Clinic Staff:

Arthur Ando, DPT, MS, CFMT Owner/Clinician, Educator Email: arta@ andoaston.com "My role in educating and training physical therapists has motivated me to set high standards of patient care, and to meet these standards on a patient-by-patient basis."

Dr. Ando earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from University of Southern California in 1982, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2009. He successfully underwent the vigorous process of Certification as a Functional Manual Therapist from the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) in 2002. He is currently in the process of obtaining his OCS designation. As part of his training, he completed the world-renowned Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) training program at the Kaiser Rehabilitation facility in Vallejo, CA. After applying his training with neurological patients at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA for 2 years, he joined his current business associate, Gary Aston PT, CFMT, in 1985 to establish an integrated Physical Therapy and Wellness clinic in Anaheim Hills, California.

Dr. Ando treats patients on a full-time basis, achieving structural changes through skilled hands-on manual therapy joint and soft tissue mobilization; provides neuromuscular reeducation training through prescriptive home exercises, and core strengthening exercises such as Pilates. Training for motor control input is delivered through proprioceptive-based functional retraining of posture and body mechanics. His goal is to assist patients in achieving their pain and function goals without expensive surgery or the side effects of medications.

In 1985, Dr. Ando began his second career is in clinical education with a teaching and mentoring association with the IPA that continues today. As a senior faculty member, he currently teaches Functional Orthopedics I and Back Education and Training. Dr. Ando has lectured in 23 states, the District of Columbia as well as in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was the Lecturer in Orthopedics at Chapman University Physical Therapy School from 1996 to 1999. He continues to teach in the Pilates instructor certification program at Orange Coast College, CA, and is invited annually to guest lecture in the DPT program at Chapman University. As an APTA IAACC certified Clinical Instructor Dr. Ando models the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and motor control concepts and techniques to PT interns from 9 PT schools in Southern California.

Dr. Ando is active in research and community program development. His 2009 systematic review of the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire is now being prepared for publication in JOSPT. He is also participating in a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) study on Little League pitchers with a team of pediatric orthopedists from Children's Hospital of Orange County. He is the lead investigator, in conjunction with students and faculty at Western University, on manual therapy treatment of pelvis asymmetry and daytime incontinence in the pediatric population. Additionally his clinic in Orange County California, Ando & Aston Physical Wellness Therapy, will in 2009 implement a manual therapy-based Women's Health program coordinated with the University of California, Irvine. Art's functional dance screening program developed in 2008 in conjunction with local pediatricians and orthopedists has completed the pilot phase and will be implemented at Chapman University Dance Department in September 2009.

Dr. Ando spearheaded the rehabilitative use of Pilates in his clinic in 1997. He underwent full Stott Instructor Certification Training in 2000/01 to better understand the integration of Pilates work in rehabilitation and wellness. Through the acquisition of The Ando Studio (andostudio.com) in 2002, he has continued to develop and incorporate additional rehabilitation and wellness programs such as Acupuncture, Yoga, Yamuna Body Rolling, GYROKINESIS, GYROTONIC, therapeutic massage, Guided Imagery/Clinical Hypnosis and Tai Chi for fall reduction.

Art is also a participating member of his wife's business, Ando Virtual Partners, the Collective Perspectivesm, providing coaching, consulting and education professional service providers.

Dr. Ando is currently a member of the following professional organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Orthopedic Section
  • California Private Practice Special Interest Group
  • Performing Arts Special Interest Group
  • Home Health Special Interest Group
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists

In 2009 Dr. Ando became a Brand Champion for the APTA. In this position, he serves as a leader for the new industry level brand for physical therapy Move Forward promoting brand-building efforts among his fellow P.T.s. As a primary advocate and caretaker of the APTA brand, he is responsible for helping P.T.s understand and "live" the brand with the goal to "own" the position in the marketplace as the experts in motion, and to promote physical therapists as highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility -- without expensive surgery or the side effects of medications.

His community support activities have included the medical coverage of the local 5-10K run since 1994, and a wide range of activities including dance performances, professional bull riding, Olympic-level professional beach volleyball, and the 2003 World Gymnastics Championships in Anaheim, California.

He lives in Anaheim Hills CA, with his wonderful wife Elizabeth, and faithful dog Murphy. He has great kids and amazing grandkids. He loves cooking, woodworking, fishing, biking and time away at his local mountain cottage.

Gary Aston, PT, BS, CFMT

Owner/Clinician

"The challenge of solving physical problems, relieving pain and restoring lost function is my motivation for being a physical therapist. When the outcome of treatment is the relief of pain and restored or improved daily functional activities, it brings great satisfaction to me."

Gary earned his physical therapy degree from U.S.C. in 1976. His first work experience was at St. Jude's Rehabilitation Hospital as a staff therapist. He was a partner in O.T.A. Physical Therapy, which operated as many as six offices for 13 years. Gary was the Director of Physical Therapy at Martin Luther Hospital for 8 years, and the Director of Physical Therapy at Esperanza Hospital for 2 years.

Gary co-owns Ando & Aston Physical Therapy with Arthur Ando PT. He actively treats patients as well as manages a growing business. He has continuously supported the education of students and has demonstrated this as a clinical lab instructor at Chapman University for 4 years, and as a Clinical Education Instructor to graduate physical therapists for the past 15 years. Gary successfully underwent the vigorous process of Certification as a Functional Manual Therapist in August of 2002.

His community support activities has included the medical coverage of the local 5-10K run, high school basketball tournaments, ballet performances, and Olympic-level professional beach volleyball events. He was a member of the medical team supporting the 2003 World Gymnastics Championships in Anaheim, California.

Gary feels that the human body is the most complex "machine" on the earth. He believes that understanding the biomechanics of human pain and dysfunction is a lifetime educational process. The best clinician's that he has met over his twenty-six years of practice have been those unique individuals that have been able to acquire great knowledge in their scientific study of the human body and yet have the hands and creative abilities of a great artist. The ability of a clinician to merge "the art and the science" of physical therapy is what Gary considers to be the hallmark of a great clinician. This ability has and continues to be his professional goal.

Gary believes that when a patient places himself or herself in a clinician's care, a great trust has been placed. It is therefore incumbent upon each and every clinician to provide the very best treatment possible. He feels strongly that the physical therapy model is a very effective treatment remedy for neuromusculoskeletal (nerve-muscle-bones-joints) problems.

Gary's most frustrating experience is to interview/evaluate a patient, and find that they have been experiencing pain and/or dysfunction for many years and have not been properly treated or assessed. They have usually lost hope of meeting their life goals, and have been told to live with their pain and /or dysfunction. As one of the clinicians at Ando & Aston Physical Therapy, he feels great satisfaction when he is able to discharge those same patients, pain diminished or resolved, function restored and hope for better life restored.

James Sposa DPT

Clinician

Dr. James Sposa, PT, OCS graduated from California State University of Long Beach in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2006. As part of his training, Dr. Sposa was an intern at Ando & Aston. Upon graduation he chose to return to practice advanced manual therapy in a cutting-edge clinic uniquely supported by a variety of Physical Wellness services.

In June 2009, Dr. Sposa received his Board Certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and was recently certified as a Professional Specialist by the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Society. Dr. Sposa is currently working towards his Certified Functional Manual Therapy certification through the Institute of Physical Art.

In addition to his orthopedic emphasis, Dr. Sposa has experience treating patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson's and other neurological diseases. He has been trained in developing specific exercise programs to assist patients with hypertension and diabetes control benefit from conditioning programs.

Dr. Sposa is active in the Orange County community. He has provided on-site clinical support to Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) events in Southern California. He has supported local schools by assisting with sports physicals, speaking on Backpack safety and representing Physical Therapy on Career Days. He currently serves on the Canyon Hill Community Council as the Health Chairperson, organizing the Health Fair at theAnnual Fourth of July Canyon Hills Community Council Firecracker 5K-10K Fun Run.

Dr. Sposa is a long time local resident in Orange County and enjoys working out, playing golf and scuba diving, but most of all he enjoys spending time with his exceptional family.

Jamie Taylor DPT

Clinician, Women's Health

Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from California State University, Chico. She left her northern California roots to attend Chapman University in Orange, California, where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. As an Intern, Jamie completed an Orthopedic affiliation at Ando & Aston Physical Wellness Therapy, specializing in specific hands-on manual therapy training. During this time, she became especially interested in treating Women's Health issues, such as pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence. She continued her study of Women's Health with Dr. Angela Spruill, Physical Therapist in Thousand Oaks, California, a leader in the Women's Health specialty who has helped hundreds of women resolve these issues. With Dr. Spruill, Jamie broadened her understanding of these complex issues and the effective use of hands-on therapy techniques that assist women to regain their function and return to their busy and fulfilling lives.

Jamie is enthusiastic to be a part of the growing specialty of Women's Health physical therapy because of the opportunities that it presents to positively change the lives of women who have lived for years with pelvic pain, dysfunction, or incontinence. She has seen too often, this population is unaware of their treatment options such as physical therapy, and believed they would have to live with the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment that are associated with pelvic dysfunctions and incontinence. Through her own struggles with pelvic dysfunction and her thorough review of the research exploring treatment of issues such as vulvadynia, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), dysparunia (painful intercourse), and pudendal nerve irritation, Jamie believes that a multi-disciplinary approach is critical to maximize success in treating such a unique population.

Jamie strongly believes that physical therapy is a key component to treatment for patients with pelvic dysfunction. She believes the pelvic floor and related structures, like any other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal part of the body can be successfully treated with the appropriate manual therapy techniques. Jamie is fascinated with how the human body works and is driven by the challenges that it presents. Her ultimate goal is to continue professional development in the constantly changing world of physical therapy to ensure that each patient receives the quality care that they deserve.

Jamie is honored to return to Ando & Aston to re-institute the Women's Health Program that had been a part of their practice from 1994-2000. Jamie is working on her Women's Health Clinical Specialist certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, as well as the Certified Functional Manual Therapy certification through the Institute of Physical Arts. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Women's Health Section of the APTA.

Jamie loves living in Orange County and enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, working out, playing volleyball and basketball, and relaxing on the beach. Jamie also loves the time when she is able to return to northern California to spend time on her family's ranch to go hunting, and to go wakeboarding on the nearby lakes.

Charlena Zamarripa PTA, FOC

Clinician

Char graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Athletic Training. She began in a part time entry-level position at Ando & Aston in 1987 and a part time position as the Head Athletic Trainer at Canyon High School from 1987-1990.

Due to her undergraduate education and extensive work experience in out-patient and in-patient physical therapy, Char was able to successfully challenge the California State Boards for a Physical Therapist Assistant License in 1993.

Working at Ando & Aston has not only provided valuable hands-on experience, but also the opportunity for her to attend continuing education courses that have progressed her skill level and education in physical therapy. In 2003, she became the first PTA in the country to earn a Functional Orthopedic Certification (FOC) from the Institute of Physical Art in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

She appreciates the opportunities that allow her to work in a progressive physical therapy setting in which she is a primary instructor of body mechanics and activities of daily living (functional re-training), delivers hands-on manual therapy, and is the clinical support supervisor.

Elizabeth Ando, MBA, CBC

Operations Officer

Elizabeth has over 20 years of progressive operational, administrative, consulting and corporate executive experience with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to mid-sized medical practices. Her broad scope of experience includes operations, change management, project management, technology, marketing, business development, P & L management, and client relations. She has opened new businesses, changed and improved existing businesses, and closed and transferred assets for multi-billion dollar enterprises.

She has a proven record of delivering client value, increasing revenues and developing strong management talent in both the healthcare and financial services industries. Elizabeth is characterized as an effective change agent with a record of improving business performance; a catalyst who couples extensive industry knowledge and business acumen to drive revenue growth and market position. She works with her clients as an operational strategist, establishing goals and coaching to attain the execution required to achieve superior results.

Her unique perspectives come from being both an owner and an employee. She has owned a consulting firm, a Pilates studio, physical therapy clinic and two billing and collecting companies. She has significant experience in delivering bottom line results to both small and large organizations in the financial services, trust, loan servicing, and healthcare industries.

Her specific expertise is a forensic approach to problem analysis and a holistic approach to resolution. Elizabeth compliments her experience with a Bachelor or Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Retail Management and a Master of Business Administration. She holds a certification from the Business Professional Advertising Association as a Certified Business Communicator (CBC).