MARIELA

Mariela, better known as “Ela” completed her undergraduate studies at California State University-Sacramento earning a B. S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation. While an undergrad student, Ela started her career in physical therapy as a Physical Therapy Aide at our very own Laguna Physical Therapy. As an aide, Ela applied concurrently to both DPT and Sac City’s PTA Program. After a lot of self-reflection, Ela concluded PTA was a better fit for her. She says, “As a PTA I get to merge my passion for exercise with patient education and give my patients the tools for-ife long success”. Ela attended Sacramento City College’s PTA program where she served as class president and developed a mentor program that continues to this day.

When she’s not working, Ela enjoys spending quality time with her husband, their pup Oakley, and friends/family. She is a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and her passion for sports helped pave the way to her career paths. When Ela isn’t catching a Vikings game or watching the latest stats on ESPN, she enjoys hiking, floating on the American River, craft beer, and a good Michael Connelly book.

Ela is fluent in Spanish and splits time between clinic and pediatric therapy.