About Us

Aaron was born and raised in Fountain Valley, CA. Growing up playing basketball and going through PT rehab for multiple injuries, he discovered a passion for physical therapy. He pursued his education at California State University, Long Beach, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with emphasis on Exercise Science in 2020. He continued his studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where he completed a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024.

During his clinical rotations, Aaron had the opportunity to treat patients in outpatient orthopedics, sports, and hospital settings in St. Louis, Chicago, and Seattle. He has since focused on orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, as well as injury prevention. Aaron is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and he is committed to applying his expertise to help diverse patient populations achieve their rehabilitation goals.

In his free time, Aaron enjoys surfing, rock climbing, golfing, basketball, fishing and pickleball. He is always on the lookout for new experiences and ways to stay active.

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.

Allie received her BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition at Clemson University in South Carolina before heading to Western Carolina University in NC for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Drawn to Hawaii for the active lifestyle and spirit of Aloha, she has recently made Hawaii her home following clinical experiences in outpatient orthopedics and pediatric settings in the Carolinas and Colorado.

Allie has a special interest in post-operative, sports, and pilates-based rehab, but overall enjoys getting to work and connect with anyone and any ability level that comes through the doors at JACO. She aims to empower each person with the necessary tools to restore joy and functionality in their lives by working as a team and creating a personalized therapy plan.

In her free time, Allie enjoys group fitness classes, finding the best sunrise/sunsets, and trying all her patient’s food and restaurant recommendations! With experience as a competitive swimmer, Allie is excited to be so close to the beach and to dive in to all things water sports.

Andrew attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa for his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. He then went onto complete his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

Becca attended the University of Miami for both her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Physiology, and for her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Becca has worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting for her clinical experience, with a wide variety of patient populations. She enjoys working with people of all skill levels. Becca particularly enjoys helping athletes and runners of all levels and experience learn how to prevent injury, return to their sport pain-free, and optimize their performance.

Becca loves to run marathons and compete in olympic weightlifting and is also a certified running coach. In her free time from work and training, she enjoys watching Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney movies, and rooting for the Miami Hurricanes and Baltimore Ravens.

Bill John attended the University of San Francisco and graduated in 2014 with his BS in Exercise and Sport Science. He later graduated from the University of St. Augustine to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2020.

Bill John has had clinical experiences in the inpatient hospital setting and outpatient orthopedic settings. Despite having a great clinical experience in the hospital, he ultimately decided the outpatient orthopedic setting was more his speed. His final clinical internship was here at JACO Rehab Honolulu and returned to begin his career after graduation.

Bill John enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball, and finding good eats around town.

Brent attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he received his BS in Kinesiology: Health & Exercise Science. Shortly after he attended Kapiolani Community College and graduated in 2023, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant.

He has worked in a variety of settings including the iCARE program at the Rehab of the Pacific, (one to one exercise prescription with cancer patients), as well as orthopedic and neurological outpatient clinics.

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, video games, and going crazy for his New York Knicks and Giants.

Cat earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Puget Sound in 2008 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, San Diego in 2010. 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, pelvic health, neurologic, acute inpatient and military poly-trauma/wounded warriors. She has completed several advanced manual therapy courses in treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction of the myofascia, extremities, thoraco-lumbar, sub-cranial, and pelvic/sacro-iliac regions, as well as McKenzie Institute Parts A-D for treatment of lumbar, cervical, thoracic spine, and extremities. She is a certified Pelvic Floor Therapist through the Herman and Wallace Institute, and has a special interest in pregnancy and post-partum rehabilitation. She actively continues to expand her knowledge in treating this patient population.

Cat’s favorite days outside of the clinic are spent outdoors with her husband, three children, and fur-baby. 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.

Cira Pihl is a licensed physical therapist assistant with concentration in the areas of outpatient orthopedics and pelvic health. Cira earned an Associate of Applied Science – Physical Therapist Assistant from Central Piedmont Community College followed by her Bachelor of Science – Physical Therapist Assistant from Pima Medical Institute. Her passion for physical therapy and as a certified Pilates instructor have led to particular interest in the area of core dysfunction.

Cira has pursued continuing education in the areas of myofascial release, vestibular rehabilitation, pelvic health, and Pilates for pre and post-natal populations. 

In her free time Cira enjoys doing Pilates, swimming, hiking, and playing with her dog, Mako.

Claire received her Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in Psychology and Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami in 2018. She earned her Doctorate of Physical therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

Claire’s clinical experiences include a variety of settings such as outpatient orthopedics, outpatient neuro, the cardio thoracic ICU and step down unit. She enjoys working with patients with different backgrounds and injuries. She has special interest in pelvic floor dysfunction and plans to continue her specialization in pelvic floor physical therapy through the Herman and Wallace Institute.

In her free time Claire loves exploring the outdoors, hiking, traveling and cooking.

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.

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!

Hiro was born and raised in Japan, then moved to Los Angeles for his undergraduate education. He attended the University of Southern California to receive both his Bachelor’s in Human Biology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. 

He has completed clinical affiliations in both the sports and outpatient orthopedic settings while at USC. During his time in the clinic, he has developed a particular interest in the treatment of patients with lower quarter injuries.

Hiro has experience as a swimmer and avid calisthenics practitioner, which he now harnesses as a climber and surfer.

Isabel received her B.S. in Exercise Science from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC where she also played soccer. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA.

Isabel worked with a wide range of patient populations during her clinical internships in outpatient orthopedic and skilled nursing settings. She saw many high school athletes and is passionate about helping every patient be as active as possible.

Isabel loves all things fitness, especially running and trying new workout classes. She is also a competitive pickleball player, an avid college and pro football fan, and enjoys creating healthy dishes in the kitchen. Isabel is excited to improve her surfing ability and explore all that Oahu has to offer.

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 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.

Jeremy earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Washington University in St. Louis in 2013.

Since then, Jeremy has worked in a variety of settings and cities across the United States. He has experience working with individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, sports injuries, and cancer/cancer treatment-related impairments.

Outside the clinic, you can find Jeremy reading a book at the beach, seeking out new restaurants, or exploring museums.

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.

Kody graduated from Whittier College with an BA in Kinesiology. Following graduation Kody moved to Sacramento, CA were he worked as a physical therapist aide in several different settings and became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist before deciding to go back to school. In 2021 Kody received his Associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistant at Kapiolani Community College and is now a PTA. As a PTA, Kody’s experiences include working in pediatrics at the department of education and with neuro and orthopedics patients at Rehab of the Pacific.

Currently, Kody is in PT school at HPU and is looking forward to being a PT in the near future.

In his free time Kody enjoys outdoor and indoor activities such as: bodyboarding, surfing, fishing, hiking, walking his dog Oscar, playing board/card games and video games.

Kory attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he received his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. He completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Touro University in Las Vegas Nevada.

Kory has worked in outpatient orthopedic settings for his clinical rotations, as well as a skilled nursing facility. He has worked with people of all ages and varying conditions. He enjoys working with people of all levels and experience to help them address their impairments, so they may optimize their overall function.

Kory enjoys spending time with his family and friends. You can find him playing basketball, golfing, at the gym, or rooting for the Lakers and Raiders in his free time from work.

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

Kristen received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Miami in 2015, and 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 ‘ohana.

Kristen passion for the outpatient rehab setting is influenced by years of participating in sports, as well as the time spent assisting in the care of her grandparents. She is inspired by individuals striving to maintain active and full lifestyles regardless of age! Kristen holds a Level I and II certification through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and looks forward to pursuing further education to serve female patients with pelvic floor dysfunctions in the outpatient setting.

Kristen loves the outdoors and can usually be found at the beach with family and friends, or running around town or hiking on a ridgeline. She is also incredibly passionate about anything and everything related to food.

Libby earned her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Libby has clinical experience working with patients with orthopedic and neurologic conditions, chronic pain, athletes of all ages, and vestibular rehab with a special interest in the geriatric population. She is planning on obtaining her GCS in the future.

In her free time, Libby likes to go to the beach, explore the outdoors, and eat. She also spends a lot of time with family and friends since returning home to Hawai’i after school.

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!

Mara was born and raised on ‘Oahu from Kuli’ou’ou Valley. She began her journey into physical therapy after tearing her ACL in high school playing soccer. She then pursued her career in physical therapy and graduated from UCSF/SFSU in 2018. Mara returned home to start her career in the hospital setting at Kaiser Moanalua. Her passions started shifting toward the outpatient physical therapy setting, which is when she found her way to JACO Rehab!

Mara enjoys working with diverse patient populations as it continues to challenge her as a clinician. Her personal experience with the ACL rehabilitation process has motivated her to educate others, especially female athletes during their journey. She also has a passion for providing education on health and wellness to the Hawaii community by promoting physical fitness.

Mara has completed advanced training through the Herman and Wallace Institute in the treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. She has a desire to continue learning more about this patient population so that she can provide the highest quality and individualized care.

During her free time you can find Mara enjoying the outdoors with her husband, family, friends, and dog, Zoey! You can find her surfing or adventuring through the mountains on a hike or even in the lo’i. She is always on the lookout for the newest spot in town to find some yummy food. Between work and fun Mara also leads a community group exercise classes to get people moving! #haehuola #holoholo

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.

Pat graduated from University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training in 2015 where he worked with a variety of UD sports teams including Softball, Women’s Lacrosse, Football, Track and Field, and Cross Country. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Motor control, which he completed in 2017.

While completing this degree, he completed internships with the Washington Football Team in 2014, 2015, and 2016 along with being the Athletic Trainer for the UD Women’s Ice Hockey team.  Finally, he completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware in 2019 while also receiving his Master’s degree in Clinical Anatomy. He has a passion for getting athletes back onto the field and performing at their highest level. He strives to give his patients the tools they need to get them moving and feeling their best.

In his free time he enjoys golfing, hiking, going to the beach, learning to surf, and spending time with his wife and dog.

Porsha graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology.  Prior to graduating from Manoa she obtained her Associates in Physical Therapist Assistant from Kapiolani Community College.

Porsha’s primary clinical experience includes outpatient orthopedic settings but she also has some experience in neurologic and acute care thanks to previous clinical internships.

During most of her free time Porsha likes to spend it with her daughter crafting, lifting weights, reading, and watching anime.

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.

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.

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.

Tiffany earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After graduating, Tiffany moved back to Oahu after previously living here with her family years ago.

She has interests in neurologic conditions and sport-related injuries. She has completed advanced coursework in neurologic conditions (stroke, MS, TBI, spinal cord injuries, amputations) and functional movements.

In her free time, Tiffany enjoys being outdoors, scuba diving, weight lifting, and watching sports (War Eagle)!