Our Physical Therapists
Ilona Falvy, PT
Owner
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing!”
I have been a physical therapist for over 25 years having graduated from Loma Linda University in June 1993 with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. My enthusiasm and passion for movement and boundless possibilities has been the fuel for my post-graduate studies in manual therapy and focused exercise. I have specialized in working with people with neck and back dysfunction, knee and hip pain, and complex medical condition. It is humbling and rewarding to work with people as they journey toward healing, wellness, and joy!
Christina Leisen, DPT
“The greatest wealth is health”
My passion for Physical therapy and wellness began from a very young age. I experienced many physical injuries in my youth, and this experience nurtured a high level of compassion, empathy, and desire to serve others. I carry this desire to serve and heal into my practice as a physical therapist and in all my patient interactions. I graduated with a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University in May 2013. Since then, I have specialized my skills in the area of orthopedics, women’s health, and integrative manual therapy. I am passionate about support and nurturing my patients, reminding them that they are their own greatest resource for healing, and instilling the desire to turn health and wellness into a lifelong process.
Michela Biale, DPT
In 2020, I graduated from Samuel Merritt University with a Doctorate degree in PT and completed Kaiser Vallejo’s post-graduate program in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation up to Level 3b/4a; however, I have been a patient at Focus Forward myself since the age of 9. I have engaged in activities ranging from ballet to on-the-water rowing and through it have gained a love of movement and an understanding of the importance of balance and wellness. In my practice I work with patients to help them move with ease and achieve their optimal functional goals.
Our Administrative Staff
Wendy Biale, PhD (ABD)
Owner/CFO
“Cor ad cor loquitur” Heart speaks to heart.
While not a physical therapist, I bring to this practice a life-long pursuit of wellness and physical activity. As a former dancer and personal trainer, I consider physical vitality a significant key to wholeness. And so I am delighted that after being Ilona’s client for over two decades, I now partner my business skills with her clinical skills to make her healing gifts available to the wider community. When not crunching numbers at the clinic, I’m either at home in Napa enjoying long training walks with my husband in preparation for our second Camino de Santiago pilgrimage walk set for 2022, hosting guests at our winery, teaching theology, or working on my dissertation for my PhD in Theology.
Yesenia Hernandez-Gutierrez
Receptionist
“Do not let your mind bully your body.”
I am a firm believer that working on your mental health will better your physical self. Growing up I always needed to have a positive outlook on life even when it was not always positive. Passionate about helping others and healing them I began my Massage Therapy journey and learned about the human body and ways to continue healing on our own. I spend time hiking because it releases stress and relaxes me. I enjoy helping others and I am always up for a deep conversation about many things in life. Free spirited and full of joy I am the first one you meet coming into Focus Forward and always with a big smile for everyone.
Margaret Soberanes
Billing Officer
Our Sister Company
Clearwater Wellness Institute, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation created to develop and implement community based wellness programs. Currently, the St. Helena High School Wellness Clinic is the Institute’s primary program.