OUR TEAM
KAREN WAKAMOTO, PT, MPT, DNSP • owner
Karen Wakamoto graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Kinesiology before earning her Master of Physical Therapy degree from USC in 1991. She has experience in a variety of settings including inpatient orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedics.
Karen worked at Northridge Hospital Medical Center where she was recognized as PT Staff of the Year early in her career. She later moved on to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian before opening her private practice, Optimum Physical Therapy, in 2009.
In 2016, Karen became a certified Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Clinician after completing coursework and training in Prague of the Czech Republic. She is also a certified MovementLinks Clinician, specializing in the area of movement science.
Karen grew up in Huntington Beach, CA. She and her husband Craig have 3 grown/married kids. Karen is a necessity-driven runner and a convenience-based outdoorswoman!
Stephanie Yahiro, PT, DPT, ATC
Stephanie was born in Pasadena but grew up mostly in the Bay Area. She earned her BS degree in Athletic Training and Exercise Science from George Fox University in Oregon then went on to complete her DPT degree at the University of Southern California in 2020. Stephanie brings her athletic expertise as she competed as a gymnast for 8 years, and as a diver for 4 years.
Stephanie brings solid clinical skills along with her genuine care and compassion; she’s the real deal. Steph is a newlywed (a show-stopper of a bride!) and in her free time Stephanie enjoys traveling with her husband, Jeff, and baking, which is a win-win for our staff!
Emily Chow, PT, DPT
Emily grew up in Laguna Niguel and received her BS degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine before graduating with her DPT degree from Azusa Pacific University in 2017. Emily brings a broad range of experience having worked at Hoag Hospital in Irvine, Home Health Care and an outpatient clinic in Huntington Beach. We love having Emily’s contagious laughter and energy in the office; you will too!
Emily played high school basketball, but her claim to fame is that she and her pup, Munchie, had their own cooking show on Instagram before MoveWell snatched her up! She and her husband, Calvin, enjoy traveling, cooking and hanging out with friends when she’s off the clock.
Calvin Chow, PT, DPT
Calvin Chow graduated with his BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Cal Poly Pomona then his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chapman University. Calvin brings a tremendous breadth of experience to our team. He has worked for Providence Medical Group working in orthopedics and integrative medicine and has also been the owner/operator of a strength and conditioning business for middle and high school athletes.
Calvin works part-time at MoveWell PT and otherwise is busy running his own PT practice in Lake Forest called Lumin, specializing in CranioSacral Therapy. When off the clock, Calvin enjoys the great outdoors while hiking, camping and backpacking, he’s a Laker fan and loves and being anywhere with his wife, Emily, and soon their baby too!!
Kevin Galacgac, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
Born and raised in Hawaii, Kevin received his BS in Biology from the University of San Diego, then went on to graduate with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2010.
Kevin’s post-graduate training includes the Orthopedic PT Residency through Kaiser Permanente in 2011 and the Orthopedic Fellowship in Sports Rehabilitation in 2015.
With his extensive training and experience, Kevin is passionate about his work in equipping his patients with the tools they need to live a healthy, active lifestyle. In his free time, Kevin and his wife are busy with their two young daughters. He enjoys Disney dates, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, kayaking and biking.
Christy Putnam • office manager
MoveWell PT has been blessed to have Christy as our Office Manager since 2011. Christy brings a strength of administrative skills and leadership that she developed while serving in many capacities while raising her two now grown kids. Amongst her accomplishments, Christy is a former PTA President of Lee Elementary School in Los Alamitos, the co-coordinator of Grad Night at Los Alamitos High School and was an active volunteer in Scouts as well.
Christy studied Child Development at Fullerton College. She and her husband, John, have lived in Cypress since 1992. Christy is a cat lover (Crazy Cat Woman applies here!), a Bunco queen and a dearly loved friend to many.
delaney zieg • AdministrativE assistant, pt aide
Born and raised is Long Beach, Delaney has been a professional ballerina for over a decade, previously employed by The Washington Ballet in the District of Columbia and The Utah Metropolitan Ballet to name a couple. Currently attending college in pursuit of a career as a physical therapist, Delaney is also a certified Pilates instructor and the volunteer fundraising associate for the nonprofit organization Onco-Ballet.
Being greeted by Delaney at the front desk is a great start to anybody’s day. Her cheerfulness and bright personality is a plus for MoveWell. When not at the office or in class, you will likely find Delaney enjoying nature, stand-up paddle boarding, dancing, going to a concert, or doing stretches that most of us would only be able to do under general anesthesia!
Laura sato • Administrative Assistant, PT Aide
Laura grew up in Cerritos, played basketball and softball and attended Cerritos High School. She was honored as the captain of the track team and ran cross country as well. Laura graduated with honors from California State University, Long Beach with a BS degree in Biology.
Having Laura’s professionalism and attention to detail is a great asset to the administrative side of MoveWell. She seems quiet at first, but we know better! Laura loves to laugh and crack up at silly things. She loves playing videogames (!), going out with friends and loves dogs, especially her own pup, Nori!
