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, rebranded as MoveWell Physical Therapy in 2018.
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 helps as a teaching assistant in continuing ed courses and enjoys doing community education as well.
Karen grew up in Huntington Beach, CA. She and her husband Craig have 3 grown/married kids (grand total of 6!). They love traveling, fishing, working with the college kids at their church and a fave place called Mt. Hermon.
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 are the proud parents of a precious little girl now. They love cooking, traveling and hanging out with friends,
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.
Kristen mcquillen • office manager
Kristen hails from Ohio, has lived in Washington DC then Puerto Rico before moving to Los Alamitos. Kristen and her family have become invested members of our Los Al community as she served as the booster president of both the track and cross country teams for 3 years.
We're the lucky beneficiaries of Kristen's vast skill set having experience as an elementary school teacher, paralegal, mom, and community service rock star! In her free time, Kristen loves spending time with her family, especially cheering on her daughter at college track meets! MoveWell is thrilled to welcome Kristen as our office manager!
delaney zieg • AdministrativE assistant, pt aide
Born and raised is Long Beach, CA, Delaney has been a professional ballerina for over a decade and was previously employed by The Washington Ballet in the District of Columbia and the Utah Metropolitan Ballet. Pursuing a career as a physical therapist, she’s currently attending California State University of Long Beach as a Sports Psychology major and has her associates in Kinesiology from LBCC. Delaney is a certified Pilates instructor, volunteers for the nonprofit organization Onco-Ballet.
Being greeted by Delaney at the front desk is a great start to anybody’s day.When not at the office or in class, you will likely find Delaney enjoying nature, stand-up paddle boarding, dancing, or stretching.
Kaylyn Killeen • Administrative Assistant, PT Aide
Born and raised in Northern California, Kaylyn has fully embraced the SoCal life. She has been part of MoveWell since 2020 and amazes us all with her ability to juggle work, school, and married life.
Kaylyn is looking forward to completing her degree in Kinesiology at California State University of Fullerton, spring of 2025 and celebrating with her husband, Nick. In Kaylyn’s free time, she loves to be out on the beach or hiking with their dog, Rocco, trying out new restaurants or experimenting in the kitchen, and hanging out with friends and family.
Needless to say, you'll come away feeling better having been greeted by Kaylyn's warm smile at the front desk at MoveWell!
Bailey Chang • Administrative Assistant, PT AIDE
From Huntington Beach, CA, Bailey is the newest addition to the MoveWell Team. She is a graduate from Edison High School where she earned titles such as First Team Al League, Co-MVP League and was inducted into Edison’s Hall of Fame for Basketball in 2023. Bailey now attends OCC where she is studying psychology.
In Bailey’s down time, she loves to crochet, read, bake, and spend time with her family. MoveWell is happy to have Bailey aboard and can't wait to see how plans unfold for her.
