ABOUT US
The Performance Plus Story
“Hello, my name is Todd Sparks, and I am a Physical Therapist and the owner of Performance Plus Physical Therapy.
Having grown up in Massachusetts with a mom who spent nearly 40 years practicing physical therapy and a dad spending nearly 50 years as a firefighter, helping others in my community became a goal of mine at a very young age. After spending a decade working as a staff therapist for various companies, I knew I wanted and needed to do more to assure high level, quality patient care.
In 2017, PPPT was born out of a passion and desire to provide a unique, personalized, over the top PT experience unlike no other. My goal was to create a warm, friendly, clean environment with a top-notch staff that went above and beyond to assure the patient’s experience was one that they would never forget. Since opening our first location in Chula Vista, we have expanded to both Imperial Beach and National City covering the entire South Bay region. We continue to hire only the very best in an effort to provide the best possible care to each and every one of our patients and return them to a pain-free active lifestyle.”
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, Cert VRS
Director of Rehab- Chula Vista (Terra Nova)
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. Lauren Maalouf | PT, DPT
Pelvic Health Therapist
Dr. Lauren Maalouf earned her B.S. in Health Sciences from Saint Louis University in 2020 then returned to her hometown of San Diego to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from San Diego State University in 2024. Dr. Lauren has experience in a broad range of clinical specialties and is pursuing advanced certifications in pelvic floor/women’s health and sports physical therapy. Lauren is a function and performance focused therapist. She loves using a combination of functional training, neuromuscular facilitation, therapeutic exercise and manual therapy to help patients return to their desired functional levels. Dr. Lauren is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and helping her patients return to their active lives with confidence and strength. Outside the clinic, Lauren is an avid dancer, gym rat and beach volleyball and pickleball weekend warrior
Dr. Kyle Dorsey | PT, DPT, CSCS
Director of Rehab- National City
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. Emmanuel Vazquez | PT, DPT, CSCS, Cert VRS
Dr. Emmanuel Vazquez was born in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico,
and raised in San Diego, CA. He received his Bachelor of Science
Degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University in 2018 and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2024. Leading up to becoming a Licensed Physical Therapist, Emmanuel worked as a Certified Personal Trainer, became a Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and helped patients from all walks of life during his clinical rotations in San Diego, Florida, and Orange County. Emmanuel loves to help his patients through a combination of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in order to improve their function and overall independence.
When not at work, Emmanuel loves to embrace the outdoors
whether it’s through hiking, enjoying the beach, or experiencing different places to eat; and also believes in setting the example for patients by actively exercising and implementing physical therapy into his weekly regiment.
Dr. Tia Nguyen | PT, DPT, Pelvic Health Therapist
Dr. Tia Danae Nguyen was born and raised in Houston, TX and relocated to San Diego, CA in 2016 to pursue her academic career. She received her Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University in 2020 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2023. A product of a diverse family background in a city that embraces diversity, she found herself right at home in various work settings across the country during her clinical rotations in Texas, Florida, and California. Outside of her professional developments, Tia enjoys working on skill development on the dance floor and in the ring, as dancing and boxing are just a few of Tia’s preferred hobbies. Staying fully immersed in an active lifestyle allows Tia to connect with patients on the mission to make progress in their everyday movement and their overall well-being; the balance of strong body and positive mind is what Tia strives for and what she wishes to promote in others!
Dr. Kevin Stahl | PT, DPT
Director of Rehab- Chula Vista (Otay Ranch)
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. Christopher Pascual | PT, DPT, MFDc
Dr. Christopher Pascual was born in San Diego, CA and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He attained his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from San Jose State University in 2012, became a Certified Massage Practitioner in 2014, and achieved his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2019. His training provided him with a strong background in manual therapy, post-operative rehabilitation, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Chris utilizes numerous techniques including joint mobilizations, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, myofascial decompression with cupping, muscle energy techniques, trigger point pressure release, and exercise-based interventions to help patients achieve their goals. He believes in the human body’s capability for healing and the importance of giving patients the right tools and education to help manage and facilitate their recovery. In his free time, Dr. Chris enjoys barbecuing, hanging at the beach, working on his truck, and exploring San Diego with his family.
Dr. Alexandra Nguyen | PT, DPT
Ali is born and raised in San Diego. She earned her undergraduate degree at SDSU and Doctor of Physical Therapy at Chapman University. Ali has a passion for leading a healthy and active lifestyle, which drives her to help patients move and feel better. Her professional interests includes orthopedic and sports rehab. Outside of the clinic, Ali likes to play tennis, weightlift, and run/hike with her dog.
Dr. Jesse Stallworth Smith | PT, DPT
Dr. Jesse joins us from Long Island, New York, having moved to San Diego in July 2024 and shortly after becoming a member of the Performance Plus Physical Therapy Team at our Chula Vista/Otay Ranch office. Dr. Jesse received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, CT, going on to earn his Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at Stony Brook University in 2021. During his time practicing physical therapy in NY, Dr. Jesse worked as an outpatient therapist treating a wide variety of patients ranging from children/adolescents rehabilitating sports injuries or congenital diagnoses, to adults/elder adults recovering from orthopedic surgeries or managing neurological conditions. With his background heavily influenced by sports, Dr.Jesse advocates for collaborative and individualized treatment plans to assist patients with returning to the activities they love, utilizing his experience and knowledge of functional exercises and targeted manual interventions to achieve this goal. In his free time he enjoys traveling with his partner, photography/videography, watching/playing basketball as well as gaming.
Dr. Peter Chung | PT, DPT, CSCS
Dr. Peter Chung was born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up playing ice hockey, he witnessed firsthand the impact injuries can have on athletes which inspired him to learn more about the human body, its recovery process and the science behind rehabilitation. He quickly developed a passion for physical therapy and enrolled in Boston University’s accelerated BS/DPT program, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. During his time in Boston, he also became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and worked as a personal trainer focusing on long-term strength development for athletes and active adults. Currently, Peter is deepening his expertise in golf biomechanics through the Titleist Performance Institute and aims to leverage this knowledge to assist injured golfers in returning to the golf course and enhancing their performance. Peter’s primary mission is to help his patients get back to what they love doing and create a plan of care that is specific to their needs. He has experience working with a diverse range of patient populations, including veterans and individuals with orthopedic and neurological conditions. With his extensive background, he brings a wealth of experience and skills to the Performance Plus team. In his spare time, you can often find Peter on the golf course working to improve his game, or playing ice hockey in his local men’s league.
Dr. Michael Torres | PT, DPT, Cert VRS
Dr. Michael Andrew Torres grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with emphasis on Movement Sciences from San Francisco State University in 2014. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2023. Dr. Michael understands how it feels to be injured and how it can affect your life. After experiencing an injury and undergoing physical therapy treatment, he made the choice to pursue the profession in order to help others recovery from injuries. Prior to entering physical therapy school Dr. Michael worked as an aide in multiple physical therapy clinics assisting and learning from various physical therapists. While in physical therapy school he was able to gain experience through rotations in outpatient orthopedic and skilled nursing facility settings. In his down time, he enjoys to grill and spent quality time with his wife and two daughters.
Dr. Jose Aguayo | PT, DPT, Cert VRS
Dr. Jose Aguayo joined the Performance Plus family in August of 2024. Jose is a native San Diegan who loves to travel on his free time. He earned his Bachelor of Science from California State San Marcos, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Leading up to becoming a Licensed Physical Therapist, Jose worked full time in the Emergency Department and trauma room as a technician assisting physicians and surgeons working under pressure in a fast-paced environment while staying focused, organized and becoming a team leader. With experience in various areas as a PT aide and student including working with geriatric population, post-surgical orthopedic conditions, and neurological conditions within various settings such as outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities around San Diego County, Jose focuses on patient centered care by displaying empathy while exhibiting compassion and always communicating with patients and family members in a kind manner to reach each individual patient’s goals. When not at work, Jose loves to travel to beautiful, secluded beaches around the world, take his dog for long scenic walks and spend quality time with his wife. Dr. Jose strongly believes in not only helping his patients build muscle, but also strengthening his local community.
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