OUR TEAM
At DeWitt Physical Therapy, our physical therapists take a functional and evidence-based approach to your rehabilitation. We challenge the convention of physical therapy as most have experienced it.
We blend the best of manual therapy techniques with strength coaching and movement restoration with corrective exercises. Our physical therapists will get you to tap into your inner athlete, break a sweat, and embrace an active lifestyle.
Bear with us if we geek out from time to time on the latest research and newest exercises of philosophies—it is all a reflection of our passion for helping you meet your goals.
NOW, LETS GET AFTER IT!
RYAN DEWITT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND OWNER
Masters in Physical Therapy (MPT)
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)
Ryan, a native of Santa Cruz, opened DeWitt Physical Therapy in 2011 to provide the community with physical therapy services that bridge the gap between rehabilitation and sports performance. As a life-long athlete, physics geek, and gym rat, physical therapy was the perfect fit.
CINDY MACK
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Credentialed Clinical Instructor (CCI)
Cindy received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Science from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at Chapman University in Orange County. Born and raised in the South Bay, she returned to the area after graduation in order to be closer to family because there really is 'no place like home'.
JUSTIN YASUTAKE
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Justin received his B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California, Davis, bolstering a strong foundation of the nervous system and its value in musculoskeletal health. He then acquired his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and began treating in 2019. Justin also maintains credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and offers personal training services in his spare time.
Outside of his career in healthcare, Justin believes that breadth of experience is tantamount to quality of life. He grew up playing soccer at the collegiate and national levels and was an avid baseball player through high school. He now engages in a plethora of hobbies, most notably: competitive apnea spearfishing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, rock climbing, and long trail runs with his 5-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, Murphey. His latest aspiration is to learn how to kiteboard, and he hopes to participate in an Iron Man by 2023.
KASSIDY LANE
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)
Kassidy, a recent transplant from the Central Valley. She initially decided to pursue physical therapy in order to help people live their best lives. She chose DeWitt PT for our core values and patient-focused care.
Coming from an athletic background, Kassidy saw the importance of patient education for optimizing movement to gaining and maintaining a quality of life. She wanted to become a physical therapist to educate her patients on how to keep living life to the fullest doing the activities they loved the most.
Kassidy received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Pre Health Sciences from the Vanguard University of Southern California, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA. After graduation, she took a job close to home in Bakersfield, CA. However, a few short months later, she was called to our beautiful coastline.
Since settling in Santa Cruz, she spends her free time exploring all the activities this great area has to offer. When not at work, Kassidy can be found out and about with friends: playing frisbee/spike ball at the beach, hiking, camping, running, at a CrossFit class, attempting to surf, and traveling.
DEREK VANOUS
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1)
Derek first began to understand programming, coaching, and movement while acquiring his Bachelors of Exercise science at Wichita State University. He later completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis where movement and patient care are prioritized.
Derek also holds credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, which allows him to continue to learn ways to utilize his skills not only as a therapist but also as a coach.
While prioritizing his patient's goals, Derek continues to close the gap between the treatment table and performance on the field, court, or in life.
Outside of the clinic, Derek enjoys weightlifting, hiking, gaming, and challenging himself with new sports or activities.
JENNA RILEY
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Jenna first became interested in physical therapy after undergoing her own treatment as a 12-year-old age group swimmer. However, it wasn’t until becoming an PT aide that she realized that this was the profession for her as she loves working one-on-one with patients and tailoring treatment for their individual needs and goals.
Jenna received her B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior from UC Davis and then later acquired her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Jenna moved home from the Midwest after graduation to settle back in the Monterey Peninsula.
Outside of the clinic, Jenna enjoys being outdoors and participating in activities such as hiking, biking, and running. For the past few years she has trained and raced in several running events including 10Ks, half marathons and marathons. Her current goal is to qualify and run the Boston Marathon.
Annie Sakamoto
I have been a competitive CrossFit athlete since 2011. Unfortunately aches, pains, and injuries are part of the territory for me. For a few years now I have gone to Ryan DeWitt any time something has come up and he has always taken the best care of me. The breadth and depth of not only his knowledge, but his mechanisms of treatment are unbeatable. He always has me back to training as soon as possible and feeling great. I am so thankful for Ryan and all of his care.
ALEA KRAUSE
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Clinical Athlete Certified Power Lifting Coach (CCPC)
Dr. Alea Krause is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, currently working in Santa Cruz, California.
She obtained her degree from Azusa Pacific University after completing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UC Santa Cruz. Prior to obtaining her doctorate, Dr. Krause worked as a high school swim coach, physical therapy aide, laboratory assistant, and day camp counselor.
As a student athlete, she was often coping with injury and saw a physical therapist for many years. After feeling uninspired in a laboratory setting, she turned to physical therapy as a potential career and fell in love.
She enjoys working with young athletes, weekend warriors, general orthopedic injuries, and those who want to return the things in life that bring them joy, whatever that may be. Dr. Krause has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2018.
She has taken courses in dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS), trauma informed care, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain.
Outside of the clinic, you can find her running, hiking, rock climbing, and spending time with loved ones. She hopes to help you return to the joys in your life and help guide you through the physical therapy process.