About Active Marin

Active Marin Physical Therapy embraces each individual’s power to make a change and to recover to their fullest potential. Whether your goal is to run a marathon, recover from surgery, compete at the highest level in your sport, dance freely or walk painlessly, at Active Marin Physical Therapy we support your goals and your body’s ability to heal.

We are a group of academically-trained physical therapists specializing in orthopedic sports medicine and comprehensive care that fits into patient’s busy schedules. We provide the highest quality, individualized physical therapy Marin has to offer. We do not use aides or assistants. Our experienced therapists provide high-quality, one-in-one care. All of our therapists actively pursue continued education with advanced coursework academic studies.

We’re conveniently located in Mill Valley on Miller Avenue, five minutes from the freeway and downtown Mill Valley. We have a parking lot behind the building as well as ample street parking. We provide billing for most PPO insurance groups and Medicare. Contact us to make an appointment and understand your in-network vs. out-of-network benefits and your deductible.

Meet Our Team

Cindy Lewton Dehan, MSPT

Owner & Physical Therapist

Cindy has a lifetime love of exercise, movement and sports. Cindy grew up competing in gymnastics and skiing, and she later became an All American diver. Her experience in sports led her to pursue a career in physical therapy. Cindy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Colorado and received her Master of Science and Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco in 1997. She has spent her career working in sports medicine and orthopedics. Cindy works with various Bay area dance schools helping to promote health and wellness. Cindy has a passion for continued learning and has many years of advanced level orthopedic, manual and osteopathic coursework. She is trained in Active Release Technique. Cindy’s goal is to help people realize their greatest potential and to facilitate healing in a positive, motivating environment

Kelly Knapp

Physical Therapist

Kelly graduated from Sargent college in Boston with a specialization in sports medicine and pediatrics. Kelly then attended Boston College PT school. She interned at the Boston Ballet and Boston University’s winter sports athletic training center. After graduating, Kelly moved to Honolulu where she worked at a sports medicine clinic for triathletes and other high level athletes. Kelly has a wide ranging experience in orthopedics, geriatrics, and pediatrics; and has advanced training in treatment of the hand. After work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, quilting, cooking, tennis, learning to play the violin, singing, sketching by the ocean, horseback riding, trail running, and reading.

Alan Bravo, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Alan has a broad background in orthopedic sports medicine, neurologic and pediatric rehabilitation and wellness. Alan earned his Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from Estacio University in Brazil 2005 and his Post Professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University 2020. He has worked with high level athletes from soccer to mixed martial arts. Alan has a background in Eastern medicine with certification in Shiatsu and Tuina and brings a holistic approach to treat his patients. Alan is also the founder of the TheraHand Board, created for specialized therapy of the hand. Alan is passionate about movement analysis for prevention, rehab, and performance improvement. Alan enjoys Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Crossfit and Team Handball.

Courtney Marenkovic, DPT

Physical Therapist

Courtney is originally from Canton, Ohio. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s of Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. She enjoys treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions, with a focus on both manual therapy and movement systems re-training. As a runner and former collegiate track and field athlete, she enjoys working with runners of all ages. She sees value in helping runners return to doing what they love following injury, while re-training their movement systems to reduce risk of future injury. In her free time, Courtney enjoys running, weightlifting, hiking, cycling, playing volleyball/pickleball, and traveling.

Maggie Townsend, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Maggie is originally from New Jersey and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Rutgers University. She has over seven years of outpatient experience and spent several years as a travel physical therapist, working in a variety of outpatient clinics across the country. That experience taught her how to adapt to each patient’s unique needs and provide personalized, evidence-based care. She enjoys treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions and uses a patient-centered approach with a strong emphasis on manual therapy, movement retraining, and patient education and empowerment. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, backpacking, dancing, and surfing.

Ariana Mirshahi, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Ariana is a pelvic floor physical therapist who is passionate about supporting and empowering women through every stage of life. Her clinical interests span all areas of pelvic health, including pregnancy and postpartum care, pelvic pain, and bladder and bowel concerns. She is originally from Richmond, Virginia, and earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Marymount University. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys walking in nature, strength training, exploring new neighborhoods, and spending time with family and friends.

Jessie Hayes, PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist

Jessie earned her undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science and Spanish in 2022, followed by her Master’s in Clinical Health Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in December 2024, all from the University of Delaware. To further refine her clinical reasoning and hands-on skills, she completed specialist training via an Orthopedic Residency prior to moving to the West Coast to join the Active Marin team. Jessie blends evidence-based practice with a holistic, individualized approach to help patients safely return to the activities they love. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys rock climbing, reading, hiking, and exploring the city.

Melanie Francisco, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Melanie graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2021 from the University of the Pacific after completing her undergraduate studies in Kinesiology and Exercise Science at California State University, Sacramento. Originally from Elk Grove, Melanie has worked in orthopedic sports medicine and spine settings and also has experience in neurologic rehabilitation. Melanie is certified in Pilates through ISS and has yoga based rehabilitation training. Melanie was a competitive junior Olympic level gymnast for twelve years and incorporates her personal experience with competition, movement and recovery into her treatment. Melanie uses a patient-centered,evidence-based approach focused on helping people move better to live fuller lives. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and attending music festivals.

John Marnkovic Active Marin Physical Therapy

John Marnkovic, DPT

Physical Therapist

John earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University and his Bachelor’s degree majoring in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University, where he competed in track and cross country. With a lifelong passion for movement and endurance sports, John brings a deep understanding of athletic performance and injury recovery to his practice. His background in road cycling, mountain biking, and ultra running has shaped his appreciation for the physical and mental demands of training and competition. John enjoys helping patients of all levels return to the activities they love through evidence-based care, movement retraining, and individualized treatment plans. Outside of the clinic, you can find him exploring the outdoors, whether on the trails, on his bike, or planning his next endurance adventure.

Manvi Bhapkar

Patient Coordinator

Manvi Bhapkar, originally from Northern California near Sacramento, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Arizona State University (ASU). During her time at ASU, she developed a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving, honing her skills in software development, networking, and data management. Manvi is passionate about helping others, whether it’s by sharing knowledge or offering support to those in need. Outside of her professional pursuits, she loves dancing as a creative outlet and staying active. Manvi also enjoys playing tennis, which provides both fun and competition. She strives to lead a well-rounded life, combining her technical expertise with her desire to make a positive impact.

Luis Martinez

Office Manager

Luis graduated from California State University, Chico where he earned his Bachelors in Health Science Administration. He found passion in leadership & team building and hopes to pursue his masters in Health Administration. His goal is to incorporate the wealth of knowledge and customer service that he has acquired to equip the team and to best serve the patients. Luis, a Bay Area Native found his way back to the bay area and currently resides in beautiful Sausalito. When he is not at work, he is exploring trails, catching a flight, or simply binge-watching Netflix with his pups. ¡Se Habla Español!

Karlos Gama

Physical Therapy Aide

Karlos Manuel Gama Lucas is originally from Novato, California, and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University after transferring from community college. As a Physical Therapy Aide and former caregiver, he is passionate about helping others improve their quality of life. Inspired by his grandma, his own 50-pound weight loss journey and background in track & field and football. Karlos plans to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy to earn his degree, with interests in sports rehabilitation and geriatric care. Outside of work and school, he enjoys running, strength training, and staying active. To broaden his knowledge he is also learning Sign Language and Nutrition. Karlos is bilingual in English and Spanish. He looks forward to providing compassionate, patient-centered care throughout his career.

Jessica Chimal

Physical Therapy Aide

Jess grew up in San Rafael, she graduated from California State University, Chico as part of the Class of 2024 with a Bachelor in Kinesiology. Her background working in sports medicine at the high school and college level has given her hands-on experience with injury prevention, rehabilitation, therapeutic modalities, and recovery. She’s passionate about helping people move, perform, and feel their best. As a current lacrosse player, mountain biker and someone with a background performing in traditional dance, she understands the physical demands of sports and performance from personal experience. She is also EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certified and working toward becoming an EMT to continue building clinical skills. In her current role, she is helping develop a transitional training program that bridges the gap between rehabilitation and returning to activity. Her long-term goal is to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), where she can continue supporting athletes and active individuals through injury prevention, recovery, and performance.