Jeffrey L. Blake, PT
Jeff received a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from California State University, Northridge in 1989. He followed up with a B.S. degree in Physical Therapy with emphasis in orthopaedics and sports rehabilitation also from CSUN in 1991. In 1993, Jeff started his first private practice within the Manhattan Beach Athletic Club for Women. As Jeff’s patient population grew, he relocated his business and opened Blake Physical Therapy in Santa Monica in1996. At that location, he assisted Fitness America by performing biofeedback testing on athletes using the Reebok Rehabilitation Bike, which is used in clinics across the country as well as professional athletic teams. In 2003, he opened a second Blake Physical Therapy clinic in Marina del Rey. The third location; Blake Evolution, opened in 2004, is also located in the Marina and incorporates Pilates as part of the advanced rehab program.

Jeff continues to hire staff with exceptional qualities and experience that value and enhance the treatment philosophy he has created within his practice. Jeff’s patients include professional athletes, such as the Los Angeles Clippers, pro golfers, as well as professional dancers. Outside the offices, Jeff enjoys fly fishing, coaching his daughter’s soccer team, cycling, skeet shooting and spending time with his family.

John L. Joe, PT
John received his physical therapy degree in 1978 from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. While in Miami, he practiced at Jackson Memorial Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center. He received special training in a number of areas including spinal cord injuries, hand therapy, amputees and stroke rehabilitation. In 1982, John moved to Pasadena, California taking the position of senior physical therapist of the Medical Surgical unit at Huntington Memorial Hospital. He later accepted a position as out-patient supervisor at Saint John’s Hospital of Santa Monica. Prior to joining Blake Physical Therapy in 2002, John spent 10 years as a clinician and director of an orthopedic and sports medicine private practice in Beverly Hills.

Lauren  D. Masi, PT, MS, OCS, ATC
Lauren graduated from UCLA with her B.S. in Physiological Science. While a student there, she became involved with the UCLA Athletic Department and after working as a student trainer for 3 years, she became licensed as an Athletic Trainer by the NATA (ATC). Lauren then attended California State University, Northridge, where she obtained her Masters in Physical Therapy in 2006. She worked for Blake Physical Therapy as an aide for 4 years before becoming licensed as a physical therapist. In 2008, Lauren began pursuing her transitional DPT and remains on staff full-time. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending most of her time riding and competing her horse throughout Southern California.

Doug Hagy, MSPT, CSCS
Doug graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1994 with a degree in Allied Health Sciences/Exercise Physiology. Shortly after, he completed his certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Doug earned his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Neumann College in Pennsylvania in 2002 and joined Blake Physical Therapy with many years of experience in orthopedic physical therapy. He enjoys activities such as playing his collection of guitars and keeping fit with weight training and riding his bicycles.

Christine L. Berglund, DPT
Christine graduated in 2001 from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. degree in Kinesiology. During her time there, she received her Health/Fitness Instructor Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. She completed the Doctorate program in Physical Therapy in 2006 at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Florida, and joined Blake Physical Therapy upon graduation. While in graduate school, Christine had the opportunity to work in New York City with a professional dance company. She enjoys dancing and being outdoors.

Stacey Tanaka, DPT, OCS
Stacey graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2000 with a B.A. in Art Studio and a minor in Health and Exercise Science. She then went on to achieve her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2004. In 2009 Stacey became a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics. Stacey is a former competitive gymnast who competed throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona. Her favorite event is balance beam. Outside the clinic, Stacey’s hobbies include quilting, sewing, photography, scrapbooking, pilates, yoga, attending Los Angeles Kings home games, and taking care of her three cats Leo, Hailey, and Jorge.

Terese H. Smith, MSPT
Terese received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 1991, having completed her undergraduate studies in education at Montana State University. Since 1991, Terese has specialized in out-patient orthopaedic therapy with a focus on the spine and neck. In addition to her education as a physical therapist, Terese is also a certified Pilates instructor through Long Beach Dance and Conditioning. She has been a Pilates instructor since 2003 and integrates Pilates into her practice. She joined Blake Physical Therapy in 2007 and treats her patients in the Pilates studio, Blake Evolution. Terese is currently working towards an honorary degree in veterinary science through the in-home care administered to her two cats, one dog, and one bird.

Stella N. Levin-Leong, PT
Stella graduated from Loma Linda University in 1982 in Physical Therapy, and is currently obtaining her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy. Stella has an extensive clinical background in orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, cranial-sacral therapy, Pilates, and women's health. Additionally, Stella has extensive experience in treating head trauma, and vestibular & balance disorders from the Los Angeles VA hospital working with veterans. Stella brings a skilled, hands-on approach to her therapy that incorporates a holistic perspective. Stella has worked as a per diem therapist for Blake Physical Therapy since 2002, and is now on staff part-time and treats patients at their Pilates Studio, Blake Evolution.

Ellen M. Kohler PT, OCS
Ellen graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She did a one year advanced orthopaedic residency at Kaiser Permanente. She became Board Certified in Orthopaedics in 1994. Her specialty is out-patient orthopaedics. In 2008, Ellen joined Blake Physical Therapy part-time and treats her patients in the Pilates Studio, Blake Evolution.




PER DIEM STAFF

Laura H. Frantz, MPT
Having just completed a business degree from Cal State University Long Beach, Laura was prescribed physical therapy after a car accident. Shortly after being discharged from physical therapy, a skiing accident landed her back in physical therapy. After two very successful outcomes from her time in physical therapy, Laura completely changed her career direction. Laura went back to school and graduated with her Masters’ degree in Physical Therapy in 1999 from Mount St. Mary’s College in Brentwood, California. Laura is a life long learner and has taken numerous courses since graduation. Laura is also currently working on her doctorate degree from Boston University and is a part time instructor at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Laura joined Blake Physical Therapy’s per diem staff in 2008.

Alison N. Donaldson, MPT
Alison graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Zoology. During her time at UCSB, she was a 4 year member of the collegiate soccer team. In 2002, Alison received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences. She joined Blake Physical Therapy full-time in 2004, and after 6 years, she transitioned to per diem status in 2010. She enjoys working out, golf, playing soccer, and spending time with her family.

Tanya L. MacLeod, PT
Tanya attended McGill University, Montreal, Canada where she played university rugby and received a BSc. in Anatomy and Cell Biology with a minor in Psychology in 1997. She then completed a BSc. in Physiotherapy at Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia in 2001. Prior to joining Blake Physical Therapy full-time in 2005, she worked for 3 ½ years specializing in sports and orthopedic injuries in Toronto, Canada. In 2007, Tanya became a per diem therapist for Blake Physical Therapy, and in 2008 began pursuing her transitional DPT. She enjoys playing tennis, rollerblading, golf, hiking and downhill skiing.

Sarah D. Cortez, MSPT
Sarah graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Biola University of La Mirada in 1997. During her time at Biola, Sarah was a 4 year member of the collegiate volleyball team. In 2000, Sarah received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco. Prior to joining Blake Physical Therapy, she worked for 5 years in a sports rehabilitation clinic in Los Angeles where she had the opportunity to treat many professional and collegiate athletes. In 2006, Sarah left her full-time position at Blake Physical Therapy to pursue a career as an LA County firefighter and paramedic; she currently remains on staff as a per diem therapist. Sarah enjoys working out, playing volleyball, rollerblading and going to the beach.