About Us
Our Story
Founded by two couples, AZPI is committed to providing you with a state-of-the-art physical therapy and sports performance experience, each time you visit.
AZPI started as a distant dream shared between two coworkers, who wanted more for their patients, but were limited in what they could do.
They desired for their patients to have a better experience, better support and better outcomes – and they spoke of this often with each other.
After sharing their vision with their spouses, this dream turned into an actionable plan. Two years later – the Arizona Performance Institute became a reality.
Meet Our Team
Larry Ortega
Cofounder
CO-CEO | Golf & Sports Performance | Physical Therapist Assistant
Dr. Julie Cortina
Cofounder
CO-CEO | Physical Therapist | Sports Performance | Women’s Pelvic Floor
Amy Ortega
Cofounder
Marketing & Media
Sam Cortina
Cofounder
Operations
WILL O'CONNELL
Director of Sports Performance
DR. BRADY MICHELSEN
Physical Therapist
DR. BRI PIEPENBROK
Physical Therapist
DR. KAYLA KOREN
Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Get to know us
Larry Ortega - CoFounder & co-ceo
Golf & Sports Performance Coach | Physical Therapist Assistant
I bring more than just two decades of golf and therapeutic expertise to the table—I bring a tireless enthusiasm for unlocking the potential of the human body. Each new day is a gift, and we’ve each got just one body to make the most of it. That’s what drives me, day in and day out.
Having picked up a golf club at the age of 9, I went on to play competitively for three high school teams before my journey took a detour. Serving in the U.S. Army with the esteemed 1/506th Infantry Regiment at Ft. Campbell, KY, gave me a different perspective on discipline and resilience.
Post-service, Arizona called me home. I turned my focus toward physical therapy, naturally squeezing in rounds of golf whenever I could. I’m an Arizona State University alum (Fork ’em, Devils!) with a BS in Exercise and Wellness. Subsequently, I enriched my credentials at Carrington College, earning an associate degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Today, my mission is simple: Offer bespoke therapy solutions for every patient’s unique needs. I’ve tackled cases from postoperative care to supporting pro athletes. My practice isn’t confined to clinic walls—I’ve been known to offer golf performance coaching right out of my home, teaching everyone from eager young novices to seasoned retirees.
When the scrubs are off, I’m a dedicated husband and father to two incredible little girls. They’re the backbone of my aspirations and a significant inspiration for launching my own business.
So, what does #ExpectBetter mean to me? It means you’ll receive unparalleled service and the resources you need to achieve your goals the moment you step into AZPI. Our team and our facility are committed to your success.
Life-long learning is more than a mantra; it’s a daily commitment. I’ve earned certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute (Level 2 in Medical, Fitness, and Golf) and hold an orthopedic certification from Evidence In Motion (EIM). Why? Because #ItMatters.
Dr. Julie Cortina - CoFounder & co-ceo
Physical Therapist | Sports Performance | Women’s Pelvic Floor
I was recruited to the University of Minnesota on a full ride scholarship for gymnastics (Go Gophers!). I received my bachelors degree in Sport Management from the U of M, and decided to move back to Arizona to pursue a career in personal training while continuing to coach gymnastics.
I absolutely loved personal training as I have always been fascinated with the human body and what we are able to push our bodies to do. However, I felt I wasn’t able to fully help my clients as many of them had injuries which I wasn’t able to treat as a personal trainer. I realized that physical therapy would allow me to have the best of both worlds and fully help people the way I wanted to.
At this point, I decided to go back to school at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ, where I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. I have a wide variety of experience in pediatric and outpatient orthopedic settings. I enjoy working with people of all ages, with my youngest patient (to date) being 6 weeks old, and the oldest being 96 years old!
I believe there are endless benefits that movement and exercise can provide us with, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I want every patient that walks through our doors to feel empowered and inspired to move their body, not afraid.
To me, “Expect better” means that everyone who walks through our doors deserves and should expect the full and undivided attention from our movement experts and support staff. When it comes to your health and your body, you deserve nothing but the best. After all, we only get one body, and we want to help you take care of yours!
Outside of work, I enjoy being outside (when it’s not 115 degrees out) and exploring all the beauty Arizona has to offer. I love hiking and running, traveling, trying new restaurants, and enjoying time with my family! I have two amazing kids who motivate me to be my best every day. I want to inspire them and teach them that you truly can do anything you set your mind to if you’re willing to put in the work.
Sam Cortina - CoFounder & operations
I’m a true Arizona native, born and raised just down the street in Gilbert, where I grew up playing baseball at Highland High School. Shortly after hanging up my cleats (with the exception of an occasional beer league softball game), I began to use my extensive knowledge of the local area to build a successful real estate business.
Throughout the business building process Julie and I would discuss the trials and tribulations of our days over the dinner table. After regularly hearing the drawbacks that Julie was experiencing treating patients on a day to day basis while working at a traditional outpatient clinic, I knew that my business and entrepreneurial background could help us launch our own physical therapy clinic with some trial and error, and a little bit of hard work.
Julie and I decided to team up with Larry and Amy to change the way patients experience their journey through physical therapy. We understand that there are dozens of physical therapy clinics around the valley who may see patients as simply a number, but we want our patients and athletes to hold us to a higher standard… to expect better of us as a whole.
Amy Ortega - CoFounder & Head of Marketing and Media
I was born and raised in Washington State, living in the same home from the time I was born until I graduated high school. Growing up, I played many sports including track and field, basketball and volleyball… until I discovered tennis and fell in love with the sport. I played tennis for my high school, and also received private coaching lessons, which I benefited from tremendously.
Just a few weeks after graduating high school, I left my home-town and moved to the Phoenix area for college. When selecting a major, I was always intrigued by health and nutrition, but ultimately chose the path of marketing and business. I earned my associates degree from Mesa Community College (where I met Larry!), then I earned my BS in Communications with a concentration in Marketing & Sales and my MBA from University of Phoenix. I’ve worked in the marketing and social media industry for over a decade, and am thrilled to marry my background with the healthcare and fitness industry.
will o'connell - DIRECTOR OF sports performance
I grew up in Santa Fe, NM and was a multi-sport athlete growing up, I swam, ran track and raced BMX. After college, I coached high school and collegiate swimmers, and produced a consecutive year high school state championship winning team. During that time I also assisted in a Physical Therapy clinic for 5 years, and learned how to help people live pain free and recover from injuries.
With my experience and education, I built a philosophy around quality training that allowed people to learn about fitness and how to apply it the right way. My passion ultimately led me to open my first gym.
As an athlete growing up, I had minimal exposure to strength training and was mostly prescribed bodyweight and resistance band training. It wasn’t until the collegiate level that I was introduced to formal strength training. After college I was fully immersed in strength & conditioning and used it to prepare the athletes I was coaching. Strength training has evolved in over 20 years and endurance athletes and coaches now realize the benefits of structured strength training as a supplement to their sport.
The following years since college have revolved around educating and guiding many people, of all different abilities in the methods and fundamentals of strength training. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years now. I hold a B.S. in Business Admin with a Health and Life Sciences Focus, CPT through NSCA, CrossFit L2, USAW L1 Sport Performance Coach, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist PPSC and Power Athlete Inc. Certified Block One Coach.
Fitness saved my life, literally. I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and want to share my knowledge and skills with others. I enjoy working with people and helping them overcome challenges, improve their self-esteem, and feel better physically and mentally. I like to challenge myself and learn new things, and find satisfaction in seeing my clients progress and succeed. I value flexibility and creativity in my work, and want to have a positive impact on my community. “Where there’s a Will there’s a way, and if there’s no way at least there’s Will.”
What does #ExpectBetter mean to you? Too often these days we see people given terrible advice when it comes to their health and fitness, sadly at times that poor advice is coming from medical professionals and social media influence. I have made it my mission to cut through the BS and provide actual SOLUTIONS for my clients, rather than just tell them to stop doing what they love, or do it in a way that doesn’t work individually for them safely. Research proven, knowledgeable, high standard, high quality training is what I will always offer to my clients.
Why are you excited to join AZPI? I’m very excited to join the team at AZPI! Our vision for standards aligns and we will be able to create a space that will serve our community with the highest quality of health and performance services under one roof.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I have a beautifully strong fiancé and daughter who I love to spend time with. I am still an avid athlete, and love to challenge myself in ultrarunning, powerlifting and fitness competitions. I love to travel, camp and be outdoors as much as possible.
Dr. Brady Michelsen - Physical Therapist
I’m originally from Dallas, TX, however I have spent most of my life in Salt lake city, UT where I developed a love for the outdoors and sports. I played football, basketball, and spent most of my time in the mountains camping, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
I’ve been active and played sports my whole life. I know how challenging and frustrating it can be to get injured or have to undergo a surgery. I had the great pleasure of doing physical therapy after all of my injuries and I fell in love with the environment of positivity and healing. I immediately knew what I wanted to do with my life after my first visit to a physical therapy clinic.
I was a personal trainer all throughout my undergrad, which also influenced my love for health and fitness. It was so fulfilling helping clients achieve their goals. Now I get to be a Physical therapist and help others on a much larger scale.
I graduated from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2020 and have been working in outpatient orthopedics ever since. My school sent me to Arizona for one of my clinical internships and, despite it being slightly warmer than Utah, I just had to stay. I love the beauty and variability of Arizona, with Flagstaff, Sedona, Tucson, etc. all just a short drive away.
I have developed a love for treating all types of conditions. My passion is in athletic populations, especially endurance athletes and shoulder patients.
Even after a long day, I am honestly just grateful for the opportunity to be a PT and do a job that I truly enjoy. I am tremendously lucky to be able to help patients achieve their goals and return to full function and more.
What does #ExpectBetter mean to you? It means going above and beyond to make sure that our patients get the best possible 1:1 care that they deserve; to show them how physical therapy SHOULD be done.
Why are you excited to join AZPI? I am excited to be part of a patient centered company that is focused on doing what is right and giving patients the one on one care they deserve. I am also excited to be part of such a great team and a business that is supporting two local couples whose values align so well with my own.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I love spending time with my wife and two doggos, as well as being outdoors: mountain biking, golfing, camping, hiking, and racing (marathons, triathlons, and spartan races).
Dr. BrI PIEPENBROK - Physical Therapist
I was born and raised in a small 9,000 population town in northern Wisconsin. My love of athletics began from a very young age as I grew up playing soccer, softball, running track, and eventually found my true passion volleyball, that I went on to play for 10 years and throughout my collegiate career.
Since as early as 14 years old I knew I wanted to work in the world of athletics and help people live healthier lives somehow. In the small town I grew up in we had one physical therapy clinic. That physical therapist was also an athletic trainer and provided coaching to various high school athletic teams as well.
I remember thinking “This encompasses everything I want in a career. I want to do that!” and I applied to join an athletic training program at my highschool that next semester. Volleyball continued to stay at the forefront of my passions and went on to compete at the NCAA DIII level at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point which also has one of the highest rated Athletic Training programs in the country.
I was introduced to weight training in the off-season my first year and this grew my love for exercise and movement further. I knew I had to continue to grow my knowledge and share this passion with others as a Physical Therapist, undoubtedly.
Fast forward 8 years of undergrad and graduate school combined and I am now a practicing Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Athletic Trainer. During one of my many clinical rotations I was based in Arizona. I was able to see a whole new world that wasn’t covered in snow and filled with gloomy -40° degree winter days. So, I decided to pack up my RAV4 and drive cross country solo to start my career and new adventure in sunny Arizona! Recently, I moved to the east valley and I’m excited to bring my extensive background in orthopedics and sports medicine to AZPI.
What does #ExpectBetter mean to you? Going above and beyond and setting a higher bar for myself and the people around me to achieve more and always be 1% better every day. In regards to physical therapy, this means doing more than giving the same generic exercises to every person and moving on to the next patient.
It means creating relationships, critically thinking, and making it my mission to help patients achieve their biggest goals. When I hear Expect Better, I think of all the bad experiences prior patients or friends and family have had with physical therapy and I strive to show everyone what it can TRULY provide to others. And when provided correctly can truly change your life. I think physical therapy can be so fun. Not in a cheesy type of way, but in a way that makes people leave feeling happy, strong, capable, and empowered that they can do the hard stuff.
Why are you excited to join AZPI? From the day I met the team and saw the facility I felt like these were my kind of people and I could really make a difference in patient’s lives here! Their values clearly aligned with mine and that meant providing me with an opportunity to provide meaningful and amazing 1:1 care for patients. I’m excited to make my mark at AZPI and join such a forward thinking company!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I love spending time with my family and loved ones as much as possible. Some of my favorite things include going on morning runs with my goldendoodle Cody, lifting weights, snowboarding, golfing, and exploring new restaurants in the Valley.
Dr. KAYLA KOREN - PELVIC HEALTH Physical Therapist
I am originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin however I have also spent some time in South Florida training at a tennis academy in high school, and then came out to the desert for college. I completed my undergraduate education at Arizona State University, receiving my degree in Exercise and Wellness. I then went on to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University. In my physical therapy program, I held a position on the student board for the ATSU Center for Occupational and Physical Therapy and was consistently involved in treating the underserved community in this setting. I held the position of Director for the Student Special Interest Group for the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, and was also on the Digital Media Committee for The Journal of Women’s and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, helping to promote and engage with recent research in this field. I also have recent experience as an Adjunct Faculty, helping to teach first-year physical therapy students. I am currently a board member of the ATSU-ASHS Alumni Board.
From a young age I was fascinated by the human body, and having the experience of training at a tennis academy and going through rigorous fitness and tennis training left me with a lot of questions about how the body adapts to various training methods. It was there that I had my first personal experience with a physical therapist, and knew that this is what I wanted to do.
When I started physical therapy school, I learned about a niche practice of physical therapy called pelvic health, and the rest is history. Beginning in school, I have taken additional, specialized coursework in women’s and pelvic health from the American Physical Therapy Association in urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, male pelvic health, and the pregnancy and postpartum populations, as well as other conditions. I am passionate about approaching patient care with a holistic lens, considering body, mind, and spirit in my evaluation and treatment. Although I enjoy treating all conditions, I am most passionate about treating pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis or dyspareunia. In my physical therapy program, I was a sub-investigator for a research study titled Patient-Provider Relationships and Quality of Life for Individuals with Chronic Pelvic Pain, which coincides with this passion.
What keeps me going are the patients I interact with every day. Educating patients on what is truly “normal” vs. “common” in pelvic health, seeing people get better, and creating lasting relationships is invaluable. Complexities are commonly seen in pelvic health and I enjoy learning from my patients just as much as I am teaching them.
What does #ExpectBetter mean to you?
To me, #ExpectBetter means that every single person I am treating receives an individualized, holistic, one-on-one approach to their care to help them get better faster, feel empowered, and have the tools to sustain this progress and achievement long-term.
Why are you excited to join AZPI? From my first phone call with Julie, I knew our values and vision for physical therapy practice were very similar and we both shared a passion for expanding access to pelvic health in this location of the valley. I am very excited to join a team of like-minded individuals who also all value patient-centered practice with AZPI.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?I have a few different hobbies that I love to partake in when I get the chance: crocheting, reading, playing piano, theatre, long walks outside (not in the summer, of course!), strength training, watching movies, and having game nights with friends. I also love to travel and have been to many countries, with a lot more on my bucket list!