MEET OUR TEAM

Salpi Salibian MS PA-C

Salpi joined Hoag Hospital in 2015 as Director of Clinical Operations and Program Development for women’s outpatient health and wellness, including Womanology and RestoreHIM by Hoag, a specialized pelvic rehabilitation program.

She holds a Master of Science degree from Northeastern University, Physician Assistant Program Boston MA and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, cum laude, from Harvard University, Division of Continuing Education Cambridge, MA.

Salpi’s career in healthcare started in Corporate Training and then as a Physician Assistant (PA) more than 10 years ago. In 2007, Salpi moved to California with her family and worked as a PA in a Hoag affiliated private practice specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) in Newport Beach, CA subsequently joining Keck Medicine of USC, Institute of Urology Beverly Hills, CA.

She has extensive experience in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome, Overactive Bladder, Sexual Dysfunction, Chronic Pelvic Pain and Urodynamics. She also has a strong interest in teaching and research.

Salpi is thrilled to bring her experience and passion for Pelvic Medicine to Hoag and to be part of its vision to expand services that promote and improve the health and well-being of patients. Salpi is fluent in Armenian, Arabic and Turkish.

Christine L. King, PT, DPT, PRPC

Christine is the Physical Therapist Lead at the Newport location, specializing in women's health with a strong background in orthopedics that she incorporates into her practice. She enjoys treating patients with sacroiliac or hip pain, coccyx pain, painful intercourse, post-partum complications, interstitial cystitis, pelvic pain and incontinence.

She graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science with a pre-therapy and allied health option. She then went on to Chapman University in Orange, CA where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Originally from Oregon, Christine loves to enjoy the sandy beaches and warm sunshine that California offers. She likes to stay active with Crossfit, soccer, hiking, spinning, and Yoga. She loves to travel and spend time with friends and family including her French bulldog, Remy.

Christine loves the supportive environment that Womanology and Restore Him at Hoag provides for everyone who walks through our doors. She feels that the holistic care our team offers contributes to the overall well-being of an individual, and not just their current diagnosis.

Kathleen Lombardo, PT, DPT, WCS

Kathleen is the Physical Therapist Lead at the Irvine location.

Kathleen is the Physical Therapist Lead at the Irvine location, she received her Bachelors degree in Physiological Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2005. She graduated with her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2008. She also has advanced board certification from the APTA as a Women's Clinical Specialist (WCS) in physical therapy. She has extensive training in various manual therapy techniques and exercise for pelvic pain, voiding dysfunction, pregnancy and postpartum conditions. She finds women's health physical therapy as a specialty where she can integrate her knowledge and passion for multi-system physiology and biomechanics for treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. She believes in a multidisciplinary approach to care and in empowering patients with knowledge about the body to foster healing. She is committed to continuing education and learning to provide highly skilled care for her patients.

She has been involved in various speaking engagements for community education including participation as a panel member alongside physicians and other healthcare providers in topics of continence and sexual health. She has also been a featured columnist in the Orange County Register to improve community awareness on pelvic floor dysfunction and physical therapy. She served as lead pelvic floor therapist at Hoag Rehabilitation Services since 2011.

Her free time is spent mostly with her family. She is a proud mom and dog mom of two boys.

"I am happy and proud to be part of a team of genuinely caring and warmhearted women providing specialized therapies here at WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM by Hoag ."

Ema Borboa, MS, L.Ac, CBP, KST

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Certified Body Talk Practitioner, Koren Specific Technique, Always Ready to Dance

I have always had a passion for herbs and holistic healing, as both my grandmother and great-grandmother were avid holistic healers. As a result, I frequently “treated” family members with remedies from my local herb store and found I had a natural talent for finding the right herbs to heal specific conditions.

In 1985, I became ill with chronic migraine headaches, which led to my first acupuncture treatment. I was amazed at my quick recovery and decided I wanted to do for others what my acupuncturist had done for me. Instead of returning to school for my MBA, I changed my career path, and as they say, the rest is history. I’ve never looked back!

My particular focus is on Acupuncture and Herbology. However, I also know and practice a variety of other healing therapies, as needed.

More recently, my ongoing study of Eastern Medicine and Philosophies has opened the door for further broadening my world. I have learned that to facilitate health in others, a practitioner must follow her own advice and take her own medicine. Therefore, two of my favorite practices are Qigong and Zen Meditation.

I joined the staff of Womanology and Restore Him in spring of 2007 and have been blessed to practice in the company of such dedicated colleagues. The combination of our knowledge and modalities is a complimentary fit for addressing a vast number of acute and chronic physical conditions. Most
importantly, our shared philosophy in facilitating and nurturing the healing of our patients mutually enhances their continued success.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Marketing/International Business from California State University, Los Angeles, 1984
• Masters in Chinese Medicine & Herbology from South Baylo University,1999
• Certification in Jaffe Mallor Technique (JMT) for Allergy Elimination/Auto Immuno Dysfunction, 2000
• Dr. Tan’s Balance Method for Chronic Pain Treatment, 2002
• Neurological/Emotional Technique (NET), 2003
• Certified BodyTalk System Practitioner, 2004
• Reconnective Healing, 2006
• Matrix Energetics, 2008
• Certified Koren Specific Technique Practitioner (KST), 2009
• Presently studying the Classics of Chinese Medicine; going back to the beginning to create a foundation for the next step in healing

Shannon Pannell, MSAOM, L.Ac

Shannon became interested in the inner workings of the human body after becoming a Certified Personal Trainer in 2007. This led her to study Kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton. While attending, she was introduced to the healing powers of acupuncture and knew immediately this was her calling.

She transferred to South Baylo University where she began her studies in Ancient Chinese Medicine. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Science as well as a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2014. She graduated at the top of her class and was honored with the prestigious Clinical Excellence Award.

Shannon is a California Board Certified Acupuncturist that treats a variety of disorders with a focus in female wellness, musculoskeletal pain, weight loss, and stress management. She is passionate about ancient eastern medicine and believes that blending it with modern medicine will help each individual thrive in his or her quest for optimal health.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Holistic Science, South Baylo University, 2014
• Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, South Baylo University, 2014

Certification

• California Board Certified Acupuncturist, 2015
• Certified Personal Trainer, 2007

Kristal Irizarry, PTA, Certified Pilates Instructor

Kristal completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science at BYU in Provo, Utah. After completing her undergraduate degree, Kristal returned to her California roots and worked in the health promotion industry for several years as an ACSM certified Health Fitness Specialist. Her employment as the Health Fitness Specialist for an international company afforded her the opportunity to educate and work with employees one-on-one to help them achieve optimal health and wellness. Through her work as a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and Health Fitness Specialist, she discovered she could expand her passion for helping individuals improve their health and quality of life by becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.

To complement her fulfilling work in health promotion, Kristal went on to attain her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Cerritos College, and Pilates Instructor certification from Orange Coast College. Well acquainted with the therapeutic value of exercise, Kristal utilizes her wellness background and incorporates the Pilates method with her physical therapy patients to achieve optimal results. Kristal is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association and maintains her fitness and wellness certifications.

In her spare time, Kristal enjoys spending time with family, riding her beach cruiser, hiking, camping, cardio kickboxing, Pilates, and baking cookies.

Lisa Dietzel, Certified Pilates Instructor

After leaving the high stressed corporate world of Advertising, Lisa was first attracted to Pilates for its tremendous ability to heal bodies. She first discovered Pilates while searching for exercises to alleviate her back pain after an injury. She later was certified at Body Arts & Science International (BASI), specializing in pelvic floor dysfunctions, osteoporosis, cancer rehabilitation, and pre/post natal. With her extensive background in Art/Graphic Design, Pilates provides the perfect combination of art and science to rehabilitate people before and after pregnancy and through the life span. Lisa enjoys working in the fun and supportive environment at Womanology + RestoreHim by HOAG helping those who are recovering from injury, surgery, or pelvic floor dysfunctions. Her passion lies in the Pilates room guiding safe and healthy movement, connecting people creatively and organically to improve health and rehabilitation.

"Feeling good is infectious, motivating and empowering. I believe in the importance of safe movement to maintain good health which ultimately reduces pain and stress. I like to provide real exercise for real people"

Nicole Ervin, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, Fitness Coach

While studying nutrition in college, Nicole worked at a local women's gym which inspired her to learn more about fitness. After all, she believes combining fitness and nutrition is the best way to achieve optimal health!

After graduating Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Nutrition, she became a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She started her career at a major chain gym where she became successful as one of the club's top trainers. From there, she launched Benefitness.

Nicole's mission is to help her clients accomplish their fitness goals and assist them in making practical lifestyle changes suited to their life. Customized fitness and nutrition programs are designed specifically for the individual, whether they're in junior high or enjoying retirement. Nicole prides herself on offering a safe place to achieve lasting health and fitness habits.

Karen Herold

DNP, WHCNP-BC, FNP-BC, High Risk Breast Cancer Nurse Practitioner

Karen Herold is the High Risk Breast Cancer Nurse Practitioner for the Hoag Breast Center Newport Beach. Karen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, her Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner degree from Harbor-UCLA, her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Case Western University and her Doctorate in Nursing from Case Western University. Karen has over 30 years of experience in Women’s health in clinical, academic and research settings.

Elaine Wong, BCTMB, CMLDT

Board Certified Massage Therapist

Elaine Wong is a Board Certified Massage Therapist with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science/Hospital Administration. Elaine is a Preferred Provider for the Society For Oncology Massage. She is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Prenatal Massage. Her other specialties include neuromuscular/sports injury and oncology massage.

As a proud member of the Womanology + Restore Him team since 2011, Elaine works with a variety of patients to alleviate chronic or acute pain, muscle spasms, and stress reduction. She combines clinical and therapeutic massage for an effective and relaxing therapy session. She would like everyone to know that massage does not have to be painful to be effective.

Elaine believes that the mind-body-spirit connection is an essential part of everyone's health and well-being. She also believes that massage therapy should be utilized by all, and is most effective as a preventive/maintenance program.

In her spare time, Elaine enjoys volunteering and providing oncology massage for patients while they are receiving chemotherapy treatments in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

“I am honored to be working with such a specialized, dedicated and extremely passionate group of women."

Karen Curran, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

After over twenty years of working in the corporate world, Karen decided to pursue her lifelong interest and passion for being a holistic provider. She graduated from the Holistic Healthcare Provider Program at Healing Hands School of Holistic Health with exceptional achievements as a massage therapist. She is licensed by the State of California as a Certified Massage Therapist. Karen’s caring personality and her exceptional manual therapeutic skills make her a valued member of the Hoag for Her Center for Wellness team. In her spare time, Karen loves family time, hiking, most sports, and is trying to get better at golf.

Heather Ackley, PT, DPT, PRPC

Heather Ackley began her academic career by earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Oregon. As an undergraduate, she nurtured her passion for combing health and science by working as a certified personal trainer and as a fitness instructor for several years.

She continued her education at Chapman University in Orange, California where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Currently, in addition to her work at WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM, she is an anatomy lab instructor for the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Science at Chapman University. Other teaching experiences include teaching the physical agents course with Chapman’s DPT program in 2014. Heather has focused her practice efforts on both orthopedic and pelvic health for men and women with emphasis on spine, pelvis, and tailbone pain, and their role in urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, urinary frequency/urgency, prostatitis, interstitial cystitis, and pre and post-partum pathology.

Currently Heather is pursuing post-professional studies in manual therapy with the Institute of Physical Art, and expanding her expertise in Women’s Health by participating in the coursework offered by Herman & Wallace. Heather has a strong passion and interest in both orthopedic and pelvic health fields, and brings the two together in the treatment of her patients for optimal outcomes. Heather is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

“What I love about working at WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM is that the clinic, staff, and patients make it feel like home.”

In her free time, Heather enjoys anything outdoors and involving music.

Tiffani Berra, PT, DPT

We are so excited to have Tiffani Berra, PT, DPT join our team! Starting out as an NCAA Division 1 gymnast from Central Michigan University, Tiffani furthered her passion for fitness and health in physical therapy school at USC. Tiffani is simply beautiful inside and out and is adored by her patients and all of our staff-we are truly blessed to have her!

“I am passionate about providing the highest quality of care and this drives my desire to continuously learn and improve my practice, particularly in the specialized areas of women’s and men’s health. I am enthusiastic about practicing physical therapy and am focused on becoming a highly skilled provider in the areas of pelvic health, lymphedema and orthopedics, and truly believe in a comprehensive, patient-centered approach in order to help my patients achieve optimal health. I am excited for the opportunities to learn and work with such a great and experienced team at Womanology + Restore Him and feel that this will provide an ideal environment for me to thrive and grow immensely as a physical therapist.”

Kathryn Karkut, Physical Therapist

Kathryn enjoys treating men and women of all ages with orthopedic and pelvic health conditions with special interest in pelvic pain, incontinence, and post-partum restoration.

She received her B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Southern California with a minor in Nutrition and Health promotion. While there, she competed on the NCAA Division 1 track and field team in the hurdles. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach and completed a 12-week internship at WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM by Hoag.

In her free time, she enjoys golfing, volleyball, yoga, casual runs, and riding her bike to the beach.

Kathryn loves the supportive and friendly community at WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM by Hoag and their commitment to providing patients with the best care. She believes in the multidisciplinary approach provided here to meet all the patient's needs in order for them to enjoy each day of their life.

Claire Merriman, PT, DPT, MTC

Claire Merriman received her bachelor of arts in Journalism from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Upon graduating, she moved to Japan to teach English at a conversational language school in Tokyo. It was while teaching that she discovered a passion for physical therapy and returned to the United States to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, in St. Augustine Florida. During her graduate studies, she received the 2012 USA Healthcare in Journalism Award for contributions to an article on injury prevention for runners.

After graduation, Claire gained experience treating a wide range of orthopedic impairments working at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Boston, MA. In December 2015, she received her Manual Therapy Certification from the University of St. Augustine. Claire moved to California in January of 2016 and has spent the last year treating orthopedic and pelvic floor disorders at an outpatient clinic. During that time she has been expanding her proficiency in Women’s Health through various continuing education courses. Claire has a shared passion for treating both orthopedic and pelvic floor impairments.

In her free time, Claire enjoys running, hiking and exploring new places with her husband, family and friends.

Colleen Elliott, PT, DPT - Physical Therapist

Colleen received her Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1999. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2005. Colleen has worked in orthopedics and pelvic health since the beginning her career. “I love helping patients to achieve their goals through problem solving and improving their function. Looking at a problem through someone else’s eyes allows you to be creative in individualizing treatments that are meaningful.” She often incorporates yoga into her treatments. Colleen is also a certified yoga instructor. Colleen feels that education is key in helping patients to take control of their health. She enjoys speaking at community functions on topics such as urinary incontinence, posture and body mechanics.

Colleen is married and is the proud mom of two sons. She enjoys being a baseball mom, golfing, hiking and drinking wine.

Yasi Ansari, CSSD, MS, RD

Yasi currently works as a Clinical Dietitian at Hoag Hospital, where she provides Medical Nutrition Therapy to patients with a variety of health conditions. Yasi’s work in the field of nutrition began with a position at USC Norris Cancer Hospital where she worked in inpatient and outpatient oncology and helped educate both patients and families on healthy eating for cancer prevention and while undergoing treatment. Yasi also worked with her alma-mater UCLA; fueling athletes as a Clinical Nutrition Coordinator with UCLA Athletics. There she provided Bruin-athletes with education about pre and post fueling for optimal performance and recovery, conducted grocery store tours and also met one-on-one with students for individualized nutrition therapy to meet health goals.

In her spare time, Yasi enjoys dancing and writing as a freelance nutrition writer for physicians and dietitians in the Southern California community. Yasi’s undergraduate degree was completed in Mass Communication Studies from UCLA and graduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Nutrition and Dietetics from CSUN. Yasi is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) which designates specific knowledge, skills, and expertise for competency in sports dietetics practice. As a CSSD, Yasi is able to provide safe, effective, evidence-based nutrition services for health, fitness, and athletic performance.

Her areas of clinical/research interest include nutrition for recovery from injury, fueling for optimal performance, general wellness, optimal bone health and clinical health issues such as IBD, IBS, food allergies, disordered eating, interstitial cystitis, kidney stones, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Stephanie Buehler, MPW, PsyD, CST-S

Dr. Stephanie Buehler is a licensed psychologist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist with a long interest both in treating women and men with pelvic floor diagnoses and in integrated medicine. Dr. Buehler helps people to cope with these frustrating conditions; to have more comfortable sexual experiences; and to better understand their sexuality. Dr. Buehler also specializes in helping cancer survivors, couples with infertility, and couples in the post-partum period recover sexual function and pleasure.

Dr. Buehler is a native Californian and has lived in Orange County for almost 25 years. She is a graduate of UCLA, USC, Pepperdine University, and Alliant/CSPP. She is active in several organizations, including the American Psychological Association; American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists; International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health; and the International Pelvic Pain Society.

Dr. Buehler is the author of two books, including What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know about Sex, and multiple articles about sexual health. She has been quoted in the media, including Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, WebMD, and more. She is the founder of The Buehler Institute, which offers continuing education opportunities for psychotherapists and nurses seeking specialized training in sex therapy and counseling.

When not working, Dr. Buehler enjoys photographing landscapes, visiting art museums, traveling around the Southwest, hanging out in good restaurants with her husband Mark, family and friends, and scratching her parrot’s neck.

Anusha Wijeyakumar, MA, Dip Mentoring, CPC, RYT, Wellness Coach

Anusha Wijeyakumar (MA, Dip Mentoring, CPC, RYT) is a Wellness Coach providing service at WOMANOLOGY + Restore HIM by Hoag. Anusha teaches Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha and Pre-­Natal yoga for all levels and because of her knowledge base has been invited to teach as part of Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Training Programs across Southern California. Anusha runs yoga workshops internationally, yoga retreats in Southern California and is a published spiritual writer and motivational speaker.

Anusha is also knowledgeable in the areas of Meditation, Mantra, Pranayama/Breath work and the Philosophy and Mythology associated with Yoga. Anusha has over 15 years of senior management experience working for Fortune 50 global corporations, not-­for-­profit charitable organizations & private companies in three continents. She holds a BA, MA, Diploma in Mentoring, Certified Professional Coach qualification, is a Registered Yoga Teacher/RYT with Yoga Alliance and a Meditation Practitioner.

Anusha teaches yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices in a way that honors her students and her teaching style. Anusha specializes in teaching yoga to beginners and those with additional needs due to injuries who require more individual attention and modifications. Her teaching methodology is focused on alignment, breath and beginning the process of quieting the mind, and going within to discover lasting inner peace.

She is also the Director of Shanti Within, a Wellness organization that offers holistic bespoke Yoga, Meditation, Corporate Wellness and Mindfulness coaching packages to individuals and corporations.

Sarah Anne Urzua, Front Office Lead

I am a Minnesota girl, who loves her family and friends and I love to make people laugh! My true passion is photography. I enjoy photographing children and families and am currently pursuing a path photographing the absolute miracle of child birth. Working at WOMANOLOGY + RESTORE HIM has been amazing, all of the staff is so incredibly friendly and welcoming...and fashionable!

Nicole Morabe, Patient Care Coordinator

Nicole was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated with a BS degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton in 2014, and was a member of Kappa Omicron Nu Honors Society.

Previously, Nicole worked at a very busy PT practice in Lakewood as a Physical Therapy Aide, where she handled front office duties as well as helped patients during therapy. Nicole currently interns as a Health Scholar on the Medical Pulmonary floor of Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach in the evenings and is in pursuit of a graduate degree.

She is a volunteer with the American Red Cross and Make-a-Wish Foundation. During her free time, Nicole enjoys visiting new places, meeting and learning about people from different walks of life.

Heather Tellez, Patient Care Coordinator

Heather brings compassion, hard work and kindness to the Womanology+RestoreHIM team.

For most of her adult life she has been a caregiver at heart, serving as a companion for the elderly and stay-at-home mom. She focused on raising her children and being active in their sports, schoolwork and extracurricular activities while actively raising awareness for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

In her free time, Heather enjoys jazz and the blues, riding on her husband’s Harley-Davidson and spending time with family - including her “goldens” (golden retrievers), Lucy and Clover.

Sammy Bello - Wellness Program Coordinator

Sammy is the Wellness Program Coordinator at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness. She previously worked for the Health Information Exchange department at Hoag for a year and half as a liaison for physicians in order to improve the transition of care for patients from provider to provider. Sammy organizes the wellness classes and services at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness. She guides patients through their journey toward cultivating better wellness.

Sammy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego. She worked in television production as well as marketing promotions. She worked for the American Heart Association and coordinated the Orange County Heart Walk at Angels Stadium which fundraises over $1.5 million for research, education, and healthcare. She earned her Master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion from National University. As an athlete her whole life, Sammy has a passion for fitness. She is a trained Pure Barre Instructor and has completed multiple marathons as well.

She is proud to continue her career with Hoag at the Center for Wellness. She is excited to guide the community toward empowering themselves to improve their own health. “Health care does not just pertain to improving one’s body, but also improving the health of their mind and soul.”

Rhona Jordan, C.Glt, C.Cht-Guided Imagery Therapist

Rhona Jordan is passionate about her offerings with our patients for their well being. Rhona offers workshop, classes, public speaking engagements at conventions, and medical meetings. Well known Hypnosis Instructor and teacher to the teachers. She is a certified Primordial Sound Meditation Instructor. Her clients base is international as far as Peru, thanks to Skype and Facetime technology.

Rhona's hobbies are growing and wiring Bonsai trees. Her home and yard reflects international travels and special love of the Hawaii islands.