supervisor and Fitness & Wellness Manager
Artie currently lives where he was born and raised, Fullerton Calif. Artie graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton, and is currently enrolled in the Master's of Health Administration program at Concordia University Irvine, while still working full time.
When Artie is not working or studying, he enjoys staying in shape exercising in a gym, and playing sports, especially rugby. When he's not physically active or studying for school, he spends his time with his newborn daughter and girlfriend. As a family, they enjoy visiting their friends & immediate relatives that live locally in Southern California. They also enjoy watching sports, movies, and live music when not visiting others.
Artie's passion for working in this environment stems from wanting to preach the benefits of physical activity. Artie enjoys helping people be their best and accomplish their physical goals.
Artie grew up playing sports and credits this to keeping him healthy and strong. After his education of the human body in his Kinesiology program, he realized that he had found his passion and direction in life. The opportunity he has with CORE allows Artie to feel and teach the intensity for exercise and movement to others so that they can be and feel healthier.
THERAPISTS & PROVIDERS
Jennifer Nault PT, MPT
Jennifer attended UC Riverside for her undergrad and Cal State Northridge for her Masters's in Physical Therapy. She has been a practicing therapist for 12 years, focusing on orthopedics, neurological impairments, sports injuries, post-operative rehab, and complex spine injuries. She is excellent in manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and taping techniques. Dedicated and enthusiastic, with a reputation for innovative evidence-based treatments, outstanding one-on-one care, and consistent patient satisfaction. Jennifer serves as an APTA credentialed clinical instructor.
Jennifer became interested in physical therapy in high school after watching many injured soccer teammates go through rehab. "My favorite part of the profession is watching the progress and seeing patients gain their function and confidence back.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my kids at the beach, photography, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. I’m an animal lover and have fostered many shelter dogs over the years. My other hobbies include drawing, watching basketball, and binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy. I have additional experience in balance rehab and team strength and conditioning."
Diane Kahler PT, DPT
Dr. Kahler was born and raised in Orange County. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University in December of 2010 and her Doctorate from Azusa Pacific University in December 2015. Dr. Kahler serves as an APTA credentialed clinical instructor for Physical Therapy schools sending their doctorate students to our clinics.
Diane is an avid Disney fan and loves SCI-Fi/Fantasy novels. She also enjoys her new role as an auntie.
Ashley Comeford PT, DPT
Ashley graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2011, and then attended the Western University of Health Sciences, where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016.
Dr. Comeford enjoys treating patients with various conditions and injuries including lumbar and cervical injuries, shoulder and hand conditions, hip, knee, ankle injuries, rotator cuff repair, carpal tunnel release, and CVA, just to name a few. She also enjoys going to Disneyland whenever she is able.
She is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor and is certified in Rocktape Performance Movement Techniques
Ming Chiu PT, DPT
Dr. Chiu received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University. He has been a practicing Doctor of Physical Therapy for over 15 years. His philosophy is to provide patients with individualized treatments to their specific needs by incorporating proper body mechanics and specific tasks allowing patients to have a better quality of life. Dr. Chiu is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor helping physical therapists of the future.
Throughout his career, he has worked with patients from athletes to geriatrics and has some extensive experience with hand therapy as well. Dr. Chiu's free time is spent volunteering as an umpire for a Little League Baseball Organization that teaches children life lessons and builds a stronger community.
Rachel Kim PT, DPT
Rachel graduated with her Bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, and went on to obtain her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in December 2019.
Rachel is not only a skilled physical therapist, but she is also fluent in Korean and is very helpful in making this population of our clinic feel at ease with their care.
Andrew Beyrooty, PT, DPT
Andrew graduated with his Bachelor's degree from Chapman University, Orange, and went on to obtain his Doctorate degree from Rocky Mountain University & Health Professions, Provo Utah. He has been practicing in Utah until he and his wife recently relocated back to his home in California.
In addition to his asset as a physical therapist, Andrew is also fluent in Spanish and looking forward to working
to working with all patients to help them reach their goals.
Kylie Mann, PT, DPT
Kylie was born and raised in California and attended the University of St Augustine, Texas for her graduate training. She loves to be outdoors and is an animal lover who goes on hikes with her 2 dogs while her cat waits at home for them. She also likes to crochet and is excited about being the newest member of our team.
Stellar Zhang, PT, DPT
Stellar graduated from University of California, Irvine with her Bachelors in Biology in May 2016 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Southern California in May 2021 with the first hybrid cohort of USC. Her philosophy in patient care is working with the patient to allow them to return to doing the things they love to do. She is also conversational fluent in Mandarin and is ready to help facilitate communication for this population to assist in the care they receive.
“I’m a tremendous food lover so if there are any recommendations for delicious foods, I’m always ready to try them. I’m also a huge animal lover. Please don’t hesitate to share pictures of your animal companions should the chance arise!"
Dr. Jeffrey Mueller, PT, DPT
Jeff graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton in 2016 and went on to earn his
Physical Therapy Doctorate degree from Azusa Pacific University in December 2020.
Jeff spent years working as an aide and volunteering at Physical Therapy clinics to improve his skills in working with patients before entering Physical Therapy School. Among many interests, two of his favorite things to do are reading books and playing basketball.
Andrew Stenson, PTA
Andrew attended California State University, San Marcos for his undergrad and graduated from San Diego Mesa College with his PTA in 2017. He worked as an athletic trainer with Murrieta Valley High School, where he spent years as a physical therapy aide.
Andrew was a baseball head and assistant coach for kids ages 13 and under. Andrew's most memorable moment was working as an aide with the San Diego Padres physical therapist. Andrew looks forward to implementing the knowledge he has gained through these various experiences to help patients navigate through the rehabilitation and aging process.
Jacob Verket, ATC
Jacob graduated from Xavier University with a Master’s degree in Athletic Training (2021), and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (2019). Jacob was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has played basketball since he was 4 years old, and he ran track and field as a sprinter and jumper in high school. Jacob was first introduced to the world of athletic training during his freshman year of high school, and has followed the athletic training path ever since. He has sports medicine experience with multiple Division 1 football and baseball programs, and currently works as the head athletic trainer for Fullerton Union High School.
Christian Trigueros, CMT
Christian graduated from Everest College in Alhambra, CA in 2014 as a Certified Massage Therapist. Since then, he's worked alongside physical therapists in out-patient orthopedic clinics and has focused on therapeutic massage to help patients to the best of his ability. Sports, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, and Pregnancy massage are just some of his specialties. He has a sincere passion to want to help people and make a difference. Patients and clients who suffer from pain in their shoulders, neck, or back praise his skills. Along with patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease, Adhesive Capsulitis, and Sciatica, just to name a few.
Chris loves music. He plays bass on the Praise and Worship team at the church he attends, where he has also volunteered as a music teacher for children and teenagers. He enjoys swimming, traveling, and watching live musical performances with his wife.
Chris is fluent in Spanish and is certified in Rock Tape Kinesiology Taping.
Jon Arroyave, BS
Clinical Aide
Adolfo Hernandez, BA
Clinical Aide
Jacob Brink, BS
Clinical Aide
Frank Lopez, BS, CSCS
Clinical Aide
Ryan Aguilar, BS
Clinical Aide
Abigail Tapia
Clinical Aide
Valerie Ortega, BS
Clinical Aide
Jonathan Limon, BS
Clinical Aide
Jorge Bucio, BS
Clinical Aide
Adriana Mellin, BS
Clinical Aide
Jessica Brogdon, BS
Clinical Aide
Marina Archuleta
Patient Service Coordinator
Anna Srulevitch, BA
Medical Administrative Specialist
Fanny Lezama
Medical Administrative Specialist
Christina Hernandez
Medical Administrative Specialist
Monica Johnson, B.A.
Medical Administrative Specialist
Sammy San Elias
Medical Administrative Assistant
Tiffany Arciga
Medical Administrative Assistant
Rebecca Avila
Medical Administrative Assistant
Kayla Grouws
Medical Administrative Assistant
Wellness Center
Jon Arroyave, BS
Fitness Trainer – Orange
Adolfo Hernandez, BA
Fitness Trainer - Orange
Frank Lopez, BS, CSCS
Fitness Trainer - Fullerton
Christian Trigueros, CMT
Certified Massage Therapist
HR / Marketing / Affiliates / Billing
Kellie Redding
H.R., Executive Assistant,
Benefits and Payroll
Carol Reekstin
Marketing
Provider Relations
Billing Inquiries:
Professional Medical Billing Systems
714-526-3248
Affiliates: Joo Won (Paul) Kim, L.Ac, MSOM
Acupuncturist- Fullerton