Physical Therapists at NewSport Physical Therapy are at the top of their profession. Our highly educated team delivers a product that serves the needs of our patients, whether you are a recreational athlete, a working professional, or a sedentary individual with desires of improving your physical conditioning. We hope you allow our team to motivate you in your return to whatever lifestyle you choose. Let’s meet the team.
Claudia O’Connor, PT, MPT, Owner
Claudia received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Irvine and her Master of Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. She is committed to providing the most current and useful techniques in Physical Therapy by spending a great deal of time reading the latest rehabilitation journals and taking continued education courses.
Claudia decided to become a Physical Therapist while volunteering at SOS (Share our selves) a non-profit organization in Costa Mesa helping doctors translate and assist for low income families’ medical needs. It was during this time that Claudia realized that she possessed a passion for helping people with their medical and physical disabilities and thus pursued a career in Physical Therapy. She worked for many years at Hoag Hospital in various Physical therapy departments where she acquired great amount of knowledge which has helped her treat the most difficult cases with positive outcomes. Claudia places a high value on emphasizing an approach of personalized one-on-one treatments with each of her patients, developing a personal and caring environment with attention to detail that encourages successful outcomes. In her spare time Claudia spends time with her family while caring for her two children. Additionally, she cares for her 90 year old mother who has Parkinson’s. She also loves to golf, ski and, enjoys staying in shape by taking daily runs on the sand
Michele Kayiran, PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Michele Kayiran is a Board Certified Orthopedic specialist and has been practicing in Newport Beach for the last 13 years. Her clinical practice specializes in manual-based therapy and functional rehabilitation related to surgical and non-surgical injuries, chronic illnesses, and concussion rehab. Throughout her career she has had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of patients; ranging from professional NBA, NFL, and MMA athletes, to weekend warriors, to people just wanting to walk without pain or pick up their grandchildren. In addition to her outpatient experience she has 6 years of clinical experience in an acute care setting which enables her to adapt and customize treatments for a variety of patient populations.
A native of Washington, Dr. Kayiran received her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and then attended the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She is ASTYM certified and holds postgraduate training in post-concussion syndrome and recovery. As a former athlete turned weekend warrior herself, Michele’s passion for physical therapy came after recovering from her own injuries with the help of PT in her youth. She believes in an overall balance between both physical and mental health to promote the best outcomes for her patients. Her clinical expertise involves incorporating manual-based techniques with programs based on functional movement and analysis to heal and prevent recurrence of injury.
In her free time she enjoys staying active by running, skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a loyal Trojan fan and doesn’t miss a chance to watch her favorite team.
Virginia Zekaria, PT, MPT, DPT, CFNS
Dr. Virginia Zekaria has extensive experience and education in the field of Physical Therapy.Virginia has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences.
Virginia received her Masters of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University where she graduated with honors. She has trained directly under some of the most renowned PT’s in the field including Ola Grimsby and Joe Godges. Her continued education includes but is not limited to training in Pilates, Aquatic therapy, Mulligan’s mobilization, Strain/Counter-Strain, Myofascial Release and Kinesiotaping. Virginia’s experience is predominately in Orthopedics although she has worked in a variety of other settings including: In-patient and Out-patient Neuro Rehab, and Aquatic therapy. Virginia is a Certified Fitness and Nutrition Specialist. (CFNS). Virginia’s interests include coaching 5th and 6th grade girls Volleyball and Basketball, running, skiing, camping, surfing, and pretty much anything outdoors. Virginia has a passion to help people by restoring health, life and function so her patient’s can live their best lives.
Fran Wynn, PT, MPT
Fran Wynn completed her Masters of Physical Therapy at Chapman University, and earned her Bachelors of Science Degree from Brigham Young University. While completing her undergraduate degree she was also a collegiate athlete at BYU. She joined Newsport Physical Therapy in 2019.
Fran specializes in treatment of orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation to promote her patients’ return to the activities they love. She has built upon her education with numerous seminars including treatment of the shoulder, knee, and hip and has completed a year long course in the Maitland approach to Manual Therapy. Fran has a special interest in the area of joint replacement rehabilitation using combination of hands-on-treatment, neuromuscular re-education, and biomechanical analysis.
In her free time, she enjoys swimming, skiing, running, playing beach volleyball, spending time with her family, and attending Chargers games.
Elyse Biechele, PT, DPT
Elyse earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology, with a minor in Psychology from Marquette University in 2015. Two years later, she graduated from Marquette University once again, with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Following graduate school, Elyse continued her membership with the American Physical Therapy Association, and worked as a Travel PT and in outpatient orthopedics in Orange County, prior to joining the NewSport team.
Elyse first discovered “physical therapy” as a patient rehabilitating a knee injury in order to return to high school basketball. During her time in physical rehabilitation, she was inspired to pursue PT as a career. She is motivated to help the next generation of PTs as a credentialed clinical instructor, and has established a scholarship for PT students at her alma mater. With a growing passion for nutrition and concussion therapy, she is currently taking continuing education in those areas. Elyse enjoys being active outdoors with hiking, camping, and going to the beach, and is a big fan of the Mercury and Lakers.