Our Therapists

John Farahmand, DPT, OCS Founder and CEO

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
• Member American Physical Therapy Association
• Member California Physical Therapy Association
• Member Orthopedic Section
• Member Private Practice Section
• Member National Strength and Conditioning Association
• Member North American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

John Farahmand, DPT, OCS, graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. He founded Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center, Inc. on June 3rd 2002 with a particular vision in mind...to provide the most exemplary physical therapy services available anywhere.

John became interested in physical therapy during college after suffering a severe back injury. While going through an arduous regime of rehabilitation and experiencing all of the personal frustration that accompanies most serious injuries, John decided to commit his professional career to caring for patients in need of specialized outpatient physical therapy services. Today, John is proud to lead a highly professional organization that promises its patients the highest standards of care in manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education and results.

Education and specialized training are the cornerstones of his practice. John is one of the few Board Certified Orthopedic clinical specialists in the country, and he and his staff deliver the most highly skilled physical therapy services available anywhere. His unique operations system allows Balance Physical Therapy to exist as something larger than itself, something special, something unique, dynamic, and ever changing to meet the needs of its community. John and his staff are able to effectively partner with their patients to ensure a full functional recovery and a return to an active lifestyle.

As someone who grew up in the Salinas Valley, attended local schools, and has strong ties to this wonderful community, John is committed to hiring and maintaining a staff of only the most qualified professionals. In addition to providing highly skilled manual therapy and prescribed therapeutic exercise, John and his staff also provide their patients with the tools necessary to achieve and maintain an attitude that will not allow them to fail. John promises that you will not find a more patient-focused, result-oriented group of rehabilitation professionals anywhere, and he looks forward to seeing you in the clinic!

Joseph Melo, DPT

As an avid athlete, Dr. Melo’s interest in sports and human function, coupled with a desire to improve the quality of life for others, influenced his decision to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

After attending local schools in Monterey, “Joey” (as he’s known in clinic) graduated from Santa Clara University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Combined Sciences. He then attended the University of Southern California, where he obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010.

Joey is a strong proponent of evidence-based practice and innovative healthcare that focuses on helping patients reach their goals and desired activity level. To that end, he regularly reads peer-reviewed journal articles, participates in clinic in-services, teaches and leads community lectures, and is continually sharpening his manual therapy skills via continuing education classes.

Joey was born and raised in Monterey, CA, and he enjoys playing competitive soccer, working out, watching the Raiders, and spending time with his family. We’re proud to have him as a member of the Balance Physical Therapy team, and we’re certain that you will find his clinical expertise, coupled with his calm manner and sense of humor a “win-win” for your rehab experience with us.

Arash Maslehati, DPT

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Member American Physical Therapy Association
• Member Orthopedic Section
• Member Sports Section
• Member American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Dr. Maslehati became interested in physical therapy during college after suffering a severe knee injury. Experiencing first-hand the impact that injury can have on an individual's physical and mental well-being, he decided that aiding others in their recovery would bring a life filled with selflessness and passion.

Arash graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. He then went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Duke University School of Medicine.

Arash is certainly a professional reflection of Balance Physical Therapy’s mission. He is always committed to providing the best possible care for his patients. He combines his graduate training with post professional coursework so he is able to provide patients with the most up-to-date, research driven treatment.

He pursues his own health and fitness goals with the same enthusiasm that he brings to his patients in clinic. He is an avid runner, swimmer, and weightlifter, and he especially enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. We’re sure that you’ll find Arash to be the perfect partner in your search for the ultimate outpatient rehabilitation experience.

Caitlin Mouille, DPT

Dr. Mouille grew up in Sonoma, California, where she completed her undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology at Sonoma State University. Subsequently, she attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Diego, where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2009.

Dr. Mouille’s curiosity for the sciences began as a child, when she enjoyed the challenge of trying to memorize anatomical structures from a Grey’s Anatomy textbook. This curiosity grew into a steadfast decision to pursue a career as a physical therapist when a close family member needed extensive physical rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained in a car accident. Today, her curiosity and dedication to professional growth remains evident as she continues her education with advanced courses in manual therapy and clinical science. In fact, later this year, Dr. Mouille will test for a nationally recognized Manual Therapy Certification.

Caitlin made her decision to join the Balance Physical Therapy Team so that she could share her contagious enthusiasm for manual therapy and research-driven practice with a group of professionals dedicated to bringing their very best to work, everyday. In clinic, Caitlin is constantly thinking about, and applying the latest exercise-based interventions and manual therapy treatments to maximize her patient outcomes. She enjoys seeing patients along the entire continuum of outpatient care, from sports and orthopedic injuries and rehabilitation to the neurologically involved pediatric patient population.

When in the clinic treating patients, Caitlin can often be heard singing with what many patients have described as an amazing voice. Whether or not this positively affects their clinical outcomes, we can’t measure; but we all sure enjoy it! When she’s not in clinic, Caitlin can be found reading, cooking, hiking, or traveling with family and friends.

Melanie Franke, DPT

Dr. Franke’s interest in physical therapy as a potential career choice began in the 8th grade after researching jobs in the healthcare field for a class project. Soon after, her mother underwent multiple back surgeries with complications, and while observing the dedicated care, compassion, and professionalism delivered by her mother’s physical therapist, Dr. Franke solidified her decision to pursue her own career in physical therapy.

Melanie completed her Bachelor of Science degree at University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. She continued her education here, and in 2005, she earned her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Upon graduating, she gained experience working in a rural hospital in Wisconsin as well as a large Mayo-affiliated hospital. While working with a variety of patients in these settings, Dr. Franke discovered a passion for vestibular dysfunctions, and decided to attend Emory University School of Medicine to further her education.

Here, while studying under Susan Herdman, PT, PhD at the nationally recognized Emory Dizziness and Balance Center, she became Herdman-certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2006. Following her certification as an expert in the evaluation and treatment of patients complaining of dizziness and balance disorders, she pursued her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at St. Catherine University in Minneapolis, MN, which she earned in 2010.

Dr. Franke joined the team at Balance Physical Therapy in 2011, and works with patients across the lifespan with a variety of diagnoses. Of course, given her expertise and passion for her specialty, she is our “go-to” physical therapist for patients suffering from a variety of balance disorders, particularly vertigo and dizziness. To that end, she has earned the respect of many local physicians as an expert in her field, and many of her patients regard her as their “hero”.

In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves the outdoors, and can often be found running, hiking, and boating. She enjoys traveling and is always anticipating a new destination and meeting new people.

Gina Martorella, BS, ATC

As a lifelong athlete, Gina became interested in sports medicine and athletic training while attending Pacific Grove High School. During a sports medicine class there, she discovered that she really had a passion for sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge of health and fitness.

After graduating from high school, Gina attended Fresno State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic training. In addition to her rigorous coursework, Gina played college tennis at Fresno State, and worked as an athletic trainer with their swimming, basketball, football, golf, and softball teams!

She became a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in 1996, and since that time, has been tremendously involved in local athletics across a wide variety of sports. In 1996-1997, Gina was the head athletic trainer for the Jaguars professional Soccer team. She also taught sports medicine and rehabilitation fitness at Carmel High School from 1996- 2001 while simultaneously working as an athletic trainer in a private office on the Monterey Peninsula.

Gina currently serves as the athletic director at San Benancio middle school, as a board member on the Washington Union Education Foundation, and as a board member for the Toro Pony Baseball League. She is passionate about sharing her love of athletics with her children, Kyle, Nathan, and Marie, and she enjoys watching them play sports, helping coach their teams, and exercising alongside them.

In addition to assisting patients in the clinic, Gina is at the helm of our private training facility, Functional Fitness. In this capacity, she designs and implements training circuits for women-only fitness classes, hosts sport-specific performance clinics, and provides small group training for local athletes. Balance Physical Therapy is pleased and proud to have Gina on board our team, as she brings contagious enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a wealth of knowledge concerning sports-related injuries, and sport-specific athletic training to our practice.

Gina LaSala, CMT

Gina is whom we refer to as “Magic Fingers” here at Balance Physical Therapy. She is a Certified Massage Therapist who was originally drawn to her field because of her grandfather. After enduring two hip and knee replacements while in his seventies, he believed that the combination of physical therapy and massage therapy allowed him to continue enjoying an active lifestyle. He was an outstanding athlete, and attributed his ability to play handball well into his eighties to the benefits of weekly massage sessions.

After drawing her inspiration from her grandfather, Gina’s course was set. As a member of the Sports Academy at Monterey High School, she excelled at volleyball and basketball. Later, while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Monterey Peninsula College, Gina earned her Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) license focusing on clinical massage for the prevention and care of athletic injuries.

In 2008, Gina was accepted by the prestigious Steiner Academy of Massage and Health, and studied abroad in London, England. After completion of her program there, Gina was chosen for an assignment to work as a Certified Massage Therapist on the Constellation cruise ship upon which she traveled the world the following year.

After her cruise ship appointment, Gina returned to her hometown of Monterey and began working at the Vista Blue Spa at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa on Cannery Row. She has been a proud member of the Balance Physical Therapy team since July 2010, where she continues to provide exemplary massage therapy services in a clean, relaxed, and clinically minded environment. Whenever you’re ready, just call the clinic! Gina looks forward to giving you an unforgettable massage that will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed, and refreshed.

Rajendra Singh, MES

Rajendra, or “Raj”, as he’s known in the clinic, developed a passion for physical therapy and personal training during his second year of junior college. During this time, a good friend was partially paralyzed due to a brain injury. With a personal trainer’s certification, and a post-rehabilitation certification as a Medical Exercise Specialist, Raj successfully helped his good friend transition from a wheelchair to walking with a cane.

Simultaneously, Raj attended Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. During the summer of 2010, Raj made the Team at Balance PT very proud when he took his education, enthusiasm, and experience to Northern India to intern with physical therapists there. In his words, “the experience was truly humbling.” He had the opportunity to work with children and the elderly, and was exposed to everything from amputations, to polio, to profound weakness due to malnutrition.

Here at Balance, Rajendra works with a variety of patients in clinic while helping to sustain their motivation levels, and while ensuring proper form during therapeutic exercises. He has successfully worked with patients at all levels, from deconditioned diabetics to high level collegiate athletes. In addition, Raj makes himself available for personal, one-on-one training sessions here at Balance Physical Therapy. His services are highly sought after, and the results he obtains for his personal training clients speak for themselves.

Rajendra is highly dedicated and has a tremendous work ethic, but when he does have spare time, he enjoys traveling, running, weight lifting, playing golf, and any activities that involve the outdoors.

Stephanie Bouquet, MS, RD, CSSD, CDEDPT

• Masters of Science, Nutritional Science
• Registered Dietitian
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics
• Board Certified Diabetes Educator
• American College of Sports Medicine Wellness Coach Certification
• American Dietetic Association Certification of Training in Adult Weight Management
• Member American Association of Diabetes Educators
• Member Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Practice Group

Stephanie Bouquet, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE, graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with degrees in Nutritional Science and Psychology. She continued her education at California State University, Northridge, where she completed a Masters Degree in Science and a dietetic internship program at Los Angeles based hospitals.

Since 1993, Stephanie has been practicing as a registered dietitian focused on weight management, diabetes, and sports nutrition counseling. She offers individualized nutrition consultations, group style classes, personalized grocery store tours, athletic team presentations and wellness coaching.

For Stephanie, fitness and nutrition are personal as well as professional interests. She follows her lifestyle recommendations by eating healthy and staying fit. She is an endurance athlete, having completed numerous local and state races including the Nike Marathon in San Francisco. Stephanie is a Salinas native who returned to the local area to raise her own family, and she understands how difficult it can be to balance proper nutrition while working full-time and trying to stay fit.

As part of Balance Physical Therapy’s team of professionals, Stephanie is available by appointment for anyone interested in beginning to understand or fine-tuning their nutritional needs. Her vast experience, coupled with a passion to help others achieve optimal levels of fitness through nutrition, make her invaluable to anyone seeking a superior rehabilitation outcome, enhanced athletic performance, or improved general fitness.