Team

Dr. Steve Politis, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Steve has always had a fascination with understanding the body, so that... As a life-long learner he keeps striving to figure out how to help you heal better, faster, and naturally. This has led him to earn two post graduate Fellowships, a level only a few therapists have achieved. His approach takes a holistic view of your body with an appreciation for how everything is connected. It all starts with understanding your concerns, desires and goals.
His focus is listening to your story and connecting the dots. You are more than a mere collection of body parts, but a whole person. Providing you explanations, information, and a plan for natural healing is his method. Your experience is being listened to and cared for as you work together to reclaim your comfort and confidence doing what you love.
Enjoying life with his wife Mollie and their tripod-pooch “Coach” Henrietta, Dr. Steve has been an avid outdoorsman and rugby player/coach/fan for many years. The family shares a passion for great quality food, nutrition, fun and sun.
Credentials
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), License: California
- Doctor of Manual Therapy (DMT), Residency; Ola Grimsby Institute
- Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
- Fellow of Applied Functional Science* (FAFS), Gray Institute
Education
- University of California Santa Barbara, BS Biopsychology
- Arizona School of Health Sciences, DPT
- Residency and Fellowship, Ola Grimbsy Institute
- Fellowship Gray Institute
Certifications
- Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner, (CKTP)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, (CSCS)
- MovNat Instructor
Associations / Affiliations
- American Physical Therapy Association, (APTA)
- American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, (AAOMPT)
- California Physical Therapy Association, (CAPTA)

Dr. Jill Trato, PT, DPT, NCS
Physical Therapist
Dr. Jill Trato practices physical therapy in Santa Barbara. She is a board-certified neurological clinical specialist with over 20 years of experience. She has earned additional certifications in the assessment and treatment of people with vertigo/vestibular disorders, cervicogenic dizziness, balance disorders, and Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, Jill has completed training in manual therapy and movement science interventions to help those with musculoskeletal dysfunction and chronic pain.
Jill is a detail-oriented and efficient physical therapist who thrives on finding the source of a person’s functional limitations to direct the best treatment for that individual’s needs. Jill grew up figure skating and currently enjoys stand-up paddle boarding, hot yoga, and pushing her limits at the gym. She would much rather read nonfiction, and she loves sushi.
Certifications
- NCS
- LSVT BIG Certified
- Cervicogenic Dizziness Competencies
- Vestibular competencies via Emory University, American Institute of Balance
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) residency at Kaiser Hospital, Vallejo CA

Chief Operating Officer/Company Manager
Michelle Phillips-McCaig
I am honored to have been part of Kineci since the start. Dr. Steve and I have worked together for decades and have the same enthusiasm for creating and maintaining a healing atmosphere. I look forward to assisting you through your PT journey and I am always here to help!

Office Assistant
Riley
Meet Riley, one of our Office Assistants here at Kineci! Riley is pursuing an English degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara, hoping to add a Professional Writing Minor. She has a passion for volunteering and philanthropic work, which fuels her dedication to providing exceptional patient care and support here at Kineci.

SUPERVISOR & COACH
Henrietta
She is our supervisor and Coach at Kineci. Henrietta’s passion is bringing joy and happiness everywhere she goes. She inspires people with her ability to relax and accept loving. All questions can be directed to Henrietta and she will respond when she is done napping.
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