About Us
Medical Advisory Board
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board
Project Walk® is the pioneer in activity-based recovery and has been treating people affected by paralysis for nearly two decades.
The Project Walk Medical Advisory Board is comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of medical professionals who are among the most respected in their field and are dedicated to helping grow, improve, and define Project Walk’s proprietary method of recovery. With the creation of Project Walk’s Medical Board, the hope is to bring greater awareness of the benefits of activity-based recovery to the medical community while helping grow The Project Walk Method. The board also provides strategic advice and counsel on best practices and future programs while supporting the Project Walk mission of providing an improved quality of life for those living with paralysis.
The Project Walk Medical Advisory Board is comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of medical professionals who are among the most respected in their field and are dedicated to helping grow, improve, and define Project Walk’s proprietary method of recovery. With the creation of Project Walk’s Medical Board, the hope is to bring greater awareness of the benefits of activity-based recovery to the medical community while helping grow The Project Walk Method. The board also provides strategic advice and counsel on best practices and future programs while supporting the Project Walk mission of providing an improved quality of life for those living with paralysis.
Daniel C. Lu, MD, PhD
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board Member, Daniel C. Lu is a member of the Comprehensive Spine Center in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Lu's clinical expertise involves minimally invasive techniques in the surgical management of degenerative, traumatic, and neoplastic spinal disorders. As the Director of the Neuroplasticity and Repair Laboratory and the UCLA Neuromotor Recovery and Rehabilitation Center, his research efforts are focused on modulating the neuronal circuitry and networks in the treatment of central nervous system disorders with the ultimate goal of restoring lost function.
Medical Board Certification
Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2014
Education
Fellowship - Neurological Surgery, Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute, 2009 - 2010
Residency - Neurological Surgery, UCSF Department of Neurology, 2004 - 2009
Internship - Surgery, UCSF Department of Surgery, 2003 - 2004
Medical Degree - MD, UC San Diego School of Medicine, 2003
Awards and Recognition
Outcomes Research Award, AANS/CNS Joint Section of Spine and Peripheral Nerves 2010
Edwin Boldrey Award, San Francisco Neurological Society 2009
Synthes Craniofacial and Brain Trauma Research Award, AANS Section in Trauma 2009
Meyerson-Shoofey Spine Research Award 2008
Clinical Trial Proposal Award, AANS/CNS Joint Section of Spine and Peripheral Nerves 2008
UCSF Clinical Trials Research Funding Program 2008
Medical Board Certification
Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2014
Education
Fellowship - Neurological Surgery, Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute, 2009 - 2010
Residency - Neurological Surgery, UCSF Department of Neurology, 2004 - 2009
Internship - Surgery, UCSF Department of Surgery, 2003 - 2004
Medical Degree - MD, UC San Diego School of Medicine, 2003
Awards and Recognition
Outcomes Research Award, AANS/CNS Joint Section of Spine and Peripheral Nerves 2010
Edwin Boldrey Award, San Francisco Neurological Society 2009
Synthes Craniofacial and Brain Trauma Research Award, AANS Section in Trauma 2009
Meyerson-Shoofey Spine Research Award 2008
Clinical Trial Proposal Award, AANS/CNS Joint Section of Spine and Peripheral Nerves 2008
UCSF Clinical Trials Research Funding Program 2008
Robert E. Sallis, MD
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board Member, Robert E. Sallis, MD is a family physician practicing at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fontana, California and serving as Co-Director of their Sports Medicine Fellowship program. He is a Past-President of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and currently chairs Exercise is Medicine™, a joint initiative of ACSM and the American Medical Association. He also chaired the Healthcare Sector of the U.S. Physical Activity Plan and is the physician spokesperson for the “Every Body Walk!” campaign. Dr. Sallis serves as the Medical Director for the Project Walk Claremont location and has been instrumental in helping the SCI clients and their families with medical questions, submitting orders for Dexa Scans and approving them for entry into the program.
Dr. Sallis received his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy (where he played intercollegiate basketball) and his Medical Degree from Texas A&M University. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fontana, CA, where he served as chief resident.
Dr. Christopher Breuleux, PhD
Christopher Breuleux has 35 years of experience in strategic leadership in the medical wellness, health promotion, healthcare and the corporate health wellness industries. As team leader and operator, Dr. Breuleux possesses a critical perspective and an ability to provide visionary leadership and development for new opportunities in health promotion and wellness. He is currently CEO of Medical Wellness Associates a successful medical wellness, health fitness consulting, training and development company. Dr. Breuleux has positioned Medical Wellness as the industry frontrunner in developing, branding and marketing wellness programs and services. He has served as the wellness expert for developing the wellness brand and supports many organizations, corporate worksites and health providers. Dr. Breuleux brings a unique blend of corporate health expertise, national wellness leadership as well as sports medicine - therapy, health fitness design, facility program development and management experience.
Dr. Breuleux is President of the Medical Wellness Association and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for Project Walk. He is a key Advisory Board Member for the American College of Wellness, Medical Wellness and Mithra Health Clinics. Dr. Breuleux is an international consultant, leader and innovator for corporate health, wellness and health promotion. His clients include Fortune 50 companies, hospitals, physicians, health providers, universities-schools, clubs and wellness operations. He has provided services to over 500 companies, hospitals and providers including the first joint partnerships between multiple hospital systems, joint university-medical wellness centers and member- club-hospital programs. Dr. Breuleux has successfully planned and developed many award-winning national wellness and international company employee health fitness programs. He was recently honored with the Distinguished Medical Wellness Professional Service Award and received the prestigious Research Merit Award from the National Wellness Institute.
Dr. Breuleux has held leadership and faculty positions at several universities including: The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Tulane University, Xavier University, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, HBU, the University of Houston and the Asian Pacific Institute. He has served in leadership roles with several National Fitness and Wellness Councils and the National Governors Council on Health and Fitness. Dr. Breuleux is a Distinguished Fellow with the American College of Wellness, Association for Worksite Health Promotion, The Association of Fitness for Business, Medical Wellness Diplomat and serves as corporate trainer and advisor for several companies, hospitals, communities and professional associations. He has provided training and development on five continents and has an international network of over 500,000 health, medical and wellness professionals. Dr. Breuleux is a licensed MTI & Master Trainer for the Consumer Wellness Advocate Certification and a highly sought after corporate and employee trainer with over 1,000 professional presentations and company training engagements.
Dr. Breuleux is President of the Medical Wellness Association and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for Project Walk. He is a key Advisory Board Member for the American College of Wellness, Medical Wellness and Mithra Health Clinics. Dr. Breuleux is an international consultant, leader and innovator for corporate health, wellness and health promotion. His clients include Fortune 50 companies, hospitals, physicians, health providers, universities-schools, clubs and wellness operations. He has provided services to over 500 companies, hospitals and providers including the first joint partnerships between multiple hospital systems, joint university-medical wellness centers and member- club-hospital programs. Dr. Breuleux has successfully planned and developed many award-winning national wellness and international company employee health fitness programs. He was recently honored with the Distinguished Medical Wellness Professional Service Award and received the prestigious Research Merit Award from the National Wellness Institute.
Dr. Breuleux has held leadership and faculty positions at several universities including: The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Tulane University, Xavier University, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, HBU, the University of Houston and the Asian Pacific Institute. He has served in leadership roles with several National Fitness and Wellness Councils and the National Governors Council on Health and Fitness. Dr. Breuleux is a Distinguished Fellow with the American College of Wellness, Association for Worksite Health Promotion, The Association of Fitness for Business, Medical Wellness Diplomat and serves as corporate trainer and advisor for several companies, hospitals, communities and professional associations. He has provided training and development on five continents and has an international network of over 500,000 health, medical and wellness professionals. Dr. Breuleux is a licensed MTI & Master Trainer for the Consumer Wellness Advocate Certification and a highly sought after corporate and employee trainer with over 1,000 professional presentations and company training engagements.
Steve C. Bast, MD
Dr. Bast is a native Southern Californian, board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery specializing in Sports Medicine. He attended the University of Southern California as a kinesiology major. He then attended USC Keck School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine. He completed his postdoctoral residency in Orthopaedics from Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. Following his residency training, he then completed a Sportsmedicine Fellowship program at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. Dr. Bast currently is in private practice in Covina, California at the Magan Medical Clinic. He is the physcian director of the Project Walk Mentor Program at the Claremont Club in Claremont, California.
Dr Bast’s professional and personal experiences include playing two sports at the University of Southern California, earning a Rose Bowl Championship in 1985, and All-Pac 10 honors in baseball in 1986. He signed a professional baseball contract in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, and played five years with the Boston Red Sox organization. He underwent “Tommy John” elbow surgery in 1987, which sparked his interest in orthopaedic surgery. He applied to medical school during his last season in professional baseball, and in 1989 was featured in Sports Illustrated by Hall of Fame sports writer Peter Gammons as the “Ultimate Student- Athletes’ Dream.” While in residency, he wrote several articles on the mechanics, and prevention of throwing injuries in youth, collegiate, and professional athletes. After residency, he took a position in sports medicine at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. While there, he took care of professional athletes from a wide variety of sports, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Ducks, Kings, Galaxy, AVP, PGA, and of course the USC Trojans.
Dr. Bast current interest and goals include new research and advances in spinal cord injuries, not just the physical but also the biological, psychological and social issues surrounding the patient.
Dr Bast’s professional and personal experiences include playing two sports at the University of Southern California, earning a Rose Bowl Championship in 1985, and All-Pac 10 honors in baseball in 1986. He signed a professional baseball contract in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, and played five years with the Boston Red Sox organization. He underwent “Tommy John” elbow surgery in 1987, which sparked his interest in orthopaedic surgery. He applied to medical school during his last season in professional baseball, and in 1989 was featured in Sports Illustrated by Hall of Fame sports writer Peter Gammons as the “Ultimate Student- Athletes’ Dream.” While in residency, he wrote several articles on the mechanics, and prevention of throwing injuries in youth, collegiate, and professional athletes. After residency, he took a position in sports medicine at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. While there, he took care of professional athletes from a wide variety of sports, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Ducks, Kings, Galaxy, AVP, PGA, and of course the USC Trojans.
Dr. Bast current interest and goals include new research and advances in spinal cord injuries, not just the physical but also the biological, psychological and social issues surrounding the patient.
Gali Goldwaser, PhD, Rehabilitation Psychologist
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board Member, Gali Goldwaser, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in rehabilitation psychology and behavioral medicine. His current practice includes delivering a multitude of services in the Integrated Pain Management Program at Kaiser Permanente San Diego where he helps people recover from chronic pain. He earned his Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Psychology from Colorado State University. Dr. Goldwaser completed a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Fellowship at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and an American Psychological Association (APA) Internship in Clinical Psychology at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, California. He then went on to complete postdoctoral residency training at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla, California. Dr. Goldwaser has advanced training in chronic pain and spinal cord injury, and over 10 years' experience working with multidisciplinary medical teams with a focus on behavioral health, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Dr. Goldwaser’s professional experience also includes management of large-scale multi-cite research projects in addition to developing wellness programs for both public and private organizations. Dr. Goldwaser previously served as Assistant Department Head for Research for a global US Navy Bureau of Naval Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) project tasked with improving the health and wellbeing of Sailors and Marines deployed to combat zones. He also served as Research Psychologist for the Marine Resiliency Study (MRS) where he supervised more than 25 mental health professionals and research assistants investigating the effects of deployment on the health of infantry Marines. He has received awards from national and regional organizations including the American Psychological Association (APA), the Western Psychological Association (WPA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, co-authored book chapters, and presented at national scientific conferences.Mark Alan Harris, MD
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board Member, Mark Alan Harris, MD is a Physical Medicine/Rehab Specialist and has 9 years of experience and practices in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Harris is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and did his undergraduate work at Occidental College in the Pasadena, California area, where he played baseball. He completed medical school at The University of Arizona in Tucson followed by residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) through University of California, Irvine.
Training
PM&R Residency, University of California, Irvine 2002-2005
Internal Medicine Internship, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix 2001-2002
Education
Medical Degree - MD, University of Arizona, 1997-2001
B.A., Kinesiology, Occidental College, 1987-1991
Awards and Recognition
“Top Doctors” San Diego Magazine 2014
Chief Resident UCI PM&R 2004-2005
No. 2 nationally 2004 EMG SAE Exam
PM&R Residency, University of California, Irvine 2002-2005
Internal Medicine Internship, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix 2001-2002
Education
Medical Degree - MD, University of Arizona, 1997-2001
B.A., Kinesiology, Occidental College, 1987-1991
Awards and Recognition
“Top Doctors” San Diego Magazine 2014
Chief Resident UCI PM&R 2004-2005
No. 2 nationally 2004 EMG SAE Exam
Austin Nieto, D.C.
As a native of Southern California, Dr. Augustine Nieto knew early on that movement was the key to vitality. Growing up surfing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking was only the introduction to what he calls "The Balance". Dr. Nieto received his Bachelors in Neuroscience from Claremont McKenna College in 2008, and his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2014.
During school, he completed his two year internship where his focus was on nutrition, neurological rehabilitation, fall prevention and sports performance. During his postceptorship, he received the Dr. Lester McCoy Clinical Excellence Award in honor of his clinical diagnostic skills and treatment protocols implemented at the clinic. He is board certified by the California State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and founded Irvine Body Balance Chiropractic in 2015.
During school, he completed his two year internship where his focus was on nutrition, neurological rehabilitation, fall prevention and sports performance. During his postceptorship, he received the Dr. Lester McCoy Clinical Excellence Award in honor of his clinical diagnostic skills and treatment protocols implemented at the clinic. He is board certified by the California State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and founded Irvine Body Balance Chiropractic in 2015.
Joseph Castrejon, MD
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board Member, Joseph Castrejon, M.D. provides medical and health-related services with the highest commitment to patient care. In addition to working closely with Project Walk staff at its corporate headquarters near San Diego, California. Dr. Castrejon provides general care for Project Walk clients and their families.
Education
Undergraduate: University of California San Diego 1987
Masters Studies: University of California Irvine 1989
Medical School of University of Missouri 1994
Residency: University of Southern California 1997
Hospital Affiliations: TriCity Medical Center and Scripps Mercy Hospital
Continuing Education
Board Certified Family Medicine
Certificate of Occupational Medicine
Certified Medical Reviewer
Utilization Reviewer
Organizations
American Academy of Family Medicine
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
California Medical Hispanic Society
Recipient of Kellogg Foundation Award for Family Medicine
Education
Undergraduate: University of California San Diego 1987
Masters Studies: University of California Irvine 1989
Medical School of University of Missouri 1994
Residency: University of Southern California 1997
Hospital Affiliations: TriCity Medical Center and Scripps Mercy Hospital
Continuing Education
Board Certified Family Medicine
Certificate of Occupational Medicine
Certified Medical Reviewer
Utilization Reviewer
Organizations
American Academy of Family Medicine
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
California Medical Hispanic Society
Recipient of Kellogg Foundation Award for Family Medicine
Jay Huhn, PT, DPT, OCS, CMP, CSCS, USAW
Project Walk Medical Advisory Board Member, Dr. Jay Huhn, is a Licensed Physical Therapist who specializes in orthopaedics with a subspecialty of manual physical therapy, and strength and conditioning. His current practice includes evaluating and providing care in the outpatient and inpatient physical therapy department at Kaiser Permanente San Diego. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo where he also played football, Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He also holds multiple specialty certifications including Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedics (OCS) from the American Physical Therapy Association, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Manual Therapy Certification (MTC), USA Weightlifting Club Coach, USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach, and Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP).
Dr. Huhn has nearly 13 years of professional experience in physical therapy and 18 years in the strength and conditioning field. He has provided care in a multitude of settings including acute inpatient, subacute skilled nursing facilities, short and long term rehabilitation facilities, outpatient rehabilitation and sport specific training in the weightroom, clinic, and on the athletic field. His passion includes training the young athlete in correct movement patterns, speed, agility, quickness and weightlifting.
Dr. Huhn has nearly 13 years of professional experience in physical therapy and 18 years in the strength and conditioning field. He has provided care in a multitude of settings including acute inpatient, subacute skilled nursing facilities, short and long term rehabilitation facilities, outpatient rehabilitation and sport specific training in the weightroom, clinic, and on the athletic field. His passion includes training the young athlete in correct movement patterns, speed, agility, quickness and weightlifting.
