Our Team
Maria Aguila PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Practice Owner
Dr. Maria is the co-owner of Life in Motion Physical Therapy clinics in Florham Park and Jersey City, and has a thriving practice that has been serving the community for over 15 years. A passionate physical therapist since 2003, Maria is driven by a deep commitment to her patients and the belief that their personal stories are key to their healing journey.
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Her approach is rooted in her multifaceted expertise, which spans pelvic health physical therapy, upper cervical and TMJ conditions, lymphedema treatment, mental health first aid, wellness promotion, and wearable technology in recovery. Maria brings her love for teaching into the clinic, having taught at the doctoral level in physical therapy programs, and infuses fun into functional training to help her patients achieve their goals.
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Her work has been published in PTJ: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal, and she’s a recognized speaker at both local and international PT conferences. An avid yoga practitioner, marathon finisher, and sports enthusiast, Maria embraces a holistic approach to health, balancing strength training, badminton, and golf with her active professional life.
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Dr. Maria’s leadership extends beyond the clinic. She’s been honored as Rutgers University’s Most Distinguished Alumni and received the APTA Societal Impact Award in 2019. She has held key leadership roles within APTA New Jersey and other national PT organizations.
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Living by the values of faith, excellence, and service, Dr. Maria also serves in her local parish in Livingston. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Benjamin Aguila PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Practice Owner
Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Aguila is an experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Life in Motion Physical Therapy and Wellness, with clinics in Jersey City and Florham Park, NJ. With over 25 years of experience, he leads community-centered outpatient practices focused on therapeutic, maintenance, and wellness-based care for movement dysfunction. He also oversaw Bronx in Motion PT through 2024.
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An advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Aguila serves as an Adjunct Instructor and Clinical Instructor at Rutgers Health Sciences and has mentored transitional DPT students through the University of Montana. His work in academia aligns with his passion for education, leadership, and advancing the physical therapy profession.
Dr. Aguila has held leadership roles within the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), including Chief Delegate for APTA New Jersey, Task Forces, and member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As a 2022 APTA Leadership Scholar, he has contributed to governance, policymaking, and advocacy for internationally educated PTs.
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He is the co-founder, Charter President, and past Board Trustee of FUTURE Foundation Global, which promotes global PT development. Dr. Aguila is also an accomplished speaker, presenting nationally and internationally on leadership, diversity, private practice, and global health.
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Striving for better health and wellness, he enjoys barbell training and long-distance running, including completing the NYC Marathon and multiple half marathons. He hopes to share the journey in promoting healthy, active living with his community of patients, students, and peers alike.
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Yuta Harada PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Senior Staff Physical Therapist
As a former national athlete for swimming in the Philippines, Dr. Yuta has always been fascinated by the human body and its incredible potential. His experience with high-level sports training ignited a deep curiosity about how the body works and recovers, which initially led him to pursue physical therapy as a pre-med course with plans to enter General Medicine.
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However, after a year of internships in diverse physical therapy settings—geriatrics, pediatrics, acute care, skilled nursing, outpatient, home care, and sports rehab—he realized his true passion was in direct patient care. The relationships he built and the meaningful impact he could make in people’s lives led him to shift gears and pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy instead.
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What excites Dr. Yuta most about being a physical therapist is the opportunity to forge real, lasting relationships with his patients. He thrives on creating a safe and welcoming environment where patients feel empowered to heal, recover, and return to the activities they love. The reward of helping someone regain their strength and confidence is unmatched.
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Outside of work, he stays active with a variety of water sports including water polo, wakeboarding, and surfing. He also takes pride in his personal fitness, having achieved a 1RM Barbell Back Squat at 1.875x body weight and a 1RM Deadlift at 2.5x body weight. For Dr. Yuta, fitness is not just a passion—it's a way of life.
Christian Balbutin PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Staff Clinician
Chris is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Volleyball Coach/Athlete, and Wellness/Fitness Advocate with a deep passion for helping people move better and live with minimal discomfort. With a strong background in treating orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain management, and performance enhancement for athletes, Chris is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care that empowers his patients.
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Chris’ approach goes beyond simply relieving symptoms—he focuses on identifying the root causes of movement dysfunction. Alongside Doctors of Physical Therapy, he develops customized treatment plans that restore mobility, strength, and confidence. Whether patients are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or working to optimize their performance, Christian is dedicated to guiding them every step of the way.
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In addition to his clinical expertise, Chris has an extensive background in volleyball, having been named High School MVP and selected as a 1st Team All-County Defensive Specialist. He is also a Hudson County Shout Down Drugs Winner, which fuels his passion for empowering others to achieve their full potential. Outside of the clinic, Christian enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing and coaching volleyball, and editing videos/photos.
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Christian truly believes in the transformative power of movement and is excited to help his patients regain control of their health, confidence, and overall well-being. His goal is simple: to help everyone get moving and live life to the fullest!
Jovelle Melgar PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Staff Clinician
Jovelle is a passionate professional with a unique background, holding a B.A. in Information Technology & Informatics and Psychology from Rutgers University, along with an A.A.S. in Physical Therapy Assisting from Union College. This diverse academic foundation allows Jovelle to blend analytical thinking with compassionate patient care.
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Jovelle’s journey into physical therapy began when her grandmother fell and fractured her hip during a vacation. Witnessing her recovery at Life in Motion, Jovelle became captivated by the dedication of Dr. Ben, Dr. Maria, and Dr. Yuta. Their passion for helping patients regain strength and confidence inspired her to pursue a career where she could make a similar impact.
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What excites Jovelle most about physical therapy is the opportunity to help people return to the activities they love. She thrives in the clinic environment, where she enjoys building connections with patients and working alongside a talented team in a positive, collaborative atmosphere. Seeing patients regain confidence in their bodies is incredibly rewarding for her.
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