Rehab Team

Meet our Caring Team

Discover the faces behind our compassionate rehabilitation team at VIP, dedicated to driving you towards your path to recovery.

Brian Terrell (Executive Director)

VIP's Executive Director. Brian is a native of San Diego who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. He has over 10 years of experience working in the exercise and rehabilitative fields including time spent as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, physical education coach, rehabilitative exercise technician, and spinal cord injury recovery specialist. Brian’s passion for neuro recovery started with his own neuro injury and this personal connection makes all the difference in one’s commitment and passion to help others. As a teenager, Brian was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his cervical spinal cord after a week of sudden and unexplained paralysis. After lengthy hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and years of dedicated physical and occupational therapy, Brian was very fortunate to regain strength and function. Brian's background in kinesiology and personal experience dealing with neurological deficits allows him to help and develop connections with others. In addition to helping others achieve their exercise goals, he enjoys hiking with his family and rooting for the Chargers, Padres, and Sockers.

Melanie Wrench (Lead PT)

VIP's Lead Physical Therapist. Melanie, originally from San Diego, received her undergraduate degree from The University of California at Santa Barbara and her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine in Florida. She has 23 years of clinical experience treating patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions and orthopedic injuries. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1998 and was recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) for 10 years. Melanie uses an eclectic mix of manual therapy techniques and a functionally based approach to therapeutic exercise to help maximize her patient’s recovery. Her goal is to always make therapy a fun and enjoyable experience. Melanie enjoys family time with her husband and daughters. Together, they enjoy swimming, hiking, traveling, going to the beach, and taking advantage of all that living in San Diego has to offer.

Donna Nasielski (Pediatric PT)

VIP's Pediatric Physical Therapist. Knee surgery as a teenager , followed by months of rehab inspired Donna to become a physical therapist. After graduating from University of Delaware with a B.S. in Physical Therapy, Donna got her first job at Children’s Seashore House , the rehabilitation part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which was the same place and with some of the same PTs where she was an inpatient 7 years before. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to San Diego in 1997. She focuses her practice on pediatrics and has over 20 years of experience in school-based and outpatient services for children with neurological conditions and developmental disorders. She enjoys working at VIP NeuroRehab because the individualized intensive physical therapy format allows the whole family to be involved in the rehabilitation process. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys and loves to travel, and spend time outside gardening, swimming, and hiking.

Courtney Wang (Trainer &Tech)

Courtney is our VIP Technician who is dedicated to providing skilled assistance to clients. Her history with VIP goes back to 2019 when she started as a volunteer, and now she continues her work at VIP part-time while pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Marcos. She takes pride in supporting the team as clients work towards their functional goals and she strives to ensure every session is a positive experience.

David Janampa Ramos (Trainer & Tech)

David is a PT technician who has been with VIP since August 2019. He assists physical therapists to ensure that patients are taken care of in the best way possible. In addition to being a PT Tech, he is also a certified Personal Trainer. David received his Masters degree in Physical Therapy from ISEK University in Brussels, Belgium. He moved to San Diego in 2016 to pursue a second Masters degree at Point Loma Nazarene University in Kinesiology. David is currently working on obtaining a Physical Therapist License in the state of California. He loves to surf, camp, hike, and ride his bike in his free time.

Olivia Murphy (PT Assistant)

Olivia is new to the VIP team as a PTA. She grew up in Boston, MA where I received my bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. She moved to San Diego about 7 years ago where she began personal training and then pursued a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She graduated from the PTA program at San Diego Mesa in 2023. Her love for neuro started after one of her internships at school, when she saw first-hand how helpful physical therapy was to these patients. She enjoys making PT sessions a fun and enjoyable experience while also seeing results. She can often be found near the beach, spending time with her cat or cheering for the Patriots.

Ryan Weir (PT Tech)

Ryan is one of our dedicated physical therapy techs here at VIP. He is from Northern California's Sonoma County, and brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to our team. Having earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a focus on pre-physical therapy from SDSU, Ryan is actively pursuing his dream of becoming a physical therapist by applying to DPT programs. In addition to his academic achievements, Ryan is also a certified personal trainer through NASM. He finds joy in guiding others on their wellness journeys. Ryan's journey with VIP began as a volunteer, where his passion for hands-on assistance and client relationships shone through. Now a valued member of our team, Ryan thrives on seeing clients regularly and empowering them to progress in their recovery and overall goals.

David Kay (PT Tech)

David, one of our dedicated PT techs, joined the VIP team in June 2024. With a keen interest in rehabilitative medicine, kinesiology, and exercise science, David plays a vital role in supporting our physical therapists and trainers to ensure the best possible care for our patients. He holds an Associate's degree in kinesiology from San Diego Mesa College and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University. In his free time, David enjoys exercising, playing and watching sports, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family. He is passionate about empowering and helping our patients reach their fullest potential and achieve their goals.

Ryan De Leon (PT Tech)

Ryan De Leon, one of our dedicated PT techs, joined the VIP team with a background in physical therapy. Born and raised in Torrance, California, Ryan is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy at San Diego State University. Before joining VIP, he gained experience as a Physical Therapist Aide in Los Angeles. Outside of work, Ryan is committed to giving back to his community by coaching high school baseball during the summer. In his free time, he enjoys going to the beach, hiking, walking his dog, working out, playing card games, and dining out with friends. Ryan is passionate about supporting our patients and helping them achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Cindy McKinstry (Marketing Coordinator)

Cindy, our marketing coordinator at VIP, channels her dedication to neurorehabilitation through a personal journey. Following her boyfriend's accident in May 2023, which led to paralysis from the waist down, her commitment deepened. Holding an undergraduate degree in Marketing from San Diego State University, she now pursues a Master's in Business Administration. Guided by her own experience, Cindy is driven to aid others on their recovery quests. Beyond work, she relishes hiking, beach outings, and cherished moments with loved ones.

David Charbonnet (Chair of the Board)

David was born in San Diego, CA into a military family. He spends most of his formative years in The Woodlands, Texas. David joined the Navy in 2006 and graduated from training in 2010. David was then assigned to SEAL Team 1 where he served for a year and a half. In October 2011, David was injured in a parachuting accident outside of San Diego. He sustained a burst fracture of the L1 leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. David began rehab at VIP just months after his injury and continues to this day. When Dr. Marcus, the Founder of VIP, presented David with the opportunity to serve as VIP’s President, he gladly accepted the opportunity to help others in the same way VIP had helped him. David served as VIP's President for 9 years and currently supports Brian Terrell by leading VIP's Board of Directors.

Dana Moore (Board Member)

Dana Moore was born in San Diego and attended Rancho Bernardo High School. He then went to Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA after receiving an athletic scholarship to play NCAA division II lacrosse from 2008-2011. In his senior year in 2011, they went on to win the program's first national championship. He graduated with a degree in International Business. In November 2013, Dana was injured in a water well drilling accident in San Diego that fractured his thoracic 6-7 vertebrae leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Before leaving the hospital, he already had VIP NeuroRehabilitation in his sights and began attending shortly after discharge and is still currently an active patient. In early 2016, VIP's president, David, approached Dana and presented him with the opportunity to become a board member and he graciously accepted. Dana is excited to join the board and help share his story and how valuable and beneficial VIP is to his life. He hopes to give others the same opportunity VIP gave him. Dana and his wife, Lindsay, enjoy spending time with their families and living active lives. They both enjoy working out and spending time outdoors.

Tim Sayre (Board Member)

Tim is a dynamic addition to our board of directors, bringing a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Originating as a patient during the MRK era, his journey continued through the evolution of VIP. As VIP emerged and flourished, Tim's commitment deepened, firmly cementing his resolute dedication to our mission. With a background in Engineering from The Ohio State University and a postgraduate work in Leadership and Management for Scientists and Engineers from UC San Diego, Tim's diverse expertise forms the foundation of his contributions. His leadership expertise comes to light through extensive years of guiding and directing diverse teams across a spectrum of industries, encompassing space launch platforms to pioneering the advancement of state-of-the-art software products in video and audio processing, catering to niche government agencies as well as everyday consumers. Tim's journey from patient to advocate, combined with his diverse skill set and resolute values, enriches our board and propels us toward a future of growth and impact.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Tim's spirit finds resonance in mountain biking and skiing, activities he aspires to enjoy again. His leadership style, characterized by collaboration and accountability, exemplifies his dedication to fostering teamwork and driving results.

Michael Hetrick (Board Member)

Michael Hetrick served over 10-years in the Navy SEAL Teams as a Special Operations Combat Medic specializing in traumatic austere medicine and prolonged field care. He developed several protocols in his time in the SEAL Teams, ultimately being awarded the 2018 Naval Special Operations Medic of the Year for his impact to the Naval Special Warfare community. Michael completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UCLA Anderson with certification in Corporate Governance and ultimately is continuing to serve in a medical role through governance and guiding strategy. Michael currently works in business development, that he calls “Friendraising,” for an organization that supports Navy SEALs separating the military and entering the public sector. Michael is a connector and strategist that has a deepening understanding of grants, fundraising, and nonprofit revenue diversification. When not working, Michael enjoys golfing, and being in the outdoors with his family.

Sean Petersen (Board Member)

After graduating from Ohio State University, Sean served eight years in the Marine Corps before transitioning into marketing with several firms. He later joined Golden Boy Mobility, where he now serves as the General Manager and is actively involved in community outreach. In the mobility industry, Sean has contributed to national boards and committees focused on updating safety standards and guidelines. He also dedicates his time to local nonprofit organizations, supporting them through board and committee roles to further strengthen his commitment to the community.