The Mission
At Project Performance Physical Therapy, we're on a mission to help you live your best life. We believe in the strength and resilience of the human body. Our expert guidance and physical therapy techniques empower you to overcome pain, regain mobility, and get back to the activities you love—without surgery or medication. Whether you want to get back into your favorite workout program, go for a hike, play with your kids, or travel the world, we are here to help you achieve your goals and live your best life.
MEET THE TEAM BELOW!
Dr. Brandon Pascual, PT, DPT
Founder
Performance Therapist
ACL Recovery Specialist
Dr. Brandon is not just the founder of Project Performance Physical Therapy but also a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He has also been a Certified Personal Trainer since 2016. His unique style blends performance-based physical therapy with personal coaching.
Dr. Brandon suffered an ACL, MCL, and meniscus tear in 2011 from football. He was advised not to do surgery because he did not plan going into college sports. After a few months of insurance physical therapy he was discharged but still didn't feel 100%. So he took matters in his own hands and decided to get stronger and more mobile. Years after his injury, he has explored different exercise programs, courses, and even went to physical therapy school. Since the day he got discharged in 2011 to this day, his knee is stronger and healthier than ever. This built his desire to help people overcome their injuries with movement first - not surgery.
Dr. Brandon’s goal? To not only relieve pain but also encourage his patients to adopt a lifestyle that keeps it away. He believes that treating pain is more than just exercises; it’s about embracing movement as a part of daily life. This belief, fueled by over 8+ years as a fitness coach, drives him to guide patients towards a healthier self. Project Performance was created from Dr. Brandon’s desire to help active individuals and athletes get back to what they love, injury-free.
He specializes in return-to-sport recovery, focusing on ACL and other knee-related injuries for active adults and athletes. With over five years of experience, he has become a versatile specialist in athlete recovery. His expertise ranges from treating barbell athletes in CrossFit with shoulder and back pain, to assisting marathon runners with knee pain, and aiding busy entrepreneurs suffering from chronic low back pain.
Dr. Brandon’s commitment doesn’t stop at his practice. He continually engages in educational courses and seminars, ensuring his patients receive the best, most current care. This dedication to learning is key to his patients’ successful recovery.
Favorite quote: "I'm still learning." - Michelangelo at age 87.
Off duty, Brandon is all about strength training, crossfit, and functional fitness. When it’s time to unwind, he loves cozy weekends at home with his girlfriend and their bichon frise, catching Clippers games, laughing with “Impractical Jokers,” or getting lost in Marvel films.
Dr. Desiree Saylor Harguess, PT, DPT
Performance Therapist
Spine and Foot Specialist
Expert in Yoga-Related Injury Care
Dr. Desiree is a committed Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified fitness coach, combining more than 10 years of experience in fitness and wellness with over 6 years as a licensed physical therapist. She is highly skilled in treating sports and orthopedic injuries, particularly among active individuals. Her area of expertise lies in spine and lower extremity biomechanics, with a significant emphasis on foot positioning. She is proficient with analyzing and addressing gait inefficiencies and movement patterns that lead to imbalances and injuries. This expertise is beneficial for flexibility-focused individuals, including yoga enthusiasts, gymnasts, and dancers.
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Her treatment method is all about getting to the root cause of the problem using strategies of Applied Functional Science (AFS), 3D Maps, and Functional Manual Reaction (FMR). She uses a detailed way of analyzing how people move in three dimensions, looking at how the whole body works together, from the feet up and from the head down. This technique not only helps improve how people move, how stable they feel, and how strong they are, but it also helps them get better at the activities they love.
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Dr. Desiree competed in gymnastics and horseback riding. She became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and fitness instructor for dance, yoga, Pilates, cycling, and cardio kickboxing. She also worked as a graduate research assistant at the Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports. Desiree holds an M.S. in Kinesiology and Sports Management (2012) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2017).
In her free time, Dr. Desiree enjoys a vibrant outdoor lifestyle in San Diego, including walking her dog, hiking, TRX, yoga, biking, SUP, trampoline classes, tennis, surfing lessons, kayaking, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and disc golf with friends.
Sierra Gonzales, CNC, CPT, SFC
Fitness Coach
Nutrition Coach
Client Experience Specialist
Sierra Gonzales is a dynamic and knowledgeable Certified Personal Trainer, Stretch and Flexibility Coach, and Nutrition Coach, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role. With a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, specializing in Movement Science, Sierra has been passionately training clients for over two years.
Her approach to fitness and wellness is both unique and effective, emphasizing evidence-based training methods. Sierra is dedicated to staying current with the latest fitness knowledge, ensuring her clients benefit from the most effective strategies. She works closely with each individual to help them achieve their personal goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, strength training, injury prevention, or simply adopting a healthier lifestyle and building better habits.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sierra is an avid enthusiast of strength training and hiking, often accompanied by her dog. She also enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and unwinds by reading or watching shows with her boyfriend. Sierra’s well-rounded lifestyle and commitment to continuous learning make her an invaluable asset to anyone looking to improve their physical health and wellbeing.
Location and Parking Info
1205 W. Morena Blvd., Ste B
San Diego, CA 92110
Clinic is inside "Werk Fitness" Facility
Parking can be found in front of the facility, on Morena Blvd, or even on Dorcas Street.
Please call (619) 438-0152 if you have any questions.
