Frank Croasdale, MPT, Owner

As an athlete, I have had many sports injuries and know what it is like to be in pain and unable to perform at a healthy level. It is from this experience and expertise in sports medicine that gives me the ability to treat each patient with compassion and a focus on returning to a healthy lifestyle.

I graduated with a Masters in Physical Therapy from USC in 1990 after earning a Bachelors Degree from San Diego State University in Athletic Training. I continued my education with extensive additional courses including a year-long study of the Norwegian approach to joint and soft tissue mobilization for spinal dysfunction. Furthermore, I continued my studies with Trunk Stabilization, Patello-Femoral and Kineseo taping techniques, Rotator Cuff, ACL and Joint Replacement rehabilitation, as well as special training in the foot, ankle and orthotic casting.

Having practiced physical therapy in the South Bay since 1991, I recognized the need for increased time delivering one-on-one, customized patient care. Because of this need, I opened the doors to Riviera Sports Physical Therapy in 2002 to offer physical therapy treatment centered on personalized Recovery, visible Results and quick Return to daily activities. My staff and I will do everything we can to provide the highest level of quality care using advanced physical therapy techniques in a professional setting to help you return to the activities you love to do.

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Jeff Okerman, MPT, CSCS

Jeff, who just recently graduated, joined Riviera Sports Physical Therapy in October 2007, graduated from Cal State University Northridge.  He received his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy in May 2007 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science in May 2004.  Jeff is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  His hobbies include running, soccer and playing golf.  Jeff is very excited to start working in a professional, dynamic and caring environment.


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Laura Frantz, MPT

Having just completed a business degree from Cal State University Long Beach, Laura was prescribed physical therapy after a car accident. Shortly after being discharged from physical therapy, a skiing accident landed her back in physical therapy.

After two very successful outcomes from her time in physical therapy, Laura completely changed her career direction. “Physical therapy helped my life so much I wanted the opportunity to do the same for others.” Laura went back to school and graduated with her Masters’ degree in Physical Therapy in 1999 from Mount St Mary’s College in Brentwood California.

Laura is a life long learner and has taken numerous courses since graduation. A sampling include; Ergonomic Prevention and Consulting, The Edgelow Protocol for Treatment of Neurovascular Repetitive Stain Injuries, Lumbar Spine Courses with Olaf Evjenth and Concepts on Treatment with Brain Mulligan. Laura is also currently working on doctorate degree from Boston University and is a part time instructor at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.

“I believe my greatest strength is I understand what it is like to be the patient. I can empathize completely, having been the patient myself on several occasions.”

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Karla Schmidt, R.D.

Ms. Schmidt graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.S. in Foods & Nutrition. Shortly thereafter, she completed her studies to become a registered dietician. Once her career took flight, Karla quickly realized her passion was to help others achieve healthier lifestyles by, first and foremost, educating them. As she often says to her clients, "Knowledge is Power." She focuses on providing her clients with "health-promoting" tools specific to their individual needs - not with a cookie-cutter approach. She is determined to create tailor-made programs which enable her clients to reach and, more importantly, maintain optimal health for a lifetime. Karla has enjoyed over 25 years of experience in the field of nutrition as a nutritional consultant, dietary supplement formulator/advisor, educator, writer, and public speaker. She is a published author of nutrition articles and regularly speaks at corporate meetings, medical & dental education sessions, universities, local schools and parent groups.

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Lisa Schroeder, PT, OCS
Lisa earned her physical therapy degree in 1990 from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.  Her experience is mainly in private practice orthopedics.   This was attained while working in Boston, as well as on the Westside and South Bay regions of Los Angeles.   She was part time faculty for Mount St. Mary’s MPT program from 1995-1997.  She attended Joe Godges’ year-long orthopedic manual therapy course in 1998.  Lisa’s Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification was received in 2003.  She currently works on a per-diem basis and continues to attend continuing education courses with a recent interest in women’s health/incontinence.    



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Scott Holmes M.S., ATC
Scott, a native of the South Bay, received his Bachelors degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University with an emphasis in athletic training. Scott was integral in keeping athletes at SDSU healthy while working a variety of sports including football, baseball, soccer and working closely with the team physicians.

Scott became a certified athletic trainer in 2003 and subsequently went on to graduate school at the University of Oregon. Upon completing his masters’ degree work, he went to spend the next year working for the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA as the assistant athletic trainer intern. Scott has worked in a variety of physical therapy and athletic training settings and is excited to be a part of the Riviera Sports Physical Therapy team. Scott plans on attending physical therapy school in the near future. He also enjoys biking, yoga, reading and travel.

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Lorry Ray CPI, CPT
Lauren, “Lorry” Ray graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA degree in Communications Studies.  She completed a Certificate Program at UCLA in Organizational Development, and has received numerous accreditations in the field of Executive Coaching and Organizational Development. 

She was an executive with a Fortune 500 corporation until the birth of her first child. Seventeen years ago, Lorry was in an automobile accident that resulted in severe whiplash and back injuries.  When she began practicing Pilates on a regular basis the back pain subside.  Shortly afterward, Lorry decided to pursue a second career as a Pilates and Fitness Instructor.  She is certified by the internationally renowned PhysicalMind Institute of New York in Pilates Matwork and Apparatus. 

Additionally, she is certified in the Pilates for Golf program through Hole in One Pilates.   Lorry also holds certifications from AFAA as a Personal Trainer, and is certified as a group exercise and Spin/Cycling instructor.  As a mom of two beautiful children, Lorry understands the special needs of parents; as a past executive, she understands the stress of corporate life; and as a coach, she enjoys working with men, women and children of all ages and fitness levels to help them achieve their personal best.  

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Michelle Croasdale, Business Director
Michelle Croasdale graduated with a BS in Biology from Loyola Marymount University in 1990.   She began her healthcare career working for Pfizer Inc, a pharmaceutical company, managing sales of over $1B in prescription products each year.  She has led teams of over 100 people and managed contract negotiations with some of the largest insurance healthcare companies.  After 16 years with Pfizer, Michelle decided to invest her time and healthcare experience in the family business, RSPT.  She is dedicated to provide the same level of care and attention to the patients at RSPT that she gives to her own family.

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Heather Shaffer, CPT
Heather is a highly experienced personal trainer with over 10 years as a full time trainer, completing her B.S. in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University in 1998. She has worked with a broad spectrum of clientele, ranging from professional athletes gaining a competitive edge, to individuals attaining strength and agility for activities of daily living. As an accomplished triathlete with asthma, Heather understands first hand, the determination and drive it takes to surpass all barriers to reach your goals.

Heather's specializations: Injury prevention, athletic performance, strength and functional training, and weight loss.


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Contact our physical therapy center in Redondo Beach, California, to work with an amazing team of physical therapists armed with the latest and most effective injury rehabilitation techniques.