Move Well, Get Well
Our Company
Rising Sun Physical Therapy's Physical Therapists promote Optimal Health and Wellness through education, advanced manual therapy, and structured mobility and strengthening programs. Our therapists are dedicated to providing treatment that fits your individual needs that gets you back on your feet fast! That means we take into consideration the things that make you unique, such as your occupation, your lifestyle, even your budget. Keeping such factors in mind help your physical therapist determine the most effective way to treat you. Our therapists are licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy who believe in highly personalized care. We have been helping people find relief for their injuries through hands-on physical expertise and a caring attitude.
Our Team
Natsuko Watanabe, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Natsuko was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan where she was an avid athlete, being team captain in both basketball and soccer. She is currently the only Japanese speaking physical therapist in Orange County. Her interest in sports led her to come to the United States where she earned her B.S in Kinesiology from Syracuse University. Her passion to help people with physical injuries lead her to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at Chapman University in Orange California.
Her philosophy in physical therapy is the fusion of art and science enabling her to be creative with each treatment while understanding human anatomy and biomechanics. Blending the knowledge of Eastern and Western medicine allows her to individualize and optimize her patient’s outcomes through both an evidence-based and holistic approach. This allows her to treat each person as a whole, rather than just a list of symptoms or an injury. Her passion is finding the root cause of the patient’s problem so that she will not only temporarily fix the issue, but help the patient obtain their personal goals and to maximize their health outcomes.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, being active, and to workout; and on the outrigger canoe team, muay thai/kickboxing, jogging, snowboarding, playing basketball. She also loves to travel and spend time with her friends and dog, Luca.
Roxanne Rovenger CMT, E-RYT, CPT
Certified Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher
Roxanne Rovenger is a certified massage therapist, yoga teacher, personal trainer, digital marketer, and
lifelong athlete. She has been working in the health and wellness industry for almost fifteen years and is
passionate about sharing the multifaceted workings of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
She entered the health and wellness field after receiving her bachelor’s degree in history from UC Santa
Cruz. She tried a series of professions including working in homeless shelters, volunteering for the ACLU,
and operating production for a large essential oil company. She was not sure on where to land career
wise, but knew for sure that she wanted to help people live their best lives somehow. Ultimately, she
decided the best way to help people was to get them to destress, and to motivate them to invest in their
health. In 2009 she received her first yoga teaching certification in vinyasa flow yoga, and then
continued with her education in kundalini yoga and yoga therapy. In 2014 she received her California
Association of Massage Therapy Certificate and assumed roles in spas, yoga studios, recovery centers,
hospice offices, and even ran her own mobile massage/yoga therapy company from 2016-2020. In 2022
she received her personal training certificate from the National Association of Sports Medicine and is
still continuing her education today. Roxanne loves to share everything she has learned and advocates
for the health and wellness community through her blog Yoga Zodiac and various digital platforms. She’s
excited to embark on this journey of growth with Rising Sun Physical Therapy and Wellness and looks
forward to building a strong supportive community full of light and love.
Veronica C. Kim, L.Ac
Certified Acupuncturist
Veronica holds a Masters in Science Degree of Traditional Oriental Medicine from Samra
University of Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed and board certified by the State of
California. She completed more than 3300 hours of didactic units plus clinical internship &
training within the institute. She completed her residency by joining the Advanced Studies
Program in China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center. She also trained with a
Visiting Fellowship with multiple specialist in their respective fields.
Veronica appreciates the concept of integrating both Eastern & Western medicine to find the
best means of treating a patient. Her treatment philosophy is to treat the whole person,
addressing all aspects of her patient's lives and by forming a practitioner-patient team, they are
able to bring balance to all areas of the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual health & lifestyle
habits.
Veronica resides in Irvine, California with her husband and three kids. When she’s not in the
clinic you’ll find her spending time with family, reading a book, or doing arts and crafts.
Rebecca Grube
Office Manager
Rebecca Grube is a dynamic and accomplished Office Manager at Risng Sun Physical Therapy and Wellness, where her diverse background in nutrition, business acumen, and lifelong passion for athletics converge to create a harmonious and efficient work environment. With a genuine commitment to her career and an unwavering dedication to personal development, Rebecca aspires to further her education in either the health or finance sectors. Rebecca's journey into the world of office management began with a foundation rooted in athletics. A lifelong athlete, Rebecca lettered in basketball, volleyball, waterpolo, and was a committed weight lifter for 17 years. She excels at Rising Sun because she loves working around like minded, health-conscious people. When not being the driving force behind the smooth running of the office, Rebecca enjoys attending music events, cooking, and water sports.
Kero Ghaly
Personal Trainer
Meet Kero, our dedicated intern at Rising Sun Physical Therapy and Wellness! With a background rooted in passion and an unwavering commitment to personal growth, Kero is a rising star in the world of health and wellness. Hailing from the vibrant and historic land of Egypt, Kero found his home in Buena Park, California, where he was raised amidst diverse cultures and experiences. From an early age, he exhibited an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding love for sports, particularly basketball, which fueled his fascination with the human body's capabilities. In high school he took a class in anatomy and knew from there wanted to follow a career that dealt with maximizing human movement and biomechanics.
After graduating from Cal State Fullerton College with a degree in Kinesiology, Kero knew that his journey was just beginning. His heart was set on helping individuals achieve their optimal physical health and well-being. His path took him into the world of personal training, where he honed his skills in optimizing physical performance and enhancing the lives of those he worked with. Driven by a desire to deepen his knowledge and make a greater impact, Kero is embarking on a journey of continuing his education, aspiring to become a physical therapist. Fully well rounded and diverse, when not working in the office Kero enjoys playing video games, board games, and still playing basketball.
"Dr." Luca
Therapy Dog
Introducing our beloved therapy dog, Luca, the heart and soul of Rising Sun Physical Therapy! Luca is more than just a furry friend; she's a cherished member of our team, bringing comfort, joy, and a unique form of healing to our clients.
With her soft, soulful eyes and gentle demeanor, Luca has become an integral part of our therapy sessions. She has an uncanny ability to sense when someone needs an extra dose of comfort, offering her companionship and love without judgment. Whether it's a friendly nuzzle or a comforting presence during challenging exercises, Luca's presence is truly therapeutic.
Luca's role at Rising Sun is not just about providing a friendly face and wagging tail; she also helps reduce stress, anxiety, and pain during therapy sessions. Her very presence can ease tension and create a more positive and relaxed environment for our clients. In her free time, Luca enjoys going on walks, standing on her hind legs for treats, and eating lots of fresh salmon or chicken.