About Us

Alexis earned her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in Miami, Florida.

Alexis has worked mostly in the outpatient orthopedic setting but she also has some experience with neurologic, cardiac, and brain injury patients in the acute care setting through clinical internships.

In her free time, Alexis likes to surf, eat, and repeat. She also spends lots of time with family and friends since returning home to Hawaiʻi from physical therapy school.

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.

Cat’s favorite days are spent outdoors with her two children. Her hobbies include paddling, hiking, running and swimming.

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.

Daniel received a BS in Exercise Science from Pacific University in 2015. He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Creighton University in 2019.

Daniel’s graduate work in physical therapy provided him with experience in outpatient, inpatient settings in both Omaha, Nebraska, and Vancouver Washington. He also gained experience in School-based Therapy at the Elkhorn school district in Omaha Nebraska.

After a few years away, Daniel is excited to return home to Hawaiʻi. In his free time, Daniel enjoys coaching high school sports, playing soccer, hiking and spending time with friends.

Danny attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington where he earned his BS in Exercise Science in 2008, and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018.

He completed his clinical training in acute inpatient neuro-rehab, pediatrics, and outpatient orthopedic settings.  This included a rotation with JACO Rehab where he enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to return after completing his coursework. Danny has worked with a wide range of patient populations and seeks to find fun and creative ways to assist and guide his clients to achieve their goals.  Prior to working as a physical therapist, Danny was an EMT for several years in Boston, MA and continues to hold his national BLS certification.  He also speaks Japanese, having spent 3 years living and working in Japan.

Danny enjoys soccer, hiking, running, climbing, guitar, and attempting to surf – which he has found to be much harder than snowboarding.

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 Master of Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. In addition to running daily operations for our four clinics, Griselda also manages our recruitment and employee relations programs.

Griselda is also a proud member of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) Alliance Board, a group of young professionals that provides support and mentorship services for BGCH.

If you are interested in joining the JACO team or have any questions about a career at JACO Rehab, please email griselda[at]jacorehab.com!

Isaac earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico, and went on to attain his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Beginning his career in a rural region of his native New Mexico, Isaac brings a wealth of clinical experience working with a multitude of orthopedic and neurological conditions spanning from pediatrics, to competitive/professional athletes, working adults, and the geriatric population. A skilled manual therapist, he utilizes a gentle, hands-on approach to healing and rehabilitation.

Isaac is a professional singer/songwriter and recording artist. He enjoys life outdoors with his family, and can regularly be found skiing, surfing, fly-fishing, hiking, and camping.

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 FC Hawaii Soccer Club and Boca Hawaii multi sport clinics .

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 riding a bicycle, surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, or hiking.

Janna received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University in 2011.
She was then accepted into an Orthopedic Residency Program through Florida Hospital
in Orlando, FL and became a board-certified orthopedic specialist. While in Florida,
Janna also served as the Clinical Coordinator for Florida Hospital’s Orthopedic
Residency Program where she taught and mentored orthopedic residents. She also served
as a lab assistant in the Adventist Health University’s Physical Therapy Program, and is a
Credentialed Clinical Instructor.

Janna is also Athletic Training Certified, and has treated athletes ranging from high
school/AAU to professional levels. She has also taken a number of continuing education
courses through Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars, and is working toward
becoming a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist.

Janna is originally from Maui and is excited to be back in the islands. She is a new mom,
and so she enjoys time with her husband and daughter on her days off. She loves the beach, swimming, and spear diving, as well as cooking and baking in her free time.

Jennifer started her passion for physical therapy and fitness first and foremost as a patient herself working on progressive resistance training and rehab after an ACL, MCL, and meniscal repair obtained as a track and field athlete in high school. Jennifer graduated from The University of Scranton in Pennsylvania in 2014 with her Bachelor’s degree in both Exercise Science and Philosophy, and again in 2017 with her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy.

Since graduation she has worked in multiple settings including pediatrics and outpatient orthopaedics obtaining secondary certifications in coaching Olympic Lifting and IASTM/cupping. As someone who enjoys life-long learning, she is looking forward to advancing her credentialing aiming to obtain her CSCS and OCS in the future.

In her spare time she enjoys hiking, spinning, weight-lifting, yoga, pilates, bowling, and taking her dog for long walks on the beach.

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.

Joey received both his degree in Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.

Joey completed his clinical training working in outpatient orthopedics, sport, and acute care settings in Nebraska, Washington, and back home in Hawaii. He found his passion in orthopedics and hopes to expand his knowledge and skills in the orthopedic field through continuing education courses. His goal is to empower patients through physical therapy and help them get back to the activities that they love to do. He plans to get his Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification in the future.

Although he misses his college town in the Midwest, Joey is happy that he can finally enjoy warm winters again back in Hawaii. During his free time, Joey enjoys hiking, fishing, powerlifting, and taking care of his new vegetable garden.

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.

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

Kristen received her BS of Health Sciences from the University of Miami in 2015. She returned to UM for her doctorate of physical therapy, graduating in 2019. After 7 years away from home, Kristen moved back to O’ahu with hopes to give back to her community and to be close to her family.

Kristen’s PT graduate experience and studies include work in outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and cardiac rehab in Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Portland. She has also participated in research involving health and fitness trends in minority and medically underserved populations.

Kristen loves the outdoors and can usually be found at the beach or hiking in her free time with friends and family. She is also incredibly passionate about anything and everything related to food.

Laura received her bachelors degree in Biology and Exercise Sports Science from Austin
College. She went on to continue her education and receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Harding University.

Throughout her clinical experience, Laura was able to learn in several different settings, including: outpatient orthopedics, aquatic therapy, neurological rehab, and acute care. She plans to continue expanding her knowledge with more advanced manual therapy techniques and certifications as well as continued education for sports therapy.

Laura enjoys hiking anywhere, rock climbing, or just relaxing by the beach. In her free time she loves being outside and trying out new things as well as new foods!

Lauren earned her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from Sonoma State University in Northern California. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences in San Diego, California. 

Lauren has worked with a variety of patient populations including outpatient orthopedic, neurologic, and acute inpatient. She takes a special interest in outpatient sports and orthopedics.

Lauren is a Southern California native and grew up visiting Hawaii frequently to visit family, which inspired her to move to the islands after graduate school. Lauren is an avid open water swimmer and her hobbies include hiking, camping and spending time with her chocolate lab, Stanley. 

Lindsay grew up outside of Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington before attending Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science for her doctorate of physical therapy degree.  After graduating, she returned to the Pacific Northwest to work in the community she grew up in for 3 years before moving to O’ahu in 2021 to be closer to family.

Lindsay has clinical experience working with patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, and athletes of all ages.  She is planning to become TPI certified in the near future.

In her free time, Lindsay enjoys hiking, golfing, baking, and traveling.

Mackenzie received both her Bachelors in Health Science (2016) and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2018) from Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA.

After graduation, Mackenzie went into travel physical therapy, which is how she first ended up coming to Hawaii. Her travel experiences included home health and outpatient orthopedics, treating a wide range of patients of different ages and abilities. Travel therapy allowed her to explore various areas of the country, but something about Hawaii drew her back, and she moved to the island with her fiance in September 2021.

In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys beach days, cooking, hiking, reading, traveling, and skiing. Mackenzie is excited to explore the islands more and take advantage of all of the natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer!

Maddie earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University.

Maddie has clinical experience working with patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions in inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedic injuries, and chronic pain and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her passion in outpatient orthopedics was sparked in her years playing competitive club and Division I college soccer.

In her free time, Maddie enjoys hiking, surfing, freediving, snowboarding, and painting. She also loves to travel, as she grew up living in Cameroon, Qatar, and Canada, and exploring other countries around the world. She is excited to be back on Oʻahu with family.

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 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.

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.

Nelson graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2017 and completed an Orthopedic Clinical Residency through the NxtGen Institute in 2018 to become a board recognized expert in orthopedic physical therapy.

Nelson is a certified strength and conditioning specialist who enjoys empowering athletes to return to their sports as safely and efficiently as possible.  In addition, he is certified to treat vestibular disorders suffering from dizziness and unsteadiness. Nelson also treats developmental pediatric disorders for 5 month olds up to 7 years old for conditions like idiopathic toe walking. He also treats jaw pain and dysfunction.  Nelson is a credentialed Clinical Instructor and has a keen interest in taking on PT students.

Peyton received her BS in Kinesiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine School of Health Sciences in 2021.

Peyton has clinical experience in various settings, treating patients with neurological conditions, chronic pain, and sports-related injuries. She participated in aquatic biomechanics research in undergrad, and aquatic therapy during her internship. She found her passion in outpatient orthopedics and hopes to empower people through physical therapy to get back to doing what they love to do.

Peyton enjoys spending her free time outdoors hiking, snorkeling, walking her dogs on the beach, and photographing nature. She is happy to be back with family and friends on O’ahu.

Ross was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and graduated from Maryknoll High School in 2008. Playing sports in high school he was able to see the value of physical therapy. He attended Creighton University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science in 2012. In 2015, he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, Ross was excited to return 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. His interests include post-surgical rehab, orthopedic and sports related injuries, and focusing on injury prevention. He is an active member with the APTA Hawaii Chapter on Education and Membership Committees. He also received Board certification as an Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) in 2019.

Ross enjoys spending his free time outdoors with family and friends. His hobbies include basketball, golfing, body boarding, hiking, and traveling.

Sam earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Movement Science degrees from The University of Vermont.  She was inducted into the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy National Student Honor Society in 2019.

Sam has clinical experience working with patient populations ranging from neurological conditions in inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, aquatic therapy, and injury prevention.  She also participated in research involving injury prevention and the association of worn equipment with rates of injury in police officers and military personnel.

Although she misses her home town in New England, Sam is enjoying the warm winters in Hawaii.  During her free time she enjoys anything fitness-related, such as weight lifting, running, hiking and drinking coffee.

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.