OUT STAFF
Dr. Jillian Stewart - Executive Director
Dr. Jillian Stewart, PT, DPT, HPCS is a physical therapist who graduated from Northwestern University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2014 and received her Hippotherapy Clinical Specialty in 2017. As a physical therapist she saw a need for community integration and inclusion for people with disabilities, which lead her to start Surf and Turf Therapy, in 2018.
With nearly 30 years of horsemanship experience, a decade of surf experience, and eight years as a physical therapist, Jillian is passionate about enhancing the relevance and reputation of the use of non-traditional therapeutic tools. She actively advocates for the profession, providing guest lectures at universities and therapy clinics, being featured in podcasts, participating in panels, and mentoring professional students. She is an active member of the American Hippotherapy Association, International Surf Therapy Organization, and San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, as well as a voting board member on the Community Advisory Council for Capistrano Unified School district.
Dr. Allyson Blackstone - Therapy Services Manager
Dr. Allyson Blackstone, PT, DPT is a physical therapist who graduated from Northwestern University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021. She completed her last clinical internship with Dr. Jillian at Surf and Turf Therapy and was honored with Northwestern’s Clinical Excellence Award for her work as an intern. As a former dance teacher from Santa Cruz, California, Dr. Allyson is thrilled to pair her love of working with kids with her love of the ocean. She is thrilled to be working at Surf and Turf Therapy and loves seeing the joy and progress in her patients every day.
Danielle Cupps - Barn Manager & Volunteer Coordinator
Danielle Cupps is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with experience as western trainer’s assistant and groom. Danielle grew up jumping and barrel racing, which lead her to compete for Rocky Mountain College’s WIHA Team at the national level. She shares her love of horses and 17 years of experience as an equestrian through teaching therapeutic riding lessons and running the sibling support and inclusion program on the turf side at Surf and Turf Therapy. In 2021, she helped develop and continues to lead a program which gives back to San Juan Capistrano’s under resourced communities through riding and equine education.
Dr. Jaime Little - Lead Therapist - SD Chapter
Jaime Little, PT, DPT, graduated from San Diego State University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2020. She has been surfing for over 10 years and has extensive experience treating orthopedic and neurological conditions in adult and pediatric populations. Whether it is surfing, hiking, playground skills, or another preferred activity, Jaime is excited to incorporate non-traditional therapeutic activities in her treatments to meet her client’s goals.
Teresa Kodoma - Administrative Assistant
Teresa is a native of Arizona who moved to Orange County from the Bay Area a few years ago. She is an animal lover, has her bachelor’s in behavioral science and is interested in working with families. Teresa is working in the office to help manage the growth in our operations and administrative tasks, allowing our therapists to increase their capacity to serve.
Dr. Emily Morton - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Emily Morton, MA, OTD, OTR/L received her doctorate of occupational therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 2021. As an intern at Westminster TRC, she piloted a therapy dog program to improve patient mental health and wellness. After completing her doctoral residency with Dr. Jillian, she has since gained experience in home health and skilled nursing. As a life-long equestrian, Dr. Emily loves combining her passion for horses and helping others into her role as an occupational therapist at Surf & Turf Therapy.
Riley Phillips - Speech & Language Pathologist
Riley Phillips, M.S., CCC-SLP, has felt her calling to speech therapy since she was 11 years old– completing her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Boston University and returning home to support every individual in communicating with others. She grew up attending horse summer camp and is happy to be intertwining her love for animals, kiddos, and speech. Riley is passionate about celebrating the unique characteristics of every individual and encouraging children to explore the world around them, who they were designed to be, and their voice.