Dr. Melinda Bryan, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Certified Principal Pilates Master Teacher Trainer, CEO 

Dr. Melinda Bryan, PT, DPT, is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Performing Arts Physical Therapy (PAPT) and The Pilates Studio of Los Angeles as its CEO. With 37 years of experience in physical therapy, Dr. Melinda has built an extraordinary career blending her expertise in dance, sports medicine, and Pilates.

 

A 1987 graduate of Temple University with a B.S. in Physical Therapy, Dr. Melinda enhanced her skills with Pilates certification from Romana Kryzanowska, a direct protégé of Joe Pilates, in 1993. In 2017, she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Evidence in Motion, solidifying her commitment to advanced practice and evidence-based care.

 

Before pursuing physical therapy, Dr. Melinda was a college dance major and worked as a scholarship athlete in the Temple University athletic training department. Her physical therapy training includes a specialized dance medicine residency with the renowned New York City Ballet, as well as advanced coursework in cranial sacral therapy and myofascial release.

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After relocating to Southern California in 1987, Dr. Melinda worked in various settings, including a hospital, skilled nursing facilities, and private clinics. Her career highlights include serving as the resident physical therapist for the National Touring Company of Jerome Robbins Broadway in 1991. She also led the physical therapy team in LA for the Broadway productions of Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Sunset Boulevard, and worked with touring companies including The Producers, Phantom of the Opera, Aida, Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains, The Color Purple, Dirty Dancing, Ragtime, and Sweeney Todd. Dr. Melinda’s extensive credits also feature TV appearances on The Today Show and Leeza, as well as work with celebrity performers and musicians. She continues to support performing artists both backstage and in the clinic, addressing injuries and prevention. Her patient base ranges from ages 7 to 97, reflecting her versatility and dedication.

 

As Co-Director of PilatesCertificationOnline.com, she educates Pilates instructors worldwide and has authored training manuals now available in seven languages. Her vision to merge her dance and movement background was realized with the founding of PAPT in 1992, making it the first therapy practice in Southern California to specialize in physical therapy and Pilates. Today, Dr. Melinda continues to excel in patient care, mentor students, and advance the field through her involvement with the American Physical Therapy Association and the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. She is also a devoted wife and mother of three wonderful children.

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Bridget Grey, PT, MCSP

Bridget brings over 35 years of unparalleled experience in physical therapy to our team, having joined us in 2021. Hailing from London, her impressive career spans across diverse settings, including inpatient and outpatient hospitals, hospital administration, private practice, dance companies, and home care. She’s even had the privilege of working with elite athletes, including the US Ski Team. Bridget’s passion for physical therapy shines through in her personalized approach, empowering patients with effective home exercises and self-care strategies. As a certified manual therapist licensed to practice in California, British Columbia, Canada, and the UK, Bridget’s expertise is truly global. We’re fortunate to have her guiding our patients to better health!​

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​​​​​Natalie Imrisek, MSPT, CSCS

Natalie returns to PAPT to care for our patients after over a decade.  She holds a Masters in Physical Therapy from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, and brings over 20 years experience to her physical therapy and dance medicine practice. Natalie's passion for providing specialized physical therapy for dancers and performers began in New York City, where she treated the dancers of internationally-recognized dance companies including Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, American Ballet Theater, Cedar Lake, Merce Cunningham, and Martha Graham. Through her work with the world renown NYU/Harkness Center for Dance Medicine, Natalie provided physical therapy for countless stage productions in both ballet and on Broadway.

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​Samantha Arquieta, Patient Care Concierge

Samantha has been a vital part of the PAPT team since 2020, leading our team of aides with unmatched dedication and expertise. A 2021 graduate of CSUN with a degree in Psychology, she brings both knowledge and passion to her role as an experienced PT Aide. Samantha treats every patient like a VIP, ensuring they receive the highest level of care. She has plans to attend graduate school for physical therapy in 2026, her future in the field is as bright as her commitment to our patients. We’re proud to have Samantha on our team!  ​​​

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Zoe Hakonsson, Pilates Instructor

Zoe has been an integral part of PAPT for four years, inspiring clients with her expertise and enthusiasm as a PT Aide and Pilates Instructor. A CSUN graduate with a degree in Kinesiology, Zoe blends her deep understanding of movement with a passion for helping others reach their fitness goals. As she furthers her studies in Kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton’s graduate program, Zoe continues to expand her knowledge and deliver outstanding care to our clients. We’re proud to have her on our team!

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Nikki Vamehghi, PT Aide

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Caroline Moeller, PT Aide

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Beth Afework, Front Desk Associate

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