About Us

Amanda received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where she graduated cum lade. She went on to earn her Masters of Physical Therapy at California State University, Northridge in 2010 with honors. Her clinical affiliations provided her with advanced training in manual therapy, core stabilization, Mulligan techniques, McKenzie approach, Pilates, treatment for Polytrauma and amputees, as well as aquatics.

She gained experience in Outpatient Orthopedics in San Diego, California where she was mentored by senior therapists. She contributed as a member of her company’s neurologic team and specialized in treatment for amputees. She was the lead adapted surf instructor for the Naval Medical Center, San Diego where she taught active duty service men and women with severe physical disabilities and psychological stress to surf. Amanda received further continuing education in vestibular rehab, myofascial release, dynamic and kinesiolgy taping, treatment for the running athlete and progressive strength training and conditioning.

Amanda is now living her dream in sunny and beautiful Oahu, where she ditched her wetsuits for warmer water and better surf. When not in the clinic you can find Amanda in the ocean. Amanda also regularly volunteers; teaching people with disabilities how to surf.

Photo Credit: Jason Rose

Andrea earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California in 2014. She received her Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Andie has gained experience in the areas of orthopedics, neurologic rehab, acute care, and inpatient rehab. She also has background in vestibular rehab. Andie strives to expand her knowledge base in all fields of physical therapy, particularly in the areas of sports and neurology. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

In her free time, Andie enjoys hiking, running, softball, learning how to surf, and spending time with family and friends. She loves exploring her new surroundings!

April earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and continued her studies to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at California State University, Long Beach.

Through her education and clinical affiliations, April focused in outpatient orthopedics, but also gained experience working in acute care and neurologic rehab. She also has further training in aquatic therapy and certifications in Water Safety Instruction. She plans to continue expanding her knowledge base with advanced manual therapy certifications and continued education for sports related injuries.

April has a passion for surfing, competitive swimming, and trying new foods. If you can’t find her in the clinic, she is in the lineup hanging ten!

Ben received his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Biology from UC Davis in 2011. He went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Miami in 2014, where he was honored with the Clinical Excellence Award.

Ben has gained clinical experience working with a diverse variety of patient populations including orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric and elite athletes, primarily from the NFL. Ben is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has advanced training in kinesio taping and myofascial release.

In his free time Ben enjoys bowling, boxing, playing baseball, and hiking with his two dogs.

Cat earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, San Diego in 2010, where she graduated with high honors. After graduate school, Cat moved home to Oahu to provide patient-centered, evidence-based physical therapy in the active community she grew up in.

Cat has worked with a variety of patient populations including orthopedic, neurologic, acute inpatient and military poly-trauma/wounded warriors. She has completed advanced manual therapy courses in treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction of the myofascia, extremities, thoraco-lumbar, sub-cranial, and pelvic/sacro-iliac regions. She now works as a Care Coordinator at our Honolulu clinic, and plays an active role in mentoring new therapists.

Cat’s favorite days are spent outdoors. Her hobbies include paddling, hiking, running, soccer, and walking her dogs at the beach.

Cheryl graduated from Loma Linda University School of Allied Health in 1986. She is one of the JACO team’s most experienced therapists, working in a variety of physical therapy settings, including pediatrics, wound care, inpatient and outpatient orthopedics, and neurologic and cardiac care.

Other advanced training includes courses in McConnell taping, Functional Orthopedics, neurodevelopmental training, and McKenzie Diagnosis and Treatment. In addition, she received a Pilates teaching certification from Stott Pilates in 2001.

Cheryl is also a certified PADI Divemaster and has served as a dance instructor for 15 years — tap, jazz, ballet, musical theater, and hip-hop.

Devon received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, California, where he specialized in advanced manual therapy for the treatment of orthopedic rehabilitation and musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Devon has previous experience in many different areas of physical therapy including in-patient intensive/progressive care units, skilled nursing facilitates, and outpatient orthopedics. He also has previous experience providing treatment to a variety of conditions including chronic neck/low back pain, vestibular related dizziness, muscle/tension headaches, and sports movement dysfunctions. Devon mostly enjoys working with the sports/athletic population, having a previous background as a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is certified in Functional Movement Screening for sports/gym related risk in-juries.

Devon moved to Hawaii from Chicago to avoid the cold and explore the warm and beautiful Hawaiian Islands. In his spare time he enjoys hiking/back packing, snorkeling, camping, rock climbing, and learning how to surf. He tries to play the guitar but fails miserably.

Doreen is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and earned a Masters Degree in physical therapy at the University of Colorado in May of 2000. She is also licensed in Whistler, Canada and provides rehabilitation to snow and mountain athletes in the winter months. Her areas of expertise include sports-specific training for upper and lower extremity, treatment of spinal dysfunction, postural and ergonomic assessment, education in spinal stability, and post surgical rehabilitation.

She has completed orthopedic specialty courses from the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and the McKenzie Institute. She studied and trained in Maitland spinal techniques in Queensland, Australia.

Doreen’s knowledge of sports injury rehabilitation is enhanced by her participation in recreational sports. She has competed in triathlon, mountain biking, downhill and cross country ski racing. She also enjoys surfing, hiking, and cycling. Her goal is to create a rehabilitation program to meet the needs of your goals and lifestyle.

Ed received BS in Kinesiology from the University of Hawaii in 2011. He has received his doctorate of physical therapy from A.T. Still University in 2016.

Ed’s graduate work in physical therapy has provided him with experiences in outpatient orthopedics, outpatient neurological/vestibular conditions, and a skilled nursing facility in both Hawaii and Arizona.

After time away from Hawaii, he decided to return home and be of service to the community that helped raised him. In his free time, Ed enjoys Jiu-Jitsu, coaching high school wrestling, and body surfing.

Gian received his degree in physical therapy from Silliman University in the Philippines in 2002. Since then, he’s practiced in numerous settings ranging from home care, inpatient, and as team therapist for MMA gyms before migrating to the Connecticut in 2008, where he worked as an outpatient PT for 7 years.

Gian has treated a wide variety of patients from pediatrics to geriatrics, and took special interest in sports rehab and amputee rehab/prosthetic training.

Gian is very passionate about fitness and health. He is an avid surfer, a lifelong martial artist, and continues to teach and train in muay thai, taekwondo, boxing, and MAA, as well as a competitive Brazilian jiujitsu/submission wrestler. He is also an avid swimmer, free diver and open water diver.

Griselda has been working for Jaco Rehab as the Operations Manager since 2009. She holds a Masters in Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Helping clients is her passion–she is always readily available to answer any questions you may have about your physical therapy, or insurance procedures. Griselda can also be reached for any questions regarding employment and volunteer opportunities. Please contact her at griselda@jacorehab.com.

Jaco graduated from the Amsterdam Academy of Physical Therapy, Netherlands, in 1994. His post-graduate physical therapy training includes McKenzie Certification (Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of spinal conditions) and Matheson Certification (Functional Capacity Evaluations). He has also served as a Clinical Instructor for various schools of physical therapy education.

Since founding JACO Physical Rehabilitation in 1997, Jaco has become known for his progressive approach to orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Jaco regularly teaches injury prevention clinics at various venues in Honolulu and is an injury consultant for USTA Pacific region, the Honolulu Bulls Soccer Club, Boca Hawaii and Team Jet .

Originally from the Netherlands, Jaco considers himself a ‘citizen of the world’ after having lived in the Netherlands Antilles, Great Britain, Israel, and Tanzania, before making Hawaii his home.

If he’s not working or training for the next triathlon, you’ll find him playing soccer with his kids, surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, or hiking.

Jen received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree from the University of British Columbia.

Upon graduation, Jen worked in a variety of orthopedic settings from Whistler, BC to Denver, CO before her love of the ocean brought her to Oahu. Jen brings enthusiasm and experience to the team at Jaco Rehab. She has furthered her education by completing several courses in advanced manual therapy techniques and functional movement assessment. Jen is a PMA certified Pilates instructor and enjoys incorporating Pilates movement and core stability when working with her clients.

Jen loves being outdoors and despite growing up in Canada, she has yet to miss the cold weather back in her hometown. Her favorite hobbies include running, swimming, surfing, camping and traveling the world.

Jennifer received her physical therapy degree from the Amsterdam Academy of Physical Therapy in the Netherlands in 1994. Since then, she has practiced in a wide variety of settings before specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation at JACO Physical Rehabilitation in 2001.

Jenn has advanced training in repetitive strain injuries, total joint replacement care, post-partum rehabilitation, and spinal stabilization. In addition, she has earned certification as an Advanced Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) therapist and has a special interest in treating women for pre- and post-partum rehabilitation.

Jenn is a busy wife and mother of two children but somehow still finds time to surf, paddle outrigger canoes, and compete in triathlons. She has paddled the Molokai-Oahu race numerous times.

Jonathan obtained his Bachelors Degree in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California in 2014 graduating with honors.

Jonathan has gained experience working with a variety of patient populations including acute inpatient and inpatient neurological rehabilitation settings, although his clinical focus has been on outpatient orthopedics. Jonathan has received certifications in a variety of soft tissue mobilization techniques and expects to sit for his Orthopedic clinical specialist certification soon. Jonathan is passionate about delivering personalized treatment to his patients to help them achieve their goals.

In his free time Jonathan enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, diving, learning to surf, rock climbing and spending time with his wife and young daughter.

Justin is an Alabama native and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University before spending nearly 6 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.

Just is board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and has advanced training in Selective Functional Movement Assessment. Outside of orthopedics he has experience with a variety of patients ranging from acute care, geriatric, and neurological, to sports therapy with pro and Olympic hopeful athletes.

Outside of the clinic, Justin enjoys swimming and has finished an Olympic distance triathlon. Justin also enjoys traveling, trying new food, snorkeling, and hiking all over Oahu.

Kelly received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology as well as her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis. After 7 years away from home, Kelly moved back to Oahu to provide patient-centered care to the community she grew up in.

Kelly has clinical experience with a wide variety of patient populations, spending time in the orthopedic, acute inpatient, and neurologic settings. She enjoys working with patients of all backgrounds, but is excited to give back to the outpatient orthopedic setting, which she has a personal connection with following several rounds of physical therapy in her high school years after several sports-related knee surgeries.

In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time outside hiking, playing grass and beach volleyball, and running. She is excited to be back home to enjoy year round sunshine!

Kourtney supervises all front desk activity and will be happy matching your schedule with that of your therapist!

Marco received his doctorate of physical therapy from the University of Southern California in 2006.

In 2009, he returned to USC after being accepted into USC’s Orthopedic Residency Program where he worked as a therapist, assisted in teaching entry-level physical therapy classes, and worked hands-on with some of USC’s top surgeons. During the residency he received specialized training in orthopedics including spinal manipulation, foot and ankle biomechanics, treatment of low back pain, cervicogenic headaches, and injuries in overhead athletes. In 2011 Marco was certified as an orthopedic clinical specialist. Marco is also a certified athletic trainer and has worked with athletes of all calibers, ranging from pediatric to professional athletes.

Marco is the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE) for JACO Rehab, as well as the Residency Administrator.

Marco enjoys scuba diving, playing soccer, hiking, camping and golf. He is also interested in learning new hobbies such as surfing and playing his guitar.

Marissa received her doctorate in physical therapy from Slippery Rock University, PA in 2000. Before deciding to focus on treating orthopedic and sports-related injuries, Marissa worked in various settings in both Illinois and Hawaii.

She has taken multiple continuing education classes that have focused on manual therapy, running analysis, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and treatment of the spine. Marissa is the Clinical Director at our newest location in Mililani.

In her free time Marissa enjoys swimming, biking, running and golf. She lives in Kaneohe with her husband Chuck and her yellow Labrador, the Duke of Kaneohe.

Matt received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 2014. He holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and has had the opportunity to learn from certified brain injury specialists as well as military Physical Therapists.

Matt has experience in neurological rehabilitation, acute and post-operative care, and holds certificates in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for low back and cervical spine treatment. Matt Spent 6 years in the U.S. Army Field Artillery and attributes his success in school and life to the discipline he was taught while serving.

In his free time, Matt spends most of his time diving, hiking, paddle boarding, surfing, running, and working out. He considers himself to be an educator at heart, and has a passion for teaching his patients what they need to know about their injury and how to prevent further pain.

Meghan graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in 2009. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Lynchburg University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 2014, where she was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award during her final year.

Since graduating physical therapy school, she has completed a residency in Manual Therapy in Nashville, Tennessee as well as an Orthopedic Residency in Tacoma, Washington. Her background is primarily in Orthopedics, Pelvic Floor Therapy and Sports Therapy. As a Physical Therapist, her aim is to meet the unique needs of each and every patient in order to help them meet their personal goals as effectively as possible.

In her free time Meghan enjoys being with friends and family, hiking, running, exploring the outdoors, and playing endless amounts of fetch with her dog.

Melanie graduated from CSU Long Beach with her Masters degree in Physical Therapy in 2011 and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2015. She is also a certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and has experience working with collegiate to professional level athletes in the sports medicine setting.

Melanie has been practicing physical therapy for over 5 years gaining experience in a variety of settings, but her passion is orthopedics and sports medicine. Melanie loves tailoring each rehab program to the individual and being able to get patients back to enjoying the sports and activities they love. She is also trained in the Graston Technique and is a Graston provider treating soft tissue injuries in a variety of patients.

Melanie lived on the north shore while completing undergraduate coursework at BYUH and had been looking forward to this opportunity to return to live and work on the beautiful island of Oahu. In her free time she enjoys playing soccer, traveling, snowboarding, wake surfing, learning to play the ukulele, and any activity that involves the beach.

Miwa earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2008. After graduation she worked in outpatient physical therapy clinic in Atlanta, GA where she treated patients with variety of orthopedic conditions.

Miwa enrolled in a residency program with Evidence in Motion, where she learned many hands-on techniques such as spinal and extremity joint manipulations and mobilizations. She received board certification as an orthopedic specialist in 2011. She also has experience working with athletes as a certified athletic trainer.

Miwa enjoys playing tennis, hiking with her dog, and going to the beach to surf. Miwa is also fluent in Japanese.

Motoki received his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from San Diego State University in 2012. He then earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2015.

Motoki has gained clinical experience in both the United States and in Japan, working with patient populations ranging from professional athletes to patients with stroke and cancer. Motoki is also a certified Road Runner Club of America running coach, and fluent in Japanese.

In his free time Motoki enjoys being outdoors such as running, hiking, rock climbing, and surfing.

Becca earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University, in St. Louis, MO. Having visited family in Hawaii, Becca decided that Oahu would be the perfect place to live – escaping the harsh Midwest winters and embracing the adventurous outdoor lifestyle. Becca has clinical experience working with multiple patient populations including acute neurological, outpatient orthopedic, post-surgical, and geriatrics. She has completed McKenzie Part A coursework for the lumbar spine. Becca enjoys exploring her new environment by hiking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, and hopes to attempt surfing in the near future.

Ross received his BS in Exercise Science from Creighton University in 2012, and went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2015. After graduating, Ross returned home to Oahu to practice and treat patients in the local community he grew up in.

Ross has clinical experience working with a wide variety of patient populations, including those with outpatient orthopedic injuries, complex neurological conditions, and with veterans in the acute inpatient setting. His interests include post-surgical rehab, sports related injuries, and focusing on injury prevention. He plans on obtaining advanced manual therapy certifications in order to supplement his treatments through evidence-based practice.

Ross enjoys spending his free time outdoors in the sun, and is happy that he will be spending his winters back home in Hawaii. His hobbies include basketball, golfing, body boarding, hiking, and beach volleyball.

Seung received his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Long Beach State University, Long Beach, CA in 2003. After graduation, Seung specialized in sports-related and post-operative orthopedic rehabilitation in Orange County, CA.

His advanced training has involved the treatment of the spine, sacroiliac joint, and hip; the biomechanics of pitching; and taping techniques for patellofemoral and postural dysfunction. He has served as a Clinical Instructor for various schools of physical therapy education.

After treating patients for many years in the town clinic, Seung opened and manages our JACO Waikele clinic in central Oahu, as the Clinic Director.

Although he misses snowboarding occasionally, Seung loves the “outdoor playground” that is Hawaii and enjoys hiking, bodyboarding, surfing, and playing basketball and baseball. In addition, Seung is fluent in Korean.

Shannon received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2007 from the University of Washington in Seattle where she gained experience in a variety of settings: outpatient orthopedic, sports medicine, acute care, neuro rehab, pediatrics and geriatrics.

She practiced in Seattle for 5 years specializing in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine and post-op rehabilitation before deciding to move to Oahu to escape the Pacific Northwest winter. She has taken a variety of advanced manual therapy courses in mobilization and treatments for the upper and lower extremities, as well as the spine and pelvic/sacroiliac region.

Shannon is a sports enthusiast and played college soccer and basketball, and is a national champion in Ultimate Frisbee. She loves Hawaii and has taken advantage of the many outdoor activities it has to offer, such as: surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, hiking, swimming, SUP, and spike ball.

Thaisa earned her Bachelors in Rehabilitation Science as well as her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northeatern University in Boston, MA. .

During her time there, she focused many of her clinical experiences in outpatient orthopedic settings, but also gained experience working with patients with progressive neurological conditions and with the genriatric population. As part of her educational program, Thaisa had the opportunity to spend six months working in Hawaii, where she fell in love with the Aloha spirit. She returned to Oahu to continue serving the community that first fueled her passion for rehabilitation.

Currently, she is completing a residency program through Evidence in Motion to continue developing her clinical skills. She hopes to attain her certification as an orthopedic clinical specialist by the end of the program.

Thaisa grew up swimming competitively, and now also enjoys surfing and snorkeling. Her other passions include hiking, running obstacle course races, and traveling. She is also fluent in Portuguese.

Tim received his BS in Kinesiology from the University of Hawaii in 2008, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Colorado in 2012.

Tim’s graduate work in physical therapy provided him with experience working with a variety of patient populations, including those with neurological conditions, sports related injuries, acute inpatient orthopedic injuries, and outpatient orthopedic injuries. After graduation, Tim specialized in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and post surgical rehab in Seattle for one year.

Tim has since decided to return home to Oahu to practice. In his free time, you can find Tim golfing, paddling, spear fishing, or just relaxing.