OUR TEAM

hilary Nakao

(SHE/HER)

As a physical therapist, I’ve specialized in oncology rehabilitation care, primarily breast cancer rehabilitation, since 2008. I love working with this community of strong, proactive (primarily) women, and helping my patients rise from feeling vulnerable and powerless to strong and empowered. I believe my extensive orthopedic training helps me serve the women I work with who have often been athletic in some way prior to their diagnosis and are seeking to return to an active lifestyle and all the activities they love.

I live in the East Bay with my family, and we love to go on bike rides as well as weekend trips to lakes and rivers to play in the water during the spring and summer.

More About Dr. Hilary:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of the Pacific, 2005
Center Manager for a physical therapy office in Oakland, California, 2007-21.
Program Director for previous company’s oncology rehabilitation program, made up of 12+ certified therapists in Northern California, 2020-21

Specializes in lymphedema education and prevention, 2008
Athletic Training Certification, 2003

Chelsea anjeski

(SHE/HER)

I believe in our body’s ability to improve. My approach is to start wherever your body is at, and build from there. We take the treatment at whatever pace is working for your body, and your life, and we continue to partner to move towards your goals.

My role is to help my clients connect to their pelvic floor/core and use these muscles to provide optimum support and function. I help my clients navigate pelvic pain, prolapse, leaking and urgency, constipation, pre/postpartum recovery, diastesis recti, and pelvic nerve issues. I am also a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES).

In breast cancer rehabilitation, I use lymphedema prevention education, techniques of soft tissue mobilization, and exercise to help clients who will/have had a mastectomy, going through chemotherapy, and/or radiation to return to their lives.

Both in my pelvic floor work and breast cancer rehabilitation, I draw on a strong orthopedic PT expertise—and pride myself on the way this integrative approach benefits my clients, resolving pain that has eluded other treatment and getting them back to their favorite activities.

I really enjoy staying active in cycling and yoga classes and exploring hikes wherever I travel.

More About Dr. Chelsea:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University, 2013
Adjunct Faculty, Samuel Merritt University, since 2013.
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics, since 2019

kristin overton

(SHE/HER)

I believe physical therapy should be highly collaborative where we are helping your body to help itself with your goals in mind. With pelvic floor PT, I prioritize a careful assessment that untangles what may be happening and uncovers the root of the problem so you can have more lasting results. Pelvic floor issues are often multifactorial whether it’s incontinence, pregnancy- or postpartum challenges, or pelvic pain and/or neuralgia, and it’s essential to approach each in a way that’s effective, efficient and patient specific. In addition, my orthopedic background allows me to see how your pelvis moves in relation to your hip, back, and core, resulting in a more successful return to the activities you love.

I am also a certified KickPink Breast Cancer Rehab provider and I am passionate about helping patients achieve their long-term functional goals. Using a mix of manual therapy techniques and creating an individualized home program consisting of specific stretches and exercises, I can help minimize the negative physical side effects from breast cancer treatment and help you feel better in your body.

I enjoy staying active doing yoga, running and playing Ultimate Frisbee. In my free time, I love playing with my little ones, camping and hiking, and sampling some of the delicious food the East Bay has to offer.

More About Dr. Kristin:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Colorado, 2016
Certified Clinical Instructor
Center Manager for a physical therapy office in Berkeley, California, 2018-21 where I built a pelvic floor program for the clinic

Jeff south

(he/him)

My clinical background is rooted in outpatient orthopedics with an emphasis in return to sport & performance training for all client levels of activity & goals. I have experience working with multidisciplinary healthcare teams & pelvic health specialists in changing the course of lingering symptoms and addressing chronic barriers to movement. I have continued interest & training in functional manual therapy through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) which assists in an adaptive & holistic approach to patient care.

Outside of the clinic Jeff teaches within Samuel Merritt’s DPT program at the downtown Oakland campus. He enjoys outdoor sports, soccer, live music, and biking around town filling his stomach with all the flavors of the Bay Area.

More About Dr. Jeff:

Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Ithaca College, 2012

Assistant Professor, Samuel Merritt University since 2022

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics since 2021

Alex Woodbury

(she/her)

Alex Woodbury, PTA is teaming up with Dr. Chelsea to help provide our patients with the elevated care they deserve as a highly skilled and trusted practitioner. Alex completed her physical therapist assistant degree in 2019 and began her career working for Dr. Chelsea and Dr. Hilary. Prior to her graduate program, she worked both as a physical therapy aide and a personal trainer. She is also a certified clinical instructor for physical therapist assistant students and was awarded Clinical Instructor of Excellence by the Northern California Consortium in 2021.

Alex has years of experience working with both Dr. Chelsea and Dr. Hilary and has an in-depth understanding of their treatment styles and techniques. With the team approach, patients will get more professional collaboration regarding their care and more opportunities for creative approaches to achieving their goals.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys taking her Corgi for walks, going for hikes on the weekends, being around friends and family, watching Sunday football with her husband and listening to music.

More About Alex:

Physical Therapist Assistant, Carrington College, 2019

Certified PTA Clinical Instructor, 2021

Clinic Instructor of Excellence N. California Consortium, 2021

Jocelyn Basom

(she/her)

I’m passionate about the human body and how the daily decisions we make impact its ability to heal, age well, and function optimally. I believe in using a holistic approach with my patients that looks at every facet of wellness - movement, sleep, nutrition, stress, daily habits, postures, mental health, overcoming trauma, and relationships with others and self.

I believe in educating and preparing my patients so that they can feel confident and resilient throughout life’s ups and downs, such as labor, motherhood, chemotherapy or radiation, post-surgical life, or lymphedema management; whatever life throws at them, I want to help them to overcome. I’m honored to be able to support my patients throughout these challenging times and to facilitate healing of the body and mind through movement, healthy habits, and hands-on techniques. I’m in the process of becoming a certified KickPink Breast Cancer Rehab provider so I can better understand and support my patients throughout treatment and survivorship.
Outside of the clinic I love to stay active by lifting weights, walking my puppy, and doing yoga. If it’s more of a lazy day, I’m probably curled up at home drinking coffee, reading, or listening to a health and wellness podcast.

Nicole Cavales

(she/her)

Nicole is our front desk manager and administrative assistant. She is the happy and helpful voice on the phone that can answer any and all questions! She is very experienced in Medicare billing as well as a master of our schedule. She has worked with the Level Up staff since the beginning and understands the needs of our clients, from answering questions about care to scheduling with the appropriate clinician to managing appointments. She not only manages our front desk she teaches yoga and is a Reiki Master-offering both services at our clinic.

More about Nicole:

Registered E-200 Hr. Yoga Teacher and Prenatal Teacher with Yoga Alliance
200 hr. Teacher Training with Northern California Yoga Institute
Prenatal Teacher Training with Yoga Garden SF
Certified Teacher of Yoga to Children with It's Yoga Kids
Completed: Yoga for Pelvic Floor Teacher Training with Leslie Howard
Master Reiki Practitioner