FORMA Team
Claudio Carvalho, DO, MS
FORMA Medical Director
Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management, Dr. Claudio Carvalho aims for the mutual understanding of each patient’s condition with scientific, evidence-based knowledge. Caring for their individual goals, Dr. Carvalho uses a synergistic approach of wellness, pain control and restoration to optimize each patient’s ability to excel in rehabilitation. The result is better health, a higher level of performance and improved quality of life. Formerly a competitive athlete and sports conditioning coach, Dr. Carvalho (known as “Dr. C.” to his patients) has been involved in sports medicine for more than 25 years. Dr. Carvalho is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a staff physician at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA.
Thomas S. Bakman, DC, FAFICC
Director of Patient Health Care Management
A specialist in functional rehabilitation assessments and treatments, Dr. Thomas S. Bakman, DC, FAFICC, has more than 20 years of experience coordinating and participating in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams. He has treated Olympians at the U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center in Colorado Springs, and serves as a critical resource for many of our patients. As a certified running coach, Dr. Bakman (known to patients as “Dr. B.”) consults for running groups on performance training and injury prevention, and is one of the founders of the Wounded Runner Group. Dr. B. is a Fellow of the Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants.
Donald J. Richardson, DC, CCSP, DACBSP, CSCS
Rehabilitation Director
An expert in Sports Medicine and Sports Performance, Dr. Donnie Richardson contributes to FORMA’s dynamic rehabilitation treatments helping fulfill the specific needs of each patient. After the integration of all data into medical diagnoses and treatment plans by the FORMA medical team, Dr. Richardson guides the rehabilitation protocols helping each patient progress within the boundaries of their own limitations and individual abilities. Dr. Richardson also educates patients about what may have contributed to the impediment of their healing process and which strategies can be used to prevent future recurrences. Dr. Richardson is board certified by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, has been certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), in Active Release Technique (ART), and is also a Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CPKT). He serves as a team doctor and strength and conditioning coach for the U.S. Olympic Teams, and as an associate professor at Southern California University of Health Sciences.
Laura J. Marley, MPT
FORMA Physical Therapy Director
An expert in neurological and orthopedic physical rehabilitation, Laura Marley, directly oversees and participates in patient treatments executing precise rehabilitation approaches to meet individual needs. She provides an enthusiastic and caring environment for patients while practicing the most evidence-based clinical methods available today. An accomplished ballet dancer, Laura decided to pursue physical therapy as a career after suffering a sports-related knee injury at the age of 16. She earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach, after completing her undergraduate degree in biophysiology, minoring in chemistry. Laura was also a member of the University’s Dance Team for three years while completing her undergraduate studies.
Jiri Cizek, N.M.T.
Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist and Neuromuscular Therapist
Jiri Cizek, or J.C., is one of FORMA’s rehabilitation specialists known for his detailed and caring approach to patient care. Coming from a Czech lineage, J.C. assists in providing precise rehabilitation methods aimed at treating soft tissue injuries and chronic pain. His expertise is two-fold: supervising the execution of each patient’s rehabilitation exercise programming to assure maximum effectiveness; and providing specialized manual soft tissue therapy aimed at stimulating the healing potential and restoration of function of injured muscles and their neurological network (Neuromuscular Therapy). FORMA’s patients benefit not only from J.C.’s professional expertise, but also his acute attention to detail, mindful and approachable demeanor, and kind, easy-going nature. J.C. considers himself to be a “people person” who thrives on getting to know each patient’s own motivation and health goals, while guiding them on executing prescribed therapies at a deeper awareness level. J. C. is a licensed Neuromuscular Therapist (N.M.T) and a fitness specialist. His professional accomplishments also include working as a Licensed Practical (Vocational) Nurse in Czechoslovakia.
Cindy Pascual
FORMA Medical Assistant
Cindy Pascual, who has worked as a Medical Assistant to Dr. Carvalho since 2002, and is responsible for welcoming and assisting patients and supporting FORMA’s medical team with patient intake and recordkeeping. One of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Cindy also plays a major role in FORMA’s back office where she reviews and organizes patient charts and records.
Sonilie Kay Cano
FORMA Medical Assistant
Sonilie Cano, who graduated a year early from high school (with honors) and is now in her third year at Cal State Dominguez Hills, is one of the Medical Assistants who makes sure you’re well cared for when you visit our office. A State Officer for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Sonilie recently received a gold medal in Medical Reading at HOSA’s state conference. Outside of the office, Sonilie is very family oriented and hopes to one day attend medical school and practice medicine full-time.
Tamara LaCagnina
FORMA Medical Billing Manager
Tamara LaCagnina is the one FORMA employee you’ll likely never see, but that doesn’t mean the work she does in our office is any less valuable. A graduate of Bryman/Everest College’s Medical Insurance Billing and Coding program, Tamara ensures that all of our patient’s insurance claims are properly managed and makes sure your FORMA experience is pleasant and free of red tape. The ultimate behind-the-scenes player, Tamara enjoys spending time with friends and her dog Miso when she’s not working.
