Kern Haug, MS, PT – Clinic Director, Physical Therapist
Kern graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy in 1985. Kern helped to establish Laguna Beach Physical Therapy in 1997 and has been the Clinic Director since. During his 35+ years of practice as a Physical Therapist, he has treated many patients with a variety of different diagnoses, such as problem fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic head injuries, arthritis, neurological disorders and orthopedic injuries of the spine and extremities.
Kern has pursued advanced training in the treatment of stroke patients, improvement of gait and balance deficiency, and treatment for orthopedic injuries to the shoulders, knees, and ankles. His expertise also includes prevention of workplace injuries, and the instruction of ergonomics and proper body mechanics. In addition to his clinical skills, Kern is a Certified CPR Instructor. Kern’s role as the Clinic Director sets the tone for a very friendly, professional environment. The clinic has maintained a loyal following in the community since it’s inception in 1997.
Kern loves watching soccer, exercising in the fresh air with his wife and their dog, Cooper, and gardening. He and his wife have 2 grown children who have graduated from colleges in Northern California.
Christie Torti, MSPT, OCS, Pilates Certified Instructor – Physical Therapist
Christie has over 20 years of experience in the field of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. She is a National Board-Certified Physical Therapist in the field of Orthopedics (OCS) and a Pilates Certified Instructor. She received her Master of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2000 and her Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from University of California, Riverside in 1996.
Christie possesses advanced skills in the field of Orthopedics. She enjoys incorporating skilled manual therapy and Pilates into individual treatment regimens. Her use of manual therapy to treat patients is supported by research-based evidence and her early studies through the Ola Grimsby Institute for Advanced Training in Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
Christie enjoys doing 5K and 10K runs, sprint triathlons and spending time with her young daughter and family.
Brandon Cirbo, DPT – Physical Therapist
Brandon attended Cal State Long Beach for both his undergrad and graduate school. He received his B.S. in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science and then his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He is very familiar with LBPT, after working as an aide at the clinic prior to graduate school. Brandon has worked in both inpatient and outpatient environments. He was exposed to various patients with orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary diagnoses. At Cal State Long Beach, he participated in research involving fall prevention for older adults. As a physical therapist, Brandon is very passionate about improving the way people move, and facilitating the healing process. He plans on pursuing an orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) certification in the near future to expand his orthopedic toolbox.
In his free time, Brandon enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and soccer. He enjoys rooting on his favorite sports teams including the Denver Broncos and LA Angels. On a nice day, you will likely find Brandon soaking up the sun at the beach. He also loves spending time with his wife, family and friends.
Jeff Fracalosy, DPT – Physical Therapist
Jeff began his career working as a PT Aide at Laguna Beach Physical Therapy, Mesa Verde Convalescent Hospital, and Crown Cove in Corona del Mar. He played tennis at Chapman University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He continued his studies at Western University of Health Sciences where he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2016.
Jeff grew up in the community of Corona del Mar surfing locally, playing baseball and basketball at CdM High School and participating in Jr. Lifeguard Programs. He also enjoyed skiing and snowboarding when he resided in Mammoth. His active love of all sports resulted in the occasional “sports injury” where he experienced the patient side of physical therapy. These experiences triggered his desire to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy and to be able to help others recover and do the things they love.
Alisa Sanchez, MPT, OCS – Physical Therapist
Alisa graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 2006. She has been working in the orthopedic setting for 13 years and continues to further her education in orthopedic physical therapy. In 2017, she became an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. With this certification, she has extensive knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions. Her goals are to obtain a DPT degree and to further improve her practice in the aquatic physical therapy setting.
Alisa is a native of Southern California and enjoys our beautiful beaches, mountains, and deserts to the fullest. She loves to travel and learn about cultures from all over the world.
Cathy Fiorenza, CHT OTR/L – Certified Hand Therapist
Cathy graduated from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland in 1997 with a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy. She has more than 20 years of experience in hand therapy. Cathy started her career in Rehabilitation, gaining experience in a variety of complex, upper extremity injuries. She also worked in an acute setting, and gained specialized experience with individuals, who had Rheumatic Arthritis and other acute traumatic upper extremity injuries. In 1999, Cathy was recruited from Ireland to work in a physical-therapy/hand clinic in San Diego, CA. She obtained an Advanced Practice in Hand injuries, and subsequently obtained her CHT certification in 2014. Cathy is passionate about facilitating the return of her patients to maximum independence, and educating them in preventative measures to continue pursuing their hobbies and life skills.
In her free time, Cathy enjoys keeping an active lifestyle, learning new languages, reading and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
Brian Fracalosy, B.A. – Business Manager
Brian graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor Degree in Public Relations in 2003. He has worked in the company full-time since January 2002, primarily as an Office Manager and is also the Administrative Assistant to the CFO in this family owned business. Prior to managing LBPT, Brian managed Anaheim Physical Therapy and Aquatic Rehab for 5 years, gaining experience in the overall operations of the outpatient physical therapy clinic.
Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenny and their three children, Braeden, Reese and Ryder. He continues to play basketball and surf with many of his life long friends.
Maria Morales – Office Manager
Maria graduated from California State University at Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations. She owned and operated a retail swimwear and beachwear store in San Clemente for 9 years. After selling the store, she worked both in corporate retail and as an office manager for a pediatric therapy facility before coming to Laguna Beach Physical Therapy. She loves the welcoming environment at Laguna Beach Physical Therapy.
Born and raised in south Orange County, Maria enjoys spending time at home in San Clemente with her husband, two daughters and her golden retriever. She loves the beach, taking long walks, reading, watching movies and catching up with family and friends.
Olivia Morales – Admin. Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide
Olivia is currently a student at California State University, Fullerton obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with emphasis in Journalism. She is also a graduate of Saddleback College and has three Associate of Arts degrees in Communication, Journalism, and Liberal Studies. She enjoys working alongside her mother Maria – our office manager. She also enjoys learning about the physical exercise aspects at the clinic since she was an avid swimmer and runner during her entire middle school and high school career.
Olivia also has some very niche and interesting hobbies – she is a professional fire performer, model, and a scare actress for haunted attractions during the Halloween season. Olivia also enjoys spending her free time with friends and loved ones. Even though an introvert and homebody, she very much enjoys swimming, running, paddle-boarding, traveling, hiking, and going to the beach.
Paul Aragon, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Paul Aragon grew up in Lima, Peru, and came to the US in 2007. He attended California State University of Fullerton where he received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He has worked as a PT aide since he joined Laguna Beach Physical Therapy back in September of 2021. In his free time, Paul enjoys outdoor activities such as playing soccer, going to the gym, and playing video games. He also likes to take care of his dogs and try to stay active as much as he can. Currently, he is preparing to go back to school to take the prerequisites to apply to PT schools in California and out of state./p>
Lauren Silvey, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Lauren grew up in Fontana, CA and attended the University of California, Irvine where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Sciences. She has begun working as a PT Aide in order to further her knowledge in the field and prepare for a future career in physical therapy. She also works as a Behavior Interventionist, providing positive behavior support plans to children with ASD. She hopes to combine these two passions in the future through a rewarding career in pediatric physical therapy.
In her free time, Lauren enjoys going to the beach, taking a hike, searching out new food spots, and being around her family and friends. She is currently attending Saddleback College to improve her GPA and complete prerequisite courses, in order to apply to PTA and DPT programs.
Benjamin Benedix, B.S. – Physical Therapy Aide
Ben grew up in Mission Viejo and attended Humboldt University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He has been working as a PT aide at Laguna Beach Physical Therapy in order to further his knowledge in the field, and explore a career in PT. Currently, he is preparing to pursue a career within the government.
In his free time, Ben enjoys lifting heavy weight, playing Minecraft, and finding funny memes to send to the boys. He also loves to watch movies/shows from the Marvel universe or the Star Wars franchise.
Catherine Gendy – Physical Therapy Aide
Catherine was born in California, but grew up in multiple different states including New York, Georgia, and Oklahoma. She attended UCI where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and is currently on the pre-med track. In her free time, Catherine enjoys outdoor activities such as long hikes on the beach, picnics, bonfires, and sunset bike rides. She also likes to discover new cafes, new recipes, and raid Barnes and Nobles. Currently, she is preparing to take the MCAT and apply to medical schools.
Isaac Cortez – Physical Therapy Aide
My name is Isaac Cortez and I am a physical therapy aide here at Laguna Beach Physical Therapy. I graduated from Vanguard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. My main goal in life is to become a physical therapist and be able to help the people in my community. My favorite hobbies consist of playing soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and DJing.
Nick Martino – Physical Therapy Aide
Nick grew up in San Clemente and attended Vanguard University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and played basketball for the university. He is working as a PT Aide at Laguna Beach Physical Therapy in order to further his knowledge in the field and prepare for a career as a physical therapist. In his free time, Nick enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, working out, and going to the beach. Currently, he is preparing to take the GRE and apply to further education.
Jassi Sekhon – Physical Therapy Aide
I grew up in Fresno, California and I am attending the University of California, Irvine. I am working on my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Public Health. I have worked as a physical therapy aide for about four and a half months in order to gain patient care hours and prepare for my career as nurse. In my free time I enjoy going on hikes, rock climbing, and playing volleyball with my friends. I am also in a dance group called Giddha.
Julia Ho – Physical Therapy Aide
Julia grew up in Trabuco Canyon and attends the University of California, Irvine. She is majoring in Biology to complete her Bachelor’s degree. She plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and plans to attend further schooling later in hopes of becoming a physical therapist. She is working as a PT aide to expand her knowledge and interest in the field. Julia enjoys participating in physically active, outdoor activities in her spare time. She grew up playing soccer and continues to do so for fun. She has just as much fun playing other sports as well. She also likes to go to the beach with her family and friends, listen to music, and hike.
Lily Morales – Administrative Assistant
~BIO COMING SOON~