NeuroSport Physical Therapy is located on the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena and serves the greater Los Angeles area. We specialize in helping people with both neurologic and orthopedic/sports conditions.
The Team
Jason Cozby, PT, DPT, OCS
Jason is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), researcher, and published author. He is also a clinical professor in the graduate physical therapy program at the University of Southern California (USC), the number-one ranked program in the country. He grew up in Bakersfield, California, and moved to Los Angeles where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Gerontology at USC. He continued with post graduate studies at USC, earning his doctorate in physical therapy and then completing his residency in orthopedic physical therapy. Jason had over 10 years of experience in private practice in Orange County before leaving to create the orthopedic department and residency program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. He uses innovative approaches that include hands-on manual therapy, movement re-education, and exercise. Jason loves spending time with his family, preferably in the outdoors where he can be found backpacking, running, rock climbing and surfing.
MariSOL Dakan, PT, DPT
Mari is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is passionate about helping people with both neurologic and orthopedic injuries, and she excels at addressing her patients' individual needs and concerns. She was born and raised in Pasadena and attended Brown University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience while playing Division1 water polo. Mari was named captain of her water polo team and is a two-time All-American. After experiencing one too many blizzards, she moved back to California to obtain her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California. Physical therapy has allowed her to combine her interest in the field of neuroscience and her background in competitive sports. Additionally, Mari has contributed to research related to the use of exercise in addressing cognitive symptoms for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside the clinic, Mari enjoys hiking and has plans to hike in every national park in the USA. Her additional hobbies include swimming, rock climbing, rollerblading, reading, and playing board games with her family.
Danielle August, PT, DPT
Danielle is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is devoted to utilizing individualized care for every patient to ensure they can return to all the activities they love. She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii until making the long journey to attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to pursue her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology while competing in Division 1 bowling. After a season-ending injury, Danielle discovered the rewarding field of Physical Therapy and was inspired by the seamless unity of optimizing physical fitness while serving others. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California where she was able to gain clinical experience working with numerous orthopedic and sports populations across the lifespan. When outside of the clinic, you can find Danielle reading her favorite book, playing fetch with her dog Mojave, or nervously climbing a new route at her local climbing gym.
Nicole Vandevelde Cozby, PT, DPT
Nicole is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in working with people with neurologic and vestibular conditions. She grew up in La Canada, California, and obtained her undergraduate degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. After returning from the East Coast, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at USC. Following graduation, she trained and collaborated with some of the best in neurologic physical therapy at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, where she also helped develop its cardiac rehabilitation program. Nicole is credentialed in Vestibular Rehabilitation through Duke University. She founded NeuroSport Physical Therapy with a drive to provide quality care for individuals with neurologic & vestibular conditions. She is passionate about helping people move and feel better. Nicole loves spending time with her family including her two children, Abby and Jack. She is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, backpacking, and running.
CONNOR PENDLETON, PT, DPT, OCS
Connor is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) who enjoys working collaboratively with his patients to improve their performance and ability to participate in all of their favorite activities. He takes care to consider each of his patients’ unique circumstances, and implements a treatment style that takes into account the interconnectedness of the entire body in order to get to the root cause of pain and dysfunction. He grew up in Phoenix, AZ, and earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology just a few miles away at Occidental College. Connor was also a sprinter on the track and field team at Occidental. Afterwards, he earned his Doctor in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California, and completed his residency in orthopedic physical therapy shortly after. Although he is an orthopedic clinical specialist, he has also completed additional training pertaining to Parkinson’s Disease treatment and is a PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Certified Therapist. Outside of physical therapy, his interests include rock climbing, running, hiking, scuba diving, soccer, skiing, serving as a board member for the non-profit organization “re+sources for hope”, and sampling all of the incredible food Los Angeles has to offer.
virginia ruano, PT, DPT
Virginia is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who enjoys creating a fun, safe, and collaborative environment for her patients to work towards achieving their goals. She grew up in La Canada, California, and attended the University of California, Irvine where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. At UCI, she played for the Women’s Rugby Team and held the position of Social Chair and Captain. After graduating, she worked at a pediatric clinic assisting Occupational and Physical therapists with their treatments. She was also a volunteer at NeuroSport. Both these experiences made her realize her passion for helping people through Physical Therapy and reaffirmed her choice to pursue a career in the field. Later, she attended Chapman University where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. During her time there, she grew in her ability to create goal-oriented treatments for people of all ages with various conditions, both neurologic and orthopedic. In her free time, Virginia loves to cheer on her favorite sports teams – Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and LA Dodgers – spending time with her family, drawing, walking at a community park or trail, and working out.
