CORE Centers
Jason Mansfield
CORE Centers
Curtis & Myrna Miller
CORE Centers
Mahfuzul Kadir
CORE Centers
Evelyn Pineda
CORE Centers
Ron Cabrera

Jason Mansfield

INJURY/CONDITION: Traumatic Brain Injury(1995).

INTERESTS/HOBBIES: Fishing, camping and hiking. I enjoy watching and piloting remote controlled planes. I like to read books about businesses, non-profits, fitness, wellness and life changing experiences.


How has C.O.R.E. changed your life? After bilateral hip replacement in 2023, I was reminded by my sister about my professor from college that started CORE. I gave it a shot and I am so glad I did because 30 years before joining CORE, I was wasting away physically and mentally. Working with Sam, Diego and now Alexandro has been remarkable. I am stronger and have more energy. My balance and gait are so much better than 35 years ago.

What are you grateful for?

I am grateful for my friends and family. I would not be here without them. I am grateful to the creator of life, in my case, God. I am grateful to wake up in the morning and drive my care to C.O.R.E. I am grateful for learning at a young age(22 years old) about how to deal with life’s struggles and stresses. I am grateful for my wellness, fitness and happiness. Grateful to the staff at C.O.R.E!

 

Curtis & Myrna Miller

Myrna Miller

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Retired Teacher

INJURY/CONDITION: In remission from cancer/osteoporosis.

INTERESTS/HOBBIES: Art and Gardening


How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

Over two years I have regained strength and mobility following cancer treatments. With Stephanie’s help I continue to gain strength, improve posture and balance.

What are you grateful for?

I am grateful for having time to spend with my family and friends.

 

Curtis Miller

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Retired

INJURY/CONDITION: Problems with walking and lower body strength following spinal stenosis.


INTERESTS/HOBBIES: Music and Gardening.


How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

CORE has improved my walking and my mobility.

What are you grateful for?

All the help from Mags + CORE!

Mahfuzul Kadir

INJURY/CONDITION:

Stroke

INTERESTS/HOBBIES:

Mahfuzul enjoys fishing, driving, gardening, and watching his favorite basketball team, the Lakers.


How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

“Improvement began when I joined CORE. Advice from Dr. Taylor, and support from everyone, enriched the ability to cope with my situation mentally and physically. Feeling grateful and excited for the future. CORE has made our journey smoother by taking away tension and bringing us peace of mind.”

 

Ron Cabrera

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Retired Teacher/Contractor

INJURY/CONDITION:

Chronic back/knee/ankle pain & recent broken fibula/ankle.

INTERESTS/HOBBIES:

Collecting and playing guitars and classic car restoration.


How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

C.O.R.E. has inspired me to go beyond my physical limits, helped me with goal setting and creating a path to wellness.

Eddie Arko

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Construction 

INJURY/CONDITION: Spinal Cord Injury - T10 Incomplete 

INTERESTS/Hobbies: Working out, spiritual growth and crypto.

How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

 I like to be operating at a high-level and C.O.R.E helps me achieve that. Taylor’s staff is very knowledgeable and is helping me tremendously on my journey. This place is truly amazing! 

Dylen Damico

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Student

INJURY/CONDITION: Spinal Cord Injury - C6 Incomplete

INTERESTS/Hobbies: Fishing, snowboarding, and late night adventures

How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

CORE has pushed me harder than every rehab I’ve tried and it feels as if they hit a fast forward button on my recovery. They’ve introduced us to many resources and have guided us through this injury like no other, they have truly given me real hope at a full recovery.

 

Nicole Simpson

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Kinesiologist/Fitness & Wellness Professional

INJURY/CONDITION: Spinal Cord Injury - L1 Incomplete/Ovarian Cancer Survivor

INTERESTS/Hobbies: Music, Dancing, Cook and Nature watching.

How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

I get more social interaction at CORE. The gains I received from my training has greatly improved my function in activities of daily living, mood, and pain management during sleep.

 

Martha Zambrano

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Mother of 6 / Secretary

INJURY/CONDITION: Transverse Myelitis / Quadriplegic

INTERESTS/Hobbies: Some of my hobbies are selling Tupperware, having barbecues with my family and spending quality time with my loved ones. I enjoy doing my makeup even if it’s just to exercise. I like reading and listening to the gospel daily.



How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

Since I started my journey at C.O.R.E. I’ve seen a difference in my body, I feel stronger every day and it’s pushed me to want to continue working hard. It’s a blessing to have so many people that motivate me and are in my corner every time I go to C.O.R.E.

 

Jo Giese

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Author, award-winning radio journalist, and former TV reporter. As Special Correspondent she was part of the Peabody Award-winning team at Marketplace NPR.

INJURY/CONDITION: Necrosis of the Left Achilles Tendon.

INTERESTS/Hobbies: “I love hiking, and especially hiking to waterfalls, which I’m able to do with one achilles!

The book I’m currently writing is called Keep Hiking to Waterfalls: A Medical Mystery

A story of resilience, recovery and defying one’s prognosis.”

HISTORY:
”A freak accident—falling down stairs at home—almost destroyed my ambulatory life. My left achilles was totally ruptured, the surgery to reattach it was botched, the area got infected, the achilles died. Because of the severe necrosis that happened after the first surgery, an achilles tendon transplant was not advised. I had eight surgeries. Without an achilles my prognosis was a sedentary life.  

Almost three years after the accident, as this one-achilled woman in her early 70s walks at half the speed of others, I’ve almost resigned myself that this is my new normal. The new best version of myself.”

How has C.O.R.E. changed your life?

“Working with Taylor Isaacs at C.O.R.E was pivotal in helping me defy my prognosis. Taylor pronounced me the CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of the Jo Recovery Team and added many modalities to the team, including acupuncture, podiatry, and soft tissue medical massage. I added a psychologist to ward off the depression that crept in with the loss of being able to ambulate.

I’m now resigned to being the new best version of myself, but I still have a ways to go and I’m grateful C.O.R.E will there with me every step of the way.”

 

Through her consistency and with the right dose of restorative exercise, Jo’s come out of the storm of the darkness from having had her Achilles’ tendon die post surgery, to emerging victorious and leaving the storm behind in her trails...

Enjoy hiking in Montana...back to the waterfalls...The process is the progress and better has no finish line!

Chris Fierro

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Forestry Firefighter Trainee, Attendant at Los Angeles Football Club

INJURY/CONDITION.: Spinal Cord Injury(T12/L1) Incomplete

INTERESTS/CURRENT PROGRESS: Working out, gaming, football(Ravens fan), outdoor activities, running, sports in general. Hanging out with family and friends and training to be a Forestry Firefighter.

 
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HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
On April 6, 2020 I sustained a gunshot wound to my T12/L1 spine which resulted in an incomplete spinal cord injury. I was paralyzed from my waist down. I didn’t understand how much my life was going to change. Between UCLA and Craig hospital, my recovery was a slow process. It was difficult both mentally and physically, and I just didn’t know if I would ever walk again, move my legs, stand or even play my favorite sport. A lot goes through your mind like anger and all the questions as to why me. I came home and we are in the middle of a pandemic, we are not able to have physical therapy or if you did it was one day a week. My mom found CORE, called and we met with Taylor and Jon. They helped us understand what was to come and how much work we had to do. CORE has changed my life in many ways. It gave me my confidence, the opportunity to regain my strength, taught me how to take my first steps and helped me understand what I am mentally and physically capable of. They helped me understand my potential. I used to roll into CORE on my wheelchair and now I walk into CORE! The team at CORE are truly a blessing and I thank you each and everyday for giving me your all.

Masis Apik

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Jewelry Designer

Reason for Attending C.O.R.E.: Spinal Cord Injury(C5)

INTERESTS/CURRENT PROGRESS: Masis loves playing piano and basketball.

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HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
”I’m very thankful to my friends who introduced me to the CORE family. They are amazing. When I first started, I wasn’t able to raise my arms and control my body/trunk. But after a couple of months of disciplined and dedicated therapy, I started to raise my arms and control my trunk on my own. I also want to mention their positive and hopeful attitude. Because working with positive people is very important for disabled patients. I believe with all my heart that their profession and my hard work will make my dreams come true. Thank you all!”

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Sergio Martinez

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Before the accident, Sergio was a landscaper known for his strong work ethic and beautiful creations.

Reason for Attending C.O.R.E.: Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)

INTERESTS/CURRENT PROGRESS: Sergio loves listening to music and dancing. He enjoys playing with technology whether it is checking his stats on Fitbit or watching videos on his iPad. Sergio loves most of all spending time with his family and defending his Connect 4 Championship Title. Sergio spends a lot of his time working out and pushing himself newer limits of ability and independence.

HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
July 2015, Sergio was starting his work day when a bullet struck him on the left side of his head. After a 3-week coma, Sergio began his journey to re-learn the basics of walking, talking and memory.

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“C.O.R.E. has done more than change Sergio’s life, it has given Sergio his life back. With the help and patience of special individuals, Sergio has once again found his passion for fitness and now has a positive outlook on life. C.O.R.E. has helped improved Sergio’s posture, walking and healthy habits. C.O.R.E. means a lot to Sergio, more than the Center of Restorative Exercise, it is a way to Channel our Resilience Everyday.”

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Marcus Matamoros

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Student(studying Computer Science with a focus in artificial intelligence).

Reason for Attending C.O.R.E.: Spinal Cord Injury(C5)

INTERESTS/CURRENT PROGRESS: Marcus loves listening to music, one of his favorite rappers is Mac Miller. He is a typical teenager who likes hanging out with his friends and family.

He is a very hard worker and has worked at Vans, Coffee Bean and In-n-Out.

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Marcus comes in every session ready to be the best he can be. Putting 100% effort and mental focus into each of his exercises.

Some of Marcus’ goals is to transition to a manual chair in which he can maneuver on his own. To reach this goal he is working on exercises to strengthen his upper extremities as well as trunk.

HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
“CORE has given me the ability to gain more and more independence through exercise. Thank you CORE for your service and support.”

Bob Thomas

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Retired Masonry Contractor, Former President of the Masonry Institute of America, Member of the 17th Airborne Division in WWII.

Reason for Attending C.O.R.E.
To diminish the unfavorable degenerative changes associated with aging and to get back to living an active unrestricted life.

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HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Bob is a golf enthusiast. He enjoys watching, playing, strategizing and discussing any subject involving golf. He also loves to bake and make apple butter which is a tradition that runs deep in the family. He has won many ribbons at the L.A. County Fair for his White Bread, Wheat Bread and Apple Butter.

Bob has also been in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) since 1966.  He attends meetings twice a week. He also stopped smoking a year later.  He has said many times, “I am so glad I stopped when I did”.

 At 64, never having been a runner, Bob decided he wanted to run a marathon so he joined LA Road Runners and ran a half marathon.  At 65, he ran the full marathon.  He would have continued running but a knee injury put an end to that.

Bob loves the beauty of nature.  He and his second wife had a beautiful garden and many people came to enjoy and paint in their garden. He often comments on the beauty he sees as we travel in the car. He is very observant of his surroundings.

One of his sayings is, “Life is what you make it”.   He has a positive attitude.  He enjoys interacting with people and often sits on his front porch and enjoys the flowers and people that come by.        

HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Bob is able to be mobile and enjoy his life.  They work with him to give him the skills he needs to keep active and the interaction with all the team members adds to his love of life.  They truly care for him and it shows as soon as he walks in the door and  hears, “Hi Bob, how are you?”, and continues as they work and encourage him to be the best he can be.

Sam Audenino

TITLE/OCCUPATION: Sophomore at Newbury Park High School

INJURY/CONDITION: T8 Paraplegic, Incomplete

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: downhill mountain biking, hanging out with my friends, video gaming

 

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HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

C.O.R.E has changed my life forever. During the first few months of my injury, I was barely able to sit up on my own. Now I can do much more than that. The trainers at C.O.R.E have helped me to improve my overall well-being. I have learned to walk with leg braces and I’m getting better at it everyday. I hope that with the help of C.O.R.E, I will be able to overcome spinal cord injury!

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Marilyn Dennis

“Marilyn Dennis is our first featured Client of 2018! We are very proud to recognize and highlight her hard work and commitment to her road of recovery. Marilyn has gained confidence in her ability to not only climb stairs, but compete in marathons! Rise Above.”
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Retired special education teacher - "I was a Resource Specialist Teacher at Edison Elementary School in Burbank, Ca. for 30 years."

"I had a stroke November 6, 2015. It affected the right side of my body. I had to learn to walk and speak clearly all over again. I had physical, occupational and speech therapy. Physical therapy lasted the longest, over 1 year. In October 2016 I joined the USC 5k program that meets every Thursday at the Rose Bowl. There the emphasis is on walking. It has helped me tremendously and last March I competed in the 5k marathon at Dodger Stadium and completed it! I'm going to participate again this year.

I joined C.O.R.E. last September - C.O.R.E. has helped me strengthen myself a lot! I meet with my Restorative Exercise Specialist, Natalie Corbet, one hour a week and spend another hour or two on my independent program. I am working on walking and balance as well as strength. So far my ability to go up and down stairs with no hand rail has greatly improved."

Michael Maze

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TITLE/OCCUPATION: Landscape take off estimator

INJURY/CONDITION: T3 parapalegic

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Racing Motocross, riding dirt bikes. Trucks, 4x4 driving. I️ really like going to the dunes, or the desert. Lastly can’t forget lake days!

HOW HAS C.O.R.E. CHANGED YOUR LIFE? Core has helped me in many ways! I️ have learned to to work out in many ways that I️ did not even know was possible! I️ have gained all types of knowledge about my injury, also my health. I️ have gained inspiration from other recovering patients, and of course motivation from all the trainers!

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Liubov Petrushkina

“Liubov Petrushkina is our featured Client of the Month! We proudly acknowledge her hard work, commitment and consistency as an independent client on her road of recovery from a stroke. She and her daughter are a beautiful team that work together while at C.O.R.E. - #TOGETHERWERISE”
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TITLE / OCCUPATION: Liubov had been a nurse in Russia for 30 years, she worked in Physiatrics (laser therapy, electro stimulation etc.)

INJURY / CONDITION: She had hemorrhagic stroke in 2016. She is now paralyzed on the left side.
 
HOBBIES / INTERESTS: Most of all she loves spending time with her granddaughter Taissiya, she also likes gardening, cooking and traveling.

HOW HAS C.O.R.E CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
C.O.R.E. is a huge support to people like my mom because she can see that she is not alone, and she is not a burden, and no less important than healthy people. We have great hopes that with your help my mom will learn how to stand on her two feet, and walk with confidence. Thank you so much for everything you are doing!

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