Our Clinicians | PT Works

Dwight Cornish
Our Founder

“My goal is that you will feel better when you leave than when you arrived – both physically and functionally.

I have been a licensed therapist since 1974 when I graduated with a BS from Loma Linda University. For my first four years as a physical therapist, I directed a hospital physical therapy department in Sarasota, Florida; I then returned to Loma Linda University to earn a Master’s in Public Health and a Doctorate in Public Health, specializing in Preventive Medicine and Health Science. Over my years of experience, various master therapists have taught me methods that go beyond the fundamentals. It has been my special interest to help adults with chronic pain. I have acquired successful skills in manual therapy, craniosacral therapy release, balance and movement disorder training, therapeutic exercise training, and pool therapy.

I grew up in the 60s in Oakland, California. As a young man, I worked in construction and served in the US Army Medical Corps in Germany. I attended college in northern California in the beautiful Napa Valley, where I met my wife, Jeannie. We are the proud parents of three fabulous young adult children. My purpose is that you will leave my clinic feeling physically better and moving more functionally after the first visit, with encouraging answers to your questions.”

Juan Vargas
Physical Therapist

"I feel honored and blessed to serve our community with the holistic approach of
Physical Therapy. It has always been my passion to help individuals; and with the skills
acquired through attaining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I can finally answer my
calling. I graduated from the University of St. Augustine in Austin Texas in 2020, but my
roots run deep in the beautiful terrain of the Eastern Coachella Valley. Along with my
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I have acquired certifications in manual techniques,
strength and condition, and LSVT which is geared in treating individuals with
Parkinson’s Disease and balance deficits. I want all my patients to understand that the
provider/patient relationship is a team effort, and as a team we will do whatever it takes
to ensure every one of our patients have the proper tools in order to optimize their
quality of life. With research-based rehabilitation techniques, we will find the best path to
achieve “less pain and more power.” I will guide and instruct individuals on the optimal
movement patterns in order to win the fight against gravity."

Brian McFadden
Physical Therapist

"I strive to instill long lasting positive changes in my patients. My goal is to give them the tools they can use throughout their lifetime to remain healthy and maximize their participation in life activities. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from South College in Knoxville Tennessee in 2018, earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. In addition to earning my Doctorate, I am board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. I have worked as a Physical Therapist in multiple outpatient settings as well as acute care in the central valley. I completed continuing education focused on spinal pathology, manual therapy techniques, and various orthopedic conditions. I believe that committing to lifelong education is vital to remain an effective therapist. I grew up in Palm Springs, CA and recently moved back in 2022 after years of living in Northern California and the Central Valley. I am happy to be back home and look forward to forging new relationships with my patients and coworkers as I evolve as a Physical Therapist."

Susanna Barnett
Physical Therapy Assistant

"Hi, my name is Susanna, and I am a physical therapist assistant from Loma Linda University. I first became interested in physical therapy when I was diagnosed with scoliosis. Thankfully, I was encouraged to try physical therapy, which turned out to be one of the best health decisions! I had the privilege of interacting with other patients and getting to witness firsthand the positive impact physical therapy had on their lives. It was amazing to see, and I wanted to be a part of it! I have now achieved this goal, and being a PTA has been even more meaningful than I had imagined. I am currently a member of the APTA, and I enjoy researching evidence-based practice and refining my skills. In my spare time, I love hiking, baking, traveling, and spending time with family."

Kiersten Merkel
Occupational Therapist

"My name is Kiersten Merkel. I have been an Occupational Therapist for over 3 years. I am originally from Pennsylvania and graduated with my Masters in Occupational Therapy while there. As an occupational therapist, I hope to help people of all ages live their best lives by helping them get back to doing what is important to them. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, watching Netflix, and spending time with my golden doodle, Winston."

Tammi Haseltine
Occupational Therapy Assistant

"My name is Tammi Haseltine. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who graduated from Madison College of Madison, WI in 2005. Over the past 18 years, I have worked in multiple settings to include skilled nursing facilities, acute care hospital, inpatient hospital, long term acute care center, and outpatient therapy. “Knowledge is power,” is one of my mantras. I strive to learn and grow every day. Knowledge is also something to be shared. By educating my clients and their families throughout the therapy process, they have the power to maximize skill development for success!"