Monterey - Cass St
Clinical Director
Victor Aguilar, DPT, OCS, GCS, Cert. MDT
Victor entered college as a computer science major, but by the end of his second year a torn ACL injury changed the direction of his studies. He had a surgical repair, and after going through the rehabilitation process he realized that physical therapy was the career best suited for him. He maintains his interest in technology, but prefers to work closely helping people on a daily basis. Victor received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of the Pacific in 2003. In 2000 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University Stanislaus with a Bachelor Degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training. During his training, at UOP Victor was a physical therapy intern in our clinic and he came to work for us immediately upon graduation and shows his care and commitment on a daily basis. He has completed the McKenzie training for Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of spinal and extremity conditions. Victor also maintains dual specializations in the areas of Geriatrics and Orthopedics making him one of only a handful of physical therapists in California to have done so. Additionally, Victor has become credentialed with a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult (CEEAA). He therefore demonstrates expert clinical decision-making skills in designing and measuring effective exercise prescriptions for aging adults. Victor plays touch football, basketball, golf, and loves to snowboard. He maintains an active personal physical fitness program, and enjoys inspiring people to be active.
Pamela Yamashita, PT
Pamela attended Pacific Grove High School and played volleyball, basketball, and softball. Pam came to our practice as an injured high school athlete, which sparked her interest in the field and she later returned to work in our clinic as a physical therapy aide. She finished her Bachelor Degree in Physical Education from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo in 1989, and played three years of college level softball. She entered the University of California at San Francisco Master of Physical Therapy Degree Program and graduated in 1992. Pamela has fulfilled all the clinical roles available in our clinic--patient, aide, intern, and practicing physical therapist. This gives her a deep understanding of the rehabilitation and recovery process from multiple perspectives. She has taken numerous continuing education courses from prominent national instructors, and is certified in soft tissue mobilization using the SASTM tools. Pam continues to be an athlete and has two active young daughters, who she coaches in softball.
Therese Ruffin, PT, DPT
Therese grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and was an active high school athlete at Seaside High School excelling in basketball and track. During this time she interned at our clinic and became passionate about physical therapy and helping people. She completed an educational pathway at California State University Fresno by obtaining her bachelors and masters degrees in Exercise Science. She gained valuable teaching experience as a graduate T.A. (teachers assistant) in biomechanics. Her education culminated in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2015. Therese enjoys working out, traveling, going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.
Erin Tooms, PT, MPT, CCI
Erin Tooms, originally from Bass Lake, CA, received her undergraduate degree in Biology at CSU Fresno in 2002, and then subsequently stayed for her Master's in Physical Therapy. Following her graduation in 2006, she began her PT career in Visalia and served the patient community there for 11 years with a passion for treating the spine. Erin relocated to the Monterey area and spends her free time on latin ballroom dancing, and loves riding horses.
Founder
