Meet our Caring VIP Team
Discover the faces behind our compassionate rehabilitation team at VIP, dedicated to driving you towards your path to recovery.
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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.
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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 15 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.
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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.
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Courtney Bernatz (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.
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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.
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Ryan Alrayyan (Tech)Ryan is one of our VIP Technicians who strives to help keep a positive environment as well as help assist clients when needed. The energy he brings always puts a smile on your face while pushing people to their full potential. He started as a volunteer in 2021 while attending CSU San Marcos. Achieving a Bachelors in Kinesiology, Ryan wants to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and is always looking for room to grow while wanting to learn more and help clients any way he can. Born and raised in San Diego, he loves to spend his time out and about in this beautiful city, whether going to the gym or the beach with his friends and family during his free time.
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Marcy Prischak (Tech)Marcy is one of VIP’s PT Technicians who values connecting with clients and encouraging smiles while assisting the physical therapists as they work with clients on their journeys toward rehabilitation. After graduating from the University of San Diego ’22 with a Bachelors' in Behavioral Neuroscience, she wanted to explore her interest in neurological rehabilitation, leading her to begin volunteering at VIP in August 2022. Marcy wants to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy and is dedicated to furthering her learning and research to provide quality care. In her spare time, Marcy enjoys paddle boarding, crocheting, hiking, and camping.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Conrad Kress (Board Member)Commander Kress completed SEAL training with Class 98 in August of 1978 and has served in the US Navy for his entire career. He has served in multiple operational tours and various platoons. To mention only a few, Conrad has provided medical liaison for the Presidential Emergency Operations Center while assigned to the White House Medical Unit and served as Medical Department Head for SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Group 3, Logistics Support Unit 3. He is presently serving as the Deputy Surgeon for Special Operations Command Pacific. Commander Kress holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from George Washington University, and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska. Commander Kress has also received his Joint Professional Military Education from the Air Staff and Command College and is a Fellow of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. His decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards. Conrad has known David Charbonnet, President of VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center since he was born so when he broke his back it hit close to home. He spent a great deal of time with David during the months after his accident and saw firsthand how VIP could change someone’s life for the better. So, when David asked for Conrad to join VIP's Board of Directors he gladly volunteered. Conrad enjoys all that the beaches of Oahu have to offer. But nothing brings more joy to his heart than spending time with his two daughters and his wonderful grandsons.
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Dr. Stephen Burgher (Board Member)Dr. Stephen Burgher graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, followed by the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. Upon graduating from medical school, he went on to serve as a flight surgeon in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dr. Burgher then attended post-graduate residency training in emergency medicine at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was selected as Chief Resident in his third year of training. He was awarded the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD) 1998 Resident Academic Achievement Award and received additional awards for his research, presentations, and publications in emergency medicine. After completing his specialty training in emergency medicine he continued on as faculty with the emergency medicine residency program at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth while serving operationally with the Marines in Camp Lejeune, NC. Dr. Burgher left active duty after serving more than 10 years in the US Navy. He entered private practice emergency medicine in The Woodlands, Texas. He then moved to Dallas with his family to practice at Baylor University Medical Center, where he has practiced since. He entered the Navy Reserves in 2010, receiving a commission as a Commander, and an assignment with the US Marine Corps as a Battalion Surgeon. He deployed to the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit on Kandahar Air Field in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), where he served as the department head of Trauma/Emergency Medicine. Commander Burgher’s military personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (3), and Navy Achievement Medal. He has been a family friend of the Charbonnets for many years. He has been a great encouragement to David since his accident and was a natural choice to join the VIP Board of Directors. VIP benefits greatly from his experiences both military and civilian. Dr. Burgher is a native of Dallas, Texas where he lives with his wife of 27 years and three children. He especially enjoys spending time with family and is active in his local church. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoys personal fitness, including triathlon training and CrossFit.
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Tim SayreTim 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. |
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Michael HetrickMichael 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.
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