Introducing The Empower
Get to know the Empower team by clicking on their photos below:
Dr. Carlo L. Sayo
Lisa Patel Sayo
Dr. Rosslyn Beard Torres
Dr Justin Carrido
Michelle Chin
Allison Evans
Enrique Abreu
Mikaela Millican
Genesis Echeverria
Heather Groth
Isabella Davalos
Jayleen Lupian
Ayisha Patel
Co-Founder
Dr. Carlo L. Sayo, DPT, OCS graduated from UCLA with his Bachelors of Science in Psychobiology with a Minor in Geriatrics. In 2006, he went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Sayo has over 15 years of experience in orthopedic physical therapy and other rehab settings. He has since become a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy (OCS) by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dr. Sayo specializes in treating patients with various musculoskeletal disorders such as spine-related injuries, shoulder dysfunctions, knee and ankle sprains/strains, TMJ dysfunction and headaches.
Dr. Sayo believes in combining a personalized, hands-on, and evidenced-based approach to treating his patients. He enjoys time with his wife and 3 children, has a passion for photography, and does various forms of exercise.
Co-Founder
Mrs. Lisa P. Sayo, MA OTR/L, graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelors of Science in both Biology and Psychology. In 2004, she went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with her Master degree in Occupational Therapy. Mrs. Sayo has practiced in multiple settings including inpatient acute, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, as well as pediatric clinical and school-based therapy. She is also our woman's Pelvic Floor Incontinence Specialist.
Lisa brings 15 years of extensive experience to the practice. As a mother of three, Lisa incorporates her maternal instincts by being a kind, listening ear to her patients. Her patients find solace in her ability to combine her skilled expertise in occupational therapy along with her empathy. With such personal connection, Lisa is able to tailor a program to fit each individual, with tools for self care to “empower” them outside the clinic.
She enjoys traveling, exercising, and volunteering at her kids’ school.
Physical Therapist
Dr. "Roz" graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Exercise Science from Cal Poly Pomona. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University.
Dr. Roz is originally from northern California and has an athletic background which includes martial arts and playing basketball for the Cal Poly Pomona Women's Basketball team! With her educational and personal athletic experience, she has recognized the power behind having and being an advocate throughout physical therapy treatment. Dr. Roz’s ability to establish a rapport with patients promotes trust and reassurance in developing a plan with attainable goals. With Dr. Roz as a therapist and advocate, patients are given a vision of a future with less pain, better movement, and hope.
She loves bringing joy and positive light to all those around her! When asked what her favorite part of her career is, she says, "Giving people HOPE!"
Physical Therapist
Dr. Justin graduated from California State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Azusa Pacific University.
Dr. Justin has an orthopedic and pediatric background in Physical Therapy. He feels that his welcoming and enthusiastic nature helps bring the best out of his patients in their recovery and goals. Dr. Justin believes that Physical Therapy goes much more beyond just the physical aspect of rehabilitation. The mind, the body, and the soul are all intertwined!
He loves Southern California, but will always be a Northern Californian at heart! In his free time, he loves traveling, hiking, and playing basketball.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Michelle has grown up around the sport of gymnastics, competing 7 years at the junior Olympic level, and an additional 5 years of coaching. She has also had the opportunity to participate in water polo, swim, Crossfit, and now, weightlifting. All of which developed in her, a love for movement in all shapes and forms.
Professionally, Michelle graduated from CSU-Northridge with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. She, then, attended Cerritos College and graduated with her Physical Therapist Assistant certificate. Over the past 8 years of her practice, she has cultivated experience in various rehab settings, and she has developed a passion for working with athletes both in post-operative care and injury prevention to extend the longevity of participation in sport. She desires to help restore joy through movement so people can live life with their community.
Operations Manager
Allison is a friendly voice on the phone and generally the first person seen when entering the clinic. She is knowledgeable in all facets of the clinic. She will answer questions about therapists, insurance, and what to expect at EMPOWER.
Her initial warm greeting, whether by phone or at the front desk, establishes the kindness and family environment found throughout the center.
Allison graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Exercise Science.
She is also a Certified Massage Therapist from Southern California Health Institute. Allison is a huge sports fan, especially the Broncos and Dodgers. She loves spending time with her friends and family, swimming, playing fantasy football, and golfing. Allison is passionate about helping those in need. She always strives to go above and beyond to help a patient meet their goals.
Exercise Specialist
Enrique graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Enrique loves to connect with his patients and enjoys seeing their growth. He encourages his patients to work towards their goals and to become the best versions of themselves! Enrique hopes to open his own clinic in the future, working alongside other physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers.
Enrique enjoys working out, playing basketball, trading stocks, trying new restaurants, and playing video games!
Exercise Specialist
Mikaela will graduate from California State University, San Bernardino with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science this May.
Mikaela has a passion for giving back to her community and establishing meaningful connections with her patients. She believes that establishing trust with patients is a key role in having a successful recovery. In her future career as a Physical Therapist, she hopes to serve underserved communities and to be an advocate for their rights.
Mikaela enjoys snowboarding, playing soccer, and traveling!
Exercise Specialist
Genesis graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology: Exercise Science.
Genesis is passionate, dedicated and loves helping others. She values the relationships she has with our patients and always seeks to motivate and encourage patients with their current and future goals. She seeks to create a friendly, positive and uplifting environment to help patients succeed and return to doing what they love doing.
Genesis enjoys playing soccer, doing CrossFit, traveling, as well as spending time with family and friends!
Massage Therapist
Heather graduated from Aveda Institute and has been a Certified Massage Therapist since 2007. Prior to massage therapy, she attended college where she earned her AS in veterinary medicine, which led her to work in the veterinary field for a few years.
Heather loves massage therapy because she can assist her patients with pain management and areas of tension, help her patients to reduce stress, and find a moment of relaxation. She enjoys getting to know her patients and coming up with treatments plans that will get them to the best version of themselves.
In her free time she enjoys hiking, exercise, being in nature, traveling, spending time with family and friends, music, and concerts.
Exercise Specialist
Isabella graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.
Her passion for physical activity and helping others made a career in Physical Therapy a perfect fit for her. She enjoys seeing patients progress both physically and mentally throughout their rehabilitation journeys. She aims to help patients find their inner strength and power each new day!
Her hobbies include exercising, playing piano, trying new foods, and hiking with her dog.
Exercise Specialist
Jayleen will graduate from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2023.
Jayleen loves helping others and seeing them progress through their rehabilitation process. She is dedicated to creating a fun environment and making connections with patients. Her main goal is to encourage and motivate patients to go back to what they love doing!
Jayleen enjoys watching sports like basketball, football, soccer, and baseball. She also loves going to the gym, traveling, and spending time with family!
Patient Care Coordinator
Ayisha graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Social Ecology.
Ayisha has a strong desire to help people and get them back on their feet. In her future career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she aims to help those who are wanting to find their voice again. She hopes that she'll be able to advocate for those with mental health illnesses and break the stigma. Ayisha believes that helping those keep a positive attitude about recovery will help them achieve more than they know.
In her free time, Ayisha enjoys hiking, reading, watching movies, and drinking lots of boba milk tea.