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.
Colleen Elliott, PT, DPT
Colleen received her Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology from the University
of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1999. She then went on to earn her
Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2005. Colleen
has worked in orthopedics and pelvic health since the beginning of her
career. “I love helping patients 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.” Colleen is also a certified yoga instructor
and often incorporates yoga into her treatments. She feels that education
is key in helping patients to take control of their health. Colleen enjoys
speaking at community functions on topics related to posture, body mechanics
and pelvic health.
Colleen loves spending time with her husband and two sons. She enjoys being
a baseball mom, golfing, hiking and wine tasting.
Mona Espanola - PT, DPT
Mona Espanola is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health for
both men and women. Mona earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from
Touro University Nevada in 2013, and received her Bachelor's degree in
Clinical Exercise Science from California State University Fullerton.
She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Section on Women's Health, International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS),
Southern California Pelvic Floor Sexual Medicine Collaborative Group (PFSM).
She is actively pursuing a board certification in Women's Health through the APTA.
Mona has a special interest in chronic pelvic pain conditions such as pudendal
neuralgia, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, vulvodynia,
prostatitis, post-surgical pain, and post-partum pain. She also wants
to create an awareness, while providing personalized care and treatment
for the underserved male population experiencing pelvic pain. Mona focuses
on patient-centered care while utilizing the most current evidence-based
manual therapy techniques through specialized education and training received
from Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Pelvic Education
Alliance, and a post-graduate fellowship focusing on chronic pelvic pain
and pelvic floor dysfunction.
While working on her Doctorate, Mona volunteered at the Children’s
Heart Center, Sunrise Hospital in Nevada and other non-profit organizations
to promote health, wellness, and fitness to the youth in the Las Vegas
area. During her free time, Mona likes to stay active with yoga, paddle
boarding, hiking, and running. She plans to work on her yoga teacher training
and incorporate this into patient care. She likes to attend sporting events,
concerts, spend time with family and friends, and play with her French
Bulldogs Bruce and Gus.
Kathryn Karkut, PT, DPT
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.