We’re a small team with big ideas and a passion for doing things well.
TEAM Board of Directors
Robert “Bob” Gugino
President
Barbara Peck
Vice President
A native of Santa Barbara, California, Barbara first arrived in Tucson as a freshman at the University of Arizona in 1973, and has considered Tucson home ever since. Barbara has worked in the field of public relations for 40 years, and was one of the four founders of LP&G, a marketing communications firm here in Tucson. As director of public relations for the agency, she provided strategic public relations planning, media and community relations, and crisis communications services in such industries as healthcare, tourism, retail, real estate development, banking, entertainment, land planning and the spa industry.-
Barbara is a 1977 graduate of the University of Arizona College of Nursing, and after two years as a labor & delivery nurse at UC Irvine Medical Center, she realized that her love of the field of healthcare was more geared toward the business and education side of the field. She spent many years working with healthcare organizations as a marketing and communications professional.
In addition to serving as president of the Friends of Western Art, she currently serves as a volunteer with Las Doñas de Tucson and the Silver & Turquoise Board of Hostesses. She has served as president and member of the boards of Patronato San Xavier Board and Visit Tucson, and on the boards of the University of Arizona Alumni Association, Salpointe Catholic High School and the University of Arizona Health Science Center. She also served on the Vestry at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Tucson.
Barbara is married to Hank Peck and has two adult children: Shelby (husband Brian), a reading interventionist in the Amphitheatre School District, and Charlie, the Trading Manager and a shareholder at TCI Wealth Advisors. Barbara is very fortunate to have all her immediate family here in Tucson -- including two very entertaining grandchildren.
Kathleen Ganley, PT, PhD
Member-at-Large
Kathleen is a dedicated physical therapist, educator, and community advocate based in Arizona. She recently retired as a Professor from Northern Arizona University after more than 25 years of service, where she mentored future healthcare professionals and advanced post-professional education. Dr. Ganley has long been committed to improving lives through compassionate care, teaching, and service. She remains actively engaged in her community and is passionate about expanding access to education. Her work with nonprofit initiatives reflects her strong belief in mentorship, opportunity, and giving back.Lois “LoLo” Loescher is Secretary of the TEAM Foundation Board of Directors. She retired from the University of Arizona in 2021 after 42 years of working as a nurse, researcher, and educator. Her final position at the University was Professor and PhD Program Director at the College of Nursing. Her expertise in doctoral education was integral for conceptualizing the scholarship process for the TEAM Foundation. She remains invested in quality education of healthcare professionals.
When not participating in regular strength and conditioning sessions at the PhysioShop, Lois is an active volunteer at Viva Pima!, the College of Nursing Alumni Council, and her homeowners association board. She also reviews applications for funding for Tucson community organizations and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. Her dedication to the community, students and health care continues through her involvement with the TEAM Foundation.
Additional Board Members (photos and bios coming soon):
Brian Schmitz and Tim Kish
TEAM Executive Leadership
Robert “Bob” Gugino is the President of the TEAM Foundation Board of Directors. He has been an attorney and partner at Gugino & Mortimer, PLC since 2005. His expertise was vital in developing the foundation’s governance documents and providing strategic guidance to the organization.
In his leadership role with TEAM Foundation, Bob provides guidance and vision to support the organization's mission: to minimize the financial burden of advanced health science education for underserved and economically disadvantaged populations, enabling dedicated students to focus on their studies and contribute their expertise to the Southern Arizona community. His professional expertise, dedication to service, and collaborative approach make him an invaluable asset to the Foundation and the individuals and families it serves.
Bob is widely respected for his thoughtful leadership, generosity, and belief that lasting change is achieved when communities come together to create opportunities and improve lives for future generations.
Jason Klein, PT, DPT,
Chief Executive Officer
Jason Klein, PT, DPT, SCS, is a board-certified sports physical therapy specialist, entrepreneur, and mentor dedicated to advancing the field of physical therapy through both clinical excellence and community impact. As co-owner of The Physio Shop Tucson, Jason has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care rooted in functional movement and evidence-based practice.Jason earned his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University, where he was honored with the Professional Service Award. His clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including time with the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XLVIII and work with collegiate athletes at both Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. His areas of expertise include injury prevention, post-surgical rehabilitation, concussion management, and spinal dysfunction.-
Driven by a passion for mentorship and a deep understanding of the financial barriers facing healthcare students, Jason co-founded the TEAM Foundation to create more accessible pathways into the profession. His vision focuses on reducing student debt while fostering a strong, connected network of future clinicians through education, scholarship, and support.
Jason has been recognized as an Outstanding Clinical Educator and has contributed to Physio Shop Tucson being named among the best in sports therapy. He remains committed to developing the next generation of physical therapists while continuing to elevate the standard of care within his community.
Melissa Vester, PTA, PPSC
Chief Operating Officer
Melissa Vester, PTA, is a clinician, leader, and advocate whose path into physical therapy is rooted in both personal experience and a deep commitment to helping others. After supporting family members through recovery from serious injuries—and navigating her own rehabilitation journey in 2014—Melissa developed a strong appreciation for the impact of compassionate, skilled care. That experience ultimately inspired her to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Melissa graduated summa cum laude from Ozarks Technical Community College in 2019 and also holds an Associate’s Degree from Pima Community College, where she was a first-generation college student, a leader in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and a recipient of multiple regional and international awards. Her clinical approach emphasizes empathy, connection, and helping patients regain confidence through movement.-
In addition to her clinical role, Melissa brings extensive leadership and operational expertise. She serves as both a practicing PTA and Business Manager at Physio Shop Tucson, where she contributes across patient care, operations, branding, and event planning. Her professional background includes more than 20 years in retail risk management and administration, along with experience running her own photography and art business.
Melissa is deeply rooted in the Tucson community and has a long-standing commitment to service. She has volunteered for over a decade with BSA Troop 747 and continues to support local organizations, including Aviva Children’s Services.
Driven by her passion for mentorship and accessibility in healthcare, Melissa co-founded the TEAM Foundation to support and guide future physical therapy professionals. Through her work, she is dedicated to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the connection between education, community, and patient care.
John Robert Klass, PT, DPT
Chief Financial Officer
John Robert Klass, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist, advocate, and community-driven leader committed to helping individuals move better and live healthier lives. At PhysioShop Tucson, he brings an energetic, movement-based approach to care, specializing in outpatient orthopedics and sports-related injuries. His treatment philosophy centers on the belief that “exercise is medicine,” empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery and long-term wellness.
John Robert earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University after completing his undergraduate studies in Physiology at the University of Arizona. His clinical approach is shaped by a strong emphasis on functional movement, holistic care, and building meaningful provider-patient relationships.
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Beyond the clinic, John Robert is passionate about making a broader impact in his community. He co-founded a boxing program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease in Tucson, creating an innovative and supportive environment that promotes strength, confidence, and quality of life.
Motivated by his own experiences in the profession and the financial challenges many students face, John Robert co-founded the TEAM Foundation to support future healthcare providers. His vision focuses on expanding access to education, reducing student debt, and fostering a sustainable path for clinicians to serve their communities.
Outside of his professional work, John Robert enjoys weightlifting, traveling, and spending time with his family.
David “Dave” Gardner
Member-at-Large
Michael Duperret, MD
Treasurer
Lois “Lolo” Loescher
Secretary
Dave Gardner is a Board Member for the Tucson Education and Medical Mentorship Foundation (TEAM Foundation), bringing 33 years of experience in the biopharma industry, specifically in sales training and management at companies including Abbott/AbbVie. Based in Tucson, his professional life as a successful pharmaceutical representative instilled a deep commitment to healthcare, which he now channels into supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals through the TEAM Foundation.
In retirement, Dave co-hosts the radio show on KTDT 99.1 Tucson Downtown Radio, Jim and Dave’s Roadside Reststop, showcasing his insight, humor, and easygoing style. Leveraging his strong community connections, he assists the foundation by exploring media partnerships to further their mission. Whether connecting people, mentoring, or entertaining, Dave continues to make a meaningful impact in the Tucson community.Michael and his wife, Ellen, are long-time Tucson residents, having both moved to the NW side of Tucson in the early 1970’s. Michael feels personally connected to the mission of TEAM, since he worked his own way through undergraduate school and was very conscious of the potential career-altering burdens of student debt. He recently retired from 36 years of private practice as a board-certified family physician and currently volunteers at Clinica Amistad, a free clinic for low-income, uninsured residents of Tucson. He has been involved in multiple hospital leadership positions, last serving as the Vice Chairman of the Governing Board of the Carondelet Health Network in 2021.
Jeff Gietl
Member-at-Large
Jeff Gietl is a partner at Gietl and Strutz Insurance Agency, bringing more than 30 years of local business experience to the Tucson community. A Tucson resident for 53 years, he has built deep relationships across the region and is known for his integrity, reliability, and commitment to serving local families and businesses.
A graduate of Salpointe Catholic High School, Jeff went on to serve in the United States Air Force. His time in the military shaped his work ethic and gave him a practical, steady approach to helping clients and running a business.
Outside of work, Jeff stays connected to the Tucson community he’s been part of for decades. Whether supporting local organizations or simply being a familiar, trusted face around town, he values the relationships that come from living and working in the same place for so many years.
Emily Johnson
Member-at-Large
Emily has been an Athletic Trainer for the University of Arizona Athletics Department since 2007. She has spent time working with many teams (Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Beach Volleyball, Men's & Women's Golf and Soccer) while working with the Women’s Volleyball program. Prior to coming to Arizona, Emily spent 3 seasons at Marquette University. Emily is a National Athletic Trainer Association BOR certified, Licensed AT in Arizona.
Her education includes a Bachelor of Education - Health Promotion and Education with emphasis in Athletic Training and Exercise Fitness from the University of Cincinnati 2002. She has a Master of Science – Sport Management from Florida State University 2004.
Emily serves as a Preceptor for Intern Student Athletic Trainers for West Virginia University, Northern Arizona University, Boston University and University of Cincinnati. Her specialty coverage includes Volleyball and Beach Volleyball.