Physical Therapy Team

alexis

Alexis Boyer PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Alexis Boyer graduated with her BS in Biomedical Sciences from La Sierra University before attending Loma Linda University for her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She knew she wanted to work with kids because she’s a big kid at heart! Her professional experience includes working with pediatric patients, orthopedic patients, as well as neurological patients in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. She began her journey at Leaps & Bounds by volunteering with the hippotherapy program. Alexis has been a Southern California native her whole life and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. She grew up riding horses, showing in her local 4-H program, and still enjoys riding her horse, Kallie.

In her spare time, Alexis loves spending time with her husband, going to Disneyland, hiking, solving escape rooms, and doing anything outdoors.

Alexis has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 and 2 Training Course.

dylan

Dylan Sauer PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dylan Sauer joined Leaps & Bounds in 2022. He earned his B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Clinical Exercise Science from California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo, CA. Following this education, he completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy through the PT program at Franklin Pierce University in Manchester, New Hampshire, graduating in 2018. His experience was initially in orthopedics and skilled nursing but since 2020 he has been working in pediatrics and has been thoroughly enjoying his emersion in this specialty. Additionally, he has a vast background in working with horses – leading horseback rides at a guest ranch, completing a clinical internship in hippotherapy, volunteering with therapeutic riding, and completing a quarter of horsemanship with the Cal Poly Equestrian Club – so the Leaps and Bounds family appeared to be the perfect home for him.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife playing tennis, hiking, biking, camping, and spending time with their families.

kylee

Kylee Kuhlman PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Kylee graduated from American Career College with an Associate of Science Degree for Physical Therapy Assistant and has also completed her Level 1 training through the American Hippotherapy Association. Prior to working at Leaps & Bounds, Kylee worked in an outpatient orthopedic clinic, however, she had always wanted to work with kids at Leaps. She started as a volunteer before becoming a horse handler, and later was hired in the clinic as a PTA. Having a background in childcare and horsemanship, she was excited to combine both passions in her career and eager to learn more about hippotherapy.

In her spare time, she loves working with her horses and spending time with friends and family.

lauren

Lauren Zielinski PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Lauren Zielinski (Nefos) graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 2014. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from California State Fullerton in 2009. She started her journey at Leaps & Bounds in January of 2014 as a third-year physical therapy student. After she graduated she returned as a physical therapist in July 2014. Lauren also has experience working in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy treating patients of all ages.

Outside of work, Lauren she loves spending time with her husband and two kids, she enjoys gardening and sewing.

Lauren has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 training.

niko

Niko Jimenez PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Niko Jimenez graduated from Mt. San Antonio College with an Associate of Science Degree in Kinesiology. He earned himself an athletic scholarship to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Clinical Health. While at Cal Poly Pomona he volunteered at Leaps & Bounds for over 6 months before becoming a Physical Therapy Aide. Niko has now graduated from Loma Linda University as a Physical Therapy Assistant, and we are so glad to have him part of our team!

Niko loves working with children and helping them progress. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and his favorite team is Arsenal FC.

yara

Yara Leanos PTA, ATC

Physical Therapist Assistant
Certified Athletic Trainer

Yara is a Physical Therapist Assistant and a Certified Athletic Trainer. Yara earned her B.S. in Kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton in 2004 and she completed the PTA program at Cerritos College in 2007, graduating with academic honors. Yara has extensive experience in pediatrics, specifically neurodevelopmental, orthopedics, aquatic, and serial casting techniques. She has worked in various High School athletic training rooms and has played clarinet for 9 years, leading to participation in the Trojan Marching Band. Yara has worked for Children’s Hospital Orange County for 9 years. She joined the Leaps & Bounds team
as one of the first therapists in August 2011. She has been a guest lecturer in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Cerritos College, sharing her knowledge in serial casting techniques, and enjoys serving as a clinical instructor for PTA students. She is fluent in Spanish speaking, reading, and writing. Yara has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 and Level 2 training and is trained in the John Barnes Myofascial Release Massage Therapy Approach.

In her spare time enjoys spending time with her family which includes her 2 kids and her husband.