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, MBA
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, MHA

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

Ming Chiu PT, DPT

Dr. Chiu received his Doctorate in 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 feels 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 work 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!"

Kevin Ochoa, PT, DPT

Kevin was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated from Grand Canyon University with his Bachelor’s degree in Biology in April of 2018 and went on to obtain his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in December 2022. Kevin completed his first clinical rotation at CORE in 2021 and joined the CORE team shortly following graduation.

Kevin grew up playing sports including soccer and baseball from the early age of 4 and would continue playing soccer throughout high school. Following a high school injury, he experienced his first physical therapy interaction, which initially sparked his interest in his journey to becoming a Physical Therapist.

Kevin is a skilled physical therapist and a strong believer in complete patient-centered care, ensuring that patient treatment not only involves the physical aspects but additionally the mental and social components.

“I am truly blessed to not only be in a position to interact with and care for people on a daily basis, but also to have the opportunity to make a positive influence in the community through each individual patient interaction.”

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.

Utsavi Parikh, PTA

I was born and brought up India. I did my schooling in Gujarat, India, and was a physical therapist for almost 4years in India. I moved to the United States in November 2020 and am currently working as a PTA. I was always fascinated by helping people without the use of medicine and saw the need for it in my families and society since childhood so then I decided to pursue my career in this field to help people live functionally better lives with exercise. I am a strong believer of curing sufferings with natural remedies and using Ayurvedic techniques. I love to see a smile on my patient's face after the recovery. I like to spend time with my family, exploring new places, cooking, watching horror and real-life based movies, and trying different varieties of vegetarian food.

I am fluent in Indian languages like- Hindi, Gujarati, and Punjabi (understand well).

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.

Jessica Brogdon, M.S.

Exercise Physiologist

Jessica graduated from California Baptist University with her Master’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine. Her passion for fitness and nutrition started after receiving her first job as an Exercise Coach at a Wellness Facility. Jessica has particular interest areas in exercise for weight management, chronic conditions, and as well as everyday people who want to get fit and healthy. She is a strong believer in exercise as medicine. When Jessica is not working or studying, she enjoys playing basketball and hiking with her two dogs. She also loves going to Lakers games and watching Marvel movies.

Christian Trigueros, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

Christian graduated from Everest College in Alhambra, CA in 2014 as a Certified Massage Therapist. Since then, he's worked alongside physical therapists in outpatient 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 making 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.

Billy Martinez, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

Billy graduated from American Career College in Long Beach, in 2017, as a Certified Massage Therapist. Before joining the CORE PT Family, he worked alongside chiropractors for 2 years at a clinic helping patients recover and maintain quality of life from all kinds of chronic illnesses and conditions and those who were injured by various accidents.

For Billy, seeing his patients smile from ear to ear in elated euphoria is the reason he does what he does. Seeing his patients recover is always bittersweet, but it is the goal of this therapist. Billy loves the golden hours of Southern California, which pairs well with his two favorite hobbies: hiking and going to the beach. Billy Loves Art and Science from film to fashion, to street art, to Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and obliviously… Anatomy and Physiology!

Billy is Fluent in Spanish and does various modalities such as Swedish, sports therapy, medical massage, pregnancy and prenatal, as well as trigger point therapy.

Pilar Alvarez, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

Pilar attended California State University, Chico, where she received her bachelor's degree in exercise physiology. In Chico, she was a student athletic trainer for Butte College, with an emphasis on her interning in basketball, soccer, and softball. She also attended Southern California Health Institute for their massage therapy program in order to be a CMT. She was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, where she started playing sports as soon as she could pick up a ball. She played basketball and softball mainly up until high school, when she became injured, which introduced her to the world of sports medicine and physical therapy. Falling in love with sports medicine and enjoying helping others, she started volunteering at physical therapy clinics in high school.

When she is not working you can find her working out at the gym, drawing, or dancing. She also enjoys comedic podcasts, true-crime documentaries, horror movies, and all things health & beauty.

She’s also a Spanish speaker.

Michael Foster, CMT

CLINICAL AIDES

Jon Arroyave, BS

Clinical Aide

Jacob Brink, BS

Clinical Aide

Frank Lopez, BS, CSCS

Clinical Aide

Abigail Tapia
Clinical Aide

Jonathan Limon, BS

Clinical Aide