Meet the team
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Meet the team 〰️
When you come to Studio Brava, you are more than just a client…you’re part of our family! From the front office to the treatment room, our friendly team creates a warm, welcoming environment with personalized attention that makes patients feel truly cared for at every stage of the physical therapy process.
Although each staff member’s role is different, they all have integrity, dedication, and a shared commitment to supporting patients to regain their highest level of health and well-being. That is why our clients not only continue to return to Studio Brava, but enthusiastically refer their family, friends, and colleagues to our practice.
Cristina Popescu, PT
Licensed Physical Therapist
Cristina Popescu has innate abilities, and an affinity, for helping people in need. She connects with them. She works to improve their lives. This started at an early age in her native Romania when she was called upon to help meet the daily needs of her stroke-affected grandmother. Despite her grandmother’s inability to speak, express emotions, walk, or simply take care of herself, she received loving care from Cristina and her mother; and this continued every day for nine years. Meanwhile, at school, and undoubtedly influenced by the state of her grandmother, she found herself connecting with kids with disabilities. This, despite the fact she was a nationally recognized track athlete. She had options, yet she chose to protect, comfort, and befriend the less fortunate.
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She empathized. She saw them as people, people who were trying to continually improve and live a life of dignity and significance. Her track prowess brought her fame. She was a national junior champion heptathlete and hurdler. Unfortunately, it also brought injury and pain. She severely damaged her left knee, thus ending a promising career on the track and starting a regime of rehabilitation in the clinic. Again, staying positive, creative, and undaunted, she turned the experience into a positive and focused her energy on becoming an expert rehab professional; and this is what she is today. Cristina services everyone from elderly patients recovering from surgery, dealing with joint ailments, back ailments, arthritic conditions, etc. to young and middle-aged athletes trying to get back on the field, court, mat, track, or in the water. Whatever the case, her vast knowledge of anatomy, deep understanding of pain relief, along with her clinical experience, allows her to employ a uniquely compassionate, confidence-inspiring approach, one that enables her patients to quickly and consciously regain their health, fitness, and vitality, and get back to the activities that bring them joy.
Faraz Sadighim,DPT
Licensed Physical Therapist
Faraz Sadighim, DPT found his passion toward anatomy and human body movement during his time at University of California, Los Angeles where he studied Psychobiology. After graduating from the Physical Therapy program, he immediately started working at hospital and rehabilitation facilities where he treated patients from post orthopedic surgeries to neuro patients. Faraz has worked in other outpatient facilities where he treated patients with different diagnoses. His passion is to treat patients, help them achieve their goals and return to their normal lifestyles.
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Faraz received his doctorate degree in physical therapy at Western University of Health Sciences. His goal is to achieve further credentialing including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Sport Clinical Specialist (SCS), and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Outside the job, he enjoys spending time with his family and focusing on continuing his education.
Sherwin Toluie, DPT
Licensed Physical Therapist
Sherwin Toluie, DPT, discovered his passion for physical therapy as the perfect blend of fitness and medicine, inspired by his lifelong love for bodybuilding and movement. With a Bachelor’s in Psychobiology from UCLA, he developed a deep understanding of both the mind and body, allowing him to connect with his patients and uncover the root causes of their pain. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from USC, where he honed his skills in orthopedic rehabilitation. Sherwin is dedicated to helping people return to the activities they love, pain-free. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys traveling, playing piano, staying active, and cherishing time with his family. He is fluent in both Farsi and English, and brings warmth, compassion, and dedication to every patient he treats.
Ani-Chakant Coquia, PTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Ani is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with a passion for helping others move and feel better. Her journey into physical therapy began with a personal experience—watching her grandfather struggle after a stroke inspired her to pursue a career where she could make a real difference in people’s lives. Volunteering in an outpatient clinic confirmed her calling and brought tears of joy as she realized she could help others like her grandfather.
Ani treats every patient like family, bringing compassion, care, and a strong desire to support each person’s journey to recovery. She has a special love for Pilates, hiking, and being in nature, which fuels her interest in wellness and movement. Ani is always looking to grow in her profession, with future goals to expand her education in Pilates, become a certified personal trainer, and one day even pursue a career as a Physician Assistant or have her own practice.
Daniel Mesri, PT Aide
Physical Therapist Aide
Daniel’s love of education, appreciation for physical fitness, and ever growing knowledge about human physiology have driven him to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. He aspires to obtain his license as a DPT in the coming years, and in the meantime to help individuals - whether they be athletes, post-surgical patients, or those dealing with chronic conditions - reduce their pain, regain functionality, and better understand their own bodies.
Outside of work, Daniel is passionate about storytelling, creativity, and personal growth. A dedicated reader and writer, he finds inspiration in narratives that challenge the norm and spark meaningful thought. His love of film and movies complements this passion, offering a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling and emotional nuance.
Daniel maintains an active lifestyle through regular exercise and mindful nutrition. He also enjoys exploring his creativity in the kitchen, often experimenting with diverse cuisines and new recipes as a source of joy and self-expression.
Maja Damjanov
Care Coordinator and Client Relations Manager
Maja is the cheerful face and gatekeeper of Studio Brava. With more than a decade of administrative and marketing experience and her winning personality, she keeps our office on track, while treating everyone with patience, kindness, and consideration. As a result, new clients book appointments right away after speaking with her and patients always look forward to returning for their next physical therapy session.
Raised by parents who were both doctors, Maja was drawn to the medical field even as a young child. While growing up, she was very empathetic, always expressing compassion for other people’s emotions and concern about their well-being. Today, she loves working with the deeply caring professionals at Studio Brava, who consistently give more than 100% in support of their patients, which is a rare quality to find.
