Meet Team PhysioFit

Each member of Team PhysioFit plays an integral role in who we are and what we do. From Physical Therapists to Pilates Instructors, our team is comprised of highly educated and skilled professionals offering comprehensive specialty physical therapy and wellness programs. Select any team member to read their bio.

Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy Team

  • Portrait of Kim

    Kim, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

    Executive Director, PT, Pilates Instructor

  • Portrait of Janet

    Janet, MPT

    Physical Therapist

  • Portrait of Shalini

    Shalini, DPT

    Physical Therapist

  • Portrait of Kelli

    Kelli, OTR/L

    Occupational Therapist

Therapeutic Wellness Team

  • Portrait of Lori

    Lori, CHSE

    GYROTONIC® / Pilates Instructor, Hanna Somatic Educator®

  • Portrait of Alexis

    Alexis

    Certified Pilates Instructor

  • Portrait of Karen

    Karen

    Certified Pilates Instructor

  • Portrait of V

    V Shelton

    Certified Pilates & Yoga Instructor

Customer Care Team

  • Portrait of Ryan

    Ryan

    Operations Manager

  • Portrait of Spencer

    Spencer

    Customer Care Coordinator

  • Portrait of Justin

    Justin

    Office Admin / Customer Service

  • Portrait of Brett

    Brett

    Marketing Coordinator

Every week, for more than a decade, hundreds of people have consulted Kim Gladfelter looking for answers to their debilitating back pain and stiffness. Kim is now a trusted health advisor to doctors and other healthcare providers in the area educating them about how to reduce their back pain in their line of work as needed. Kim decided she wanted to be a physical therapist as a teen when one of her classmates was severely injured and recovered through the use of physical therapy. Nothing is more satisfying to her than knowing she is helping her patients keep doing the meaningful activities they love to do.

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Graduated from UCLA in 1991 with a degree in Kinesiology.
  • Received her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1994 from Mount Saint Mary's College.
  • Completed a 1-1/2 year long residency program in Advanced Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 1998.
  • Certified in 2001 as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).
  • Obtained Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT). Both certifications (OCS and FAAOMPT) represent recognition of advanced clinical proficiency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice.
  • Teaching assistant for a highly regarded year-long course for manual physical therapists from 1999-2001, in addition to taking numerous long and short-term courses on various topics in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
  • Certified Practitioner in Pilates Rehabilitation, including mat and equipment, through Polestar Education. She also has special training in the area of pelvic floor therapy.
  • Graston Technique Provider.
  • Certified in Regenerative Therapy.

Fun Tip

Ask Kim about the time she shaved off half her eyebrow trying to imitate her Dad shaving or when she ran away from a fenced-in dog and dislocated her kneecap.

5 favorites

Vacation
Hawaii
Celebrity
Robin Williams
Book
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Team
My kids' teams
Hobbies
Jogging and dancing

Janet has embraced a lifelong love of learning, as evidenced by her 40+ continuing education classes in physical therapy, and has been thrilled to apply her knowledge over the last 20+ years to clients of all walks of life and backgrounds. She is especially interested in using manual therapy to address orthopedic and sports-related issues, as well as treating clients with vestibular, post-partum, neurological, or lymphedema issues. Janet possesses a strong base of experience in orthopedic and sports injury treatment.

Areas of expertise

  • Vestibular Rehab
  • Lymphedema Treatment
  • Orthopedics
  • Neck and Shoulder
  • Knee Pain
  • Back Pain

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology from Miami University in 1989.
  • Master of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 1995.
  • BA in Zoology (yes, we are animals) and Psychology.
  • Worked for seven years in Chicago with Loyola University Medical Center treating orthopedic, vestibular, lymphedema, burn, amputee, and neurological disorders.
  • Especially interested in using manual therapy to address orthopedic and sports-related issues.
  • Graston Technique® Provider.

Fun Tip

Ask her why her BA in Zoology made for a great beginning as a Physical Therapist.

5 favorites

Place
New Zealand (never been but it is at the top of my list of dream places to visit).
Food
I love my husband's homemade pizza best but I miss ethnic foods such as Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern since I have picky children.
TV Show
Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, and Game of Thrones.
Singer/Group
Annie Lennox to enjoy the music, Alanis Morissette when I want to sing loudly, Katy Perry to hang out with my daughter.
Sports
Dance and ice skating.

Areas of expertise

  • Pelvic Floor
  • Elbow Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Orthopedics

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Physical Therapy degree from India.
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from AT Still University.
  • Licensed in California and New York.
  • Focused on Manual Therapy and Graston Techniques.
  • Volunteered at Stanford, El Camino Hospital, with the Boy and Girl Scouts, and for the Cupertino School District.
  • Proficient in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Kelli is a board-certified and licensed Occupational Therapist, recognized for her exceptional achievements, including the "Outstanding Occupational Therapy Student Award" from the University of St. Augustine in Miami, FL. Based in San Diego, California, Kelli specializes in supporting individuals recovering from upper extremity injuries caused by repetitive motions, sports, and work-related incidents.

In her practice, Kelli takes a holistic approach, integrating the Pilates method into her rehabilitation program. She has honed her skills through training with renowned experts Rael Isacowitz and Annie Stewart, focusing on contemporary and classical exercises.

Outside of work, Kelli enjoys running, practicing yoga, Pilates, and snowboarding. She also loves exploring new restaurants around the San Diego area.

Areas of expertise

  • Pilates / Pilates Rehabilitation
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Elbow Pain
  • Hand / Wrist Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Foot / Ankle Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Neck & Shoulder Pain
  • Sport Injury Rehab

5 favorites

  1. Hiking
  2. Yoga
  3. Pilates
  4. Snowboarding
  5. Beach Volleyball

After being told to stop dancing by several doctors, Lori came to Pilates as a young dancer and swimmer in 1988 to rehabilitate a chronic hip injury. Over the next two decades of her dance career, she used Pilates to rehabilitate her back and knee injuries.

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Obtained first Pilates certification from the Physical Mind Institute in 1998.
  • Continuing education since includes scoliosis, osteoporosis, gait, vestibular issues, disk issues, various other joint conditions, and golf.
  • 2009 apprenticeship with master trainer Kathy Corey.
  • In 1999 she came across GYROTONIC® and fell in love. Certified in every aspect of GYROTONIC®, Level 2 Pulley Tower, Golf, Scoliosis, Pelvis, and is an approved pre-trainer of Level 1 GYROTONIC®.
  • Certified Hanna Somatic Educator®. HSE retrains the nervous system to turn down chronic tension.

Fun Fact

Lori is especially fond of the city of love, Paris!

5 favorites

City
Paris
Movie
Farewell My Concubine
Singer
Billie Holiday
Sport
Hockey (San Jose Sharks)
Animal
Cat
Movie
Sleepless in Seattle

Movement has been a lifelong passion of Alexis'. Her mission is to share that passion with her clients.

Alexis started taking dance lessons at the age of 3 and went on to train at San Francisco Ballet School, Joffrey Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive. In addition to ballet, Alexis has studied classical Japanese dance, contemporary, and hula, among others. She danced professionally with the Oakland Ballet and Sacramento Ballet Companies.

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Bachelor of Science in Communications/Mass Media from New York University in 2002.
  • Certified Pilates mat and equipment instructor from the Kane School of Core Integration in 2006 and 2007.
  • Certified Buff Bones® Instructor in 2017.
  • Certified GYROKINESIS® Instructor in 2017.

Fun Fact

Alexis is a huge animal lover and advocate. Ask her about her amazing experience at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

5 favorites

Vacation
New Zealand
Singers
Ingrid Michaelson and Pink!
Movies
Whale Rider, The Garden State, Hula Girls, Old Boy and Slumdog Millionaire
Animals
Elephants, whales and dolphins
Hobbies
Hiking, dancing, reading, and doing anything with my 5-year-old son.

Karen is a seasoned Pilates instructor who embarked on her journey with Pilates in 1987 at St. Francis Hospital's Center for Sports Medicine and Dance Medicine. Initially drawn to Pilates to rehabilitate a chronic Achilles tendon injury, she quickly recognized its potential to transform her life. After dedicating over a year to mastering the method, she became a certified Pilates instructor in 1989 through the Center for Dance Medicine under Patrice Whiteside. In 1990, with encouragement from her mentors, Karen opened the first Pilates studio on the Peninsula in Palo Alto.

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Rehabilitation: extensive experience in using Pilates for rehabilitation, receiving referrals from osteopaths, doctors, and physical therapists.
  • Teacher Training: a strong background in training new Pilates instructors, having been part of the first Teacher Training Course by The Institute for the Pilates Method.
  • Diverse Clientele: expertise in working with a wide range of populations, including pregnant women, individuals with scoliosis, serious athletes, tech workers, and people with neurological conditions.
  • Continuing Education: dedicated to continuous learning, regularly engaging with top practitioners in movement studies, bodywork, and medicine.
  • Collaborative Approach: a teaching philosophy that emphasizes personalized, client-centered practice, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Fun Facts

Karen is not only a dedicated Pilates instructor but also a poet. She teaches poetry and creative writing at the college level and has a passion for various movement practices, including hiking, yoga, tai chi, Qigong, contact improvisation, and water exercise.

V Kimbell Shelton is a master teacher of the Pilates Method, movement, and the somatic arts. A former professional modern dancer, she discovered Pilates after injuring her back while performing. Now a recognized instructor of Pilates and an experienced instructor of yoga since 1995, V feels fortunate to have trained with many great instructors, including two of Joseph Pilates' original teachers, Ron Fletcher and Romana Kryzanowska. She has also studied the Feldenkrais Method with Moshe Feldenkrais and yoga with Amrita Forest and Max Strom.

V is passionate about motivating and inspiring people of all ages and fitness levels to reach their goals and experience the benefits of Pilates. Her mission is to help all individuals learn to move with more grace, ease, and control, and to discover how enjoyable exercising and movement can be. She has presented workshops, classes, or established Pilates programs at some of the country's leading corporations, spas, and athletic clubs, including the Four Seasons, the Golden Door, Warner Brothers, Cooper Aerobic Center, Yahoo, Preston Wynne Spa, Aspen's Snowmass Lodge, and Courtside Athletic Club.

Additionally, V has experience working with those who are rehabilitating from injuries, the elderly (Adaptive Fitness), pre-natal Pilates, and has trained and consulted Olympic synchronized swimmers, professional golfers, tennis pros, dancers, and equestrians.

V Shelton is certified in the Pilates Method by the PhysicalMind Institute (New York) and in the EFI Sports Medicine Gravity System. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Dance from Southern Methodist University, a Chemistry scholarship from Yale University, and has done post-graduate studies in Anatomy and Physiology.

Areas of expertise

  • Pilates Method instruction for all levels
  • Yoga instruction and somatic movement
  • Injury rehabilitation and recovery
  • Adaptive Fitness for older adults
  • Pre-natal Pilates
  • Posture, alignment, and movement efficiency
  • Sports-specific training for Olympic synchronized swimmers, professional golfers, tennis professionals, dancers, and equestrians
  • Workshop and program development for corporations, spas, and athletic clubs

Credentials & teaching experience

  • Master Teacher of the Pilates Method, movement, and the somatic arts.
  • Teaching Pilates and yoga since 1995.
  • Trained with Pilates Elders Ron Fletcher and Romana Kryzanowska (both original students of Joseph Pilates).
  • Additional movement training: Feldenkrais Method with Moshe Feldenkrais; yoga with Amrita Forest and Max Strom.
  • Certified in the Pilates Method by the PhysicalMind Institute (New York).
  • Certified in the EFI Sports Medicine Gravity System.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Dance, Southern Methodist University.
  • Yale University Chemistry Scholarship recipient.
  • Post-graduate studies in Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Workshop presenter and program developer for the Four Seasons, The Golden Door, Warner Brothers, Cooper Aerobic Center, Yahoo, Preston Wynne Spa, Aspen's Snowmass Lodge, and Courtside Athletic Club.

Ryan has a huge passion for sports which inspired his dream to become an Athletic Trainer. He currently attends SJSU for a Bachelor's in Kinesiology. He plans on applying to the Athletic Training graduate program at SJSU in 2019, in hopes of achieving his dream of being on the sidelines of a professional sports team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing video games and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

5 favorites

Sport
Football
TV Show
Impractical Jokers
Food
BBQ Ribs
Color
Blue
Teams
Atlanta Falcons (NFL), New York Yankees (MLB), and UNC Tar Heels (NCAA Basketball)

Questions? Ryan and the team can help.

Spencer is originally from Springfield, Illinois, and loves all things food, travel, Arsenal, and any body of water. On his days off he usually is out enjoying the sun and trying his best to find good food.

5 favorites

  1. Nature
  2. Food
  3. Waterfalls
  4. Gladiator (the movie)
  5. Arsenal

Questions? Spencer and the team can help.

Justin has grown up in San Jose his entire life. He attended CSU Chico as a public health major with a focus on administration. He has a passion for helping people and making their lives happier and healthier. Justin loves spending time with family, friends, or his 3 dogs. In his free time, he loves to run, go on hikes, spend time at the beach, and watch his favorite sports.

5 favorites

Color
Purple
Food
Birria Tacos
Teams
Arsenal, Warriors, 49ers, Bayern Munich
Vacation Spot
Hawaii or anywhere with a beach
Movies
Django, Blade Runner 2049, Pulp Fiction

Questions? Justin and the team can help.

Brett was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Having a love for the outdoors, he can often be found searching for a trail or out for a walk with his dog, Charlie.

Before college, Brett worked to become an EMT but ultimately decided the path of Marketing was more suited for him. Even though he made this decision, his love for health remains true, drawing him to market for healthcare-related companies that aim to bring value to the communities they serve.

5 favorites

His Son
Cashton
His Dog
Charlie
Activity/Hobby
Going for walks
Show
The Office
Place
Tahoe

Questions? Brett and the team can help.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

PhysioFit's Story

kim profile square 1

Kim Gladfelter
- MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT -
- SPECIALIST PHYSICAL THERAPIST -
- SPEAKER / AUTHOR -

Why PhysioFit Founder, Kim Gladfelter, Became A Physical Therapist

"At the age of 16, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to become a physical therapist. I knew in my heart that I’d do whatever it takes to reach my goal. Being a physical therapist is not a just job to me, it's my passion and calling.

My original reasons for wanting to be a physical therapist stemmed from my love of exercise to stay active, healthy, and happy. This decision was strengthened when one of my classmates of 10 years, suddenly became a paraplegic. It was the first time I saw the life-altering consequences a friend would face as a result of a physical injury. The impact of his injury was something I couldn't get out of my mind. How would he move on with his life and be happy after such a tragedy?

You might wonder how this relates to me becoming a physical therapist. Let me explain. Physical therapy truly changed my classmate's life giving him hope for a positive future. Yes, he had to adjust his goals within his limits yet there was a way to make it work. The key driver to his recovery was his mindset shift to want to improve and move forward. Through the goals, hope, strength and persistence that his physical therapist was able to provide, he was able to envision a future worth fighting for to overcome his physical limitations. His story made such a lasting impression on me and further strengthened my resolve to help people through physical therapy.

For me, making a difference in helping someone achieve a better quality of life is the ultimate in job satisfaction. Persistence is in my DNA, I never give up. I also enjoy problem solving to help turn an obstacle into a challenge with a positive mindset. And I transfer this energy to my patients.

There’s nothing more fulfilling in my work as a PT than hearing a heartfelt thank-you from a patient newly able to walk with less pain, or hearing the excitement from patients returning to their favorite sport or pastime. I always try to credit my patients because they’ve put in the work to recover. But it’s a really a great feeling to know I’ve made a difference in their life by working with them to achieve their goals."

Why Kim Gladfelter Started PhysioFit

At PhysioFit, we are in the business of keeping you moving. And keeping you fit for life.

It's my passion to help as many people as I can by sharing my years of experience and knowledge about how physical therapy can transform your life.

When I decided to open up my own business in 2002, it was because I had a vision about how I could help people beyond my experience in a traditional physical therapy setting.

I often had patients that needed more guidance than I was able to provide in other practice models. I wanted to provide one-on-one care without feeling like I was half-listening to one patient while another was there at the same time that I needed to keep an eye on. I didn’t want to feel rushed and leave patients hanging without the proper time needed to fully listen to their stories and concerns.

In most traditional physical therapy business models, patients will reach a point where the PT will say: “That’s it! There is nothing else we can do for you. You're done.”

That's not the case at PhysioFit. That's why I created a unique model that includes both physical therapy, therapeutic fitness, and other wellness options for this loyal crowd who want more. PhysioFit is a solid place you can trust to continue to make gains toward your future fitness goals. We're not a big box clinic or fitness studio. We have a friendly team and family atmosphere where everyone knows your name.

We work with our physical therapy patients one-on-one in private rooms and in our gym. There's no other patient to distract us from you while you are here. We are 100% focused on you.

Many clients have such a positive experience and feel so good that they want to continue being guided with the accountability and expert care they receive at PhysioFit. It doesn't take long to discover that accountability and consistency are the secrets to reaching your long-term goals.

At PhysioFit, we are your trusted movement experts. It's about keeping you fit for life. Because when you can move better, you can live better. To enjoy the retirement years that you worked so hard for, to travel without limitations, keep up with grandkids, fully participate in your favorite sports, and continue doing all the activities that bring joy and meaning to your life.

What's the Difference?

How care at PhysioFit compares with a traditional physical or occupational therapy clinic.

PhysioFit compared with traditional physical and occupational therapy clinics, by results, wait times, treatment and team

PhysioFit

Physical Therapy & Wellness

Traditional

Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy

Results

Better results due to the ability to get in quicker and ultimately see faster results!

Hospital-based systematic approach affiliated Physical/Occupational Therapists cost more and care is dictated by insurance.

Wait times

Consistent appointments at times that work for you. Plus, quicker appointment availability.

Longer wait times to be seen. Inconsistent access and appointment gaps.

Treatment

We have a dedicated holistic, integrative healing approach, including lifestyle changes, to treat you as a whole person. See everything we offer.

Limited treatment options, mostly exercise-based with a therapy aide.

Team

Advanced training beyond most other PT/OT clinics. We have the time and the privacy to listen to your goals and concerns.

Treatment is divided heavily among different therapists and technicians with different skill levels and inconsistent treatment plans.

Move better.
Live better.

Move better. Live better.

PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness, like Los Altos itself, combines an inviting, community environment with exceptional talent. Founded and led by Kim Gladfelter, a keen, well-rounded expert in healing through movement, and a dedicated team that takes a holistic approach to optimal health.

What Our Clients Say

H.S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was totally skeptical coming in. Even a little resistant. But I had the best session ever. I keep waiting for 'the catch.' Like, how could this have possibly worked within an hour, something that I've been carrying around, in and out of therapy, for years? But now, two months later, I still feel free of my burden. I've already referred three friends."
Los Altos, CA

D.A.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been seeing Janet Perrino for multifaceted neuro-muscular-skeletal-joint issues combined with fibromyalgia. Janet’s knowledge of anatomy and how it affects the function of body parts is golden and unmatched by any other physical therapist or even doctors. She was able to quickly figure out my problems and find solutions that resulted in, pretty much, instant improvement and pain relief. Incredibly grateful for all the help and treatments.
Los Altos, CA

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