ABOUT US
The Performance Plus Story
Dr. Todd Sparks | PT, DPT, OCS CSCS, Cert VRS
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Todd Sparks received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island in 2002, his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from American International College in 2004 and his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2012. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (only 3% of Physical Therapists in the country have achieved this specialty), a nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has attained advanced work as an orthopedic manual therapist through the world renowned Ola Grimsby Institute. Todd is also a Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist and has mastery training to treat those with dizziness, imbalance, past concussion pathology and other vestibular pathologies. Todd has been practicing physical therapy in San Diego County for nearly two decades and has helped people of all ages and activity levels decrease pain, improve mobility and return to a pain free, active lifestyle. Todd’s motto is “living in pain is not an option.”
Dr. Giovanni “Gio” Villanueva | PT, DPT
Dr. Giovanni “Gio” Villanueva is a native San Diegan who spent many vacations traveling to Puerto Rico to visit Family. He received his Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University in 2014, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2019. During clinical internships, Gio worked in various settings and had the opportunity to work alongside the LA Dodgers staff during the 2019 spring training. He is an empathetic therapist who utilizes manual therapy along with therapeutic exercise to enhance physical function. Gio is a fluent Spanish speaker who enjoys baseball, traveling, hiking and trying new restaurants with friends and family.
Dr. Andrew Novencido | PT, DPT, CSCS
Director of Rehabilitation – National City
Dr. Andrew Novencido was born and raised in sunny San Diego and joined the PPPT team in January 2021. He began his track to enter the medical field when he received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine in 2012 and continued his education by earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences in 2018. Andrew utilizes a combination of manual treatment including soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques and individualized exercise prescriptions to treat his patients of various conditions including orthopedic injuries, post-surgical treatment, and neurological disorders. Andrew has a love for team sports and passion for maximizing athletic performance as he is also a nationally certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is back in his hometown and is fully committed to helping his community to move and groove and live life to its fullest!
Rachel Herman | PT, DPT | Pelvic Health Therapist
Director of Rehabilitation – Chula Vista
Dr. Kyle Dorsey | PT, DPT, CSCS
Dr. Kyle Dorsey joined the Performance Plus family in July of 2021. Dr. Kyle received his Bachelors of Science in Allied Health Sciences from UConn in 2011 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from American International College in 2019. Dr. Kyle’s love of sports, rehabilitation and helping people overcome their injuries is what drove him to become a Physical Therapist. He is certified in IASTM and Kinesiotaping and plans on pursuing advanced education in both Sport and Tactile Physical Therapy, as well as concussion testing & treatment and golf rehab. Dr. Kyle loves to utilize a combination of manual therapy, patient education and functional strength and conditioning to help all his clients achieve their goals. In his free time you can find him working out, going for hikes in and around San Diego, playing tennis, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Sarah Suggs | PT, DPT, Pelvic Health Therapist
Director of Rehabilitation — Imperial Beach
Dr. Sarah Suggs was born and raised in Houston, Texas and received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Texas in 2018. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the George Washington University in Washington, DC before joining the Performance Plus PT team in 2022. During her clinical experiences, she worked with a wide range of conditions and patients at the DC VA Medical Center and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot here in San Diego. She utilizes manual therapy and functional exercise to help her patients meet their goals and return to their favorite activities. She is looking forward to pursuing advanced training in orthopedic conditions, manual therapy, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. When she is not in the clinic, you can find her hiking, running, and enjoying the beach with her husband and their dog.
Dr. Tia Nguyen | PT, DPT, Pelvic Health Therapist
Dr. Andrea Jimenez | PT, DPT
Dr. Kevin Stahl | PT, DPT
Dr. Kevin Stahl is a born-and-raised San Diegan who joined the PPPT team in November 2022. His journey to physical therapy took many turns, from an initial interest in chiropractic during high school to working as a personal trainer in college and even earning a master’s degree in history for studying progressive gymnastics practiced in the 19th-Century United States. Eventually, he realized his true calling was helping people in the present regain their functional independence and completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA. He has experience primarily with orthopedic conditions, but is intensely interested in pain science and education, as well as treating patients with neurological and vestibular impairments. Kevin is a staunch advocate of evidence-based practice. He works diligently to ensure all his patients are discharged with a greater sense of self-efficacy and the knowledge of how to continue their personal journey of health and wellness. He lives with his wife and dog in Otay Ranch.
Dr. Brandon Cheng | PT, DPT
Dr. Brandon Cheng was born in Manila, Philippines and grew up nearby in Los Angeles. He moved East for school, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017 with a Degree in Exercise Science and finishing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Boston University in 2021. Brandon utilizes manual techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint tissue mobilization, and cupping while working with you to develop an individualized exercise prescription throughout your care at Performance Plus. He has experience working with patients with orthopedic, post-surgical, sports, concussion, spinal, and neurological disorders to maximize mobility, and quality of life. In his free time Brandon loves playing basketball, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his friends, family, and his cat Lumpia.
Dr. Samantha Vaisman | PT, DPT
Dr. Vaisman has East Coast roots but has called SoCal home for the majority of her life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona before obtaining her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Mount Union in 2021. Committed to fostering rewarding and impactful relationships, Sam prioritizes building solid connections in both her personal and professional life. Her daily focus revolves around problem-solving, creativity, and continuous professional growth. With experience in various areas, including working with athletes, post-surgical conditions, KT taping, pelvic floor therapy, and neurological conditions like stroke and Parkinson’s disease, Sam approaches each patient as a unique experience. Her overarching aim is to help patients achieve their highest physical potential, recognizing the profound impact this has on mental and emotional well-being. Outside of work, Sam finds joy in outdoor activities, attending live music events, exploring new destinations, and culinary experiences. She also cherishes quality time with loved ones and her dog, Venice, who often accompanies her on adventures.
Dr. Taylor Verissimo | PT, DPT
Dr. Taylor Verissimo is a California native originally from the Central Valley who joined the Performance Plus Physical Therapy team in 2024. She received her Bachelor of Science in Bio-Psychology from University of California Santa Barbara and earned her Doctorate degree from South College in Knoxville Tennessee. Taylor has worked with physical therapy in several clinical settings including outpatient, skilled nursing, and acute care. She has pursued the career of physical therapy because she is passionate about using functional exercise to assist people in achieving an overall pain-free and healthy lifestyle. In her free time Taylor enjoys taking her daughter for stroller walks in the sunshine of San Diego and spending time
attempting to perfect the art of sourdough baking.
Dr. Austin Win | RD, LDN, PT, DPT, CSCS, USAW, FMT, IDN Cert
Dr. Austin Win is a Physical Therapist, Registered Dietitian, and author of the #1 Best Selling book, The Winning Wellness Method. He’s been in healthcare for over a decade and is dedicated to helping people lose weight, get in shape and improve their health, especially after an injury. Austin received his first personal training certification in 2011 through the American Council on Exercise, where he discovered his passion for helping people just like you, live healthier and happier lives. Austin is now certified as a strength and conditioning coach through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and as a sports performance coach through USA weightlifting. Austin has been helping people just like you for years, to keep active and stay healthy, so they can get the most enjoyment out of life for many years to come! Austin believes people should have exceptionally better access to great care to help them stay active, mobile and free from painkillers. He is a true believer in letting food and movement become your medicine, as the body has an amazing way of healing itself given the right foods and environment. He has a non-diet approach to weight loss as his philosophy revolves around healthy habits, routines, actions and behaviors. He believes people can lose weight, burn fat and achieve their health goals without strict dieting or giving up their favorite foods. His mission is to help inspire others to live more fulfilling lives through natural and practical methods in order to become the best version of themselves, all while preventing chronic diseases and illnesses. He loves helping others get back to doing the things they love even faster – without pain! When not at work, Austin loves to cook, travel, watch movies, exercise and do fun outdoor activities