About Our Team:
Amy Zipp, MS OT/L
-
2005 Master of Occupational Therapy
-
USA Triathlon Coach Certification
-
SFMA Level 1 & 2
-
FMS Level 1 & 2
-
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute Teaching Assistant
-
BASI Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
-
Annual Guest Lecturer & cadaver lab clinical liaison @ UC Davis School of Nursing PA/NP program
Amy graduated in 2005 with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. She has experience ranging from participation in elite sports, coaching at the youth, collegiate & semi-professional levels, as well as program design for rehabilitation & participation in research studies. She is passionate about “bridging the gap” between the fitness & rehabilitation worlds for clients, coaches, physicians, other rehabilitation professionals & mental health counselors. She has extensive experience ranging from fire department training programs to training during the peri-partum period. It is especially important to Amy to balance an individual’s health across the life span, not just the single body area they might be initially addressing. Amy is grateful to be living in Northern California with access to so many outdoor trails & other adventures with her family & friends.
Kirsten Carmichael, DPT, CSCS
-
2010 Doctor of Physical Therapy
-
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
-
ImPACT Trained Concussion Physical Therapist
-
SFMA Level 1 and FMS Level 1 Certified
-
SFG Kettlebell II
-
MFDc (Myofascial Decompression Certified)
Kirsten graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University in 2010. She always knew she wanted to work in sports after being sidelined by a volleyball and softball shoulder injury in college. She began her career in San Jose working for the SF Giants and 49ers team doctor treating professional, collegiate, and a variety of different athletes across all age groups . She also worked in a D1 training room returning athletes from all sports back to play. She has a passion for strength and conditioning especially the integration of kettlebells. When she’s not working she enjoys fishing, camping, and hiking with her husband, son, daughter and dogs.
​
​
Stephanie Perez, PT, DPT
-
2010 Doctor of Physical Therapy
-
Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) University of Saint Augustine, FL
-
Various Pelvic Health, Pre/Post Natal, Lymphedema courses through Herman & Wallace as well as APTA
-
Trained (IAMST) Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Stephanie graduated in 2010 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She & Amy met years ago when she was beginning her journey into pelvic health as she founded a pelvic program at a regional hospital, and they are both excited to be able to work together now in this arena. She is enthusiastic about joining the Pondera team to be able to have more time to work with clients during their journey through the various phases of life.
To Stephanie, physical therapy is an amazing profession that allows her to combine her passion for helping individuals return to their highest level of function and quality of life while also fulfilling her interest in anatomy and physiology, and using her creativity to help them reach those goals.
Dr. Perez is highly motivated to be an advocate and treat mothers going through pregnancy and postpartum, individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction, and those who are preparing and recovering from surgeries such as mastectomies, c-sections, hysterectomies, and hernias.
Stephanie is blessed to be able to spend time with her husband, son, dog, and friends hiking on trails, paddle boarding, kayaking, painting, crafting, cooking, sewing, and gardening.
​
​