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 in 1993 with a BS in Physical Education and completed his MPT from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1995.

To actively continue his education Robert has achieved multiple specialty certifications in physical therapy. In 2006 and again in 2016, Robert became an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, certified by the American Physical Therapy Association, indicated as having achieved a level of excellence in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Robert is also certified in Strain Counterstrain, an innovative technique to restore mobility and ease pain. The PGA has certified Robert for golf related strengthening and conditioning. In 2011 Robert also gained certification in LSVT BIG, a whole body approach for treatment of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Robert’s treatment strategy combines the benefits of focused manual therapy, targeted exercise, treatment tools to improve healing, balance re-training, and movement re-education. He believes in working with all individuals to develop an integrated functional approach to wellness, improving performance, promoting health, and facilitating fitness.

Robert is an avid fitness enthusiast and enjoys long distance running, weight training, road biking, mountain biking, recreational hiking, and playing golf.

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.

Sarina Ferguson, PT, DPT

Staff Physical Therapist
Santa Rosa Office

Sarina graduated from Sacramento State University in 2004 with a BS in Kinesiology, Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation, with a minor in Psychology. She completed her Masters of Physical Therapy in 2006, also at Sacramento State University. In 2015, Sarina chose to return to school, and completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University. She is a certified LSVT BIG practitioner for Parkinson's treatment. She also has training in the Strain Counter-Strain technique, and custom foot-orthotic casting and fitting. She has a special interest in geriatrics, as well as athletes of all ages. Sarina often incorporates, instrument assisted myofascial release, Pilates, proprioception / balance training, and kinseotape strategies in her rehabilitation process.

Prior to being a Physical Therapist, Sarina was a competitive gymnast for Sacramento State University's NCAA Division 1 Women's Gymnastics Team as an undergrad. Keeping with her Santa Rosa roots, she volunteers her time with her pre-college gymnastics club in Santa Rosa as a consult; helping prevent injury and return injured gymnasts to competition safely.

In her free-time, Sarina enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and hiking with her family.

Natalie Shobeiri, DPT

Staff Physical Therapist
Oakmont Office

Natalie was born and raised in Tehran, Iran and moved to Seattle, WA when she was 14 years old and graduated from University of Washington with a BS in Pre-medicine Biology. She completed her online Master's degree in Applied Nutrition and Fitness from Northeastern University while temporarily living in Melbourne, Australia. In 2020, she completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles.

Natalie's interests include geriatrics, vestibular and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Outside of her career, Natalie enjoys Zumba, cooking pasta, helping her husband make bread, playing with her two Shiba Inu dogs and watching dermatology videos.

Guy S. Mohr, ATC, PTA

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) 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 an Assistant Athletic Trainer for SRJC, former Athletic Trainer for Montgomery High School Football, Nike Coast Track and Field, and Fountain Valley High School.

Guy enjoys sports and wildlife photography, hiking on the Sonoma Coast with his wife, and volunteers as a Whale Watch Docent on Bodega Head.

Julie Yonts, PTA

Staff Physical Therapist Assistant
Oakmont Office

Julie graduated from Mesa Community College PTA school in San Diego, CA in 1989. Her professional background includes orthopedic physical therapy, chronic pain management, aquatic exercise instruction, and therapeutic massage. She specializes in therapeutic exercise, manual techniques and balance training.

Julie joined OSPT in 2014. She brings high enthusiasm for helping our clients achieve their best fitness possible, as well as for empowering them to continue living healthy lifestyles.

Julie enjoys keeping active in her off-work times, gardening with her husband, hiking, cooking and traveling.

Ana Cavagna

Office Manager

Ana is a Sonoma county native and graduate of Piner High School. She has been with OSPT since 2012. Day-to-day, you will find Ana tending to the office operations. She has had experience in many different administrative capacities. Ana enjoys interacting with patients and is a constant source of help and support. She loves seeing patients become pain-free and more mobile with the help of our Physical Therapists. Outside the clinic Ana enjoys spending time outdoors, camping and hiking with her husband and two boys.

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."