Staff

Matthew Soto, Program Director, is a Board Registered Kinesiotherapist and SDSU alumn. He graduated in 2008 with a B.S. in Kinesiology and joined the SDSU Fitness Clinic in December 2011. Matt has clinical experience in therapeutic exercise, pain management, and rehabilitation of individuals living with physical disabilities. Experienced with Fall Proof methods and interventions. Matt is Certified Tai Chi Institute Instructor for fall prevention, seated Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Arthritis and PWR! Certified Instructor.
Email: sdsufitclinic@sdsu.edu

Melissa Diek is a 2008 alumna of the Pennsylvania State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (Movement Science emphasis). In 2014, Melissa received her master’s degree in Kinesiology from the San Diego State University (Rehabilitation Science emphasis). While working towards her degree, Melissa joined the SDSU Adaptive Fitness Clinic part-time in 2013, becoming Assistant Program Director in 2015. With a strong background in research, Melissa’s interests include motor control and alternative therapies, while maintaining an active lifestyle and the belief that movement is the best medicine. Melissa is experienced with fall prevention, neurological and motor disorders, and rehabilitation.

San Diego State University alumna Donatella Tessitore graduated in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy. While preparing to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, she joined the Adaptive Fitness Clinic to expand her clinical, educational, and professional experience. Through this opportunity, Donatella has worked to deepen her understanding of fitness and therapeutic exercise while continuing to develop the interpersonal and educational skills she hopes to carry into her future career as a practitioner.

Arizahi Garcia is a 2025 graduate of San Diego State University, earning a Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in fitness specialist. Arizahi is passionate for motivating others and helping them achieve their personal health and wellness goals. Post graduation, she joined the Adaptive fitness Clinic, where she gains valuable hands on experience in the adaptive fitness field, while actively preparing to pursue her Masters Degree.