Our Team

Alejandro Cerna

PT, DPT, FAFS

Alex, a San Diego native, received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Doctor of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. In 2018, Alex decided to take his passion for 3 dimensional biomechanics to a higher level, as he spent 42 weeks earning his Fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS) and 3D MAPS, from the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation. His clinical experiences have allowed him to work with a wide spectrum of patients, including children, geriatrics, orthopedic injuries, as well as D1 and professional athletes. He has taken his passion for functional rehabilitation into the academic setting, and is an assistant instructor for future Physical Therapists in Movement Science at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing recreational sports, surfing, backpacking, and spending quality time with his daughter.

Kevin Carey

PT, DPT, FAFS

Kevin is originally from Fairfield, Connecticut but moved to San Diego to attend the University of San Diego where he received his Bachelors in Marketing. His passion for physical therapy began when he first came to G3 as a patient for hip impingement that prevented him from playing hockey without injury. Once treated, Kevin was able to continue to do the things he loves; hockey, surfing and snowboarding while remaining pain free. Kevin’s love for physical therapy continued when he began working as a physical therapy aide at G3 from 2014-2016. In 2016, Kevin started his DPT program at San Diego State University and finished his last round of clinicals working as a student here at G3. He is now hired as a full time physical therapist and has come full circle from patient to physical therapist all within the G3 family!

Mike Van Gilder

PT, DPT, FAFS, Co-Founder

Mike, originally from Wisconsin, has been a San Diego resident since 1986. He received his BA from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. Pivoting 180°, Mike received his DPT from the University of Southern California in 2001. He has been an avowed practitioner of Applied Functional Science and an active student of the Gray Institute for Functional Science since 2001.

He spends his free time trying to keep up with his wife, Sandra, and his two daughters, while also doing his best to outrun Father Time.

Sandra Van Gilder

PT, DPT, FAFS, Co-Founder

Sandra received her DPT from the University of Southern California and her Fellow of Applied Functional Science certification from the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation. Using the Principles, Strategies, and Techniques of Applied Functional Science, she developed G3’s uniquely effective Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction program.

She is married to Mike and is the mother of two beautiful girls, Walker and Annabelle. She enjoys doing workouts with friends, playing Just Dance with her daughters, and baking (she’s addicted to buying cooking appliances).

Tom Henson

PT, DPT, FAFS

Tom, originally from Hawaii, has lived in San Diego since 2004. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. His interest in Applied Functional Science (AFS) began during physical therapy school, and after understanding that AFS provides the most efficient and comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, he decided it was his career path of choice. Tom has received several certifications from the Gray Institute for Applied Functional Science, and is currently working towards his Fellowship in Applied Functional Science with the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation.

In his spare time, Tom enjoys hiking, surfing, or riding his bike.

Alejandro Cerna

PT, DPT, FAFS

Alex, a San Diego native, received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Doctor of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. In 2018, Alex decided to take his passion for 3 dimensional biomechanics to a higher level, as he spent 42 weeks earning his Fellowship in Applied Functional Science (FAFS) and 3D MAPS, from the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation. His clinical experiences have allowed him to work with a wide spectrum of patients, including children, geriatrics, orthopedic injuries, as well as D1 and professional athletes. He has taken his passion for functional rehabilitation into the academic setting, and is an assistant instructor for future Physical Therapists in Movement Science at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing recreational sports, surfing, backpacking, and spending quality time with his daughter.

Kevin Carey

PT, DPT, FAFS

Kevin is originally from Fairfield, Connecticut but moved to San Diego to attend the University of San Diego where he received his Bachelors in Marketing. His passion for physical therapy began when he first came to G3 as a patient for hip impingement that prevented him from playing hockey without injury. Once treated, Kevin was able to continue to do the things he loves; hockey, surfing and snowboarding while remaining pain free. Kevin’s love for physical therapy continued when he began working as a physical therapy aide at G3 from 2014-2016. In 2016, Kevin started his DPT program at San Diego State University and finished his last round of clinicals working as a student here at G3. He is now hired as a full time physical therapist and has come full circle from patient to physical therapist all within the G3 family!

Mike Van Gilder

PT, DPT, FAFS, Co-Founder

Mike, originally from Wisconsin, has been a San Diego resident since 1986. He received his BA from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. Pivoting 180°, Mike received his DPT from the University of Southern California in 2001. He has been an avowed practitioner of Applied Functional Science and an active student of the Gray Institute for Functional Science since 2001.

He spends his free time trying to keep up with his wife, Sandra, and his two daughters, while also doing his best to outrun Father Time.

Peter Diaz

PT

Peter was born and raised in Vista, CA. Previously, he worked as a physical therapist at an outpatient clinic in Irvine, CA and is now our newest physical therapist. He is a graduate of St. Augustine class of 2019 and undergraduate of Northern Arizona. Peter’s interest in AFS began in his clinical rotations for PT school and he is excited to continue his learning while helping patients here at G3.

In his free time, Peter enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and hanging out with family and friends.

Sandra Van Gilder

PT, DPT, FAFS, Co-Founder

Sandra received her DPT from the University of Southern California and her Fellow of Applied Functional Science certification from the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation. Using the Principles, Strategies, and Techniques of Applied Functional Science, she developed G3’s uniquely effective Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction program.

She is married to Mike and is the mother of two beautiful girls, Walker and Annabelle. She enjoys doing workouts with friends, playing Just Dance with her daughters, and baking (she’s addicted to buying cooking appliances).

Tom Henson

PT, DPT, FAFS

Tom, originally from Hawaii, has lived in San Diego since 2004. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. His interest in Applied Functional Science (AFS) began during physical therapy school, and after understanding that AFS provides the most efficient and comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, he decided it was his career path of choice. Tom has received several certifications from the Gray Institute for Applied Functional Science, and is currently working towards his Fellowship in Applied Functional Science with the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation.

In his spare time, Tom enjoys hiking, surfing, or riding his bike.