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
Dr. Jeremy Chen
Michelle Chin
Anthony Jacobs
Allison Evans
Laura Diaz
Jayleen Lupian
Josh Chang
James Thongkham
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.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Jeremy graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology. He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from California State University Long Beach.
Jeremy takes great care in listening to his patients - he believes that understanding his patients’ history, goals, abilities, and strengths allows him to provide the best care possible. He loves empowering people through education and exercise so that they may live their lives feeling confident and strong. Aside from orthopedics, Jeremy is very passionate about working with the sports, geriatric, and neurologic populations.
Outside of physical therapy, Jeremy enjoys strength training, playing basketball, video games, practicing yoga, reading, listening to music, and taking walks. His family recently adopted a cat, so life has never been better.
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.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Anthony's interest in the medical field, mainly Physical Therapy started at an early age with inspiration from his brother. Anthony's brother played sports, exercised and later became an RN. Sports, fitness, and medicine became major interests as he grew up, which led him to finding a career in Physical Therapy.
Anthony obtained his BS degree from Azusa Pacific University, and later he attended Cerritos College and obtained his Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Through 9 total years in the physical therapy field, Anthony has gained a multitude of experience, working with many therapists and patients through his career. He primarily has worked in orthopedics, sports therapy, vestibular and balance settings. In his spare time he enjoys being with family, his wife, son, mother, brother and their cats.
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.
Patient Care Coordinator
Laura, native of the Bay Area, recently relocated to SoCal. She attended De Anza College in Cupertino, and studied Business Marketing.
She has a compassionate nature, when working with patients to address their concerns, and get them quickly scheduled for Physical Therapy. Her main objective is to see the patient follow through with the program, so they can get back to normal activities.
Laura enjoys, cooking, Walking for a Cause, going to Warriors games, and spending time with her husband and dog at the beach.
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!
Exercise Specialist
Josh will graduate from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2024.
Josh’s passion for physical therapy and overall rehabilitation came from personal experience. He loves seeing patients improve on their mental and physical goals so they can get back to what they love doing. Along with seeing patients recover in whatever they are achieving, he also loves to have a personal connection.
Exercise Specialist
James graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry
James greatly values helping patients not only get back to how they were prior, but also to overcome, exceed, and excel in their goals past their expectations. He has been around both healthcare and athletics for all of his life and realized that physical therapy was the perfect fit for him; being able to provide rehabilitative aid to those in need! James wishes to create an environment promoting self-care and self-wellness not just during the time of rehabilitation, but more importantly throughout the rest of his life.
James is an avid enjoyer of basketball, puzzles, board/strategy games, and spending quality time with his loved ones.