Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center

Our Therapists

John Farahmand, DPT, OCS Founder and CEO

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Member American Physical Therapy Association
  • Member California Physical Therapy Association
  • Member Orthopedic Section
  • Member Private Practice Section
  • Member National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Member North American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
John Farahmand, DPT, OCS, graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. He founded Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center, Inc. on June 3rd 2002 with a particular vision in mind...to provide the most exemplary physical therapy services available anywhere. John became interested in physical therapy during college after suffering a severe back injury. While going through an arduous regime of rehabilitation and experiencing all of the personal frustration that accompanies most serious injuries, John decided to commit his professional career to caring for patients in need of specialized outpatient physical therapy services. Today, John is proud to lead a highly professional organization that promises its patients the highest standards of care in manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education and results. Education and specialized training are the cornerstones of his practice. John is one of the few Board Certified Orthopedic clinical specialists in the country, and he and his staff deliver the most highly skilled physical therapy services available anywhere. His unique operations system allows Balance Physical Therapy to exist as something larger than itself, something special, something unique, dynamic, and ever changing to meet the needs of its community. John and his staff are able to effectively partner with their patients to ensure a full functional recovery and a return to an active lifestyle. As someone who grew up in the Salinas Valley, attended local schools, and has strong ties to this wonderful community, John is committed to hiring and maintaining a staff of only the most qualified professionals. In addition to providing highly skilled manual therapy and prescribed therapeutic exercise, John and his staff also provide their patients with the tools necessary to achieve and maintain an attitude that will not allow them to fail. John promises that you will not find a more patient-focused, result-oriented group of rehabilitation professionals anywhere, and he looks forward to seeing you in the clinic!

Whitney Vasu, DPT

Dr. Whitney Vasu's interest in physical therapy dates back years. Her grandmother was an accomplished physical therapist; a pioneer who helped launch our local hospital's rehabilitation program years ago. Dr. Vasu's interest in the field of physical therapy grew when she suffered from a major knee injury that required months of arduous rehabilitation. As a patient, Whitney enjoyed working hard to regain functional independence and was able to return to collegiate and tournament level tennis. Dr. Vasu completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Jose State University (SJSU), where she played for, and captained the Women's Tennis Team. She continued her education and attended A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Health Sciences - and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2010. Whitney has always committed herself to clinical excellence and lifelong learning, and as such, she is a strong proponent of evidence-based practice and functional training. She's a wonderful part of Balance Physical Therapy's clinical staff, bringing a bright smile, a great attitude, and tons of energy to work every day. Her education, clinical acumen, and commitment all help to provide her patients with the highest standards of care available. In her free time, Whitney continues to enjoy playing and training for tournament level tennis. She is certified by the United States Tennis Professional Association (USPTA) and enjoys giving lessons to enthusiasts of all levels. As a lifelong athlete, she has also competed in other athletics including gymnastics, figure skating, basketball and springboard diving.

Joseph Melo, DPT

As an avid athlete, Dr. Melo's interest in sports and human function, coupled with a desire to improve the quality of life for others, influenced his decision to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. After attending local schools in Monterey, "Joey" (as he's known in clinic) graduated from Santa Clara University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Combined Sciences. He then attended the University of Southern California, where he obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010. Joey is a strong proponent of evidence-based practice and innovative healthcare that focuses on helping patients reach their goals and desired activity level. To that end, he regularly reads peer-reviewed journal articles, participates in clinic in-services, teaches and leads community lectures, and is continually sharpening his manual therapy skills via continuing education classes. Joey was born and raised in Monterey, CA, and he enjoys playing competitive soccer, working out, watching the Raiders, and spending time with his family. We're proud to have him as a member of the Balance Physical Therapy team, and we're certain that you will find his clinical expertise, coupled with his calm manner and sense of humor a "win-win" for your rehab experience with us.

Kellen Griffin, DPT

Dr. Kellen Griffin’s interest in physical therapy began in high school, after he had to recover and work back from a debilitating foot injury. That experience helped him appreciate the frustration that goes along with most serious physical injuries. More importantly, however, it helped him realize that hard work, coupled with focused determination and perseverance, will help guide most anyone through even the toughest rehabilitation. After graduating from Palma High School, Kellen continued his education at The University of the Pacific, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree is Sports Sciences. With that knowledge base, he decided to pay it forward and give back in a truly remarkable way. For the next year, he worked with at risk youth in East Los Angeles by teaching physical education classes and coaching football, basketball, and soccer. Following this amazing experience, Kellen moved to Omaha, Nebraska and attended Creighton University where he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. He returned to California with his wife and began his professional career at Community Memorial Hospital in Santa Barbara where he had the privilege of treating a variety of medically-complex and post-surgical patients. As a Certified Clinical Instructor for the American Physical Therapy Association, Kellen brings a unique enthusiasm to Balance Physical Therapy, particularly for the graduate students who choose our clinic to complete the mentored practice portion of their clinical education. Kellen is excited to be home again, and is eager to serve the community he grew up in. When he’s not in the clinic providing top-notch care for his patients or making us all laugh, he’s probably playing basketball, hiking, fishing, spending time with family, attending church functions, or yelling for the Giants, 49ers, or Warriors. As a part of our clinic family, Dr. Griffin looks forward to making you a part of that “special something” that our patients have to come to know and expect from Balance Physical Therapy.

Miguel Vargas, DPT

Bio coming soon

Anna Ebey, DPT

Bio coming soon

Andrew Baker, DPT

Bio coming soon

Gina Martorella, BS, ATC

As a lifelong athlete, Gina became interested in sports medicine and athletic training while attending Pacific Grove High School. During a sports medicine class there, she discovered that she really had a passion for sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge of health and fitness. After graduating from high school, Gina attended Fresno State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic training. In addition to her rigorous coursework, Gina played college tennis at Fresno State, and worked as an athletic trainer with their swimming, basketball, football, golf, and softball teams! She became a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in 1996, and since that time, has been tremendously involved in local athletics across a wide variety of sports. In 1996-1997, Gina was the head athletic trainer for the Jaguars professional Soccer team. She also taught sports medicine and rehabilitation fitness at Carmel High School from 1996- 2001 while simultaneously working as an athletic trainer in a private office on the Monterey Peninsula. Gina currently serves as the athletic director at San Benancio middle school, as a board member on the Washington Union Education Foundation, and as a board member for the Toro Pony Baseball League. She is passionate about sharing her love of athletics with her children, Kyle, Nathan, and Marie, and she enjoys watching them play sports, helping coach their teams, and exercising alongside them. In addition to assisting patients in the clinic, Gina is at the helm of our private training facility, Functional Fitness. In this capacity, she designs and implements training circuits for women-only fitness classes, hosts sport-specific performance clinics, and provides small group training for local athletes. Balance Physical Therapy is pleased and proud to have Gina on board our team, as she brings contagious enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a wealth of knowledge concerning sports-related injuries, and sport-specific athletic training to our practice.

Gina LaSala, CMT

Gina is whom we refer to as "Magic Fingers" here at Balance Physical Therapy. She is a Certified Massage Therapist who was originally drawn to her field because of her grandfather. After enduring two hip and knee replacements while in his seventies, he believed that the combination of physical therapy and massage therapy allowed him to continue enjoying an active lifestyle. He was an outstanding athlete, and attributed his ability to play handball well into his eighties to the benefits of weekly massage sessions. After drawing her inspiration from her grandfather, Gina's course was set. As a member of the Sports Academy at Monterey High School, she excelled at volleyball and basketball. Later, while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Monterey Peninsula College, Gina earned her Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) license focusing on clinical massage for the prevention and care of athletic injuries. In 2008, Gina was accepted by the prestigious Steiner Academy of Massage and Health, and studied abroad in London, England. After completion of her program there, Gina was chosen for an assignment to work as a Certified Massage Therapist on the Constellation cruise ship upon which she traveled the world the following year. After her cruise ship appointment, Gina returned to her hometown of Monterey and began working at the Vista Blue Spa at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa on Cannery Row. She has been a proud member of the Balance Physical Therapy team since July 2010, where she continues to provide exemplary massage therapy services in a clean, relaxed, and clinically minded environment. Whenever you're ready, just call the clinic! Gina looks forward to giving you an unforgettable massage that will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed, and refreshed.

Rajendra Singh, MES

Rajendra, or "Raj", as he's known in the clinic, developed a passion for physical therapy and personal training during his second year of junior college. During this time, a good friend was partially paralyzed due to a brain injury. With a personal trainer's certification, and a post-rehabilitation certification as a Medical Exercise Specialist, Raj successfully helped his good friend transition from a wheelchair to walking with a cane. Simultaneously, Raj attended Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. During the summer of 2010, Raj made the Team at Balance PT very proud when he took his education, enthusiasm, and experience to Northern India to intern with physical therapists there. In his words, "the experience was truly humbling." He had the opportunity to work with children and the elderly, and was exposed to everything from amputations, to polio, to profound weakness due to malnutrition. Here at Balance, Rajendra works with a variety of patients in clinic while helping to sustain their motivation levels, and while ensuring proper form during therapeutic exercises. He has successfully worked with patients at all levels, from deconditioned diabetics to high level collegiate athletes. In addition, Raj makes himself available for personal, one-on-one training sessions here at Balance Physical Therapy. His services are highly sought after, and the results he obtains for his personal training clients speak for themselves. Rajendra is highly dedicated and has a tremendous work ethic, but when he does have spare time, he enjoys traveling, running, weight lifting, playing golf, and any activities that involve the outdoors.

Stephanie Bouquet, MS, RD, CSSD, CDEDPT

  • Masters of Science, Nutritional Science
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
  • Board Certified Diabetes Educator
  • American College of Sports Medicine Wellness Coach Certification
  • American Dietetic Association Certification of Training in Adult Weight Management
  • Member American Association of Diabetes Educators
  • Member Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Practice Group
Stephanie Bouquet, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE, graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with degrees in Nutritional Science and Psychology. She continued her education at California State University, Northridge, where she completed a Master's degree in Science and a dietetic internship program at Los Angeles based hospitals. Since 1993, Stephanie has been practicing as a registered dietitian focused on weight management, diabetes, and sports nutrition counseling. She offers individualized nutrition consultations, group style classes, personalized grocery store tours, athletic team presentations and wellness coaching. For Stephanie, fitness and nutrition are personal as well as professional interests. She follows her lifestyle recommendations by eating healthy and staying fit. She is an endurance athlete, having completed numerous local and state races including the Nike Marathon in San Francisco. Stephanie is a Salinas native who returned to the local area to raise her own family, and she understands how difficult it can be to balance proper nutrition while working full-time and trying to stay fit. As part of Balance Physical Therapy's team of professionals, Stephanie is available by appointment for anyone interested in beginning to understand or fine-tuning their nutritional needs. Her vast experience, coupled with a passion to help others achieve optimal levels of fitness through nutrition, make her invaluable to anyone seeking a superior rehabilitation outcome, enhanced athletic performance, or improved general fitness.

Matthew Thomason, DPT, OCS, FFMT, FAAOMPT

Dr. Matt Thomason is a native of South Carolina, where he graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor's degree in Financial Management prior to completing coursework at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. After finishing at MUSC, he moved to New York to practice for one year while his wife was completing her education as a physical therapist. While there, he was introduced to the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) and their philosophy of Functional Manual Therapy. After taking several continuing education courses from them, Matt and his wife moved to South Carolina so that he could train under Tim Crunk, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, CFMT, FAAOMPT as a part of the IPA Orthopaedic Functional Manual Therapy Residency for two years. After completing this residency, Dr. Thomason became a Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He then went on to successfully pass a rigorous examination process to become a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (through the IPA), and passed with distinction (less than thirty physical therapists in the nation have this distinction). Matt and his wife then moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado so that he could complete a one-year fellowship under the direction of Gregory Johnson, PT, FFCFMT, FAAOMPT and Brent Yamashita PT, FFMT, FAAOMPT. After completing his fellowship, Matt was recognized as a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, a high honor in the world of manual physical therapy. In addition to practicing physical therapy, Dr. Thomason travels the country to teach continuing education with Comprehensive Manual Therapy Seminars and the Institute of Physical Art. Matt is excited to be a part of Balance Physical Therapy's team, and is eager to get to know the residents of Monterey County so he can help get rid of their pain and return them to an active lifestyle!