About Us

The journey begins with a single step.

The team at Adapt collectively brings over 40,000 hours of hands-on experience servicing paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. Our team of Recovery Consultants all hold at least four-year accredited degrees ranging from PhD programs to Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Physical Therapy, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Exercise and Health Science.

Our team of specialists pride themselves on being leaders in neurological recovery techniques and protocols. Collectively we have educated many neuro-recovery specialists and spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers across the United States and internationally.

A group of a neurological recovery specialist team at Adapt.

Our Story

Founded in 2017 by John and Melanie Monteith, Adapt Functional Movement Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing a complete recovery and rehabilitation experience for individuals locally and internationally with movement disabilities due to neurodegenerative conditions and injuries.
Since its beginning, Adapt supports over 100 unique members annually from over 10 different countries.

While most rehabilitation and recovery practices focus on traditional singular modalities, Adapt’s team blends disciplines into cohesive and unified programs in order to provide a personalized and integrative approach for overcoming the challenges of disability. Ultimately, our goal is to minimize the impact disabilities have on a person’s life by tailoring individualized protocols and member experiences that encapsulate four core elements:

Functional Movement Therapy Recovery Programs

Mental Health, Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing

Massage, Bodywork & Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Social Isolation Prevention & Community Development

Meet The Team

Leadership Team

John is the founder and Executive Director of Adapt Movement. He is also currently the Vice President of Consulting for Seismic Software in San Diego.

John began his career at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas as a research engineer in the Motion and Performance laboratory where he conducted gait analysis for patients with spinal cord injury, John holds a Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and an MBA in Finance from the University of San Diego.

John Monteith

Executive Director

Chairman of the Board

Melanie Is a co-founder of Adapt and serves as the Managing Director and as a board member. Melanie spent 10 years in a relationship management role in the
Telecommunications space working for Sprint.

In 2004, Melanie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which led to a change in her career path. Melanie now holds the designation of Holistic Health Practitioner and has been In private practice for the past 10 years. Melanie brings her expertise in the health and wellness field, combined with the experience of her MS diagnosis, to Adapt in a leadership role.

Melanie Monteith

Managing Director

Co-Founder

Andon graduated pre-med from UC Santa Barbara with a BS in
Physiology and a minor in Exercise and Health Science. Before becoming a co-founder of Adapt Movement, Andon spent six years at Project Walk Paralysis Recovery Center.

While at Project Walk, Andon served in multiple capacities during his tenure, starting as a Recovery Specialist and being promoted to Director of Operations. Prior to Project Walk, Andon was a certified EMT in San Diego County.

Andon Gamache

Chief Operating Officer

Co-Founder

Troy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from SDSU and a Masters in Exercise Science. He is currently certified by NSCA as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and by NASM as a Corrective Exercise Specialist.

Troy has more than 15 years’ experience in corporate, community, and clinical settings and has held a wide range of positions during his tenure in the industry. Prior to being founding member of Adapt, Troy spent three years at Project Walk as a Floor Supervisor and Clinical Recovery Specialist.

Troy Baker

Executive Manager, Clinical Education & Research

Co-Founder

Sheryl Diaz graduated with a B.S. in Nursing in 2013 and has been working in the Home Health industry ever since. Sheryl has a diverse background including experience with both neurological and cognitive disorders.

Sheryl has been proactive to not just care for the physical health of others, but to empower others to live a well rounded, independent life. Her career has allowed her to travel internationally: with clients, and as a volunteer on medical missions.

Sheryl Diaz

Executive Manager, Member Services & Care Coordination

After sustaining a spinal cord injury at 18, Kristee channeled her personal experience into volunteering for injury prevention programs across Australia. This led her to join Spinal Life, Australia’s peak body for people with neurological disabilities, as a Project Officer in their Marketing and Fundraising department.

In 2012, Kristee co-founded Making Strides, Australia's leading neurological recovery facility. Over the following 7 years, she helped grow the organization, established a charitable foundation, and secured a position as a partner for Griffith University's Cell Transplantation & Rehabilitation Clinical Trials.

Kristee Shepherd

Executive Manager, Patient Experience & Engagement

Chanel is a compassionate physical therapist with a personal drive to make a difference. Inspired by her special needs sister's journey, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

With practical experience from working with the men's Olympic handball team in Valencia, Spain, Chanel combines her academic knowledge and expertise. As a co-founder of Baseball Buddies, she created a successful program that supports children with disabilities, fostering a sense of community and providing social support.

Chanel Monica, PT, DPT

Director of Development

Clinical Team

Jagade is a passionate and knowledgeable professional in the field of exercise science, specializing in neurological recovery. With a B.S. in Exercise Science, he brings a strong foundation in human performance to the team.

Prior to working in the neurological recovery field, he interned as an Athletic Trainer for his university's football team, that he once played for and captained. Jagade's areas of expertise encompass functional movement, nervous system training, and strength training.

Jagade Snyder

Senior Neurological Recovery Specialist

Alex is a highly skilled Clinical Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (Clinical Ex Phys with honors). As an ESSA-accredited professional, he specializes in working with individuals with neurological conditions having gained valuable experience during his years at Making Strides in Australia before relocating to San Diego and joining Adapt in 2020

Alex's areas of expertise include tone and spasticity management, gait assessment, and locomotor training, all aimed at improving movement control and enhancing quality of life for his clients.

Alexander Ung

Senior Neurological Recovery Specialist

Steven graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2013 with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. He has over 10 years experience and specializes in functional movement, improving the efficiency of ADL's, anatomical positioning, and posture.

With a strong foundation in the field, Steven is passionate about helping individuals optimize their physical performance and well-being, providing valuable insights and guidance based on his expertise.

Steven Sala

Senior Neurological Recovery Specialist

Jake Monia

Jake is a dynamic professional with a degree in Nutritional Science and a Master's in Kinesiology. Starting as an intern with Adapt in 2020, he has since advanced to a Neurological Recovery Specialist role due to his commitment to learning and passion for the field.

Jake's expertise lies in strength & conditioning, stretch & impact therapy, sports medicine, and motor neuron recruitment. Fascinated by how the human body works, especially in relation to neurological impairments, he is dedicated to finding effective treatments to empower individuals on their recovery journey.

Neurological Recovery Specialist

Hayley received her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from SDSU and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her perspective shifted towards neurological populations after a loved one's ALS diagnosis, inspiring her to empower lives through pain management and mobility expertise.

At Adapt, she finds deep fulfillment in witnessing incredible journeys of growth and progress, and her commitment to making a meaningful impact drives her to provide personalized and compassionate care to her clients.

Hayley Lawson

Neurological Recovery Specialist

Bria is a dedicated occupational therapy student currently pursuing her Masters at the University of St Augustine. Bria graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Anthropology from Cal State San Marcos in 2021 which enables her to bring a holistic perspective to her practice.

Bria's passion lies in encouraging movement through adaptive exercises and utilizing Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFOs) to enhance mobility. She gained valuable experience interning at Adapt in 2020 and has since taken on an assistant position.

Bria Freeman

Assistant Neurological Recovery Specialist