PRPT Staff:

Paso Robles Physical Therapy Staff

Back row: Matt Brannon, Janene Norum, Donna Randall, Heather Withers, Maria Allen, JoAnn Vargas Seated:Tony Wallace

The staff at Paso Robles Physical Therapy has a combined 85 years of experience in physical, occupational, and massage therapy. Their diverse background includes training in treating conditions as diverse as sports injuries, strokes and neurological disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome, and their techniques range from aquatic therapy to strength training, from ergonomics to massage.

We encourage you to meet them. Some details of their education, work training, and occupational history are below.

Tony Wallace, PT
Tony Wallace PT, owner and director of PRPT, was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated from Long Beach State with a BS in physical therapy in 1980. After starting his career at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, he decided to transplant to the California Central Coast in 1982. Bringing his wife and two boys, he settled in Atascadero and went to work at Twin Cities Hospital. He and Lisa added two more boys along the way and love living on the Central Coast.

After directing another private PT office in Paso Robles for 13 years, he decided to strike out on his own. The result is Paso Robles Physical Therapy. Tony has had extensive experience in treating all manner of orthopedic difficulties over the years. "I love it all. Everyone is unique and every problem offers a unique challenge for recovery". Of particular interest is acute and recurrent back and neck pain conditions.

Tony has stayed on the leading edge of out-patient rehabilitation through continuing education courses and journal reading as well as an ongoing dialogue with the staff of PRPT. The environment in the clinic is fun and challenging. "I think of PRPT as a family. We love working together."

Heather Withers, MPT
Heather Withers was born and raised on the Central Coast. She attended Southern California College for her undergraduate education, graduating with a bachelors in Sports Science, Kinesiology. She then went on to receive her Masters in Physical Therapy from Azusa Pacific University, graduating in 2000. She started in the PT profession at ProSport Physical Therapy in Newport Beach, treating a wide variety of orthopedic clientele, including the likes of JT Snow. During her post-graduate career, she has attended multiple continuing education courses to hone her skills, with a special interest in joint related disorders.

Heather has a special interest in aquatic therapy and directs the aquatics program at PRPT. She enjoys practicing as an outpatient physical therapist, and specifically treating joint related injuries.

Maria Allen, PT
Maria Allen grew up in Santa Maria and graduated from CSU Fresno with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1983. She moved to Orange County and practiced in a variety of therapy settings primarily with neurologically involved adults and children before moving to Atascadero in 2000. While in Orange County she was very well respected by the rehabilitation community, even earning the "Outstanding Physical Therapist of the Year" in 1996, awarded by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) of Orange County. Since joining PRPT, Maria has directed the "neuro" therapy and also has a special interest in and ability to treat balance and vestibular disorders.

She has 3 wonderful, very active school age children that keep her extremely busy. She enjoys working one on one with her patients and their families to improve the quality of their lives.

Donna Randall, PT
Donna is our newest addition to the professional staff at PRPT. She received her PT education in the Netherlands and has a great interest in manual therapy related to orthopedics. She has a beautiful daughter who keeps her on her toes. She is loved by her patients and the staff her at PRPT.

Pat Alexander, OTR
Patricia Alexander is a second-generation California native whose family settled on a ranch north of Cayucos in 1966. She received a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from USC in 1981. For 23 years she has worked full time in this multi faceted profession pursuing the variety of work it offers. Some of these positions include Mental Health and Crisis Intervention; Training the disabled and homeless disabled to live independently; Training instructors to teach the visually impaired to be independent; Therapy for multi-disabled children using the modality of vaulting on horses; Hand Therapy; Rehabilitation in Home Health Programs, Convalescent Hospitals, Transitional Living Programs, Hospital Rehabilitation Programs and now in this Out Patient Clinic offering an opportunity to specialize in neurological rehabilitation.

Her varied and extensive experience is a real asset to PRPT.

Matthew Brannon, PTA
Matthew Brannon was born and raised in Santa Maria and attended local schools. After initiating his work career in the automotive field he decided to change professions in 1993 and graduated from PSI in Santa Barbara, becoming a licensed physical therapist assistant. His initial work experience included six years at Sierra Vista Hospital working in acute therapy. He moved to Paso Robles in 2002 with his wife and two children. He moved on to employment at PRPT in 2002 bringing a wealth of experience both professionally and in life. He looks forward to working with you!

Jo Ann Vargas
JoAnn was born and raised in Atascadero and has stayed in the area all her life. She has three grown daughters, and a bundle of grandchildren. She graduated from Pacific Coast Massage School, SLO in 1997. She has worked with Tony for 15 years. She is currently our office manager, and is usually requested for her famous massages.

Janene Norum
Janene is JoAnn's right hand assistant in the office. She has recently moved here from King City with her husband and family and loves Paso Robles.