Meet the Team
At Physical Therapyworks, we combine science with grit and compassion. Our methods are rooted in evidence-based practice: research, collaborative clinical experience and patient preference. We are passionately committed to a holistic, effective and sustainable approach to recovery and overall health.
John Dravillas
PT, OCS, MTC, CCI
Founder and director of Physical Therapyworks and our Post-Professional Orthopedic Residency Program.
It was John’s lifelong dream to open a physical therapy clinic that provided exceptional, personalized care, with highly-skilled physical therapists. So he started Physical Therapyworks over twenty five years ago, where we combine a strong scientific background, evidence-based practice and a compassionate, progressive approach that brings patients the most advanced, reliable and effective evaluations and treatments available.
John received his physical therapy education at Washington University, which is consistently ranked among the top physical therapy programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and was the pioneer in movement-focused physical therapy education, research and treatment. He is a Certified Manual Therapist and a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.
During John's professional education, he had the opportunity to shadow renowned orthopedist, John Itamura, M.D. for over seven years to further his clinical understanding and skills in regard to shoulder and elbow dysfunction. John has been a mentor at the renowned USC Post Professional Orthopedic Residency Program for over 10 years, and was recently nominated for the Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Practice Award.
Justin Tong
PT, DPT, OCS
Staff Physical Therapist
Justin Tong graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University and continued his education at USC completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2021. He has also completed the USC Post-Doctoral Residency Program, and in 2023 earned designation as a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He has worked with a variety of patients in the clinical setting ranging from post-operative patients to competitive swimmers, cyclists, volleyball players, and weekend warriors. He also spent time working with special needs children with the Southern California Special Olympics and Gabriel House of Mexico.
Prior to starting the DPT program at USC, Justin worked in the fitness industry for 18 years as a personal trainer and spin instructor. During that time, he specialized in corrective exercise and performance enhancement training and worked with clients to not only reach their fitness goals but to improve function and strength. He is an avid cyclist and has participated in cycling events like AIDS/Lifecycle for numerous years. He also enjoys swimming, playing volleyball, hiking, and weight training.
Joe Abdulmasih
PT, DPT
Staff Physical Therapist
Joe Abdulmasih graduated from Chico State in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. He continued his education at USC, receiving his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2022. As a DPT student, he was inducted into the ACAPT National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society and awarded the Order of the Golden Cane. In 2023, he completed the USC Post-Doctoral Residency Program.
Joe has worked with a wide array of patients, ranging from chronic pain patients to professional athletes looking to return to sport. He has also participated in research working in the Neuroplasticity and Imaging Laboratory (NAIL) at USC and collecting data for baseball research studies for the Clinical Biomechanics Orthopedic and Sports Outcomes Research (COOR) laboratory. As a Physical Therapist, Joe strives to provide patient-centered care and use the best available research to deliver the best outcomes to his patients. Outside of clinical practice, he enjoys shooting hoops, playing board games, and has recently picked up surfing and rock climbing.
Shant Minassian
PT, DPT, CSCS
Staff Physical Therapy Resident
Shant Minassian graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2018 with honors earning his degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on exercise science. He continued his education at USC and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2023 and is currently participating in USC’s Orthopedic Residency program. He has worked with an array of patient populations, ranging from post operative to competitive athletes looking to return safely to a high level of play.
Prior to starting his DPT education, Shant spent time working as a personal trainer and group exercise class coach. He has also competed in and coached an Olympic Weightlifting team, taking part in local and semi-national events. When not in the clinic, he likes to stay active by training in Muay Thai, lifting weights, attending car shows, and relaxing at home watching cartoons.
Scarlett Celis- Luna
BS, PTA
Staff Physical Therapist Assistant
Scarlett Celis-Luna obtained her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton in 2014. She then worked as a P.T. Aide in an outpatient facility from 2014-2020. In 2020, she received an A.S. degree from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program in Cerritos College and obtained her P.T.A. license
'Scarlett has experience in working with various types of patients (including post-op orthopedic, neurological, amputees, and SCI’s) and in different therapeutic settings (including aquatic, in-patient, out-patient, and cardiac rehabilitation).
Scarlett strives to be a caring and compassionate clinician that is eager to use her specialized skills to provide quality care. Her love for rehabilitation comes from her own ACL injury in 2009 which ended her running career in college. Her hope is to make a positive impact to those in rehabilitation through her gained knowledge and support alongside PT’s. In her free time Scarlett enjoys hiking with her dogs, spending time with family, and trying new brunch restaurants with friends.
Maya Zelcer
BS, PTA
Staff Physical Therapist Assistant
Maya graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2014 with a bachelor’s of science degree in M.C.D Biology. While there, she was the captain of the water polo team and after recovering from her own injuries, she fell in love with Physical Therapy. She first officially entered the PT world as an aide and worked for 3 years in an aquatic physical therapy clinic. The covid-19 pandemic encouraged Maya to go back to school so she could make a more meaningful impact on the individuals she treats. She graduated from CBD College with academic honors in 2022 and received her licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She also became the first Student PTA chair for the CA Student Special Interest Group, working alongside the CPTA to advocate for the PT profession. Maya has worked with a variety of different patient populations ranging from those with orthopedic to neurologic conditions. She is excited to be part of the Physical Therapyworks team and loves helping people reach their recovery goals.
In her free time, Maya loves hiking, swimming and finding the best coffee and pastry spots in town.
Brit Hirsch
BA, ACE CPT, NASM CES, RYT-200
Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, & Physical Therapy Aide
Brit is an energetic personal trainer with a bachelor of arts degree from UC Berkeley, a Personal Training Certification from the American Council on Exercise, a Corrective Exercise Certification from NASM, a Yoga Teacher certification from Yogaworks, and she is certified in the Barbell Rehab Method.
Driven by her passion for wellness for each unique individual, Brit carefully personalizes every program for her clients to build strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Many of her clients came to her while nursing an injury back to health. She works closely with their physical therapists in order to carefully create a safe and effective program for each of her clients that suits their particular needs and unique goals. Brit works with clients between the ages of 13-82 years old. Whether your goal is to build strength, increase mobility, improve balance, address muscle imbalances, refine mindfulness, or just generally feel more comfortable in your body, Brit can help you reach your goal.
Brit’s favorite physical activities include powerlifting, strength training, and yoga.
Luck Ong
Office Administrator
Luck Ong is the Office Administrator at Physical Therapyworks and will always welcome and greet you with a smile. She genuinely loves to make everyone whom she meets feel right at home and valued. It is in her DNA to go out of her way to be helpful and accommodating towards all.
Luck is a native Southern Californian, a longtime resident of beautiful Santa Monica, and she cannot imagine living anywhere else. She is a proud graduate from UCLA with a Bachelors of Arts degree. After college, Luck went on to have successful and lengthy careers in the banking, airline, and automotive industries prior to entering healthcare. She has been happily helping patients for over 25 years and counting. Throughout her entire career, Luck has always held positions where excellent customer service is a must and a top priority. She truly enjoys greeting, assisting and making everyone feel relevant and cared about. When not hard at work, Luck can be found at the theater taking in the latest movie, cheering on her beloved Dodgers, rooting for her favorite football teams, dining at her favorite eating spots, and relaxing at the beach.
Mohamed Ali
Physical Therapy Aide
Mohamed is Physical Therapy Aide at Physical Therapyworks.
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