B.E.S.T. Physical Therapy: Staff

Our Staff

Kathy Johnson, MSPT, OCS founded B.E.S.T. Physical Therapy in 1995. She received her Master's degree and graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1988. She has her Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist Certification (OCS). Her specialties include spine, shoulder and knee rehabilitation. She is a avid tennis player and currently coaches club level youth soccer. Kathy competed in field hockey and soccer in high school. She specifically enjoys helping athlete's return to their sport. She is our foot/ankle biomechanics specialist and does orthotic fittings.

Nancy Block, PT, ATC is a 1984 graduate of Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. Her undergraduate training was at the University of Oregon where she received her B.S. with a specialization in athletic training (ATC). She worked extensively with all varsity sports while at Oregon. After graduation she became the Head Women's Athletic Trainer at De Anza College in Cupertino. She specializes in manual orthopedics with advanced training in sports rehabilitation, geriatrics, keyboard training, vestibular rehabilitation, lumbo-pelvic dysfunction, myofascial release and core spinal stabilization. She is our Back School instructor and body mechanic specialist. She was a college level varsity athlete in softball, basketball and field hockey. She enjoys gardening, golfing, traveling, hiking, and geocaching.

Erin Le Blanc, PT, CEAS, CSCS, OCS graduated in 1996 from Louisiana State University Medical Center and also has a Baccalaureate degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She has an extensive background in occupational and orthopedic rehabilitation. Erin is a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Certified Orthopedic Specialist. She has advanced training in repetitive strain injuries of the upper extremity, spine care, vestibular rehabilitation, lumbo-pelvic dysfunction, evaluation and mobilization of the spine and extremities. Erin competed in gymnastics when she was younger. She enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, boating and snowmobiling.

Julie Gupta, DPT, OCS brings many years of experience in orthopedic physical therapy to B.E.S.T. Physical Therapy. She has an extensive academic background including a BS in Biology from UC Riverside, and a Masters' and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. She is Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS). She has advanced training in manual therapy, and she is especially interested in treating the low back, neck, and lumbo-pelvic regions. She enjoys working in women's health rehabilitation. She is married and enjoys volunteering through the Alpha Chi Omega alumni group.

Kate Nickerson, PT is a 1990 graduate of California State University, Fresno. She has gained extensive experience in orthopedic outpatient rehabilitation throughout Silicon Valley. She has advanced training in spine rehabilitation, myofascial release techniques, orthotic construction, gait analysis, knee rehabilitation, TMJ dysfunction and golf injuries. She has an ASTYM certification to treat scar tissue and all kinds of soft tissue restrictions. Kate is married and enjoys being active in the lives of her two children.

Karlo Castillo PT graduated in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy from De La Salle University College of Physical Therapy. His experience has focused on outpatient orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. He has worked at outpatients clinics in the Santa Clara County since graduation. He is married and has three children. He is devoted to watching his children participate in their sports endeavors.

Timothy Earle MSPT, PA-C graduated from Columbia University with a Degree in Physical Therapy. During his years as a therapist he has worked with many professional and olympic athletes. He then went on to get his Physician Assistant Certification from Stanford University. His medical knowledge and expertise is a wonderful addition to our clinic. He is a published author in European history. He enjoys rock climbing, basketball, and salt water kayaking.