Celebrating our 20th year in 2020!
Stacey Smith
M.P.T.
Stacey Smith is a licensed physical therapist who received her Masters degree in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy (M.P.T.) from USC. Prior to that, she graduated cum laude with a B.A. from UCLA. She enthusiastically supported UCLA Athletics by participating on the esteemed UCLA Dance/Cheerleading Team and continues to be a big fan! Her interest in physical therapy began at the tender age of 16 when she herself spent some time in a wheelchair. It was then that she made a commitment to devote her life to helping others walk again!
Stacey is most proud to be celebrating her 20th year at the coveted Montana Avenue location. She has a wide variety of clinical experience and has enjoyed the orthopedic setting for over 25 years. She has worked with everyone from gun shot victims to elite athletes, everyday weekend warriors, teenage athletes, and young children. She believes each patient to be unique in their own healing process. Therefore, she employs many different philosophies, techniques, and skill sets when treating patients. She has been a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association for 25 years. She is a certified spinning instructor and finds heli-skiing, surfing, yoga, pilates, outdoor cycling, and hiking a great way to stay strong and balanced.
Joani Essenmacher
D.P.T. / P.T. / M.S. / O.C.S. / S.C.S. / A.T.C.
Orthopedic and Sports Clinical Specialist
Dr. Joani Essenmacher graduated from Northwestern University’s program in Physical Therapy, received a M.S. from Purdue University, and post-professional doctorate in Biokinesiology and PT at USC. She is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and certified as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic (OCS) and Sports (SCS) Physical Therapy. She currently works at Stacey Smith Physical Therapy, a boutique-practice on coveted Montana Avenue, where care is individualized and provided in a private, serene setting.
Joani joined the Sports Medicine and Sciences Staff of the WTA TOUR in 1990 and currently continues to travel with the WTA as an independent contractor. She has covered Wimbledon, Australian, French and US Opens, as well as serving as personal physiotherapist for Steffi Graf and the Williams sisters. Joani has also worked with the USTA Pro Circuits, USA Men’s Beach Volleyball and volunteered at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with men’s gymnastics. Prior positions include Director of UCLA Medical Center’s Sports Medicine and Fitness Complex and Clinical Specialist at Kaiser Permanente, mentoring physical therapy residents.
Joani has taught in the DPT curriculums at USC, Indiana University, University of Indianapolis, Samuel Merritt University and currently teaches at Mount Saint Mary’s University. She recently volunteered at DaNang Orthopedic Hospital in Vietnam. Originally from the Detroit area, she completed completed Yoga Teacher Training (200-hour) at Santa Cruz Yoga and besides Yoga, enjoys swimming, running, biking, hiking, traveling.