David Dennies, PT
David S. Dennies received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from California State University Fresno in 1980. He trained at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Stanford for orthopedics. Before establishing his own business, he was the director of several clinics giving him the background and skills needed to start Sports Motion Physical Therapy in 1994.
As a physical therapist he has treated professional, amateur and high school athletes from training to injury prevention and post op rehab. He also provides treatment for orthopedic, adolescent, pediatric and elder care patients. To increase his awareness of the professional advancement in physical therapy, he attends post graduate seminars in manual therapy, balance disorders and post op strategies for shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and spine on a yearly basis. He has been a member of the APTA since 1980.
Dave and his staff members have been actively involved in the community by supporting the Calabasas Swim & Tennis Club with their annual pro tennis tournament. As a sports enthusiast he also supports Calabasas High School soccer, football, baseball and basketball teams. His hobbies include playing golf, the outdoors and being at home with his family.
Heather Gelb, DPT
Heather was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended Manhattan College in New York City, where she received a full-ride Division I softball scholarship to pitch for the Jaspers. After graduating in 2000 with her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy, Heather attended Widener University, located just outside Philadelphia, where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
After completing her graduate program, Heather ended her seven year stint on the East Coast and returned home to Southern California where she began her career as a Physical Therapist. Since beginning her career in 2003, Heather has had the opportunity to treat patients of all ages, from young children to the elderly, and from all backgrounds, including student athletes, professional athletes and people with work related injuries, to name a few.
Heather especially enjoys treating people with shoulder and knee injuries, but has experience with all orthopedic ailments. Through regular continuing education coursework covering a wide-variety of therapy related topics, Heather continually expands her scope of treatment and expertise.
When Heather isn’t working, she enjoys caring for her young triplets, volunteering time at their elementary school and spending quality time with her husband, family and friends. On any given day, you will find Heather working out or taking a spin class at the gym, and between April and October, you are likely to find her cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Dodgers.
Kimberly Bailey-Ewell, PTA, ATC
Kimberly Bailey is a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). She graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physical Education. Kimberly has worked at Sports Motion PT for 8+ years and has served as Head Athletic Trainer for the LAPD Centurion Football Team for 25 years. She loves animals, being outdoors and gets great pleasure out of making people feel better.
Patty Colello, Billing Manager
Patty is often the first contact for our patients. She is always gracious and generous with her time. She can help you determine your insurance coverage, obtain referrals or authorizations. She has a special skill dealing with the complexities of reimbursement and is excellent in resolving conflicts that arise between patients and their insurance company. After all these years she is still excited to be a part of SMPT and continues to be impressed at the difference the staff and Dave make in all their patients’ lives. Patty has worked in the medical field for over 10 years her focus is mostly administrative, she loves and greatly values learning each patient’s personality and story.
Nikos Starks, PTA
Nikos Starks is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). After 12 years in the health and wellness industry as a fitness trainer he made the move into physical therapy. He graduated from Casa Loma College in 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Therapy. With over a decade of working in fitness, Nikos brings a keen eye in body mechanics and functional movement. While enjoying a life long journey of knowledge he has obtained numerous certifications over the years not limited to Titleist Performance Institute, Gary Gray 3 D-Maps & CAFS, and USA Olympic Weight Lifting.
When not working on guiding patients through their journey of healing you can find Nikos spending is time outside teeing it up, camping, hiking, fishing, or just creating memories with family and friends.
Elnaz Karimi, PT Aide
Elnaz Karimi graduated in 2012 in Germany in Physical Therapy. Since then she has worked in the healthcare system for 10 years. She worked in United Nations Hospital with soldiers with war injuries. After moving to the United States Elnaz worked with autistic kids and kids with severe disabilities. In 2020 Elnaz came to Sports Motion Physical Therapy to work as an aide working with a variety of patients. She especially enjoys working with joint replacements and patients with neurological conditions. She gets her greatest satisfaction seeing patients make significant improvement after she has worked with them.
Outside the office Elnaz enjoys book clubs, jazz music, going to art galleries and exhibitions, learning about different cultures and making new friends.
