COASTherapy

Staff

Kathy Coakley, PTA, ATC
Owner

Kathy Coakley's extensive background in physical therapy and sports medicine inspires the quality of care COASTherapy offers. After obtaining her Bachelors of Science Degree in Kinesiology from UCLA, Kathy began her journey of becoming a prominent figure in the Sports Medicine community. As an Athletic Trainer, Kathy has traveled nationally and internationally with the United States' most elite sport organizations. In the 1984 Olympic Games, Kathy was selected as the Coordinator of Sports Medicine for cycling. Her expertise and enthusiasm has provided her opportunities to conduct courses in sports medicine at the university level. Kathy continues to be an active member of her community, with involvement in youth and club athletic organizations. Kathy enjoys running and helping others pursue their goals of a lifestyle free of pain.

Gene Peterson, MPT
Director of Physical Therapy

Gene began his work in the field of physical therapy in 1990. He graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997, with a master's degree in physical therapy. Gene has served as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students. As a certified strength-training specialist, Gene has developed a golf rehabilitation program for golfers, as well as a performance enhancing program of cyclists. He enjoys running, soccer, tennis, golf, and skiing/snowboarding.

Kestutis Jusionis, MPT
Physical Therapist.

Kes completed his undergraduate from Chapman University in movement and exercise science. He continued with a Master's of Physical Therapy with honors from NOVA Southeastern University. Kes is not an unfamiliar face to Huntington Beachand Newport Beach. He has worked in outpatient orthopedics for over six years and has designed programs for numerous pro and semipro athletes. Kes is known for his manual skills combined with stetching, exercise strengthening and proprioception. Kes enjoys, volleyball, basketball, running and water sports.

Darci Tharp, MPT

Darci graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor's degree in physical education leaning towards athletic training and corrective therapy. In 1990, she earned her Master's of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University.

Throughout her career Darci has worked with the top Orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and internists in Long Beach and Orange County. At Long Beach Memorial Medical Center's outpatient physical therapy clinic, Darci was the lead physical therapist as well as supervisor for the outpatient staff. She has experience with chronic pain, TMJ, hand therapy, all orthopedics, work related injuries, sports related injuries, conditioning issues, orthotics and manual therapy.

Tyler Sappanen, MPT, CPT

Tyler began his career in orthopedics and sports medicine in 2001 working as a physical therapy aid while attending the University of Montana. After graduating in 2002 with a degree in Exercise Science and Health and Human Performance, Tyler moved to San Diego where he continued as an aide and became a certified personal trainer. Tyler graduated with his Master's in Physical Therapy from California State University Lon Beach. Tyler is skilled in a variety of manual therapy techniques and has extensive experience with orthopedic, therapeutic and sports-specific exercise. In addition, he has successfully rehabilitated a variety of patient populations ranging from adolescents to professional athletes. In his off time, Tyler enjoys mountain biking, surfing, backpacking, exercising regularly and staying active.

Lance Von Stade, ATC, CPT (working with Heather Petri, US Water Polo)

Lance is a Certified Athletic Trainer by the NATA, and a Certified Personal Trainer. Lance graduated from Long Beach State Cum Laude. Lance is currently the Athletic Trainer for the United States Woman's Water Polo Team and has travelled Nationally and Internationally with the team providing them with care and rehabilitation. When Lance is not travelling with the US team he is the Head Athletic Trainer for Edison High School. At the high school he teaches Athletic Training through the ROP program and takes care of all the athletes for all sports. Lance personally trains clients at COASTherapy for strength, speed agility and cardiovascular conditioning.

Monica Hansen, MHR, CSCS

Monica is a native of Southern California who comes to COASTherapy from the University of Oklahoma where she completed her Masters in Health and Exercise Sciences. She served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for nine years working with softball, football, basketball, soccer, track volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and golf. For the first time in the history of the program, Monica helped lead the softball team to win their first National Championship. She also designed a strength and conditioning program specifically for the Men's Gymnastics team.

While maintaining her full time position at the University of Oklahoma to pursue the completion of her Master's degree in Human Relations she continued training a variety of clientele. Presently, Monica serves as COASTherapys' Strength and Conditioning Trainer helping clientele bridge the gap between completion of rehabilitation back to resuming regular activities. Monica holds her nationally recognized certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Monica enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, instructing fitness classes, music, concerts and pursuing new and exciting interests.

Ruth Oh, LAc, PhD

Ruth Oh is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of California. She has obtained Master's of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (M.S.T.O.M.) degree from South Baylo University in California and with over 10 years of clinical research.

She is, currently undergoing the Ph.D. program at the American Liberty University. She completed Anatomy and Neurobiology courses at the University of California in Irvine. She received Professional Certified Training at the Kyung Hee University and Hospital ISOM (International Studies of Oriental Medicine) in Seoul, Korea. She was a faculty member at South Baylo University as a Clinic Supervisor.