Staff

Charles King earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Charles had the privilege of studying Functional Manual Therapy® under the direct tutelage of his mentors Gregg and Vicky Johnson, the founders of the Institute of Physical Art (IPA).

In his early career, Charles worked in Manhattan at a center devoted to the treatment and rehabilitation of world famous Broadway performers.  Continuing to study with the IPA, in 2010 Charles earned the distinction of being awarded his Functional Manual Therapy® Certification faster out of school than any other Physical Therapist, and he earned it with Honors.

In 2011, Charles was invited to direct an FMT® initiative in India. He spent two years as the Clinical Director of the Vardan Physiotherapy Center, where he was responsible for the teaching and direction of many talented PTs. Following his return to the USA, he completed his Fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists at the prestigious IPA Manhattan center.

In 2018, Charles received his OCS designation (Orthopaedic Certified Specialist).

Kurt Gorrell earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College (Troy, NY) in May 2019. Kurt previously enjoyed a 16-year career as a professional dancer, performing principal and soloist roles with many regional ballet and contemporary companies. Broadway National Tour credits include Contact (2005) and Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out (2008-9). 

In addition to his professional dance career, Kurt has been a personal trainer for 21 years, a competitive gymnast/gymnastics coach for 25 years, and a Pilates instructor for 10 years. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach. He holds Pilates certifications in both equipment and mat work from Pilates Academy International, is a Level 1 and 2 Certified Core Align instructor, and a certified trainer in Redcord, a dual suspension training system. Kurt is also certified in Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates and in Fascial Movement/ Kinesiology Taping.

With his extensive knowledge of the body and his experience as a dancer, gymnast and personal trainer, he was able to develop classes such as Gymnastics for Dancers (featured in Dance Magazine, March 2011), and Gymtensity, a gymnastics conditioning class featuring a boot camp style workout involving ring training, basic gymnastics conditioning and calisthenics. Kurt has instructed  elite and recreational athletes including professional dancers, Cirque du Soleil performers, competitive figure skaters, competitive gymnasts and competitive hockey players, from age 3 to 76. Kurt was also the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Russell Sage College. Kurt also developed a specific interest in rehabilitation across the lifespan, having had the privilege of working with stroke survivors, and those with age-related physical limitations.

In his approach to manual physical therapy, Kurt aims to provide patient-centered care that treats the body as a whole; to get to the root of the issue rather than only focusing on the symptoms. He also aims to provide his clients with the tools and education to further their knowledge of their presenting issues, working toward full functional movement that is pain-free and sustainable. Kurt is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Functional Manual Therapist® through the Institute of Physical Art.

In his spare time, Kurt enjoys doing gymnastics, surfing, bodyboarding and playing guitar. 

Hannah Carey earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University, where she gained knowledge in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. She achieved a significant professional milestone by completing the process to become a Certified Functional Manual Therapist® (CFMT) with honors through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA), demonstrating her commitment to clinical excellence and advanced manual therapy techniques. Additionally, she has completed specialized, in-depth training in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy through Herman and Wallace, further enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive care.

Hannah’s journey into physical therapy was inspired by her own experiences overcoming multiple sports-related injuries sustained during her favorite outdoor activities and movement pursuits. These challenges gave her firsthand insight into the frustrations and physical limitations her patients face, fueling her empathy and passion for helping others recover and return to the activities they love.

She works with a diverse range of patients, including athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, postpartum mothers, and older adults. Her approach focuses on providing highly individualized care, integrating evidence-informed manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and advanced rehabilitation techniques.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Hannah continually pursues continuing education courses in order to stay at the forefront of the latest research and treatment methodologies. Outside the clinic, she embraces an active lifestyle and enjoys exploring the natural beauty of California. Whether trail running in the Marin Headlands, mountain biking, rock climbing in the Sierra, or skiing the powdery slopes of Tahoe, Hannah’s love for movement and the outdoors mirrors her personal and professional dedication to physical health and well-being.

Dave Guinasso earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of
California, San Francisco/San Francisco State where he had clinical experiences in a
variety of settings including outpatient orthopedics, acute care/rehab, and finally at
Beacon Physical Therapy where he was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to
study directly under his mentors Charles King and Kurt Gorrell. Dave has continued to
expand his clinical skillset by learning the principles of functional manual physical
therapy. He is currently receiving training through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA).
In 2019, Dave decided to pivot to a career in physical therapy after attending an
Osteopathic Medical program in Colorado for 2 years. Excited to be more involved with
a patient’s holistic healing process and equipping others with the tools to be resilient,
Dave brings a wealth of knowledge about the body’s function and has proficiencies in
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (or OMM).
Having competed collegiately at the University of California, San Diego for 4 years as a
runner, Dave also experienced numerous major injuries along the way. This is when his
passion developed for teaching others how to return from injury, prevent future
occurrences, and how to come back stronger than before. Dave prefers taking an
integrative approach and is focused on meeting the client where they are to help them
navigate their own rehab journey. Whether that’s recovering from an acute injury,
problem solving a chronic pain, or improving a patient’s functional/performance level,
Dave wants to help you work towards your individual goals.
In his free time, Dave enjoys an active lifestyle running/biking the trails of San Rafael
where he grew up, surfing where there are waves, and skiing during the winters.

Pilates with Erin King is available at Beacon Physical Therapy.

Because of its therapeutic qualities, Pilates can be a great tool on the road to recovery after or coinciding with PT.

Therapists will often give “exercise homework” to their patients to help retain the work done during the PT session. This homework can be enhanced and expanded upon during the Pilates session.
There is an open dialogue between each therapist and Erin about a patient’s particular need, whether it be stabilizing, stretching or strengthening with regard to their injury or weakness.

Besides traditional Pilates, Erin — as a dancer — has explored many other different forms of movement so she can tailor each client’s exercises to fit individual needs.

Of course, you don’t need to be in PT to take Pilates. Many clients come solely for a great workout that strengthens their core, improves posture and flexibility and stabilizes joints.