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
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. 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
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. Andrea Jimenez | PT, DPT
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
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.