Leadership
Scott Costello OTR/L, CHT
Owner - Registered Occupational Therapist Licensed, Certified Hand Therapist
Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the New York Institute of Technology in 2000 and began his career in New York at Hand and Upper Extremity Rehab. He became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2006 and joined Hands on Hands Rehabilitation Center in 2007. Scott grew alongside the practice for years, and in 2024 became owner of our Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, and Los Alamitos clinics, carrying forward the quality of care Hands on Hands has long been known for. As a Certified Hand Therapist, he treats patients across all three locations.
Outside the clinic, Scott is a proud husband and dad to a two-year-old son and enjoys traveling, skiing, and fishing. We're fortunate to have him leading the team.
Our Therapists
Valerie N. Schmitz
MOT, CHT, OTR/L
Laguna Hills
Valerie joined HOH in June 2026. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health from Miami University and her Master of Occupational Therapy from North Central College. Practicing since 2021, she has broad experience treating upper extremity conditions and is passionate about helping patients regain function and return to the activities they love. Valerie recently moved to Southern California from Dallas, Texas, and has been enjoying life near the beach. Outside the clinic, she loves reading, pilates, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their dog.
Jay Yeager
COTA/L
Laguna Hills & Costa Mesa
Jay graduated in 1992 from Mount Saint Mary's College with a license as a Certified Occupational Therapist. Jay has worked as a COTA for 33 years across various areas of practice, with the last 23 years focused in Hand Therapy. He has been with HOH for 18 years and enjoys working with his patients. When not working with patients at HOH, he enjoys hiking, fishing and camping. In 2024, he also started a new chapter in his career as a part-time Professor at Platt College's OTA Program for future Therapy Assistants, teaching Anatomy, Kinesiology and Hand Therapy.
Carlo Joson
MOT
Laguna Hills & Costa Mesa
Carlo graduated from Stanbridge University in 2025 and joined Hands on Hands in October of that year. Carlo was born in Saipan and has been living in Southern California since 2007. He is currently working towards his certification as an Certified Hand Therapist, building on his passion for helping patients recover and regain function. Outside the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée, playing video games and pickleball, and watching anime.
Maily Nguyen
MOT
Costa Mesa
Maily graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Fullerton with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a concentration in Clinical Movement Science. She recently graduated from West Coast University with her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and is working towards her goal of becoming a Certified Hand Therapist. Maily joined Hands on Hands in May 2025, and we are lucky to have her. In her free time, she enjoys working out, trying new foods, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her cat, Mila.
Nick Ventura
MOT
Los Alamitos
Nick was raised in Norwalk, California. He graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology from California State LA in 2019, and a Master's from University of St. Augustine in April 2023. He has worked as a hand therapist since August 2023 and joined HOH in September 2025. His goal is to become a Certified Hand Therapist. Nick's hobbies include watching football, baseball, basketball, and soccer. He roots for the Dodgers, Lakers, Penn State, and Chelsea. He also enjoys trying new restaurants, going to the gym, traveling to new countries, and trying to visit every baseball stadium.
Christopher (Topher) Lumibao
MOT
Los Alamitos
Topher earned his B.S. in Occupational Therapy from De La Salle Health Sciences Institute in the Philippines and his Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2024. He joined HOH in June 2026, and is currently working towards his certification as a Certified Hand Therapist, treating a full range of hand and upper-extremity conditions. He sees patients in English and Tagalog. Outside the clinic, Topher paddles dragon boat, performs improv comedy around Orange County, and fills sketchbooks with urban sketching and watercolor.
Our Office Staff
Luisana (Ana) Manzo
Office Manager & Billing Coordinator
Ana joined us in 2017, after we spent a few years trying to convince her to become part of the HOH family. She received her certificate as a Medical Assistant from Ritchey Center R.O.P. in 2007 and brings a wealth of experience working in both front and back office roles. In June 2024, Ana became the office manager for all four offices. She is married and has two children, and in her free time she enjoys drawing, shopping, walking, and simply soaking in the outdoors. We couldn't be happier to have Ana as part of our family.
Our Founder
Cherry Lua
Front Office Administrator
Cherry is a HIPAA-certified Virtual Assistant who has been working remotely with clinics for four years. With her strong background in the medical industry, she provides reliable support in patient care, data management, and daily clinic operations, ensuring confidentiality and compassion. Cherry joined the Hands on Hands family in March 2025. She is a proud wife and mother of three beautiful children, and she brings the same kindness and integrity to her work that guides her at home. Outside of work, Cherry enjoys singing, which reflects her positive and joyful spirit.
Janet Royal
OTR/L
Founder - Registered Occupational Therapist Licensed
Hands on Hands Rehabilitation Center was founded in 1981 by Janet Royal, OTR/L, who built the practice's reputation for specialized hand and upper-extremity care over more than four decades before passing ownership to Scott Costello in 2024. Her legacy continues in the care we provide today.