SVPT is currently looking for a FT/PT Physical therapist to join out team - send resume to patientrep@svpt.net (please no rectuiters).
    South Valley Physical Therapy   408-365-8400
  408-365-8417
  patientrep@svpt.net
  841 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95123   [Map]

Our Staff

Professional Staff



Thomas Sawhill, P.T.
Physical Therapist, CEO

Thomas Sawhill Tom received his Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences from California State University at Northridge and his Certificate of Physical Therapy from the University of California at Los Angeles. Tom is the founder and owner of South Valley Physical Therapy which he opened in 1985. He has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1977.

Tom's practice philosophy is to give his patients the knowledge and tools to conquer their physical problems or to at least be able to manage their conditions so they may lead a more fulfilled and active life.

Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Southern California in 1963. He moved north to San Jose in 1985. Tom has been married to his wife Kathy since 1979, and they have four children, two daughters whom are both married and two sons. Tom also has four grandchildren. Tom spends much of his free time at the ice hockey rink, either cheering on his sons or playing. He also enjoys running, biking, and swimming. Tom enjoys learning about World War II history. The office boasts a collection of his World War II memorabilia.

Ayesha Sulemani, PT DPT
Physical Therapist

Ayesha was born in Madanapalle, near Bangalore, India. She received her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Manipal University in Manipal, India.

She got married and moved to California in 2006. She and her husband have 2 children, a boy and a girl.

Ayesha returned to school at A. T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona where she received her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy.

When she's not treating patients Ayesha enjoys running, dancing and yoga. She loves to spend time with her family (her brother is also a physical therapist living in the bay area) and her friends. She likes to play tennis, badminton and basketball, and enjoys being outside enjoying nature and exploring the world through her travels!

Ayesha treats all of her patients with compassion and kindness. She believes that the more a patient understands their condition and the more they take an active role in their rehabilitation are the major keys to a successful recovery.



Natalia Ushak
PT, DPT

Natalia graduated from Rutgers University, before moving to California in 2004 for Graduate school at Azusa Pacific University. Where she graduated with Summa Cum Laude. Natalia loves to bring a compassionate & individualized care plans to optimize function. Addressing rehab, prevention and wellness meeting each patient where they are and helping get them where they want to be.

When Natalia isn't in the office she's an at home fitness fanatic who loves hiking, reading, nutrition, cooking and Preventative medicine management of chronic illness & autoimmune conditions.



Sheeba Jakkula
PT, DPT

Sheeba was born and raised in Kuwait before moving to India and eventually the United States.

She received her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from SRM College of Physiotherapy in Chennai, India. After moving to California, she completed the required credits and earned her PT license in the state of California. Sheeba earned her Doctorate degree from Dominican College in 2019.

Sheeba is married and has two children, a daughter, and a son. She loves reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Sheeba's practice philosophy is to impart the knowledge and skills needed to motivate, direct and help her patients with acute and prolonged movement dysfunction through evidence-based practice and thereby improve the health of society. She gets great satisfaction in seeing her patients improve and move on to a better quality of life.



Support Staff



Kathy Sawhill
Vice President of Administration

Kathy Sawhill Kathy was born and raised in Southern California. She moved to San Jose in 1985 with her husband Tom whom she married in 1979. Together they have four children, 2 daughters and 2 sons.

Kathy started working at South Valley part-time in 1998 after her youngest child started school full time. She has been working full time since 2010. She spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, chaperoning field trips, and driving kids to sports and dance practices and eventually helping with the grandkids.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, reading and wine tasting, however, her favorite activity is spending time with her 6 grandchildren.


Esmeralda Navarro
Front Desk Coordinator

Esmeralda Navarro


"Thank you and your team very much for the great work in fixing my shoulder. I feel perfectly well now and I am happy that I can do all my movements again"
      G.B. SVPT Client   Read more Patient Results


To arrange an assessment or to speak with one of our Physical Therapists, call us today on 408-365-8400 or email: patientrep@svpt.net

↑ Back to Top

APTA logo    CPTA logo    PTPN logo   

Established badge
Patient Registration »
Download a form »
Insurance coverage »
Get in touch:
Contact us today to find out how we can help. Call us on 408-365-8400 or email: patientrep@svpt.net


View Larger Map
"South Valley Physical Therapy prides itself on personalized care as well as a friendly atmosphere. We strive to attain the results that our patients desire, as well as what their physicians expect."
Thomas Sawhill
Physical Therapist , Owner and Operator
South Valley Physical Therapy has been the choice for San Jose residents since 1985.

South Valley Physical Therapy    |    Email Login    |    Sitemap    |    Resources    |    Contact us
Powered by: Physio123