Meet Us

John Stithem, PT, DPT, SCS, CEO

John graduated from Cal State University, Fresno with a degree in Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology. He completed his graduate Physical Therapy schooling at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles/Chapman University, School of Physical Therapy in 1984. In 2010 John received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from AT Stills University, Mesa, Arizona.

In 1989 John opened OSPT with a strong commitment to provide quality orthopedic physical therapy in a locally owned and operated environment.

John became one of the first 100 physical therapists in the nation to become board certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist in 1992. He is certified in the Graston technique of soft tissue treatment.

In his free time John enjoys SCUBA, free diving, cycling, snow skiing, hiking, travelling and driving his 1965 Sunbeam Tiger. John and his wife Kelley have 5 grown children and two grandchildren.

Robert Leavitt, PT, MPT, OCS, JSCC

VP of Operations

Robert graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Physical Education and completed his MPT from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1995.

In 2006 Robert became an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as having developed a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to the area of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Robert is also certified in Strain Counter Strain, an innovative technique for treating pain and dysfunction through body positioning. The PGA has certified Robert for golf related strengthening and conditioning.  Robert’s treatment strategy combines the benefits of focused manual therapy and exercise with a whole body function approach to rehabilitation, improving athletic performance and promoting general health and fitness for patients of all ages.

Robert enjoys hiking, weight training, mountain biking, recreational middle and long distance running and playing golf.  He and his wife Dawn have two school age children.

Andrew Hughey, MS, PT

Staff Physical Therapist
Santa Rosa Office

Andrew graduated in Sports Medicine and Biology from the University of the Pacific.  He earned his MS in Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific’s school of Physical Therapy in 2002

Andrew has completed a year-long Australian Manual Therapy course for the evaluation/assessment and treatment of peripheral joint, spinal joint, and soft tissue dysfunction/derangement. Andrew has special interest in cervical and lumbar stabilization treatment, therapeutic exercises for the periphery, and chronic pain management. He has considerable experience in foot/ankle biomechanics and custom orthotic prescription.

On the weekends, Andrew spends his time at the coast surfing or playing music with his friends.

Robin Samay, MS, PT

Staff Physical Therapist
Santa Rosa Office

Robin graduated with a BS in Physiology from UC Davis in 1984 and a MS in Physical therapy in 1988 from the University of the Pacific. 

Robin joined OSPT in 1990.  Robin specializes in spinal and joint mobilization, therapeutic exercise, McConnell taping, muscle energy technique, pelvic and LE rehab, shoulder and knee rehab, trunk stabilization programs, and osteoporosis treatment. Robin holds a Pilates Mat Certification.

Robin enjoys sharing time with her husband and two sons while hiking, boating, wakeboarding and gardening.

Joan Langfeld, MPT, CLT-LANA

Staff Physical Therapist
Oakmont Office

Joan graduated with a BS in Physical Education, Pre-Physical Therapy and Athletic Training emphasis.  She completed her post-graduate work at the University of California, San Francisco with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 1997.

In 1999, Joan became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and continues to specialize in prevention and treatment of upper extremity and lower extremity lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation. She was nationally certified through the Lymphololgy Association of North America in 2001 and has been teaching a Lymphedema Prevention Class at the Sutter Women’s Health Center since 2003.

Joan also has an interest in core strengthening, trunk stabilization and posture/balance dysfunctions and in 2004 completed the Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Certification for Professionals. She has special training in treating injuries and post-surgical patients using the reformer, combo chair, trapeze table and barrel in a rehabilitation setting.

Joan has also worked in an aquatic therapy setting and uses her knowledge of the buoyancy properties and resistance of water for knee, ankle, shoulder, and back rehabilitation.

A few of Joan’s interests and loves are gardening, birding, hiking, nature photography, and traveling.

Ken Bariel, PT, MRA

Staff Therapist
Oakmont Office

Ken graduated with a BS in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in Southern California in 1970.  He completed his post graduate work at the University of San Francisco with a Masters in Rehabilitation Administration in 1976.
Ken is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program through the University of St. Augustine. He is scheduled to graduate in December of 2012.

Kens interests are in Geriatric Orthopedics.  His favorite form of therapy is Aquatics Therapy.  He is a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Specialist.  He has completed the McKenzie courses for specific treatment of spinal dysfunction and derangement.

Ken enjoys cycling to work, golf, traveling, camping, and taking walks with his wife Cheryl. He has two grown children and is a proud grandpa.

Christine Lynch, MPT

Chris graduated from Humboldt State University with a BA in Human Biology and a Master’s in Physical Therapy from The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles/Chapman University in 1989.   Areas of specialty include musculoskeletal problems in the pelvic girdle, rib dysfunctions, and impingement problems in the shoulder and neck.   Chris is also a Certified Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Guy S. Mohr, ATC, PTA, CSCS

Staff Physical Therapy Assistant
Santa Rosa Office

Guy earned his BA in Physical Education from Long Beach State University in 1989.  He is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant.

Guy is from Sebastopol and attended Analy High and the Santa Rosa Junior College.

As well as working at OSPT, Guy is the Assistant Athletic Trainer for SRJC, former Athletic Trainer for Montgomery High School Football, Nike Coast Track and Field, and Fountain Valley High School.

Guy volunteers on Montgomery High School Medical Pathways Advisory Board, Rincon Valley Little League, and with Santa Rosa United Soccer Club.  

Guy enjoys photography, running with his dog and keeping up with his two young children in youth athletics.

Megan Newhall

Vice President of Administration

Megan Newhall is a Sonoma County native. She is married and has two adorable kids that she loves taking to Howarth Park and the beach on the weekends. She is a graduate of Monterey Bay State University and has been with OSPT since 2004. She loves cooking, scuba and speaking Spanish.

Ana Lopez

Patient Representative

Ana has been living in Santa Rosa since she was eight years old. She graduated from Maria Carrillo High School in 2000 and from Santa Rosa Junior College with an A.A. in liberal studies in 2003. Ana completed her B.A. degree in communications at San Francisco State University. Ana enjoys reading, cooking, running, and going to the movies with friends.

Ruth Padilla

Receptionist

Ruth is the receptionist, or "Head Mamajamma" at the Oakmont office. She was born and raised in SF and moved to SR in 1999 to be with her daughter who was starting her family. She now has three grandchildren. Ruth is also a Reiki Practitioner and Certified in Clinical Aromatherapy. She continues to say since her arrival to OSPT in 2004, "I love my job and working with the community here at Oakmont."