Kate graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. She then went on to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. She has worked in San Francisco and Marin for the past 5 years as a PT in outpatient orthopedics where her treatments often placed an emphasis on manual therapy using Maitland, Mckenzie, and Osteopathic muscle energy techniques to name a few. Kate also performs myofascial decompression (a.k.a. cupping) and is a certified Pilates instructor, having completed the Polestar Pilates Training for Rehabilitation instructed by Ada Wells, PT.
As an avid soccer player and snowboarder herself, Kate enjoys implementing all the tools and techniques she has learned over the years to get patients back to doing all the activities they love. Whether it be getting back into a sport or being able to pick up those adorable grandchildren, she will be there to help guide you through your recovery with compassion and motivation.
Dr. Christina Alvarez, PT, DPT received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Christina played competitive volleyball and coached high school volleyball at Mercy San Francisco high school. It was through volleyball that she developed a passion for health and fitness and helping her team reach a common goal. Her love for building relationships with others and helping them return to the activities they love, sparked her interest in becoming a Physical Therapist.
She has a diverse clinical background and has experience in treating headaches, vestibular dysfunction, and athletes of all ages. She has worked with volleyball, basketball, baseball, and soccer players of the high school and collegiate level. She treats her patients holistically and creates a treatment plan individualized towards her patients goals. Dr. Christina’s main goals are to make a positive impact on her patients, educate individuals on ways to independently manage their symptoms and improve their strength/flexibility, and empower them to achieve their goals
Shideh Ataii holds a Doctorate degree from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the field of Pharmacy and is an Administrator and a Department Head at Contra Costa County. She is a Medical professional, Pilates instructor, designer, artist, and a former dancer. She initially discovered Pilates over 10 years ago. With her background in the Medical field and knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, Pilates was intuitive and in sync with her personal style of exercise. She loved the way it made her body feel and wanted to share that experience with others. She is a very compassionate professional. She is patient and has great attention to details and is very passionate about teaching.
Shideh trained with Master Pilates instructor and the guru in the field, Tom McCook (Center of Balance), and became a certified Balanced Body Pilates instructor in Reformer, Mat, and Apparatus.
Shideh is a Healthcare professional who is passionate about working with clients of all ages. She takes pride in helping them move healthier while teaching them how to avoid exercise-induced injuries and motivates them to radically improve longevity, through daily movement and exercise.
Owner/Physical Therapist/Certified Pilates, ART, TRX & Kettlebell Instructor, Certified Run Coach
I graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. I moved to California to obtain Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), a certification that recognizes therapists with advanced clinical proficiency in helping patients with their bone/joint, muscle and tendon disorders. My goal is to help people stay fit, active and mobile by offering highly personalized 1 on 1 services with a “whole-istic” approach so that you can participate in the activities you enjoy most (whether it’s run, crossfit, triathlon or playing with kids/grandkids, Hike, Workout, Travel etc.). I enjoy working with clients of all different ages and abilities- from 30 yr old triathletes to clients in their 80’s who continue to travel, play golf, hike, kayak and want to continue to stay active!
Frustrated by the standard of traditional medical and PT care, which only treats symptoms without addressing root cause and only addresses one body part at a time, I decided to open my own practice in 2011 where I could treat patients “Whole-listically”. After all, everything in our minds and bodies is connected!
Since 2011, I have successfully integrated my manual therapy (hands-on manipulation/massage) skills with muscle re-education and balance through various forms of exercise which include: Crossfit, Pilates, Kettlebells and Yoga. I have held certifications as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, Health/Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and am currently a Certified Pilates Instructor through Pilates Method Alliance, Certified Russian Kettlebell instructor (RKC) as well a Certified ART therapist (Active Release Technique).
My hobbies include triathlon, running, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, weight/resistance training, running after my daughter and the occasional Crossfit WOD. Some events/races that I’ve participated in include: Ironman 70.3 Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa, 5 passes of Death Ride, Xterra Lake Tahoe, Rancho Cordova 70.3, Donner Lake 70.3, Big Sur half marathon, & many more. I bring a passion for healing to my everyday life, which I easily incorporate into my treatments. Assisting others is not only a job, but an ingrained desire driven by the community of athletes I train and work with daily. I can’t wait to help you to excel in your passions by improving your training or enhancing your quality of life!