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 30 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, PT, DPT, ACN
Functional Nutrition
“The greatest wealth is health”
I have specialized my skills in the areas of orthopedics, women’s health, integrative manual therapy, and have a certification in Applied Clinical Nutrition. I am passionate about supporting 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.
Jennie Walker, PT, DPT
I have always had a passion for health, wellness, and sport.
Being a physical therapist allows me to have an intimate role in helping others along their health journey. There is nothing more rewarding than empowering others to achieve their health goals and return to the activities that bring them joy and purpose.
I grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada where I played a multitude of sports including hockey, volleyball, and softball. I moved to the USA on a softball scholarship. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a Bachelors degree in exercise and sports science. I then moved to The Netherlands where I played professional softball. I went on to work as a personal trainer, sports performance coach, and softball instructor. I trained at Bommarito Performance Systems in Florida, closely working with NFL, NHL and MLB athletes.
I completed my Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 2022. I continue to enjoy athletic endeavors, including road biking, marathons, triathlons, and backpacking.
Diana Chyrywaty, PT
I am an MPT who hails from New York.
I am currently a PT certified in California and Alaska. I love working with the body, the structure and form of functional movement, gait analysis, balance, symmetry, and strength & flexibility. I truly enjoy nature, my haven when not working as a physical therapist. I am thrilled to be in Calistoga working in this community. See you soon!
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.