Rehab Team

Meet Our Caring Team

Get to know the dedicated team at VIP - where compassion and expertise guide 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 (PT)

Courtney is our compassionate physical therapist who is dedicated to providing skilled care to our clients. Her history with VIP goes back to 2019 when she started as a volunteer, and now she continues her work at VIP after attaining her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Marcos. She takes pride in helping our clients work towards their functional goals and she strives to ensure every session is a positive experience

Albert Alisasis (PT)

From a young age, Albert showed an interest in helping others, giving his father daily massages and once aspiring to become a massage therapist. In high school, he discovered the long-term benefits and life-changing impact that physical therapy can provide — beyond the immediate relief of massage. He pursued this passion academically, earning his B.S. in 2017 from San Diego State University and later completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2024 at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos.

Outside of his professional life, Albert enjoys a variety of hobbies, including bowling, billiards, table tennis, pickleball, gaming, and music. He has always been especially drawn to working with the neurological population, bringing heart, knowledge, and persistence to his practice.
Albert is committed to delivering personal, skilled care with warmth, integrity, and a genuine smile — helping each patient achieve meaningful progress on their journey.

David Janampa Ramos (Trainer & PT 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.

David Kay (Trainer and PT tech)

David, one of our dedicated Trainers and 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.

Julia McHugh (PT Tech)

Julia McHugh currently serves as a Physical Therapist Tech at VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center. She is dedicated to advancing her career in physical therapy as a Physical Therapist Assistant student at San Diego Mesa College. Julia brings an upbeat energy to health and wellness. Outside of work and school, she enjoys painting, reading, and rollerblading.

Anthony Gateb (PT Tech)

Anthony Gateb is a Physical Therapy Tech at VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center. A U.S. Army veteran, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos. Anthony first joined VIP as an intern before officially becoming part of the team.
He is passionate about neurorehabilitation and is pursuing his goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys exercising, exploring new foods, attending baseball games, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Lillie Kirkland (PT Tech)

Lillie began her journey at VIP as a volunteer while attending California State University San Marcos. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, she joined the team as a Physical Therapy Tech. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree with the goal of working in a clinic that specializes in diverse areas of rehabilitation.
During her time at VIP, Lillie has built strong connections with both patients and staff, and she is excited to continue developing her skills in this supportive environment. She finds inspiration in one of her favorite quotes: “The body achieves what the mind believes.”

Teresa Gillcrist (Marketing Coordinator)

Teresa Gillcrist is a San Diego native and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has a dynamic background shaped by years of hands-on experience in healthcare administration, social media marketing and competitive sports. Teresa has spent the past decade as a competitive athlete, competing internationally in Downhill Skateboarding and Muay Thai Fighting. Working as VIP's Marketing Coordinator allows Teresa to utilize her skills while promoting her passions: movement and community. She has seen firsthand how powerful rehabilitation can be in restoring independence and confidence after injury, and is proud to support the mission of VIP.

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.