ABOUT – SHEFit Physical Therapy

We Understand You, and We are Here for You.

At SHEFitPT, all our Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) specialize in women’s health, pregnancy, postnatal wellness, and pelvic floor health. We take a holistic approach to care, so while we are are experts in pregnancy and pelvic health we also know fitness, strength, and performance! We understand the variety of concerns of both birthing and aging women, and we can help! If you have concerns like bladder leakage, painful intimacy, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic/low back pain, or core dysfunction, we are your dream team.

Whether you are just planning your first pregnancy, 15 years postpartum from your last, or have other pelvic health concerns, we have a DPT who is a perfect fit. Read below to get to know our founder and our team!

Sheri DeSchaaf, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chapman University
Bachelor of Arts, Communications, UCLA

Our founder Dr. Sheri DeSchaaf is a native San Diego mom, with the goal of serving local women and mothers at the highest possible level whatever their health and fitness goals might be. Dr. DeSchaaf completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Chapman University in 2011. After working several years in outpatient orthopedics, she pursued specialization in pelvic floor dysfunction and women’s health. Her compassion for the unspoken physical trials of new mothers has fostered the desire to offer natural, conservative treatment options for issues that uniquely impact women.

Dr. Sheri founded SHEFit because she believes that quality care requires personalized, one-on-one attention. She is dedicated to hearing your story and creating a treatment plan based on your unique situation, goals, and priorities. She also enjoys educating providers and the public and periodically lectures for fitness professionals, healthcare professionals, birth centers throughout San Diego County.

Dr. Sheri has completed extensive pregnancy and pelvic health training through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, as well as post-doctoral orthopedic training, and certifications in Diastasis Recti Rehab and Low Pressure Fitness (Hypopressive Training).

Outside the clinic Sheri enjoys spending time with her 3 children, running, Pilates, weightlifting, hiking, cycling on the boardwalk, cooking, travelling, and watching her husband Jay play beach volleyball.

Jessica Chavarria, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine
Bachelor of Science, University of Florida

Dr. Jessica Chavarria completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA and has been working as a Pelvic Floor Therapist since 2016. Jessica has experience treating pregnant and postpartum women, athletes, incontinence, and other bowel and bladder dysfunctions, diastasis recti, pelvic pain, POP, and post-operative procedures including hysterectomy, mastectomy, reconstructive surgeries, and more.

Dr. Jessica’s background in functional science and orthopedic/sports rehab combines with her extensive post-doctoral pelvic floor training to create a more comprehensive approach for our clients seeking to address multiple limitations at once and truly get back to activity, vs simply function. As a mom of 3 herself (including twins!), she has a passion for empowering women throughout their pregnancy and returning to the things they love postpartum.

Jessica is pursuing specialization in breast cancer rehabilitation as a “KickPink” practitioner, as well as Yoga Teach Training certification.

Outside the clinic Jessica loves to laugh, enjoys a good cup of coffee, long walks with her dog, yoga, and all things Peloton.

Ellen Meisner, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin Madison

Dr. Ellen Meisner began her specialization in pelvic health during her physical therapy training in 2018, inspired by the significant healthcare disparities faced by women and marginalized populations. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in 2020.

Ellen takes a holistic and integrative approach to pelvic health, blending orthopedic principles with neuro-based strategies. Her treatment style emphasizes the connection between the brain and body, focusing on interventions that support nervous system regulation, efficient movement, and long-term healing. She believes that when patients understand how their bodies work, they gain autonomy, reduce fear, and feel more confident in their care journey.

Ellen enjoys working with all individuals seeking pelvic health support—whether navigating pregnancy or postpartum recovery, managing chronic pelvic pain, or addressing orthopedic concerns. She meets each patient with compassion and curiosity to co-create a treatment plan that fits their unique goals and lifestyle.

Her extensive postdoctoral training includes advanced coursework in both orthopedic and osteopathic evaluation and treatment techniques, further enhancing her ability to offer individualized, whole-body care.

When not treating patients, Ellen enjoys dance, biking, running, hiking, visiting breweries, and exploring new U.S. National Parks.

Kelsey Kreider, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University
Bachelor of Science, Penn State University

Dr. Kelsey Kreider earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Kelsey’s passion for women’s health and pelvic rehabilitation began during a transformative clinical rotation where she began treating women at all stages of life, and continued through her pursuit of specialization in pregnancy, digestive function, nutrition, and pelvic pain conditions. This experience inspired her to serve as an advocate and educator in women’s health, helping to destigmatize pelvic health conditions and expand access to specialized care.

Kelsey’s practice extends far beyond traditional pelvic floor physical therapy. As a certified integrative nutrition practitioner she takes a holistic approach that incorporates functional nutrition into pelvic health and overall wellness. This training allows her to tap into the crucial role of hromones on pelvic health, and help clients take steps to normalize hormonal balance. Dr. Kelsey is a also certified yoga instuctor, integrating mindful movement and breath work to foster the mind-body connection to the pelvic floor and promote healthy nervous system regulation. As a former collegiate gymnast she also understands the needs of athletes and is passionate about helpint women stay active!

Kelsey enjoys helping women at various stages of their pelvic health journey feel strong and safe in their body again. She believes that every woman deserves access to comprehensive pelvic health care delivered with compassion, expertise, and respect. Through her unique combination of clinical expertise, advanced certifications, and holistic approach, Dr. Kelsey provides her patients with truly comprehensive care that addresses not just symptoms, but the whole person.

When not treating patients, Kelsey enjoys yoga, live music, dabbling with her film camera and laughing with friends.

Paula Leonti, PT, DPT, PRPC

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mount Saint Mary’s University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Iona College

Dr. Paula Leonti, DPT, PRPC earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University in 2014. She has practiced in sports rehabilitation, orthopedic physical therapy, and pelvic health rehabilitation. In 2018, Paula became a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher through Polestar Pilates training, and in 2019 she earned her Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certificate through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Dr. Paula specializes in urinary, pre/postnatal, bowel, and sexual dysfunction in patients of all ages. She loves to integrate her Pilates training with myofascial release, biofeedback, and other strategies to facilitate complete, holistic rehabilitation of her clients.

When Paula is not serving clients, you can find her playing beach volleyball or surfing the Southern California beaches.

Jandra Mueller, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pacific University
Bachelor of Science, University of Hawaii

Dr. Jandra received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Pacific University in 2012 and her Master’s degree in Integrative Health and Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2020. Jandra applies a comprehensive, holistic approach to treating pelvic health conditions throughout all phases of life, with a special interest in pelvic pain and endometriosis.

Jandra has also played a pivotal role in shaping educational initiatives, speaking at international conferences to educate healthcare professionals on the critical importance of pelvic health. She is actively involved with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) on the Scientific Committee and as the current Education Committee Co-Chair.

Her passion for pelvic health has expanded into her hobbies, most recently in crocheting pelvic health medical models. In her spare time she also loves reading mindless romance or fantasy novels and painting by numbers!

Rachel Mallory, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy, West Coast University
Bachelor of Science, California State University, San Marcos

Dr. Rachel Mallory earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from West Coast University in Los Angeles in 2022. She developed a passion for pelvic health after recognizing how frequently women’s health concerns were overlooked or minimized in traditional medical settings.

Rachel has a strong focus on pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation, supporting women as they navigate the physical and emotional transitions of these stages with confidence and care. She is a certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist (PCES), and has completed postdoctoral training in pelvic health through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.

In addition to her pelvic health specialization, Rachel has training in applied functional science and orthopedic sports rehabilitation. This background allows her to integrate whole-body movement strategies with individualized treatment, ensuring that care is comprehensive and tailored to each patient’s unique goals and lifestyle.

Outside of the clinic, Rachel enjoys practicing yoga and Pilates, spending time outdoors with her husband, attending live music events, and relaxing at home with her two cats.

Brittney Karanopoulos – Front Desk Associate & Client Liaison

Brittney handles the front desk, phones, clinic email, scheduling, and child watch service. She previously worked at a pelvic floor clinic in Florida, where she discovered a deep passion for women’s health. Brittney is originally from San Diego and recently moved back – there’s truly no place like home! She loves staying active, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and cheering on the Padres and Dallas Cowboys.

You can reach Brittney for most clinic questions at info@shefitpt.com, and by phone at 858-247-2660.

Ashley Peterson – Billing Specialist

Ashley Peterson is our Billing Specialist at SHEFit Physical Therapy.

Ashley is a dedicated mother of two who loves baking, reading, taking leisurely walks with Beau, her beloved dog, and playing kickball in her women’s league. With a compassionate heart and firsthand experience as a Tricare beneficiary, she understands the importance of navigating healthcare from both sides, bringing empathy and insight to every situation.

Ashley is here to assist with any billing or Tricare-related questions. Contact her directly at billing@shefitPT.com and by phone at (858) 247-2663.