PEOPLE

Chief Executive Officer

Gabriel Gomez

Gabriel Gomez is Co-founder and CEO at O2X Human Performance.  In his role, Gabriel orchestrates the comprehensive management of the organization while spearheading the strategic direction of O2X.  As the company continues to expand rapidly, he works to drive competitive and profitable growth while managing risk across the entire business landscape.  Gabriel also manages investor relations and steers O2X’s financial strategy through considerable scale year-over-year.  

As a founding member of O2X, Gabriel has been instrumental in all phases of the company’s life span: from formation to start-up, through rapid expansion, and the evolution of O2X into the world leader in human performance programs for tactical athletes. Gabriel’s leadership, vision, and financial stewardship has been pivotal to that success since the company’s organization.
Prior to the founding of O2X, Gabriel worked in private equity at Advent International, Summit Partners, and Bowles Hollowell Conner and helped co-found the private equity firm Equality Asset Management. In 2013, Gabriel left Advent to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by John Kerry, winning the Republican Primary nomination in the special election.

Gabriel is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and United States Naval Academy, serving as a Naval Aviator and SEAL officer before separating from service in 1996.  Gabriel is only the second person in U.S. Navy history to have been an aircraft carrier pilot and then a Navy SEAL officer. In addition, he is a co-founder of the Navy SEAL Foundation New England and is a former Trustee on the board of Noble & Greenough School. Gabriel lives in Cohasset, MA with his wife and four children.

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Adam La Reau

Adam La Reau co-founded O2X Human Performance in 2013 along with Paul McCullough and Gabriel Gomez, and serves as Managing Partner. Under Adam’s leadership, the company relentlessly evolves its program offerings, products, and structure to meet the ever-changing demands placed on tactical athletes. Adam’s vision is for O2X to provide world class training and integrated educational experiences that improve the health, safety, and performance of our nation’s heroes.

As O2X grew, Adam’s focus shifted toward the development of scalable operations and management systems, guiding the company from a regional startup to becoming the world leader in performance. Currently, the model supports a team of hundreds of human performance and on-site specialists, as well as innovative learning programs and technology.

Prior to O2X, Adam was a former Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy who began his military career as a Midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). After graduating and earning his commission in 2002, he successfully completed the U.S. Navy’s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training to earn the title of U.S. Navy SEAL. After successfully completing BUD/S and advanced training, he spent his career with East Coast based Navy SEAL Teams. Over the next decade, Adam conducted numerous combat deployments.

After leaving active duty in 2013, Adam pursued further education at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and received a Master of Public Administration. Following his passions, he founded a non-profit called ‘One Summit’ to build resilience in children with cancer, which has helped hundreds of children and is active in four major cities. The results of the program are being utilized in post-traumatic growth studies to further support programs for children and veterans.  Adam currently resides in Scituate, MA with his wife and son.

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Paul McCullough

Paul McCullough co-founded O2X Human Performance in 2013 along with Adam La Reau and Gabriel Gomez, and serves as Managing Partner. Paul’s vision steers the overall growth strategy of O2X, ensuring the company’s products and offerings are best positioned for maximum impact across current and future O2X clients. Paul is driven by a passion for supporting those who serve others, focusing on improving the health, safety, and performance of our nation’s tactical populations and elite organizations.

Through the company’s formative years, Paul oversaw all areas business development, building a truly customized training platform that now services hundreds of federal, state, and local organizations across the United States. Paul guided the process of customizing O2X’s proven methodology to meet the unique demands of every client, leading the development of industry defining programs, products, and services.

Prior to O2X, Paul served eleven years in the U.S. military as a Navy SEAL. He spent his career with SEAL Team Eight and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Throughout his service, Paul conducted numerous combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and other contingency operations around the globe. Paul left the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer and his highest awards include a Silver Star Medal, 2 Bronze Star Medals with Valor, and 2 Joint Service Commendation Medals with Valor.

After leaving the Navy in 2012, Paul was hired at Eaton Vance Investment Managers where he worked in the Institutional sales team. He left Eaton Vance in 2014 to follow his passion for entrepreneurship and Human Performance. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from American Military University and resides in New England with his wife and four kids.

Chief Operating Officer

Brice Long

Brice Long is the Chief Operating Officer at O2X, bringing a deep company familiarity, cultural competence, and a passion for human performance to his role. Leveraging a foundational understanding of the O2X mission, Brice’s insight and creative vision guide the company to operational excellence and regularly surpassing ambitious goals.

Since joining O2X, Brice has held multiple leadership roles through tremendous growth.  Brice led the development of the on-site specialist program, O2X mobile application, key strategic partnerships, and has worked with O2X’s biggest clients to design and implement complex HP programs at locations nationwide. He has previously served as Business Manager; Director of Human Performance Experience; and most recently as Director of Client Services. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he has also presented the O2X curriculum at workshops and national conferences; as well as led dozens of Human Performance training events. 

Previously, Brice worked as a senior aide to former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, managing his DC office, communications, and the campaign for the release of the New York Times Bestseller Known and Unknown. Brice has also served as a Senior Advisor at a non-profit, Concordia, working with the CEO to optimize company operations and lead teams through the execution of multi-day events in Bogota, Colombia, and New York City, responsible for high-profile speakers including President Joe Biden, General David Petraeus, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Colombian President Ivan Duque, and others.  Brice was also a career firefighter with experience leading recruit academies, officer development, and field training, as well as department fitness programs. His work there has been recognized by national fire service organizations and published in the NSCA’s peer-reviewed Tactical Strength and Conditioning Journal.

Brice is a graduate of Roanoke College and lives in Duxbury with his wife, son, and their English Bulldog, George Washington.

Director of Sales

Eamonn Burke

Eamonn Burke is the Director of Sales at O2X Human Performance. Eamonn leads a nationally distributed sales team and manages the company’s revenue generation efforts, as well as client retention, and management. Armed with tremendous experience at the organization, Eamonn is responsible for the business development strategy and execution that drives the company to substantive growth year after year.

Eamonn joined O2X in 2016 and has since played a pivotal role in the development of all products and services offered by O2X. His vision has helped the company shape impactful human performance programs at public safety departments across the nation.  Through building deep relationships in the tactical community, he has led the company’s revenue growth to consistent annual increases. Eamonn has guided the implementation of a CRM, structured the sales pipeline, and built a geographically decentralized sales team with coverage of the entire United States.

Prior to O2X, Eamonn held key sales roles at security startups Resilient Systems and Rapid7.  As an account leader, he successfully opened new market opportunities for both companies. Eamonn left Resilient Systems to join O2X after the company was acquired by IBM in 2016.

Eamonn attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC where he played baseball from 2007 to 2011, and has since taken up running and endurance sports. He has run 9 marathons, a half ironman, and 3 Pan Mass Challenges. Eamonn lives in Milton, Massachusetts with his wife, Kelly, and dog, Darcy.

Director of Sales Operations

Ali Levy

Ali Levy is the Director of Sales Operations at O2X Human Performance, bringing over a decade of experience in the human performance industry across a variety of roles. Ali collaborates across departments within the company to help develop systems and strategies that allow the sales team to focus on revenue generation, client retention, and program implementation. As one of the first members of the O2X team, Ali plays a key role in ensuring that the internal processes and products evolve continuously while upholding the core values and mission of the company.

Throughout her time at O2X, Ali has held multiple positions spanning the entire operational footprint of the organization.  In her most recent role as Director of Education, Ali worked with leading researchers and experts around the country to create tailored, integrated programs designed to meet the unique demands of each client. Ali was instrumental in helping compile, write, and edit O2X’s book, Human Performance for Tactical Athletes. Ali also co-authored a chapter in Surviving the Fire Service. Prior to leading the Education department, Ali served as the Director of Operations where she led a team responsible for the logistics, development, and execution of all in-person training programs. As a Mental Performance Specialist, Ali has taught dozens of sessions focused on goal setting, resilience, and performance psychology across the country.

Prior to joining O2X, Ali was a member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team where she competed at the World Cup level and was crowned 2 x North American Cup Grand Prix Champion.

In 2015, Ali was inducted into the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Hall of Fame and Wall of Excellence. After finishing her ski career in 2005, Ali attended Middlebury College where she earned a B.A. in Geography and was a member of the Track and Field team. She went on to complete her M.Ed. in Sport Psychology and Counseling at Boston University. Ali still enjoys skiing and now fuels her athletic spirit with endurance sports including completing a 1,100 mile cycling trip and multiple 50-mile ultramarathons.

Director of Digital Products

Jimmy Kennedy

Jimmy Kennedy is the Director of Digital Products at O2X, where he brings an extensive background in the fields of human performance and sports science, along with a passion for consumer technology to his role. Jimmy and the Digital Products Department are responsible for designing and building world-class digital products for the O2X team and their clients. Through his work, he strives to create tools that further deliver the O2X Human Performance Program to our nation’s first responders, frontline workers, and tactical athletes.

Coming from a family with a deep history in law enforcement, Jimmy has a passion to help those who serve our country and ultimately help them perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. Prior to O2X, Jimmy worked on developing technologies that leveraged athlete’s biological data to create personalized action plans to increase performance. By combining his passion for human performance with his strong scientific background, he led a team of research scientists, nutrition experts, and sports physiologists at InsideTracker that analyzed blood biomarkers, DNA data, and fitness tracker metrics to help people lead healthier lives.

Being a life-long competitive hockey player, Jimmy has always been deeply involved in fitness training which led him to CrossFit after his hockey career. As a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Jimmy used his passion for health and wellness to coach others and bring his athletes to new levels, increasing their longevity both in sport and life. Jimmy comes from a strong scientific background as he has completed graduate work in the fields of Biochemistry and Immunology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada after receiving his undergraduate degree from Clarkson University in upstate New York.

Jimmy currently resides in Scottsdale, AZ. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, throwing down at the gym with his training buddies, and trying to lower his handicap on the golf course.

Director of Operations

Zack McAdams

Zack McAdams is the Director of Operations at O2X, bringing more than a decade of service as a tactical athlete, a passion for building career longevity, and extensive operations experience to his role. Zack and the Operations Department are responsible for all aspects of the delivery of O2X’s in-person and virtual training and education programs.  To facilitate hundreds of global events each year, Zack oversees specialist training and staffing; event planning and client coordination; forecasting of personnel and equipment needs; logistics and inventory management; staff training and feedback; and budget management.

Prior to joining O2X, Zack served 13 years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer, where he earned the rank of Major. He served in a variety of leadership positions in Light Infantry Division across the Army, including the 101st Airborne Division, 25th Infantry Division, and 10th Mountain Division. These roles encompassed teaching, advising, logistics, operations, and command roles, and included multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan. Zack closed out his Army career serving as an Operations Officer and Executive Officer at the Battalion level, where he led the planning, resourcing, and synchronization of operations for an 800 Soldier Infantry unit before he was medically retired in July of 2022. A combination of career and combat injuries that led to his medical retirement and brought Zack to the O2X team.  Zack has a passion to provide world class training and experiences that improve the health, safety, and performance of our nation’s heroes.

Zack received his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College and his master’s degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He currently resides in the south shore with his wife, Jen, and daughter, Delaney. 

Director Of Education

Meaghan Grimes

Meaghan Grimes is the Director of Education at O2X.  Collaborating with leading researchers and experts nationwide, she actively contributes to the development of customized, integrated programs tailored to address the distinct challenges encountered by tactical athletes and elite organizations. In her capacity, Meaghan oversees comprehensive data analysis and organizational reporting, with a focus on impact assessment. Her responsibilities extend to creating numerous reports for agencies that reflect the tangible effects of the O2X Integrated Specialist Program and educational training events. 

Throughout her tenure at O2X, Meaghan has held various roles, encompassing responsibilities across Client Services and Education departments. In her most recent capacity as the Education & Reporting Manager, Meg collaborated with the Client Services, Education, and Sales teams, to develop customized reports that illustrated the impact of our Integrated Specialist Programs and workshops. Prior to assuming her role in the Education department, Meg served as the Client Services Manager. In this capacity, she spearheaded the creation of materials supporting the O2X Integrated Specialist Program, including the curation of educational content resources and the implementation of comprehensive reporting systems. Meg has also been instrumental in delivering timely and professional customer service.

Prior to her time with O2X, Meaghan managed the swim school for Boston University’s Fitness and Recreation Center, which won the Best of Boston 2017 award for best swim lessons in the Greater Boston area. Meaghan received her Masters of Education in Coaching from Boston University in 2016, and Bachelors of Science in Psychology from BU in 2014. As an undergraduate student, she competed on the BU Swimming and Diving team as a distance swimmer. Meaghan is also a former USA Swimming Senior National Qualifier in distance freestyle and backstroke.

Meaghan has a family history of first responders and working with the O2X Human Performance team provides the perfect opportunity to give back to their years of hard work and sacrifice protecting the health and wellness of others. Her great-grandfather was a firefighter in Lowell, MA, her grandfather was a Captain of the Massachusetts State Police, and her cousin is a police officer in Boxborough, MA.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Michael Lombardi

Michael Lombardi is the Director of Marketing at O2X, where he brings over a decade of experience in human performance, marketing, branding, and strategy. Michael and the Marketing Department work across and collaborate with all other departments within O2X to deliver content and collateral to help improve revenue generation, client retention, and program implementation. The Marketing Team is also responsible for owning brand identity + strategy, brand media, and O2X creative.

Prior to joining O2X, Michael was one of the first employees at WHOOP and helped it grow for 5 years in various roles including leading B2B efforts, strategic partnerships and integrations, and category specific marketing. He has also held strategic brand consulting roles for industry leaders in the human movement, as well as nutrition spaces.

Michael went to Princeton University and rowed on the Men’s Heavyweight Varsity Squad. He then coached multiple Olympic athletes for the London 2012 Games and Rio 2016 Games. At the conclusion of the Rio Olympics, Michael pursued his MBA in Strategy and Innovation at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University. Michael also created his own training and consulting business for rowers, Rowfficient, that has propelled multiple athletes to the Olympic Games.

He currently lives in Roslindale, MA with his wife, two sons, and french bulldog. He still helps aspiring rowers and CrossFit athletes reach the next level in his spare time. Michael is the biggest Philadelphia fan in the greater New England area. Go Birds.

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING

Dan Hartig

Dan Hartig is Director of Engineering at O2X where he brings a background as an engineer, architect and leader to delivering innovative software solutions to our nation’s first responders, frontline workers, and tactical athletes. Throughout his career, Dan has excelled in implementing large-scale technology solutions in multiple industries. His background includes leading multi-disciplinary teams, refining software development lifecycles and developing software architectures to meet the ever-changing needs of growing teams.

Dan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2002, soon after the 9/11 attacks. He was selected for an officer candidate program in 2004. Dan graduated the United States Naval Academy as a Trident Scholar with a degree in Computer Science in 2008 and went on to serve as a Nuclear Surface Officer aboard USS Robert G Bradley (FFG-49) and USS George H W Bush (CVN-77). After leaving the Navy in 2015, Dan worked as a software engineer for the intelligence community at Zeta Technologies, followed by stints with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sezzle and Best Buy. Dan brings a breadth of experience at companies from start ups to top national e-commerce retailers to the O2X team.

Dan lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife, Darray and four children. In his free time, Dan smokes meats for hundreds at summer holiday parties and church picnics and is looking forward to his next career as an award winning pit master.

Regional Director, East Coast

Mike Reed

Mike Reed is the East Coast Lead at O2X.  Leveraging experienced gained over a career in special operations, Mike oversees the company’s National Capital Region offices and activity up and down the eastern seaboard.  Based in Alexandria, VA, Mike and the East Coast team support business development, client management, and events within their area of operations. 

Mike is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) and has also worked as a Private Sector Chief Programs Officer for USG contracting companies. Prior to entering the Navy, Mike rowed at Temple University, coached HS crew, and lifeguarded for a South Jersey Beach Patrol. While working on the beach patrol, he competed in State and National lifeguarding competitions in multiple disciplines and gained confidence working in the ocean and operating within a team environment. These experiences translated to successful completion of the U.S. Navy’s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and service as a U.S. Navy SEAL.

After 14 years of active duty and multiple combat deployments for East Coast SEAL Commands, he recently retired after 7 additional years of US Navy reservist duty. Mike entered the private sector in program management, working multiple Government contracts, mostly focused on staffing and training in classified contract work within the National Capital Region’s federal government agencies.    

Mike enjoys just about any outdoor activity and working within a team dynamic. He is a proud father of 4 school age kids and currently resides with his wife in the SE Pennsylvania area. 

Regional Director, West Coast

Jason Carver

Jason is the Regional Director for O2X’s West Coast Operations and brings a deep experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Jason oversees the West Coast Office activities with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth. He and the West Coast Team, based in San Diego, CA., execute and support business development, client management, and O2X events in their area.

Prior to joining O2X, Jason held the role of Director of Business Development at Hard Yards, a boutique product development consultancy. However, his most formative years occurs while serving in Naval Special Warfare as a Navy SEAL. His 21-year Naval career afforded him opportunities to serve and lead on SEAL Teams, a Special Reconnaissance Team (as a plank owner), in multiple U.S. Embassies, staff tours at Naval Special Warfare Command and Naval Special Warfare Unit Ten, and in numerous other capacities. During his military service, he came to rely on (and as an early adopter became an advocate for) human performance. As a critical component to remaining healthy and able to perform as a tactical athlete, he embraced all pillars of human performance – mental and physical health, nutrition, sleep, and the skills and know-how to remain injury free and mentally resilient. He continues this today.

During his naval service and fueled by a passion for human performance, Jason also co-founded Outlier CrossFit in San Diego; the focus of which was to provide clients with the skills, education, and training to improve their lives. The entrepreneurial effort included managing the day-to-day operations and program delivery, scaling the facility through 3 facility moves, and sponsoring a team over multiple years to compete at the CrossFit Games nationally. The co-founders exited for profit after 4 years of successful operations and growth.

Jason is a husband and happy father of two young vibrant boys. He leads a healthy life through all manner of sports and recreation. Currently, this includes mountain biking, snowboarding, suffering in his home gym, and just about anything that requires self-propulsion and a big challenge.

Head of Municipal Sales

John Vargo

John Vargo is the Head of Municipal Sales at O2X Human Performance. In this role, John leverages his tactical experience, business and leadership background, and subject matter expertise to build impactful programs for state and local government organizations. His daily focus is on executing the business development strategy, managing the municipal sales team, and building partnerships that ultimately drive success for municipal clients nationwide.  

John joined O2X five years after retiring from Chandler Fire Department in Arizona after a 20-year career as an Engineer Paramedic. John’s contributions to the department while an active-duty member included serving as an IAFF Union Representative, an Apparatus Committee Member and co-founding the Chandler FireFighter Athletic Association, a nonprofit organization raising funds to support fire department personnel traveling across the world to compete in World Police and Fire Games. In addition to his fire duties, John was a successful real estate agent for 15 years and was an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) to his peers on subjects such as asset diversification, portfolio management, and safe retirement strategies.

After retiring from the fire department, John formed Turn In, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to introduce first responders to meditation and performance through mindfulness. John has been a keynote speaker addressing first responder mental wellness for various state and city agencies across the country. In 2019 John became a mPEAK certified instructor through the University of California San Diego Center for Mindfulness and in 2022 participated as an instructor for the Chopra Global 21 Day Business Kickstarter.

John enjoys running, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and practicing yoga. John has three adult children, two grandchildren, and lives with his wife in San Diego, California.

Head of Federal Sales

Blake Brinkerhoff

Blake Brinkerhoff is the Head of Federal Sales at O2X Human Performance. In this role, Blake leverages his tactical experience, business and leadership background, and subject matter expertise to implement comprehensive performance programs into federal agencies. His daily focus is on forging new relationships, as well as client retention and management, ensuring each O2X partner receives the highest impact program in support of their mission as well as executing the business development strategy, managing the federal sales team, and building partnerships that ultimately drive success for O2X in the USG space.

Prior to joining O2X Blake served a rewarding 12-year career as a Navy SEAL. He graduated BUD/S class 292 and was assigned to SEAL Team 4 where he took on three deployments to over 20 countries and served as the Lead Breacher and as an assault team leader. His final three years in the Navy were spent as the lead instructor for Close Quarters Combat (CQC) of SEAL Qualification Training where he led over 300 SEAL candidates per year to conduct high-risk, live-fire evolutions. 

While on active duty, Blake earned a degree in organizational leadership followed by a Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) from the University of Southern California. He currently resides in his hometown of Oceanside, CA with his wife, and three children. Growing up he surfed, played water polo, and worked as a beach lifeguard. He spends much of his free time on or in the ocean where he still enjoys surfing and spearfishing.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, MUNICIPAL

Nicholas Westendorf

Nick Westendorf is an Account Executive at O2X Human Performance where his focus is expanding our work with state and local government clients. In this role, Nick leverages his tactical experience, leadership background, and subject matter expertise to implement comprehensive performance programs into departments within his area of responsibility. His daily focus is on forging new relationships, as well as client retention and management, ensuring each O2X client gets the highest impact program in support of their mission

Before entering the sales arena, Nick served as a Combat Engineer Officer in the US Army, rising to the rank of Captain during his five-year active duty tenure. His military service included a deployment to Afghanistan as a Sapper Patrol Leader, where he played a crucial role in conducting counter-IED operations in Regional Command East. Upon returning to Fort Hood, Texas, Nick took on pivotal roles as a Company Executive Officer and Operations Officer for the 36th Engineer Brigade. Transitioning from active duty, Nick embarked on his successful sales career by taking on the role of Territory Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a prominent life sciences company headquartered in Michigan. His achievements in this role led him to New York City, where he joined Stryker Medical in 2018. Since then, he has held various sales positions, where he has consistently excelled in regional sales strategy development and revenue generation.

Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Scranton, where he was a member of the Army ROTC Program and the Men’s Soccer Team. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Business for Veterans from the University of Southern California, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2024. In 2022, Nick tied the knot with his wife, Divneet, and they made California their permanent home after relocating from New York. Nick is deeply passionate about giving back to the Veteran community and enjoys playing soccer and golf during his leisure time. Nick is excited to reignite his passion of working with First Responders while serving as an Account Executive at O2X Human Performance.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, MUNICIPAL

Stephen Scrobe

Stephen Scrobe is a Municipal Account Executive at O2X Human Performance. In this role, Stephen leverages his tactical experience, business and leadership background, and subject matter expertise to bring impactful programs to local government organizations. His daily focus is on executing the business development strategy, managing the municipal sales, and building partnerships that ultimately drive success for municipal clients.

With over 15 years of Law Enforcement experience, he had the privilege of serving as a K-9 Officer, SWAT Team Leader, and Training Detective during his tenure.  Stephen started with O2X as a Lead Instructor and is also the Co-Founder of Heart and Sol, LLC, which coaches families to take charge of their health and fitness through online and in-person training, classes, and educational workshops. Stephen is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Tactical Strength and Condition Facilitator (TSAC-F) through the NSCA. As a collegiate wrestler and rugby player, Stephen has always had a passion for training and fitness and continues this passion as a HYROX Pro competitor and Ironman Triathlete. 

Stephen is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. He is a proud husband to his wife, Rachel, and father of two amazing boys.  In his spare time, Stephen continues his love for training dogs, and still competes in K-9 competitions with his retired K-9 “Carbon”. He strongly believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness and hopes to empower the tactical community through training and education.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, FEDERAL

Robert Kelly

Rob Kelly is an Account Executive at O2X Human Performance, specializing in client support within the federal sector. Rob plays a vital role in implementing performance programs tailored to the unique needs of military and federal agencies. With a foundation rooted in firsthand experience within the military and defense sectors, coupled with a keen understanding of client needs, Rob is instrumental in driving success for his clients.

Before joining O2X, Rob made significant contributions to the defense sector, collaborating closely with end users and customers to develop innovative solutions and bridge critical capability gaps across various warfare domains. Prior to that, Rob graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served for 11 years as a Surface Warfare Officer. During his time in the Navy, he served on 6 warships deployed across multiple overseas deployments and patrols. Throughout his service, Rob embraced various roles, from serving as a Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) Boarding Officer, to assuming responsibilities as Damage Control Lead for Firefighting/Flooding/Toxic Gas, Weapons Officer, and Combat Systems Officer.

Following his naval career, Rob pursued further education, earning a Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) from the University of Southern California – Marshall school of Business. Rob grew up in Coronado, CA, and cultivated a passion for surfing, lacrosse, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Today, residing in Charleston, SC, alongside his wife and three children, Rob spends much of his free time with family, in the ocean surfing, and on the mats training jiu jitsu.

Account Executive, Municipal

Cole Hatcher

Cole Hatcher is a Municipal Account Executive at O2X Human Performance. In this role, Cole leverages his tactical experience, business and leadership background, and subject matter expertise to deliver impactful programs to local government organizations. His daily focus includes forging new relationships, client retention, and management, ensuring each O2X client receives the highest impact program to support their unique mission. Before joining O2X, Cole served as a Special Agent, specializing in crimes involving gang violence, firearms, and narcotics trafficking. Prior to this, he served on active duty as a Sergeant in the United States Army for four years, where he was part of F Co 51st, Long Range Surveillance Company on a military freefall team. During his service, Cole trained his soldiers in surveillance tactics and physical fitness, built relationships with partner forces, and pursued his degree. He is a graduate of the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course (RSLC), Pathfinder School, and the Military Freefall Parachutist Course (MFFPC). Cole graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in accounting. In addition to his military and federal service, he has experience in the accounting and finance field in various roles. As an Arizona native, Cole has a deep love for the outdoors and can often be found traveling, hiking, at the beach, or competing in trail races and local CrossFit competitions.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, DOD

Collin Grigg

Collin Grigg is an Account Executive at O2X Human Performance, where he focuses on expanding the company’s work with DOD clients. In this role, he applies his tactical experience, leadership background, and subject matter expertise to implement comprehensive performance programs within his area of responsibility. Collin’s daily efforts are centered on forging new relationships, as well as client retention and management, ensuring that each O2X client benefits from impactful programs that support their mission.

Before joining O2X, Collin had a distinguished 11-year career as a Navy SEAL. He served as a JTAC on SEAL Teams Eight and Three and was a Lead Trainer at Basic Training Command. As a Master Training Specialist, Collin led training during the intense 5-day crucible known as “Hellweek” for over 2,500 SEAL candidates. After leaving the military, he supported SpaceX in Starlink Production Management, where he honed his business acumen and gained valuable experience.

Collin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. In his personal time, he enjoys competing in occasional triathlons.

Account Executive, Federal

Sara Davidson

Sara Davidson helps people realize their full potential as an Account Executive at O2X Human Performance.  Sara draws on her 20 years of military service to assist clients in pinpointing opportunities and developing innovative solutions that increase engagement and mission accomplishment.  Her desire to learn, inclination to challenge the status quo, and deep connection to investing in people ensure that her client’s goals are met and exceeded. Before joining O2X, Sara’s career in the Air Force took her all over the world as an intelligence analyst and operational leader of teams large and small.  She has significant experience in remote operations as well as tactical employment of novel and state-of-the-art technology.  Sara deployed as part of a Special Operations Team in the Middle East and has worked extensively with various Intelligence Agencies.  Her life-long journey of fitness, health, and wellness has involved ferocious literature consumption, deep-diving data, and firsthand experience of the holistic transformation that occurs when you optimize for performance and health. She has been a certified Spin instructor and is currently competing in trail and road running, as well as CrossFit events.   Sara holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence.  Sara spends her free time outside golfing, running, hiking, or just lying in the grass reading.  Although DC is her home base, Sara enjoys living lightly and traveling frequently, often just out of a backpack.  Sara is thrilled to empower people to grow their holistic selves through the physical, mental, and emotional strength that comes from investing in health, wellness, and nutrition.

Account Executive

Conner Freeland

Conner Freeland is an O2X On-Site Specialist in Washington D.C.. Freeland joined the team following a five-year stint as the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator and Assistant Football Coach for the University of Charlestown. During this time, he also obtained a Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership degree and was most recently involved in developing new health and wellness procedures for the institution. In 2014, Freeland graduated from Longwood University with a degree in Kinesiology and completed two internships with the Lancer Strength and Conditioning program and Elkin Sports Performance in Richmond, VA. Prior to Longwood, he played inside linebacker at Christopher Newport University until suffering a career ending injury and transferring to pursue a career in strength and conditioning and coaching. He is a native of Keysville, Virginia and grew up heavily involved in sports and outdoor activities.

Client Manager

Joshua Stuart-Shor

Josh Stuart-Shor is the North East Client Manager for O2X and a Lead Instructor. As a member of O2X, Josh’s focus is ensuring that the needs of all our tactical athletes and client organizations are met through regular engagement and face to face coordination.

Prior to O2X, Josh served in the United States Army, first as an Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division and then as a Green Beret in the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, NC. His time in the military spanned multiple combat deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. His service includes several combat awards and decorations. From 2015 to 2016, Josh spent much of his on-duty time recovering from injuries sustained overseas at his unit’s Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation & Reconditioning Program (THOR3). It was here that Josh found his passion not just for maximizing his own performance, but helping others get back into the fight both physically and mentally.

After almost a decade in the United States Army, Josh decided to leave the Army in pursuit of new opportunities. In addition to his passion for working with Tactical Athletes, Josh works as a Lieutenant for a major Metropolitan fire department and holds a M.A. in Conflict Resolution from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He resides in Boston, MA with his wife, Jessica, their four children, Camden, Abigail, Harrison and Anne and their dog, Buck. They spend their free time skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing in the mountains of Vermont.

Program Manager

Brendan Stickles

Brendan Stickles is a retired Navy Commander and program manager with O2X Human Performance for federal government accounts. He joined the O2X team in September of 2023 from Boston Consulting Group. Prior to BCG he served as the Special Advisor for Defense to both Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence. Over his two years at the White House he covered a broad portfolio that included veterans issues, national security, and defense innovation as well as serving as the Director for Military Personnel and Readiness on the National Security Council.  

While in uniform Brendan flew Navy jets for over 18 consecutive years and landed aboard an aircraft carrier over 550 times. On his final operational deployment, he served aboard the USS Eisenhower as the commander of an EA-18 Squadron that received two consecutive “Battle Es” for combat efficiency during Operation Inherent Resolve. However, his most proud moment in the cockpit was performing the 2008 Major League Baseball opening day flyover for his beloved New York Mets.  

A native of Glen Rock, New Jersey, Brendan graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in history. He received an MBA from the University of North Carolina and an MPA from Harvard. He and his wife live in Bethesda, MD with their three school aged children.

Events Manager

Rachel Miller

Rachel is the Events Manager at O2X and works on the Operations Team. She manages the staffing, planning, travel, and execution of programs throughout the year and oversees our network of over 250+ O2X subject matter experts and instructors. Rachel continuously looks to build relationships and grow the O2X family network, while fostering a fun, positive, and rewarding work environment for current staff. 

Rachel came to O2X after several years working on the Events and Experiences team at Fenway Sports Management, the sports marketing agency of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group. In her previous role, she ran fan travel experiences, corporate events and brand activations for multiple FSG entities and partners, including the Boston Red Sox, the Texas Rangers, the Washington Nationals, Liverpool F.C., Jim Beam, Dunkin’, and the Red Sox Foundation. Prior to her time at Fenway, Rachel received her Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism with a sports focus from Boston University in 2017, after finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from BU in 2016.

Rachel was a member of the Women’s Soccer team, where she was a two-time captain, two-time All-Patriot League selection, and three-time Patriot League Champion. During her time as a Terrier, she traveled to Uganda with the non-profit organization, Coaches Across Continents, to help spread the power of sport for social impact and supplied donated soccer equipment to the local communities there. Once her soccer career came to a close, she ran the Boston Marathon to raise money for the Boston Bruins Foundation, sparking a passion for running and endurance training that she continues today. 

Born and raised in South Shore, MA, she developed a fierce passion for sports, teamwork, and competition. She is a member of the East Bridgewater High School Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of her soccer and track and field accomplishments. She was a member of the US Youth National Soccer Teams and developed her affection for coaching through the TOPSoccer volunteer program. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and dog, getting back out on the pitch, and exploring anywhere outdoors.

Marketing Manager

Joe McCullough

Joe McCullough is the Marketing Manager at O2X Human Performance. Prior to O2X, Joe received a conditional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) upon the successful completion of the sponsored preparatory program at the New Mexico Military Institute. In the summer of 2014, he joined USMMA Class of 2018 as a member of the Maritime Logistics and Security Program. During his time at the Academy he was a founding member of the Kings Point Endurance Club, served as a 3/C Petty Officer to the Regimental Commander, and sailed as a cadet aboard the S.S. Horizon Pacific.

In June 2016, he sustained a cervical level spinal cord injury which ended his tenure at the Academy. Due to the impact of the injury, Joe lost function in all four limbs, leaving him as a quadriplegic. He spent over six months at three separate hospitals receiving intensive physical and occupational therapy before being discharged. He then spent an additional year and a half at outpatient rehabilitation clinics strengthening whatever function remained post injury. During this time he went from not being able to feed himself to living completely independently, an accomplishment he attributes to the problem solving capabilities he gained from his time at the Academy.

Since then, Joe has started a career with O2X Human Performance. He served in both the role of Operations Coordinator and Experience Coordinator before starting as the Marketing Manager. He creates, plans, and executes all O2X Marketing initiatives to include social media, email, PR, the O2X Human Performance Podcast, blog, etc.

Manager, People Operations

Crystal Vidas

Crystal Vidas is the People Operations Manager at O2X.  In this role, Crystal focuses on optimizing and retaining talent as well as cultivating a high-performance culture that aligns with O2X’s overarching organizational strategy. Crystal and the People Operations team lead the recruitment, selection, and training of O2X On-site Specialists as well as positions within company operations.  In addition to talent acquisition, Crystal supports human resources and administrative functions that support the continued growth, scale, and success of O2X.

Prior to O2X, Crystal spent six years with lululemon and led multiple stores in the Philadelphia Region. During her tenure, she led four different stores, with her journey culminating in the successful opening of a new store in Delaware. Throughout her time at lululemon, Crystal consistently exceeded sales targets, consistently achieved outstanding employee engagement scores, and maintained a strong connection with the local community at every significant juncture.

Crystal’s initial ten years in her professional career were dedicated to her role as a Certified Athletic Trainer, a profession she pursued in diverse locations such as Oregon, Virginia, California, and Taiwan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Oregon State University (Go Beavs) and later completed her Masters of Science in Education through the Post Professional Athletic Training Education Program at Old Dominion University. One of her most notable accomplishments during this phase of her career was establishing a brand-new sports medicine program at Taipei American School in Taipei, Taiwan. Recruited by the Athletic Director to introduce Injury Prevention and concussion management, Crystal successfully built a team comprising Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Nurses, and Strength and Conditioning Coaches, catering to the unique needs of student athletes. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Crystal’s greatest passion lies in her family. She is a devoted mother to three savage boys, aged 4, 7 and infant, who share her love for outdoor adventures. Together with her husband, Mike, they explore new experiences and navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. In addition to her family life, Crystal’s personal interests include her past as a competitive CrossFit athlete, having participated in regional competitions three times. She has since transitioned into an ultra-endurance athlete, with her most significant accomplishment being an unsupported rim-to-rim-to-rim run of the Grand Canyon, completed alongside her husband in 16.5 hours.

Curriculum Design Manager

Katy Turner

Dr. Katy Tran Turner is an O2X Curriculum Design Manager. In this role she is responsible for compiling content, researching relevant background information, and helping create world class training materials for a variety of clients and events. Katy also serves as an O2X Mental Performance Specialist with expertise in developing mental skills to optimize performance in high-pressure, fast-paced, and dynamic environments. She specializes in developing strategies to enhance decision-making, confidence, self-regulation, and present-moment focus in high-stress performance moments.

Dr. Turner served for five seasons as the mental performance coach for the Buffalo Sabres and two seasons for the Buffalo Bills as part of multidisciplinary, high performance teams providing holistic training and support. Prior to working with professional athletes in Western New York, she worked with Soldiers at Fort Bragg, NC to provide mental performance training for these tactical athletes. She has worked in NCAA Division I athletics departments in student-athlete services and has experience with a variety of sports.

Dr. Turner is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, and a member of the American Psychological Association Division 47 (Society for Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology). She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology) from Florida State University, her master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University, and her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Exercise & Sport Science from UNC-Chapel Hill. She played in goal for the field hockey team at UNC-Chapel Hill and was the starting goaltender for three years, while earning All-America honors.

Dr. Turner is also an adjunct professor and enjoys teaching and learning from others about integrated high performance and performing under pressure. Her areas of research have focused on team dynamics, specifically the development and execution of team coordination. She currently lives in Michigan with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

Digital Products Manager

Trevor Sheasley

Trevor Sheasley is the O2X Digital Products Manager driving product innovation and excellence. He oversees project management, ensuring timelines are met and user feedback is integrated for continuous improvement. Acting as a liaison between clients and our technical team, Trevor delivers exceptional customer service and resolves technical issues promptly. His expertise in human performance ensures the quality of our product content remains top-notch. From coordinating with On-site Human Performance Specialists to onboarding new clients and employees, Trevor’s contributions are vital to the success of our digital products.

Trevor was formerly an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist at the Arlington County Fire Department who specialized in Strength and Conditioning. For over 7 years Trevor worked in the human performance field with varying populations. He began as an Army Reservist where he oversaw his platoon’s physical readiness program while simultaneously achieving his Bachelor’s in Exercise Science.

Since graduating Trevor has gone on to work with all branches of the military through his position with The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, Division 1 athletes at Georgetown University, and most recently, the officers of the United States Capitol Police. His passion for his field and the people he serves has led to Trevor enrolling in a master’s program with a dual concentration in Tactical Strength and Conditioning and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Operations Coordinator

Dave Burke

Dave Burke is the Operations Coordinator for O2X and is a part of the Operations department. In this role, Dave’s responsible for managing all logistics to support the O2X’s events and on-site specialists. Dave orchestrates shipping to and from all O2X events to ensure that each program is equipped to provide world class training programs around the country. As O2X grows, Dave creatively finds ways to improve processes and sharpen the O2X brand.

Dave received a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship in May 2022 and is currently pursuing his Masters of Business Administration from Lasell University. He is a two-time captain of the Lasell Men’s Lacrosse team, a Greater Northeast Athletic Conference champion, a multi-year all-conference player, and finalist for defensive player of the year as SSDM.

Prior to O2X, Dave worked as a manager for a local beach in Cohasset, MA. During this time, he worked closely with first responders including emergency management and the local fire/police department. Dave designed and implemented various procedures and programs to promote the safest possible beach environment by creating a physical fitness program and regular training events for his team.

Raised on the Massachusetts South Shore, Dave is driven by a passion for competition, teamwork, and adventure. He likes to spend time traveling, surfing, or spending time with his family, friends, and three dogs.

Content Coordinator

Alyssa Cafarelli

Alyssa Cafarelli is the O2X Content Coordinator. At O2X, Alyssa collaborates with each department to help deliver high impact training and education resources, marketing materials, and client reports. Alyssa graduated from Plymouth State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications and media. While attending Plymouth State, Alyssa gained a passion for health and fitness through developing digital content for the recreation department. She was a member of the Communications National Honors Society, Lambda Pi Eta, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. 

Prior to O2X, Alyssa was a preschool teacher for six years, which inspired her love for education and creativity. Alyssa comes from a family of tactical athletes, which drew her to O2X’s mission and has contributed to her passion for giving back to those who serve our country. 

Travel Coordinator

Heather Buttenob

Heather is the O2X Travel Coordinator, bringing years of experience to the team. In her role, Heather prepares travel itineraries, including flight, hotel, rental car reservations, and distributes travel arrangements for any lead, assistant, or specialist traveling to a workshop. In concert with the Operations Team, Heather strives to build and maintain relationships to efficiently plan, prepare, and execute world-class training events to improve the well-being of the tactical athlete population. 

Heather has nearly a decade of experience as a travel coordinator, bringing a level of expertise, passion, and customer service to the O2X team. Before joining O2X, Heather served as the Travel Coordinator for CrossFit for 7 years, where she developed proficiency for scheduling travel for large teams. When not coordinating travel itineraries, you can find Heather in her garage gym, spending time outside with her family, or planning beach vacations of her own. Heather graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She went on to teach for three years before starting a family of her own and choosing a different career path. Heather lives in Prescott, Arizona with her husband, Michael, and four children, Addison, Morgan, Sloane, and Maddux.

Staffing and Travel Coordinator

Brooke Williams

Brooke Williams is the O2X Staffing and Travel Coordinator. Brooke assists in all aspects of travel booking and event coordination in support of O2X’s Human Performance training events.

Brooke graduated from Bryant University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Having played lacrosse her whole life, she assisted in building Bryant’s first Women’s Club Lacrosse team where she acted as co-captain her senior year for the program’s first season. Her lifelong passion for competitive sports turned into a passion for health and wellness. While attending Bryant, she received her certification in both Nutrition and Personal Training and centered her Entrepreneurial studies around mental and physical health. 

Brooke had the opportunity to study international business abroad in both Uruguay and Argentina, uncovering a love for cultural exchange and travel. Prior to O2X Brooke worked with enterprise organizations in SaaS sales where she assisted in implementing scalable solutions while streamlining content experiences. 

Brooke has a passion for giving back to tactical communities after growing up in a family of service members, both military and first responders. She finds fulfillment giving back to the communities who help others and sacrifice so much on a daily basis.

Logistics Coordinator

Hugh Hamill

Hugh Hamill is the Logistics Coordinator at O2X and is a part of the operations team. In his role, Hugh is responsible for managing the logistics and operational requirements for O2X Human Performance events and On-Site Specialists. Hugh manages the coordination, organization, packaging, and shipment of O2X materials to various events across the country, while also aiding in the management of inventory and logistical requirements in O2X’s Headquarters. 

Hugh graduated from Providence College in May 2023 with a major in marketing and minor in sociology. At PC, Hugh worked as a supervisor within the Intramural Athletic Board which furthered his passion for sports, health, and physical well-being. His other past work experience comes from a marketing internship with a local bank on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Growing up on the South Shore, Hugh is a huge sports fan and played multiple varsity sports while attending Marshfield High School. When he is not working or working out, Hugh enjoys spending time with friends and family, skiing, and spending time outdoors.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Ashley Tropea

Ashley is an Education Coordinator at O2X, based in Massachusetts, where she combines her extensive expertise in human performance, injury prevention, and musculoskeletal injury management to design and implement educational programs. In her role, she develops content and training that help tactical professionals enhance their performance, resilience, and recovery. Ashley excels at translating complex medical and performance concepts into practical, engaging materials, ensuring professionals in diverse industries can apply them to improve their physical and mental well-being.

Before transitioning to her role as an Education Coordinator, Ashley spent time as an on-site Human Performance Specialist for O2X, where she worked directly with industrial athletes to optimize their performance and reduce injury risks. This hands-on experience informs the educational programs she now develops.

Ashley’s career in athletic training began after earning her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Bridgewater State University in 2015. She worked as a state-licensed, nationally certified Athletic Trainer in both athletic and clinical settings, including five years as the primary athletic trainer at a high school, where she managed injury prevention and rehabilitation. Simultaneously, she collaborated with orthopedic surgeons in a hospital’s sports medicine department and rehabilitation clinics, gaining valuable experience in musculoskeletal care across diverse patient populations.

Her later role in an orthopedic surgical clinic saw her specializing in patient education, wound care, casting and bracing and durable medical equipment application, further honing her skills in the continuum of care, from prevention to recovery.

Born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Ashley enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

TALENT ACQUISITION COORDINATOR

Ashley Roberts

Ashley Roberts is the Talent Acquisition Coordinator at O2X and works within the People Operations Team.  Her focus is bringing top talent to O2X and getting each candidate through a streamlined Interview and Onboarding Process.  In addition, she supports the ongoing pursuit of employee engagement and development throughout all departments at O2X.

Ashley brings over 8 years of expertise as a dedicated certified athletic trainer, specializing in diverse environments ranging from secondary schools to collegiate, military, and industrial settings. Her profound commitment extends to supporting military personnel and veterans, inspired by her personal connection as the spouse of a Marine Veteran. Ashley’s passion lies in serving those who serve, reflecting her unwavering dedication and empathy. Before assuming her current role, Ashley excelled in supporting the hiring and onboarding of New Athletic Trainers while also serving as an industrial athletic trainer, honing her skills and knowledge base. Her journey includes impactful contributions across multiple sectors, showcasing her adaptability and proficiency in delivering exceptional care and support.

Ashley holds a Masters of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Central Oklahoma, equipping her with the necessary tools to excel in her field. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashley finds joy in outdoor adventures, particularly boating, and cherishes quality time with her family, including her two beloved pit bulls. Her vibrant personality, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her work and community, makes Ashley an invaluable asset in any setting.

Creative Content Specialist

Elmer Diaz

Elmer Diaz, a video producer with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Hood College. With over five years of experience in the field, He has held roles such as Media Director at SoldierfitHQ and collaborated with prominent brands like CBS Sports and lululemon on various freelance projects. Currently, taking on the Creative Content Specialist role at O2X, where I focus on delivering high-quality visual content. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring visual arts and films, and spending time with my family.

East Coast Office Coordinator

PJ Dunegan

Phil Dunegan, also known as PJ, embarked on his journey in human performance as a Division 1 athlete, playing football at Hampton University. After his tenure with the Pirates, he enlisted in the Army and served with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), completing multiple combat deployments and contingency operations worldwide. Notably, Phil served as the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Senior Enlisted Advisor during the final deployment for the shutdown in Afghanistan.

After a decade of service, Phil was medically retired and is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Embracing a slower pace in his career, he actively coaches his kids’ sports teams and serves as the offensive coordinator for Mount Vernon High School. Phil is deeply passionate about collaborating with others to help them realize their full potential and make positive contributions to his community.

Happily married with three children, Phil’s family includes two black labs, one cat, and three hermit crabs. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, cycling, golf, and pickleball.

On-Site Specialist Manager

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist who specializes in Strength & Conditioning. His role as the DEA’s human performance program manager is to support future and current agents with comprehensive training, programs, and resources that will arm them for success on and off the job.  The work of a DEA Special Agent is dynamic, challenging, physical, and critical to our national security, Daniel and the O2X team specialize in preparing tactical athletes for just such a mission. Daniel has worked in the human performance field for the past 12 years and has a great passion for working with tactical athletes.

Since 2015, Dan has been working as an HP specialist in the special operations community. Dan began his career with the Air Force Special Operations Command, 24th Special Operations Wing, Special Tactics Training Squadron. After two years at STTS, Dan transferred to Naval Special Warfare Group 1, where he worked with the Navy SEALs for over 4 years.

On-Site Specialist Manager

Devon Smith

Devon is an O2X on-site specialist bringing a decade of human performance experience to the Massachusetts National Guard. Prior to joining the O2X team, Devon was a strength & conditioning coach at the United States Military Academy. While at West Point he worked with Cadets to develop athletic performance and transition to the ACFT. Previous to his position at West Point, Devon has coached at several privately-owned gyms and academies throughout New England. His approach to human performance is well rounded and focuses on developing mental and physical fortitude through purposeful programming. Having worked as an orthopedic trauma consultant, Devon is also experienced in musculoskeletal injury from a surgical perspective. During his collegiate lacrosse career, Devon played for a USA Select team internationally. Since hanging up his cleats he has been competing in strength sports specifically powerlifting and strongman. Devon takes great pride in being able to serve those who serve, having been raised in a military family.

On-Site Human Performance Specialist

Jonathan Cushner

Jonathan Cushner is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist who specializes in Strength & Conditioning. His role as the USMS’s human performance program manager is to support future and current members with comprehensive training, programs, and resources that will arm them for success on and off the job.  The work of a Deputy US Marshal is dynamic, challenging, physical, and critical to our national security, Jon and the O2X team specialize in preparing tactical athletes for such a mission.

He previously held the position of ORISE Research Fellow supporting USARIEM as a Research Kinesiologist and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Fort Stewart, GA. After completing his undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University, Jonathan immediately pursued his master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in coaching. During his time in graduate school, he held two graduate assistant positions including a teaching assistant role and a graduate assistant strength coach position with a focus on Olympic Sports. With a deep family history in the military and supporting our country, Jonathan’s focus shifted to the Tactical Athlete population.

Jonathan has continuously sharpened his abilities to lead large groups of tactical athletes. He has developed and implemented exercise programs for Companies, Platoons, and Units of Soldiers as well as routines for Soldiers following clearance from physical therapy. In addition to creating programs for Soldiers preparing for The United States Army Specialist Forces Selection and Training Course and The Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, Jonathan provides injury prevention education classes to Soldiers, and medical providers. He has conducted numerous physical performance and injury risk screenings for Soldiers. Jonathan has experience in collecting and analyzing data and aids in the writings of research and study protocols.

Jonathan understands the importance of all tactical athletes and their necessity to hold themselves to the highest of standards. He greatly values his platform and ability to increase a tactical athlete’s physical and mental abilities in a positive athletic environment centralized around function and health.

On-Site Human Performance Specialist

Frank Wintrich

Frank Wintrich is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist who specializes in Strength & Conditioning. His role as a human performance program manager is to support tactical athletes with comprehensive training, programs, and resources that will arm them for success on and off the job.  The work of the FBI is dynamic, challenging, physical, and critical to our national security. Frank and the O2X team specialize in preparing tactical athletes for just such a mission.

Prior to O2X, Frank served as Holistic Health and Fitness Program Director for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division after serving 20 years in collegiate athletics. During his collegiate coaching career, he served at 9 different institutions across a multitude of sport disciplines – most recently as the Director of Football Performance at UCLA. Prior to UCLA, Wintrich held Director of Football Performance positions at both the University of Virginia and Brigham Young University.

At UCLA, Frank provided the Bruins with integrated short- and long-term physical preparation training through the implementation of the multi-year system of training known as Progressive Athlete Development (P.A.D.s). This program incorporated a holistic approach to the development of athletes, ensuring the mastery of basic training skills before moving forward with the development of more advanced skills. Frank’s Performance Program Principles dictated athletes train safely, focusing on proper movement skills, developing strength around that movement, while concurrently developing skills specific to their individual sport needs.

Throughout his collegiate career, Frank collaborated with Force Reconnaissance Marines, Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and psychology PhD’s to develop and integrate the Warrior Mindset Program. This program armed the athlete with mental skills and strategies to appropriately handle stress, reinforce positive self-talk and improve mental toughness and resilience. Prior to BYU, Frank served four seasons at the University North Texas as the Director of Football Performance where he helped the Mean Green advance to their first bowl appearance in 10 years. He arrived in Denton from South Florida, where he was the Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning for three seasons for the Bulls, helping USF advance to three bowl games from 2008 to 2010.

He spent two seasons (2006 and 2007) as the Director of Athletic Development at The Citadel, directing the physical preparation program that provided all aspects of athletic development for 15 varsity sports.

Frank is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports and Fitness Management from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 2002. While at KWC, Frank was nominated team captain two consecutive years and was a two-time All-American at linebacker.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Ryan Glaize

Ryan joined O2X in 2021 as an on-site specialist working with the Washington DC Fire and EMS Department. His speciality is Strength and Conditioning. Ryan’s experience in collegiate athletics, specifically his work helping athletes return to the field following an injury, helps firefighters stay healthy and come back stronger when they do get hurt. 

Ryan joined O2X from the South Carolina Gamecocks football Team, where he worked as a strength and conditioning coach. Prior to USC he was at Liberty University for two years as a graduate assistant, working in strength and conditioning and sports nutrition while he earned his master’s in human performance and physiology. 

Ryan’s time at Liberty began with coaching in Olympic sports before switching to football. Ryan also completed his homeland security undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University where worked with Richmond City Police training and coaching officers.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Paige Seydler

Paige is an Athletic Trainer and O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist at Washington D.C Fire and EMS. She graduated from Marist College achieving a Bachelors of Science in Biology in 2017. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro achieving a Masters of Science in Athletic Training in 2019. While in North Carolina she worked with a variety of ACC teams and was a summer athletic training intern for the Carolina Panthers organization. 

Upon graduation, she was a graduate resident at the United States Naval Academy, which first introduced her to tactical athletic training. Working with the Midshipmen she embraced her strong sense of community service and desire to work with an active military population.   She expanded her skill set as a healthcare provider and pursed a career as the first Orthopedic Technologist at a rural critical care access hospital. She became a surgical assistant to the orthopedic surgeon in complex surgical cases, and managed the workflow dynamic between the operating room and orthopedic clinic. While working at the hospital she saw a strong need for an athletic trainer in a local rural high school and pioneered the first athletic training position.  After working in a variety of settings, she is joining the O2X team after most recently working with the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade on Fort Drum with their Holistic Health and Fitness program. Here she focused on injury prevention, early interaction and establishing an efficient return to duty protocol for over 2,000 activity duty soldiers. She enjoys working with a multidisciplinary healthcare team and fully integrating herself into her patients work environment to better understand the physical demands of her patients.  

She is originally from a small rural town in Northern NY. In her free time she is an avid runner and trains for marathons, and also enjoys lifting.  She enjoys traveling and exploring new states and countries, spending time at the beach, playing soccer and spending time with her black Labradors.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Joe Cavallaro

Joe is Doctor of Physical Therapy and On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the Massachusetts National Guard where he provides support in injury management and prevention. He is a 2013 graduate of Northeastern University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and USA Triathlon coach and leans on his experience in working with athletes at each timepoint across the injury to performance spectrum. He has had the opportunity to work with and support both the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association, Premier League Lacrosse and professional triathletes based out of New England. After his experience in the NBA Joe moved to the private practice world where he continued to work with high school, collegiate and professional athletes. During this time he worked to establish relationships across the medical and performance worlds to help athletes succeed with return to sport. In his personal life Joe is a triathlete and avid outdoor enthusiast. He and his wife are active in their running and triathlon clubs, and can be found year round in the White Mountains of New Hampshire hiking, climbing or ski touring.

On-Site Human Performance Specialist

Dave Terry

Dave Terry is an O2X Human Performance Specialist and Program Manager who specializes in Strength and Conditioning. Dave brings more than 15 years of experience and a deep passion for developing human performance to his work with elite tactical athletes from diverse backgrounds.  Dave earned his Master’s in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University, his bachelors in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University, and recently completed a program in leadership at Cornell University.

Before joining O2X, Dave was the Director of Sports Performance at Georgetown University. During his tenure, he trained all 29 sports teams, was a two-time finalist for Strength Coach of the year, mentored dozens of coaches that went on to pursue careers in collegiate, professional and tactical strength and conditioning worlds. Beyond coaching, Dave created Georgetown’s nationally renowned and accredited Sport Performance intern-mentorship program; mentoring college students as they developed into high-performance strength coaches. At Georgetown, he also founded VET MAG – a program providing active-duty military and veteran status students access to strength and conditioning programming, movement education, and training facilities. Dave has earned many certifications, including the NSCA-CSCS, NSCA-RSCC, CSCCa-SCCC and USAW L1-L2 and is in constant pursuit of additional learning opportunities. Dave is a sought-after educator, speaking on several podcasts and presenting at the 2019 NSCA National Conference, the 2020 Virginia State Clinic, and various other events and conferences educating fellow coaches on human performance, weight room culture, and movement development. Outside of coaching, Dave was a State Department-sponsored Sports Diplomacy Ambassador to the Balkans from 2014-2017, a USAPL Nationals Qualifier and aspiring to be a pretty darn good home chef.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Charlie Badawy

Charlie Badawy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and On-site Human Performance Specialist who focuses on injury prevention and recovery with O2X. Charlie is a sports physical therapist who is board recognized as a Sports Certified Specialist (SCS), an NSCA Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and USAW Level 1 Sports Performance Coach interested in blending the worlds of rehab and performance training.

Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech (‘14) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh (‘19). He completed postdoc education in sports physical therapy at the University of Miami, working as a resident with UM’s Rowing and Swim & Dive teams. His specialization was furthered in the field of Division I Sports PT at Wake Forest University where he worked with football, basketball, and baseball during their competitive seasons. Following fellowship, he stayed on staff in Winston Salem serving as a Clinical Sports Physical Therapist treating athletes ranging from youth to professionals recovering from a variety of athletic injuries. In addition, he served as Program Coordinator for the WFU D-I Sports fellowship program leading the didactic and educational mentorship component while serving as an adjunct faculty member for High Point University’s DPT program teaching a course centered around strength & conditioning in sports physical therapy. He has a special interest in ACLR Rehabilitation having published in this area.

Charlie has a strong strength and conditioning background, with his introduction beginning in 2014 interning with Virginia Tech’s Olympic Sports program. This was followed by a two-year stint working in the private sector as a strength coach and personal trainer prior to graduate school. While studying at Pitt, he worked in a mixed martial arts gym in downtown Pittsburgh and helped develop a student-led, sustainable strength and conditioning program providing pro bono services to a local adaptive sled hockey team. In residency, his background allowed him to play an assistant role in the physical development of the University of Miami’s Track and Field program with fellowship providing another opportunity to assist in the physical performance of the Wake Forest football student-athletes during their off-season.

In his spare time, he enjoys pushing his physical limits in the gym and on the mat as an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a weightlifter, in addition to hiking and trail running.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Gary Heron

Gary Heron is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the City of Berkely Police and Fire Departments who specializes in strength and conditioning.  His role as the City of Berkeley’s human performance program manager is to support current and future public servants with comprehensive training, programs, and resources that will arm them for success on and off the job. 

For over 15 years Gary has been working in the human performance field.  Most recently he was the lead strength and conditioning coach of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Apprenticeship Course as part of the Human Performance Squadron of the Special Warfare Training Wing with the United States Air Force. 

Prior to his work with the TACP course he was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of California, Riverside.  Under his leadership the university produced multiple team and individual Big West Conference championships as well as leading a complete facility renovation. He also created an internship curriculum that has produced strength coaches who have coached at all levels of competitive sport.  Gary also spent time working in the private sector as well as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Gary is originally from Riverside, CA and earned both his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Kinesiology in 2007 and 2008 respectively.  He was an underachieving baseball player which led him to pursue a role as a strength and conditioning professional to still be involved in competitive athletics. 

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Jacqueline Martinez

Jacqueline is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the City of Berkeley Police and Fire Departments, specializing in injury prevention and management as a certified Athletic Trainer. Jacqueline was previously an Athletic Trainer at the University of California, Berkeley (Cal), working with the men’s and women’s gymnastics teams. Jacqueline’s predominant role is to prevent, recognize, evaluate, and treat injuries. Being able to work with gymnasts, she has seen a wide array of upper and lower extremity injuries, ranging from acute to chronic. Jacqueline has participated in numerous rehabilitation programs, both surgical and non-surgical, ranging from dislocated joints to overuse injuries. Although it is important to know protocols and the proper progression, Jacqueline has also learned to treat the whole person, and not just the injury.
Jacqueline enjoys the process and getting to know the individuals she works with, and that starts with trust. Jacqueline’s experience as an Athletic Trainer has taught her to enjoy and excel in a collaborative working environment while maintaining her focus on the people that she is helping. At the root of it all, her passion is helping others do what they love and investing in them, so they can succeed.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Myles Brown

Myles Brown is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Program Manager and Human Performance Specialist. He previously served as the Installation Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he oversaw the implementation of the Holistic Health and Fitness program.

Prior to his time in Alaska, Myles spent three seasons serving as a strength & conditioning coach for the football team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his tenure with the Tar Heels, he took charge of the team’s developmental training program, introducing incoming freshman athletes to proper resistance training techniques and was responsible for developing and implementing the team’s mobility/flexibility program. His experiences prior to UNC include serving as a strength and conditioning coach for men’s football and women’s lacrosse at the University of Connecticut and training tactical athletes in the Human Performance Department of the United States Army Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg, NC. 

Myles earned his  M.S in the Kinesiology program from East Carolina University and his B.A in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a certified Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting, and a certified Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist through Functional Range Systems.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Brad Pasker

Brad is an O2X Strength and Conditioning On-Site Specialist, and Human Performance Advisor for the 81st Readiness Division H2F Program. Brad attended the University of Northern Iowa where he attained his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2012. In 2013 Brad joined the United States Army serving for 8 years and acted as an Instructor for the Army Physical Fitness School at Fort Jackson SC. After leaving the Military, Brad attained his master’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. During this time he also coached CrossFit, did performance training for elite level athletes, and participated in orthopedic rehab for clients with lower back pain. Brad’s hobbies include weightlifting, golf, and going to the firing range.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Brandon Athey

Brandon Athey is an O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist at Howard County Fire and Rescue. Brandon holds his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Salisbury University, and his Master of Arts Degree in Sport Coaching with a focus in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Denver. Brandon is certified as an NSCA-RSCC and NSCA-CSCS,*D.

Brandon has been a strength and conditioning coach for 6 years. Prior to joining O2X, he was apart of the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program with the 18th Field Artillery Brigade in Fort Bragg, NC, from 2021-2023. During his time with the 18th FA Brigade, Brandon assisted in creating the H2F Program for the Brigade, stood up two strength and conditioning programs at the Battery level for the 18th FA Brigade’s 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment’s (3-27) Alpha and Charlie Batteries, and lead the creation of an in-house “train-the-trainer” 4-day course, called the Steel Fitness Trainer (SFT) course. The course is intended to certify soldiers as H2F trainers by educating them on the fundamentals of strength and conditioning, resistance and endurance training program design, energy systems development, fundamental movement patterns, kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology, incorporating the other pillars of H2F—nutritional readiness, injury prevention, spiritual readiness, and cognitive performance.

Before becoming a tactical strength and conditioning coach, Brandon was working in the collegiate setting at Hagerstown Community College, Shippensburg University, Clemson University, and Mount St. Mary’s University. During his tenure at Hagerstown, he stood up the entire strength and conditioning program from its foundation and was an adjunct professor of exercise science and health from 2017-2021 in-person, and currently still teaches for the programs online only courses. His experience in the field of strength and conditioning has allowed him to develop a unique set of skills and expertise, from being an educator of exercise science and having the demonstrable ability to stand up programs from nothing, while also being able to confidently contribute to and improve the current culture of any human performance program at any level.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Stuart Kimball

Stuart is an Athletic Trainer and an Injury Prevention and Management Specialist, On-Site at the USMS Training Division at FLETC, GA. Stuart is a recent graduate of Longwood University in Virginia, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. 

Throughout his undergraduate studies, Stuart was able to obtain a vast amount of experience, ranging from high school athletes to collegiate division 1, collegiate division 3, general population, and had a  special interest within the tactical population. Stuart has a personal relationship with the tactical athlete community, as he has served several local communities as an EMT-B and comes from a federal law enforcement family. 

Stuart combines his formal education with his personal experiences to provide a high level of care to the tactical athlete community. 

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Wayne Sasso

Wayne Sasso is a Mental Performance Specialist and On-Site Human Performance Specialist for O2X. For over 8 years Wayne has been working in the Human Performance field with a myriad of populations. He comes to O2X from The Optimizing the Human Weapon System program in Tucson, AZ. A program that provides fighter pilots with embedded physical and psychological support to improve readiness. In this role Wayne was responsible for designing and implementing a psychological program that included a standardized curriculum, one-on-one coaching and cognitive training activities as part of physical training for pilots of the mighty A-10 Warthog. Prior to that Wayne worked as a Mental Conditioning Coordinator providing sport psychology services to teams and individuals at the youth through professional levels of sport. In this role, Wayne helped athletes with performing under pressure, rebounding from performance errors and building awareness of the mental game. Wayne is known for helping performers build self awareness and implement incremental changes to improve performance, consistency and quality of life. 

Wayne Earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from West Virginia University in 2015. During his time at WVU, Wayne interned as a Strength coach for high school and college athletes. Wayne went on to earn his Master’s degree in Counseling with a focus in Sport and Performance Psychology from Boston University in 2018. As a student at BU, Wayne Interned as a performance coach for BU athletics and Lesley University athletics in Cambridge, MA. 

In his personal life Wayne is an avid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner. He loves to spend time in the gym or on the mats. On lighter days you can find him hiking with his wife and their dog Winnie or at a local brewery.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Nate Blair

Nate Blair is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist. A North Carolina native, Nate has achieved a Bachelors in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning from Appalachian State University and is currently working towards his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Nate has over seven years of experience in strength and conditioning, with four of those years focused on the tactical setting.

More recently, Nate has been part of the H2F program at Joint Base Lewis McChord and Fort Bragg, where he’s been responsible for designing and implementing physical training programs for multiple units and played a crucial role in establishing the program from scratch for two Stryker Brigades. This work has allowed him to draw on his experience in both the tactical and collegiate settings and to use his skills and knowledge to help service members optimize their physical performance and resiliency.

In addition to his work with Active Duty Army and the National Guard, he has held positions at multiple Division I and Division II universities. In these roles, Nate’s worked with student-athletes to optimize their physical performance and help them achieve their athletic goals. This experience required him to be knowledgeable about the latest training techniques and to have the ability to adapt his approach to meet the specific needs of each athlete.

In Nate’s free time, he enjoys attending sporting events, exploring the local culture, getting outdoors, dwelling in the occasional playing of video games, and spending time with family and friends. He also has a strong interest in continuing to learn and grow, read articles, and network with fellow acquaintances in the field to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in my field. Overall, His experience in the field of strength and conditioning has allowed him to develop a diverse set of skills and expertise, and confident in his ability to contribute to the success of any strength and conditioning program.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Kelli Kehoe

Kelli Kehoe is an On-site Mental Performance Specialist and Program Manager with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. Kelli uses her educational, athletic, and tactical teaching background to address the psychological aspects that could affect performance. While working with the US Army, Kelli worked with thousands of soldiers to help increase mental resilience and teach soldiers valuable mental skills for personal and professional application.

Kelli started her career working with collegiate athletes where she was able to help enhance mental performance along with helping her team to achieve the highest honor in collegiate sports, winning a National Championship. Kelli is motivated to help others by utilizing mental skills as they are an essential component of high performance. She applies her knowledge in the field of Sport and Performance Psychology to help tactical athletes and teams develop the critical mental skills that optimize performance and give them a mental advantage over the competition.

Kelli received a B.S. in Exercise Sciences and a B.S. in Sports Management from Queens University of Charlotte. Afterwards, she received a M.S. in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology from Barry University, and is now working on her Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) with a specialization in sport and performance psychology from The University of Arizona. When Kelli is not working you can find her either at her local crossfit box or beach with her husband and pups!

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Alex Redshaw

Alex Redshaw is an O2X On-Site Specialist with the Arlington County Fire Department specializing in Strength and Conditioning. After completing a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Alex was awarded a scholarship with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) for a Master of Research (Health Sciences) project, where he completed his thesis – ‘The Effect of Aging on Movement Quality in Australian Urban Firefighters.’

Alex then transitioned into the full-time role of Functional Fitness Coordinator with the SAMFS, where he was responsible for developing and delivering the department’s health and wellness program. This program included health screen assessments, health education presentations, policy and procedure development, and the delivery of Strength and Conditioning programs to full-time and recruit firefighters.  Prior to working with the SAMFS, Alex was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with the University of South Australia Women’s Soccer Team, where he established evidence-based athletic development programs and coordinated learning activities and performance evaluations for undergraduate student interns. He was also an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Basketball South Australia, which is the academy for the state’s elite junior talent. 

Alex is passionate about building positive relationships and helping improve the wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. As a native Australian, Alex also loves cricket and Australian Rules Football, playing both sports competitively before moving to the United States in 2023.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Carson Fralin

Carson Fralin is an O2X On-Site Performance Specialist specializing in Strength & Conditioning at the West Palm Beach Fire Department. He received his M.S. in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology and B.S. in Exercise Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Carson has over ten years of tactical performance experience working with local fire stations in his hometown of Richmond, VA to paratroopers embedded in a battalion with the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Prior to O2X, Carson worked under the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health & Fitness program with the 82^nd Airborne. Embedded as a Strength and Conditioning Coach within the 2^nd Battalion of the 504^th Paratrooper Infantry Regiment he advised and trained officers and NCOs on best physical training practices to improve combat readiness and reduce injury. He also prepared soldiers in his battalion for selection schools having those he worked with get selected for SOAR 160^th, SFAS, Ranger, Civil Affairs, and PYSOPS. Carson developed and led recovery programs designed for those coming back from such selection schools to rehabilitate and reintegrate soldiers back into their units.

In Midlothian, Carson was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Midlothian Athletic Club where he worked with FC Richmond Soccer and the Richmond Generals Ice Hockey teams. He also worked with an EOD Naval Officer at Full Circle holding conditioning camps preparing candidates for the Navy SEALs Basic Underwater Demolitions School (BUD/S). During his time in Virginia, he pushed outreach initiatives with local Fire Stations in Chesterfield County providing performance training for those Fire Service members. Carson is passionate about helping those who serve our communities and our country perform their jobs more safely and improve their quality of life.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Benjamin Rosner

Benjamin Rosner is an O2X Human Performance On-Site Specialist working with Baltimore County Public Safety. Ben is joining the team after working with the U.S. Army at Fort Drum, NY for two years as the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach with the 10^th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade. Prior to working with the U.S. Army, Ben worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for over three years at various collegiate institutions. These previous experiences include working as a Graduate Fellow at Harvard University, an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the College of the Holy Cross, and the Head S&C Coach at The College of Saint Rose where he was responsible for all strength and conditioning programming for the 19 D2 varsity teams.

Ben obtained his MS in Exercise and Sports Science from Merrimack College in 2019 and a BA in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo in 2015. Additionally, Ben is a PhD Candidate at Liberty University studying Health Sciences: Exercise and Sports Science. In his spare time, Ben loves working out, staying active outdoors, and taking his dog Charlie on leisurely walks.

On-Site Human Performance Specialist

Ryan Jernstrom

Ryan is an O2X Strength and Conditioning On-Site Specialist. Ryan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sports Leadership from Warner University. Ryan has 6 years of experience in the strength and conditioning coaching space, with over 3 years of that time, in the tactical setting. Ryan’s most previous position was at both Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Fort Bragg working with the U.S. Army’s H2F team where he was responsible for designing and implementing training programs that aligned with the unit’s mission. Ryan has worked with Field Artillery and Medical Brigades during his time training the Army. His involvement and integration with his units allowed him to work closely with the command teams to help establish programs that would help them optimize their performance and be ready for any given task at any given time.

Prior to his time with the Army, Ryan coached at Division 1, 2, and NAIA universities. He worked with over a dozen different teams and has experience coaching sports such as bowling, all the way to football. He dedicated his work to keep his athletes healthy by using various training methods to adapt to the individual needs of each sport.

Ryan’s passion in strength and conditioning drives him to stay up to date with the latest research and articles. He also enjoys exploring ideas from coaches with unique methods. Furthermore, his experience has allowed him to gain knowledge about many different training methods and learn how to adapt to any environment. In his freetime, Ryan enjoys powerlifting, fishing, shooting bows and guns, Costco, and spending quality time with family and friends.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Ryan O’Connell

Ryan O’Connell is an O2X On Site Human Performance Specialist and Strength & Conditioning Coach who works with the 148 Air Support Operations Squadron.  Ryan holds his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from The University of South Carolina, and is certified as an NSCA CSCS and USAW Level 1. Coach Ryan has been a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for over 3 years. 

Prior to joining O2X, he was a part of the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program with the 18th Field Artillery Brigade in Fort Bragg / Liberty, NC, from 2021-2023. During his time with the 18th FA Brigade, Ryan assisted in creating the H2F Program for the Brigade, stood up the strength and conditioning program at the Battery level for the 18th FA Brigade’s 3rd Battalion, 3-21 Field Artillery Regiments 583rd Forward Support Company. Ryan also assisted in the creation of an in-house “train-the-trainer” 4-day course, called the Steel Fitness Trainer (SFT) course. The course is intended to certify soldiers as H2F trainers by educating them on the fundamentals of strength and conditioning, resistance and endurance training program design, energy systems development, fundamental movement patterns, kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, incorporating the other pillars of H2F—nutritional readiness, injury prevention, spiritual readiness, and cognitive performance. 

Before becoming a tactical strength and conditioning coach, Ryan was working in the private setting at Athletes Arena (now Arena Athletic Club) in Columbia SC while continuing to Intern at The University Of South Carolina. Ryan was introduced to Strength & Conditioning during his time in 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and decided to pursue that as his career. Considering his education, professional experience and time in the special operations community, Ryan has a thorough understanding of what it takes to train for success in the tactical setting. 

In Ryan’s free time, he enjoys coaching and competing in the sport of Weightlifting, training in various grappling/ mixed martial arts, listening to heavy metal music, occasionally riding BMX and getting out in the wilderness. Ryan always maintains a desire to learn, grow, and improve as a coach and human being.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Joseph Sheffield

Joseph Sheffield is an O2X On-site Human Performance Specialist and Strength & Conditioning Coach who works with the 147 Air Support Operations Squadron.  He has a BS of Sports & Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a MS of Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas-El Paso.  Joseph has 10+ years experience coaching and training tactical populations in aspects of strength & conditioning and sport. He was the Former Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for All-Marine Corps Sports and the All- Marine Wrestling Team and the Coach and Instructor for USMC High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Program

He has provided individual programming and instruction to individual service members, government civilians and dependents as well as Conducted Functional Movement Screens of Marine Units for Commander/SNCO awareness and physical training preparedness. Joseph has given instruction to NCO’s through a “Train The Trainer” multi-day course, providing education on programming, exercise techniques, coaching cues, & exercise selection and modification for special populations within the unit. 

Joseph’s previous position was the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach for Army H2F Program with 16th Military Police BDE at Fort Liberty and 4 other geo-dispersed Battalion locations. Here, he provided oversight and communication with coaching staff located at various geo-dispersed locations across U.S., worked directly with Military Police Command teams to improve lethality and combat readiness of soldiers within the Brigade and provided combative-based instruction and coaching to improve abilities in oppositional physical restraint, contact, & control. 

Prior to his H2F Position, Joseph was a Strength & Conditioning Coach for 18th Field Artillery BDE.  He consulted with unit Master Fitness Trainers and NCO’s to improve daily physical training and provided ongoing education to unit service members through a multi- tiered approach incorporating exercise science principles, coaching tactics, skills and practical application. He also programmed and instructed physical training of postpartum and pregnant service members where he provided a modified training approach based on individual abilities and needs of service members.  Joseph also trained and coached a Marine that competed for USA at 2020 Olympics in Tokyo

On-site Human Performance Specialist

James Carson

James Carson is an O2X On-site Human Performance Specialist and Strength & Conditioning Coach who works with the 284 Air Support Operations Squadron. Before joining the O2X team, James contributed his expertise to CRAFT, where he served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach starting in February 2022. In this role, he played a pivotal part in training and educating pilots in the fundamental principles of strength and conditioning to enhance their performance.

Prior to his venture into the tactical setting, James garnered extensive experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at six high-level NCAA universities, culminating in his role as the Director of Athletic Performance at the University of New Mexico.

James’s journey began at Bucknell University, where he not only received his degree but also demonstrated his athletic prowess as a four-year player at defensive end, earning two varsity letters. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable addition to the O2X team, embodying the organization’s commitment to optimizing human performance.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Tim Bayley

Tim Bayley is an Mental Performance Specialist and On-Site Human Performance Specialist for O2X with a background in elite athletics.  Tim competed at a high level in cricket, soccer, and track & field – ultimately winning the British Championships for the 800 meters in 2005. Tim was recruited to the United States on a track & field scholarship to run at Iona University in New Rochelle, NY. There he became a two-time All America athlete, runner up at the NCAA Championships and a member of the Iona Hall of Fame. During his post collegiate running career he achieved several sub-four-minute miles and represented Great Britain on the global stage.  

He holds a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States and is a certified mental performance consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. In his private consultancy, he works with a variety of clients from around the world.   Tim is an eternal optimist and values supporting high performance in the many forms that it can take. He strives to build strong relationships and empower individuals and groups with the mental tools to reach for their goals to be the best they can be, whilst valuing their day-to-day experiences.    

Tim is based in California where he lives with his wife, Priscilla, and their two young boys, Ethan and Logan. He maintains a very active lifestyle running and strength training. He loves traveling, spending time with friends and family and is a big soccer fan watching his hometown English Premier League team, Brighton and Hove Albion.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Jordan Hicks

Jordan Hicks is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the City of Phoenix Police Department, specializing in injury prevention and management as a certified Athletic Trainer. She is a highly experienced and dedicated certified athletic trainer with six years of expertise in evaluating and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries.  

Jordan’s previous role was as a Sports Medicine Injury Prevention Athletic Trainer at Camp Pendleton. With a demonstrated commitment to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients, Jordan successfully developed regiment level athletic training programs, implemented concussion protocols, and contributed significantly to the overall fitness and mobility of individuals.  Jordan has a diverse background in the field, including experience as an Industrial Athletic Trainer at Fit For Work in Oceanside, CA, and as a Tactical Athletic Trainer as part of the Optimizing Human Weapons System Athletic Trainer team at Aviano Air Base in Italy and Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington State.  This experience showcases Jordan’s adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse settings.

She holds a Master of Sciences in Sports Medicine: Strength and Conditioning from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from San Diego State University.  With a passion for promoting holistic health and fitness, Jordan continues to make significant contributions to the field of athletic training and rehabilitation.  She is a San Diego native, who has been fortunate enough to live in Colorado, Washington, and Italy. She has grown up camping and loves to be able to be outdoors whenever she is able to be.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Joshua Davies

Joshua Davies is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist for DC Fire and EMS, specializing in Strength and Conditioning. He brings a wealth of experience to his role at O2X, drawing from a distinguished coaching career predominantly rooted in professional sports. His recent endeavor involved a dynamic stint as a Performance Coach for Future, where he dedicated the last year and a half fine-tuning the athletic prowess of individuals. Prior to this, Joshua showcased his expertise with two significant tenures at the Scarlets, a renowned professional rugby club in Wales, where he served as a dedicated strength & conditioning coach.

Intriguingly, Joshua’s journey in the realm of sports performance extends beyond the rugby pitch. In the interim between his roles at the Scarlets, he assumed the pivotal position of head of performance at the Chinese Olympic Committee. There, he played a crucial role in orchestrating the training regimen for the wrestling team, steering them towards peak form for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This international exposure underlines Joshua’s versatility and adaptability in navigating diverse sporting landscapes.

Australia also witnessed Joshua’s impactful presence, as he spent three years immersing himself in the intricacies of sports and contributing significantly to a leading training facility. Joshua’s holistic approach to sports performance is complemented by his academic prowess, as he holds a master’s degree in strength & conditioning. Hailing from Wales, Joshua’s roots in sports and fitness run deep, reflecting a lifelong passion that continues to drive his impactful contributions to the world of professional sports coaching.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Michael Vidas

Mike Vidas is an O2X Human Performance Specialist, Program Manager and trained leader who has dedicated his life to helping others reach their potential. Due to his family’s military service and growing up on Air Force bases, Mike has always been inspired to lead and give back. Mike enlisted into the Navy and spent 4 years as an AO and AW deploying in support of the GWOT.

Mike holds both a Bachelors in Social Science and Masters degree in Sociology, as
well competing in soccer at the Division 1 level. He has spent over a decade as an
entrepreneur opening and managing three CrossFit gyms, two of which were located in
Taiwan and one in New Jersey. Through his entrepreneurial ventures, Mike discovered his
love for helping others become the best versions of themselves.

For the last three years, Mike has worked with professional, collegiate, and high-level high school athletes to help them achieve their athletic goals. He has worked alongside orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to create personalized fitness plans for his clients. Mike’s expertise has also extended to the tactical community where he has helped individuals in the DOD, DHS, and LEO stay fit, safe, and functional to perform in their line of work.

Mike’s biggest passion and motivation in life is his family; his wife Crystal, their two boys and his malinois Madigan, and loves spending as much time as possible outdoors. The family can be found camping, hiking, and trail running year-round. Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to fitness, and passion for family have been the driving forces behind his success. His mission continues as he strives to inspire others to push beyond their limits and achieve their goals.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Savannah Snead

Dr. Savannah Snead is an On-Site Human Performance Specialist where she provides support in injury management and prevention. She is a 2019 graduate of Campbell University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and is Level I & II certified in dry needling. She received her bachelors degree in human biology from North Carolina State University in 2016.

Savannah has facilitated rehabilitation for athletes recovering from a wide variety of conditions ranging from traumatic brain injury to post-operative orthopedic conditions. As a student at Campbell she completed a rotation with Fort Belvoir Community Hospital where she collaborated with an interdisciplinary team focusing on the holistic care of service members affected by traumatic brain injury during active duty service. This experience sparked her passion for serving military members. Upon graduation she began her career at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth where she worked in outpatient orthopedics treating members from all branches of the armed forces.

She is passionate about health, wellness and helping people achieve their fullest potential.  Savannah grew up on a farm in Virginia and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband currently live in Suffolk, VA and enjoy running half marathons, hiking and rock climbing in their free time.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Lindsey Deppen

Lindsey is an O2X Human Performance Specialist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant passionate about helping elite athletes and performers reach their full potential. Originally from Long Island, New York, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College before obtaining her Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Springfield College. Lindsey is a former collegiate soccer player who earned all-conference honors during her days on the field. She has since switched her athletic focus to competing in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. Her professional work includes serving as the Lead Performance Expert at Fort Eustis, VA, in the Ready and Resilient (R2) Program.

As a Master Resilience Trainer – Primary Instructor, Lindsey is responsible for teaching evidence-based resilience skills to Soldiers with an emphasis on application to their personal and professional lives. She has provided customized mental performance workshops for numerous units at Fort Eustis, including the 511th Engineer Dive Detachment and the TRADOC Band, focusing on energy management, team cohesion, attentional control, confidence, self-talk, leadership, and work-life balance. Although Fort Eustis is her home base, she has traveled to provide resilience training to Soldiers and DA Civilians across numerous US Army installations, including the United States Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, TX, the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Lindsey has also worked one on one with a wide variety of Soldiers to help guide them toward achieving their personal goals. The goals range from obtaining their Expert Field Medical Badge, to completing the Adjunct General Captain’s Career Course, and to passing the Promotion Board. Lindsey regularly conducts Executive Resilience and Performance Courses for company, brigade, and battalion-level leadership, as well as customized presentations at the Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport RI . She is responsible for working with senior leaders to recognize and address the factors of optimal performance through mental skills training designed to maximize leader attributes and accelerate unit excellence.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Gabe Farias

Dr. Gabe Farias is a Mental Performance Specialist and On-Site Human Performance Specialist for O2X dedicated to optimizing performance with tactical populations. Leveraging his extensive educational background and experience, Gabe addresses the intricate psychological aspects that influence performance for tactical athletes.

In his previous role with the U.S. Army, Gabe engaged with thousands of soldiers, enhancing mental resilience and imparting invaluable mental skills for personal and professional applications. Driven by the belief that mental skills are indispensable for high performance, Gabe applies his expertise in Sport and Performance Psychology to empower tactical athletes and teams. His focus is on cultivating critical mental skills that provide a decisive advantage over the competitors.  

Gabe earned his Master’s in Performance Psychology from National University in La Jolla, CA back in 2020, setting the foundation for his impactful career. Furthering his commitment to excellence, he achieved his Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States in Portland, OR in September of 2023. He is currently working on his second doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Gabe has a deep love for learning, enjoys listening to podcasts, staying up to date on current research and improving is understanding of human performance. 

Beyond the professional arena, Gabe  loves to spend quality time with his wife and two dogs, being outdoors, hanging with friends, and engaging in the sport of powerlifting. He’s what you would call, a Meathead-Academic. Through his multifaceted journey, Gabe embodies a relentless pursuit of peak performance, both for himself and the individuals he serves.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Mike Hannegan

Mike Hannegan is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the City of Irvine Police Department, specializing in injury prevention and management as a certified Athletic Trainer. He earned his Master of Science in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania in 2000, where he served as a Graduate Assistant. Prior to that, Mike completed his Bachelor of Science in Movement and Exercise Science at Chapman University in 1997, with a double emphasis in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology. During his undergraduate years, he showcased his athletic prowess as a soccer and lacrosse athlete, while also contributing as a Student Athletic Trainer for the baseball team.

With a rich history in professional athletic training, Mike has made significant contributions to various sports organizations. From 2012 to 2020, he served as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL, playing a crucial role in coordinating sports medicine services. Before that, from 2006 to 2012, Mike served as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL and as the Head Athletic Trainer for their AHL affiliate in Peoria, IL. His most recent position, from 2020 to 2021, involved developing and implementing a military-based Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention Program for the United States Marine Corps 11th Regiment at Spectrum Healthcare in Camp Pendleton, CA.

In addition to his professional roles, Mike is the part owner and manager of Compete Performance and Rehab in Yorba Linda, CA, a sports performance and rehabilitation facility. He is also certified by various reputable organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, with advanced specializations in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Fitness Nutrition, and Golf Fitness. Mike’s diverse skill set, coupled with his commitment to ongoing education and certifications, establishes him as a well-rounded and accomplished athletic training professional.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Lauren Planas

Lauren is an O2X on-site Human Performance Specialist, serving as a Registered Dietitian with the Massachusetts National Guard. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the University of Connecticut and a Masters of Science in Nutrition from Boston University. Lauren adopts a holistic approach to nutrition, striving to assist individuals in establishing sustainable and optimal fueling patterns for their fitness and lifestyle objectives, all while steering clear of restrictive dieting. She is dedicated to educating and empowering others to take charge of their nutritional and lifestyle choices, infusing her guidance with a sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm.

With a diverse background, Lauren has cultivated her expertise working with various demographics, including adolescent, collegiate, and adult recreational athletes. Her professional journey has taken her through esteemed institutions such as Boston University, Boston College, and Emerson College. Furthermore, her clinical experience extends to working with individuals grappling with eating disorders and their families, gained through positions at Walden Behavioral Care and Karuna Wellness Studio. Lauren is deeply committed to exploring the intricate relationship between athletics and eating disorders.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren embraces adventure during her leisure time, indulging in activities such as hiking, snowboarding, CrossFit, and traveling.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Zachary Interewicz

Zachary Interewicz is an O2X Human Performance On-Site Specialist with the Frederick County Fire Department. In this capacity, Zach works closely with firefighters to optimize their physical and mental performance, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of their challenging profession. His background in strength and conditioning, coupled with his previous work with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Combat Aviation Brigade, equips him with valuable insights into human performance under high-stress situations.

Before joining the Frederick County Fire Department, Zach honed his skills in various roles, including serving as a strength and conditioning/rehab specialist in hybrid Physical Therapy and Performance Facilities. His time as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins provided him with hands-on experience in elite sports training, further enhancing his expertise in optimizing human performance. Zach’s diverse professional background underscores his commitment to helping individuals achieve their peak performance levels, whether in sports or high-stakes professions.

Zach’s academic journey reflects his passion for understanding human performance. He holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in sport and exercise conditioning, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. Outside of work and academics, Zach enjoys a dynamic range of interests, from playing ice hockey and staying active outdoors to indulging in leisurely activities like reading and listening to podcasts, all while cherishing time spent with friends and family.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Joshua Berenbach

Joshua Berenbach is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist who specializes in strength and conditioning at the United States Secret Service. Leveraging his extensive background as an Army veteran, Josh dedicated eight years to military service, including a combat deployment with the renowned 1st Infantry Division. He furthered his education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Towson University. Throughout his career, Josh has exhibited versatility, working across NCAA Division I and Division III settings, and later transitioning to a private performance facility, where he refined his skills as a strength and conditioning coach.

In his past roles, Josh has demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence across various domains. During his tenure as a strength and conditioning coach with the 82nd Airborne Division, he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a selection preparation program, aiding soldiers in navigating special operations assessment programs successfully. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the Unit Fitness Leader program, bolstering force readiness through comprehensive education in strength and conditioning and program design. Drawing from his own military experience, Josh’s dedication to serving those who safeguard the nation reflects a profound sense of duty.

Josh’s educational background and professional endeavors underscore his multifaceted approach to his craft. His pursuit of a Master of Education in Coaching and Athletic Leadership from the University of Missouri exemplifies his commitment to continuous growth and learning. Beyond his professional pursuits, Josh finds fulfillment as a devoted husband and father to three children. In his leisure time, he enjoys a diverse array of hobbies, including strength training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, fishing, and motorcycle riding, enriching his life outside the realm of his professional duties.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Daniel Herring

Dan is an On-Site Human Performance Specialist and Athletic Trainer at DC Fire and EMS, focusing on Injury Prevention and Management. He loves working with a multi-disciplinary team to collaborate on how to best serve the athletes. He is passionate about corrective exercise to achieve optimal movement, safe and effective return to work/play programming.  Dan became an Athletic Trainer to help active populations reach their physical goals and to do what they love. 

He graduated from Cedarville University with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training in 2016. While at Cedarville University, he worked with NCAA Division II baseball, track&field, and DIII football. During this time he also completed an internship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL. He was offered a Graduate Assistant position with the University of Pittsburgh as the Athletic Trainer for the Pitt men’s soccer team. He received a Masters of Science in Sports Medicine in 2018 from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to complete a one-year Residency program at Syracuse University, working with both the football and men’s lacrosse teams.  After the completion of his Residency, Dan went on to work as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Georgetown University where he worked with the football program, men’s basketball program, and oversight of the women’s lacrosse program. 

After spending the better part of six years working with high-level collegiate athletes, Dan took his leadership and program development skills to DC International Public Charter School, where he functioned as the Sports Medicine and Performance Coordinator, developing the sports medicine and performance programs into a sustainable program that provided high-level athletic training and sports performance services. While at DC International PCS from 2022-2024 he secured a new contract with Children’s National Hospital to bring team physician and supplemental athletic training services to the school. During his time there, he also raised the standard of athletic training services and even become integral in the school-wide crisis response planning and training. 

Dan enjoys baseball, reading, hiking, serving in his church, playing games with his friends, eating sushi and a variety of soups, and traveling with his soon-to-be wife.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Stephanie Lewis

Stephanie Lewis currently serves as an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist, leveraging her extensive expertise in athletic training and exercise physiology. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Stephanie is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer since January 2005, holding additional certifications including ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator. Her role at O2X involves optimizing the performance and well-being of tactical athletes, drawing from her diverse background across various sports levels, including youth camps, collegiate athletics, and professional sports.

Before joining O2X, Stephanie’s professional journey encompassed a rich tapestry of roles in both sporting and non-sporting settings. She has provided injury care and rehabilitation across a spectrum of environments, including physical therapy clinics, orthopedic surgeries, and military health services. Stephanie’s versatility has seen her supporting athletes at every level, from high school to the Olympics, as well as serving in crucial roles during unprecedented times such as the COVID-19 lockdown. Her dedication to enhancing human performance extends beyond traditional sports, as evidenced by her work with law enforcement health services and the military.

Education lies at the heart of Stephanie’s passions, demonstrated by her tenure as a college instructor and associate professor for 12 years. Additionally, she currently serves as a Certified Emergency Medical Response Instructor for the American Red Cross. Stephanie’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Central Michigan University, where she also minored in Nutrition and Exercise Science. She furthered her studies at the University of Hawaii, earning a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Sciences with a focus on Athletic Training. Through her multifaceted career, Stephanie continues to embody her commitment to improving human performance and fostering a culture of wellness and excellence.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Jason Polakowski

Jason Polakowski is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the Vermont State Police Academy, specializing in strength and conditioning as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He has 10 years of experience in the field of Strength and Conditioning and has worked with a variety of populations. Most recently, Jason worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Army H2F program, where he aided in the training of a BSB battalion. Before that, he spent two years with the United States Marine Corps, coaching the performance aspect of the Boxing team and aiding in the training of the II MIG Division.

Prior to Jason’s time working in the tactical field, he worked with athletes at a variety of levels. Jason has worked with athletes in the private sector, he spent a little time working with professional baseball players within the Philadelphia Phillies organization, and he spent a few years working with a handful of Division I collegiate teams at Bryant University. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University, and has completed some graduate course work through Springfield College’s Strength and Conditioning program, where he also was the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Women’s Basketball team for a year.

During his collegiate years, Jason competed on the SCSU track and field team where he was a 2-time All-New England decathlete. He also still occasionally competes in Weightlifting competitions. Outside of coaching and training, Jason enjoys exploring the outdoors and being involved with music as well, whether it’s a listening or playing experience.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Brendan Hanley

Dr. Brendan Hanley is a Mental Performance Specialist and On-Site Human Performance Specialist for O2X. He is a seasoned expert in enhancing human performance. With a background in exercise science from Undergraduate studies he realized the pivotal role of the mind in achieving peak performance. This led Brendan to pursue a Masters in Sport and Performance Psychology equipping him with tools to coach and consult on mental skills crucial for optimal performance. Driven by a passion of empowering individuals to learn methods pushing beyond physical capabilities, Brendan pursued a Doctorate in Education and Leadership. This comprehensive education allows to not only educate others on mental skills but also apply them to leadership and executive roles efficiently.

Brendan’s experience spans from working with athletes at all levels, from novices to professionals, across a wide range of sports. Additionally, Brendan has dedicated nearly a decade to collaborating with the United States Army, leveraging sport and performance psychology to enhance performance. Over the past two years, Brendan has been embedded with a special operation unit focused on elevating cognitive capacity among high-level leaders and aviators. Central to Brendan’s philosophy is the belief that growth and learning are attainable for everyone with the right mindset. Through expertise and guidance, individuals can unlock their full potential, both mentally and physically to achieve unprecedented success.

On-site Human Performance Specialist

Luke Pitts

Luke Pitts is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist specializing in Strength & Conditioning for the US Army Reserve H2F Program. With over a decade of experience as a Performance Scientist and Strength & Conditioning Coach, he supports elite warfighters, Minor League Baseball players, world champion powerlifters, law enforcement officers, and athletes at both the Division 1 and high school levels. His expertise encompasses health and human performance, process optimization, and human factor analytics. In his current role, Pitts provides daily operational support to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, offering feedback on all domains of health, wellness, and performance for battalion-sized elements. He prepares numerous paratroopers for specialized Army schools and selections, while also integrating with Brigade echelons to ensure a broad impact within his community.

Pitts began his career as a human performance coach at The HomeRun Club, a sports performance facility in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, where he worked with Minor League baseball players, college athletes, and youth athletes across various sports. He was responsible for all aspects of weight room training, speed development, and conducting biomechanical analyses to enhance player health and performance. His subsequent coaching roles included serving as an Athletic Performance Volunteer Coach at Liberty University, focusing on the physical development of cheerleading teams and assisting other Olympic sports. At the University of Lynchburg, he helped enhance the performance of the athletics department while also delivering nutrition education. His time at Mississippi State University saw him take on a multifaceted position, where he contributed as a performance coach, sport scientist, and social media manager for multiple D1 athletics programs, creating performance monitoring dashboards and serving as the first strength and conditioning coordinator for the university’s police department.

Luke holds a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from Georgia Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health from Iowa State University. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and exploring culinary delights in the Charlotte area with his wife and two children. His commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement is evident in both his professional and personal pursuits, making him a valuable asset to the field of human performance.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Anthony Blocker

Anthony Blocker is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist for DC Fire and EMS, specializing in Strength and Conditioning. With a focus on enhancing the physical readiness and performance of first responders, he employs evidence-based training methods tailored to the unique demands of the fire and emergency services. His role includes conducting assessments, designing individualized training programs, and providing ongoing support to ensure optimal performance and injury prevention.

Prior to joining O2X, Anthony served with the US Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program as part of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty, NC. In this capacity, he played a vital role in developing and implementing the Unit Fitness Leader course and the Pregnancy and Postpartum training program. Additionally, Anthony collaborated with the US Army Parachute Team, where he successfully designed and executed their inaugural strength and conditioning program, further enhancing the team’s operational readiness. Before his tenure with the H2F Program, he worked at a private strength and conditioning facility in Richmond, VA, where he trained Chesterfield County Fire and Rescue personnel and athletes of various ages and skill levels.

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Science in Exercise Science with a focus on Human Performance from Liberty University. With years of experience in the field of strength and conditioning, he is dedicated to continuous professional development and applying the latest research to his training practices. Outside of his professional commitments, Anthony enjoys staying active and exploring outdoor activities.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Tommy LaBriola

Tommy LaBriola is an On-Site Specialist Strength and Conditioning Coach in Virginia. Prior to joining O2X, Tommy spent 5 years as a Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Toronto Blue Jays. Most recently serving as the Head AAA Strength Coach, he also spent time with the High-A team in Vancouver, British Columbia. Before his time with the Blue Jays, he completed a graduate assistantship at Salisbury University as well as internships at Georgetown University, University of Pittsburgh, Salisbury University, and the Parisi Speed School working with multiple sports across a variety of levels. Tommy has been featured on podcasts such as the Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society, as well as Just Rippin baseball performance podcast. Tommy brings a high level of passion for coaching and development through his strength and conditioning practices. Tommy holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Health Physiology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. He grew up in the sport of baseball and played collegiately for 4 years at Salisbury University. During his free time, he enjoys spending time outside, listening to music, and playing the drums.

ON-SITE HUMAN PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Rudy Aguilar

Rudy Aguilar is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the City of El Monte Police Department, specializing in injury prevention and management as a certified Athletic Trainer. He earned his Master of Education from Azusa Pacific University. Prior to that, Rudy completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at California State University of Long Beach with an emphasis in Athletic Training. With a rich history in professional athletic training, Rudy has made significant contributions to Pasadena City College sports organization. From 1997-2024, he served as the Head Athletic Trainer for 16 intercollegiate sports, playing a crucial role in coordinating sports medicine services. Before that, Rudy served as the Head Athletic Trainer for La Canada High School and South Pasadena High School. In addition to his professional roles, Rudy has trained MMA fighters for the UFC and local MMA organizations and is an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He is also certified by various reputable organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Rudy’s diverse skill set, coupled with his commitment to ongoing education and certifications, establishes him as a well-rounded and accomplished athletic training professional.

Data Analyst

Dave Sherman

David Sherman is a data analyst at O2X. As a licensed physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, Dave offers experience with tactical and occupational athletes such as Fort Worth Police and Fire, as well as, professional and collegiate athletics. He received a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (2012) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2014) from Boston University. Dave is currently a PhD student at the University of Toledo where he studies applied neuroscience in sports and exercise. His research focuses on the maladaptive brain changes that occur after musculoskeletal injury and the development of rehabilitative treatments that can target those changes.

Dave has volunteered as a member of the Boston Marathon Medical Team since 2012. His passion for tactical athlete readiness was inspired by the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, when the readiness and collaborative actions of Boston Police, Fire, and EMS members on Boylston Street meant the survival of 278 injured civilians. Dave believes wellness is unique to each individual athlete, with success rooted in balanced nutrition, sleep, mental health, and physical activity.

O2X CAPCE Medical Director

Brent Levy

Dr. Brent Levy is and O2X Medical Advisor serving as the Physician Medical Director for CAPCE Programming. He currently serves as the Assistant Medical Director for Emergency Medicine and the Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine at Rose Medical Center. In this role, he is integrally involved in all practice management decisions as well as curating physician scheduling. Brent serves on the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee and was involved in disaster management planning surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Brent is also currently the Trauma Medical Director at Rose Medical Center, a Level IV Trauma Center. Brent is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, Advanced Wilderness Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support.

Throughout his career, Brent has conducted research and developed tools to support rural trauma care, wilderness medicine courses, and curriculum design focused on injury prevention through helmet use in outdoor recreational activities. Prior to his medical career, Brent worked as a resort planner and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technician contributing the design of renowned resorts around the world. He is an avid outdoorsman, accomplished endurance athlete, and spends his free time biking, running, paddling, and skiing in the mountains of Colorado with his wife, daughter, and black lab.

Medical Professional

Michael Hamrock

Dr. Michael Hamrock is an O2X Medical Professional, former firefighter, and department physician for the Boston Fire Department. He now also provides primary care to many Massachusetts firefighters at Steward St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, MA.

Dr. Hamrock attended University of Massachusetts Medical School. He has over 23 years of experience and specializes in internal medicine.

Lead Instructor

Greg Kelly

Greg has been a proponent for O2X from the very beginning having helped organize and attend
the inaugural human performance workshop in 2015 and has been an advocate ever since. Greg
brings a diverse background to our team to include service in Army Special Forces, U.S. Marines
and the Boston Fire Department. He also has a background in cyber security and veteran
advocacy. As a Marine he served in peace keeping and security operations. As a Green Beret he
led combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a firefighter he has led fire suppression,
technical rescue, and emergency medical operations. He also served at “ground zero” in New
York City in 2001.

Greg is a co-founder of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, a highly impactful non-profit organization
that honors fallen service members, supports Gold Star families and empowers veterans. Greg is
also a co-founder of the InnoVets program, which seeks to bring veterans into the cyber security
profession. Greg works with the executive team at Blue Mantis modernizing and hardening
private sector companies in the cyber threat environment. Having experienced extensive traumatic stress Greg became interested in personal resilience. He has trained and served as an Army Master Resilience Trainer (MRT), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer (ASIST), Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) response team member, and peer-support councilor. During his service to our country, his community and his teammates, Greg has gained extensive leadership experience under the most extreme of circumstances. He knows firsthand of the stressors that challenging careers have on individuals and families, and of the necessity of a comprehensive human performance program. Greg once noted that the motto of Army Special Operations Command was fitting when describing the O2X approach, “Sine Pari”, without equal. Armed with faith, discipline and an indomitable warrior spirit Greg continues to mentor soldiers, serve his community, and make a positive impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. Greg lives in Boston with his wife and three children.

Lead Instructor

Rob Lara

Robert Lara is an O2X Lead Instructor. Rob is from Colorado and enlisted in the Army in 1998. He was assigned to the 82nd and then was a Scout Sniper in the 121st Infantry located in Hawaii.  In 2019, Rob retired from the Army and has served in Special Operations since 2003. During this time he had the privilege of serving in 3rd and 10th Special Forces Group as well as 1st SFOD-D during his 21 years. Rob has served in multiple overseas combat theaters and always works to support our great Nation while in and out of the US after retirement. While on active duty, he has competed in CrossFit in the US and abroad as well as owning a gym to assist in training athletes to amplify their physical needs on and off the battlefield. Rob has worked with first responders, civilian athletes and military to educate personnel in physical fitness and injury prevention. He was also afforded the opportunity to work and train with USA Weightlifting Coaches and the Monaco Olympic Weightlifting Team. During his time in the military he has seen his share of injuries with himself and teammates. The physical and mental recovery times can be hard to deal with.

To this day, Rob strives to grow as an athlete and pass along lessons learned from his past to help support those who want to live a well balanced healthy lifestyle. Rob’s balance comes from skiing, off-road driving, hiking, hunting,  fishing, physical fitness and everything between. Nothing is free and only dedication through a healthy education about physical and mental fitness can assist in those modalities for individuals that support the teams they work with.

Lead Instructor

Alex Othmer

Alex Othmer is an O2X Lead Instructor. Alex attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage License. Upon graduation, Alex commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Navy where he served as a SEAL Operator. He holds a master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Leadership from Penn State University and is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Guardian Revival, a 501(c)(3) Not-for-profit Organization chartered to support first responders and veterans. Alex is also the Co-founder of Ox Box, a healthy snack subscription box company providing individuals, families, and organizations with healthy food options.

Lead Instructor

Ajay James

Ajay James is an O2X Lead Instructor. Ajay James led a multifaceted and successful career as a Special Operator within the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) enterprise for the last 20 years. Within the scope of his experience, he acted as a military advisor for partner nation force engagements, as a lead assaulter on kinetic operations, and as the Combatives Department Head where he taught and oversaw the instruction of armed and unarmed combative skills to thousands of NSW accession candidates.  Ajay also successfully completed his position as a Team Leader of a deployed SEAL platoon, a coveted milestone role in the path of special operations advancement. He recently conducted turned over operations as the Senior Enlisted Advisor of NSW Advanced Training Command, where he, along with a staff of nearly 200, enabled the professional development of the special warfare community by offering 19 high-risk courses of instruction, which produce 3,500 classes a year.  Ajay came to America with his family from Trinidad and Tobago to attend school in New Jersey, before moving to New York. Ajay is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and has enjoyed many opportunities to work in film and television productions. He also enjoys martial arts, fitness, foreign films and languages, high speed driving, motorcycle racing, paddle boarding, surfing and is a lifelong global traveler. Ajay’s life has been about the adventure of it all, and is excited for the prospects that await him in the future.

Lead Instructor

Stephen Pace

Stephen Pace is an O2X Lead Instructor. Stephen is a former Reconnaissance Marine and Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, Stephen conducted multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he received numerous military awards for combat action. After completing his service, Stephen transitioned to a job as a Strength and Conditioning Assistant Coach at a Sport Rehabilitation facility training, educating, and rehabbing athletes recovering from sports injuries. During this time, Stephen began to combine his combat fitness with sports training and rehabilitation and continued his passion for health and wellness. From there, Stephen went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Texas State University where he majored in International Relations due to his love for travel as well as his desire to return to the government sector later in his professional career. He is currently a protective agent at Gavin de Becker & Associates which is a high-level private security firm where he specializes in executive protection for public figures. Stephen travels a little over 200 days of the year in support of his job all across the globe and loves the profession of safeguarding human life. If he isn’t traveling, you can find him in the gym or on the golf course and yes, even the golf clubs travel with him.

Lead Instructor

Karl Huey

Karl is an O2X Lead Instructor. Karl attended the US Naval Academy, where he played four years of ACHA ice hockey and graduated with a degree in quantitative economics. After, he started his Naval Special Warfare career and graduated with BUD/s class 325. He served on SEAL Team THREE, where he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He then moved to Florida to serve at Special Operations Command SOUTH. At SOCSOUTH, he deployed to Haiti in support of USSOUTHCOM Joint Task Force Haiti and served as the advisor for maritime special operations in the Caribbean region.  

Karl is an Emergency Medical Technician and is transitioning out of the military to start his next career firefighting in Northern California. Karl started his athletic career at three-years-old, and to this day is an enthusiastic competitor. He loves all domains of sport and fitness. Karl still enjoys playing hockey and has competed in endurance races, powerlifting, and CrossFit.

Lead Instructor

Josh Hacker

Joshua Hacker is an O2X Lead Instructor. Josh was born in Houston, Texas and raised by hard working parents that instilled strong work ethic and strong character from an early age. He attended Sam Houston State University and 10 days after graduation left for Navy boot camp with his sights set on becoming a SEAL. After a long road that dream was realized through tons of training, focus, and perseverance. As a transitioning Navy SEAL going into Federal Law Enforcement, he is looking to continue his passion for human performance. Josh is always eager to learn and grow in the field of performance, health, and longevity. He receives great satisfaction in getting to work with like minded individuals and help high caliber teams thrive at every level. He enjoys spending his free time with his 2 year old daughter, Adley, woodworking, and loves anything outdoors.

Lead Instructor

Kaci Clark

Major Kasandra A. Clark (Kaci) is from Fayetteville, Georgia. She was a competitive Level 10 Junior Olympic gymnast and track & field state champion throughout highschool. She competed all four years of college as a sprinter, long jump and pole vault specialist. She was Team Captain, Patriot League Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, Patriot League Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault Champion and competed in the 2011 World Military Games in Brazil. Kaci received a bachelor’s in Psychology from The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in 2011.

Following graduation from USMA, she attended Army flight school and learned to fly Blackhawk Helicopters (UH-60 A/L). Kaci’s first assignment was to Fort Campbell, KY where she started coaching and competing in Functional Fitness and CrossFit. In 2014, she deployed to Afghanistan as a flight platoon leader and coached regularly at the FOB CrossFit gym. In 2015, she assessed and was accepted into 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) as one of the first females & first Black female helicopter pilot. She deployed to multiple countries, commanded, and flew over a thousand hours during her time as a Special Operations Helicopter Pilot.

In 2019, Kaci tried out for and was chosen to compete as a member of the Army Warrior Fitness Team. This 12 member team was selected to compete nationally and internationally in Crossfit, Power Lifting and Strongman & help increase awareness, relationships and recruiting with the civilian population. Kaci is a Master Fitness Trainer, U.S.A. Weightlifting, CrossFit Gymnastics, and CrossFit Level 2 certified and has coached at the local CrossFit Gym in every duty station she has lived in. She is currently an Inspector General within the Aviation Reserve Command, lives in Atlanta, GA with her fiancé and will be starting as a First Officer with Frontier Airlines in Spring 2023.

Lead Instructor

Benjamin Toderico

Benjamin Toderico is an O2X Lead Instructor. Benjamin earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and a Master’s of Science in Muscle Physiology and Biochemistry from Virginia Tech. After graduating, he worked for a busy urban police department for 18 years in various assignments including patrol, street level gun and drug investigations, property crimes, robberies, aggravated assault and sex crimes, crimes against children, Crime Stoppers, and was assigned to the department SWAT Team for over 7 years. Benjamin has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA for over 20 years. He has also held certifications in personal training, kettlebell instruction, natural movement, functional movement screening, and blood flow restriction training.

Benjamin’s career and life path were drastically altered when his wife, Denise, was struck from behind by an SUV while she was running. Once she was discovered in a farmer’s field and EMS was summoned, she was flown by helicopter to the regional trauma hospital. Denise spent the next 40 days in the hospital recovering from several strokes, a severe traumatic brain injury, a severe brachial plexus injury (paralyzing her arm), several broken vertebrae in her neck and back, and other orthopedic injuries and internal traumas.

Benjamin’s unique background enabled him to become the best advocate, coach, trainer, and partner for his wife and their family. With the lessons learned and skills developed, Benjamin changed his career path to be able to help tactical athletes become 1% better through resiliency, strength and condition and mindset.

Lead Instructor

Sean Sexton

Sean Sexton is an O2X Lead Instructor who was born and raised in Willow Grove, PA and enlisted in the Navy in February 1991. He served 20+ years in Naval Special Warfare with several deployments to include Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom. Sean’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with “V”,  Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, (2) National Defense Service Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, (2) Navy Commendation Medals, (5) Navy Achievement Medals, (6) Good Conduct Medals, SEAL Team 8 Sailor of the Quarter.

After retiring in 2011, Sean continued his passion in human performance by earning his Bachelors in Health Science, Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and working as a Coach and Director Of Operations for CrossFit Stapleton in Denver. Along with various coaching certifications he has continued to serve as a Lead Combat Rifle/Pistol Instructor for The Department of Defense and Police Departments.

As a self-professed “Movement Enthusiast,” he can be found SUP-surfing, hiking, hot yoga, and working out on a daily basis. He currently resides in Virginia Beach and enjoys reading and learning about anything related to diet, exercise, and longevity. “I can relate to physical setbacks and limitations and understand that (after 2 joint replacements and multiple back issues) you figure out what you CAN DO and DO IT – consistently.”

Lead Instructor

Jason Silva

Jason Silva is an O2X Lead Instructor who recently finished a 27 year career in the United States Navy as a Master Chief.  He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in 1992 and went on to become qualified as a Special Forces medic at Fort Sam Houston, TX and a paramedic in South Central Los Angeles, CA with the Los Angeles Fire Department.  He served on SEAL Team Five, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and Special Operations Command North.  Throughout his career, Jason has completed 17 combat deployments in support of several operations worldwide, to include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jason’s awards and commendations include the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars with Valor, a Purple Heart, and two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, among others.

Jason has a passion for woodworking, having learned from his father who was a Master cabinetmaker, and spends his free time creating pieces of art in his mountain woodshop in Colorado.

Lead Instructor

Justin Herzog

Justin Herzog has been an O2X Lead Instructor since the fall of 2018 and is a full-time firefighter with the San Diego City Fire Department. He has over 18 years of experience in the fire service, is a certified California State Fire Training Instructor, and serves as a member of the Training Cadre for both the SDFD Fire Recruit Academy and SDFD In-Service Training for career members. He runs the PT Program for the Recruit Academy and also serves as a member of the SDFD Peer Support Team.

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Justin played multiple sports through high school before joining the fire service after his athletic career ended in college. In 2001, he moved to California, settling at the beach in San Diego. When he’s not riding Engine 12 or Truck 12 in Southeast San Diego, you can find him working at the fire academy, hanging at the beach with his wife, or hiking and snowboarding in the mountains of the West.

Lead Instructor

Michael Fox

Michael Fox is an O2X Lead Instructor. Michael was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in a Fire Fighting household which instilled a Spartan work ethic and emphasized the value of teamwork and service to others. He comes to O2X after a 24 year career in the Naval Special Operations community as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.

Over his extensive career he has ascended through the enlisted ranks and honorably retired from Naval Service as the last Commissioned EOD Warrant Officer. From “Med cruises” to multiple combat deployments in support of OIF/OEF and other contingency operations, he honed his skills in the severest of schools.  He finds deep satisfaction in working with like-minded individuals in pursuit of common goals and rising to the challenge of 1% a day. His ability to connect with people and relate stories’ relevance makes him a valued asset as a Lead Instructor.

He spends his free time playing with life sized Hot Wheels, enjoying the outdoors, and RVing with his family.

Lead Instructor

Jim Foreman

Jim Foreman is an O2X Lead Instructor. Jim is a retired Command Master Chief who served 27 years in the Navy SEALs. Currently he is the Lead Sales for MATBOCK, an innovative company that creates lightweight and durable medical/operational equipment for the military and first responders.

Lead Instructor

Gary Alexander

Gary Alexander is an O2X Lead Instructor. He served 22 years as a Special Tactics Officer in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Colonel in December 2020.  While in the Air Force, his career included assignments as a Special Tactics Squadron Commander, ST Director of Operations, and ST Flight Commander. 

Gary served as the Operations Officer for the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games, which executed 29 Olympic-style sporting competition events over the course of 10 days supporting 300 wounded, ill, and injured warriors. He was the Commander for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Detachment at North Carolina A&T State University.  

Gary deployed to Afghanistan on six separate occasions. While conducting combat operations in 2008, he sustained injuries and received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart Medal. Gary returned to optimal performance through intentional physical, mental, and social conditioning.

Incorporating tactical athlete training sessions as part of his lifestyle, he understands that long-term development occurs as a result of small daily adjustments. Gary appreciates through his own personal experience, the benefits a comprehensive human performance program can have on both the individual and organizations.

Lead Instructor

Robert Wantowski

Robert Wantowski is an O2X Lead Instructor. Prior to O2X, Rob completed a 30-year career in the United State Navy as a Diving Chief Warrant Officer Five. Robert served most of his career within Naval Special Warfare at SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Vehicle Delivery Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He completed eight combat deployments along numerous sensitive activity deployments. Robert’s awards include the Bronze Star, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals along with numerous unit and campaign awards.

Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is relentlessly positive, passionate and an enthusiastic leader that thrives in dynamic and challenging environments with diverse groups. These qualities allow Ski to represent O2X at the highest level.

Robert has a deep passion for being physically active and maintaining his body, mind, and spirit in the best condition possible. He enjoys surfing, snow skiing, swimming, Golf, and any other physical activity. When Ski isn’t working or working out, he enjoys hanging out at the beach playing corn-hole with his wife and friends. Robert and his Wife live in Englewood, Florida. They have two sons and three grandchildren.

Lead Instructor

Mike Murray

Mike Murray is an O2X Lead Instructor. Mike served for over 26 years in the United States Army to include the 75th Ranger Regiment and Tier 1 Special Mission Unit (SMU).  During Mike’s 15 years in the SMU Community, he served in multiple leadership roles with numerous deployments in support of national defense objectives.  Before Mike retired in 2018 as a Sergeant Major, he held positions as a SMU Assaulter, SMU Sniper, SMU Team Leader, SMU Section Sergeant Major, and SMU Troop Sergeant Major.    

Post military service, Mike has served as Managing Director of a Cyber Security firm, Program Manager of numerous Special Activities training programs, and Director of Business Development for a successful government contracting company.  Mike is a 100% service-disabled veteran with over 48 months of deployed time in combat zones around the world.  

Lead Instructor

Adam Mackie

Adam Mackie is an O2X Lead Instructor that recently retired from the Navy in 2019.  Adam originally hails from Northeastern Minnesota.  He received a commission from the US Naval Academy in 1997 and then graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL Training shortly thereafter.  He served as an officer in the SEAL Teams for 22 years at SEAL Team FIVE, SEAL Team TEN, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, and other Joint Commands.  He served in Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times and deployed to many other countries for various operations.  These days he owns a small real estate development and investment company.  He enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters in their cabin in Northern Minnesota swimming, taking saunas, hunting, and fishing.

Lead Instructor

Aaron Santana

Aaron Santana is an O2X Lead Instructor who served 10 years in the Ranger Regiment and as the Sergeant Major for the Technical Surveillance Troop and Technical Senior Enlisted Advisor to the forward command at United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Applied Technologies Directorate. Aaron served as an infantryman in the Rangers before moving on to a Special Mission Unit and managed a diverse portfolio and oversaw the operational integration of technical surveillance, unmanned systems, and information warfare to include cyber, electronic warfare, and information operations. Aaron also directed a Research and Engineering team responsible for the rapid development and integration of technical solutions to support warfighters overseas and led a Technical Program Team focused on long-term Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts supporting elite Special Operations Unit. Aaron has 20 years of Special Operations experience conducting tactical operations, special activities and technical operations across North Africa, Southwest Asia and the Levant. Aaron is a native of Orange, California and is a lifelong martial artist, competition wrestler, coach and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt. In his spare time, Aaron coaches wrestling, golfs, rides mountain bikes, plays guitar, practices yoga, and travels.

Lead Instructor

Dave Neely

Dave Neely is an O2X Lead Instructor from Chattanooga, TN. A class of 2003 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he served 5 years as a Surface Warfare Officer. After the Navy, Dave enlisted in the National Guard and served 4 years in 19th Special Forces Group before transitioning to active duty and was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Special Forces Qualification Course class.

Once on active duty, Dave was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group where he was a member of a Military Free-Fall specialty team as well as a Combat Diver/Maritime team. His final assignment before retirement was to the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in Ft. Bragg, NC. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, and is the recipient of 2 Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and numerous other personal and unit awards.

Dave is a Crossfit athlete and enjoys long distance running and swimming. He is a PADI Divemaster, a NAUI Master Diver, and formerly held a U.S. Parachuting Association B-license. He is an avid firearms enthusiast and instructor. As a recent military retiree, he enjoys spending his free time with his family as often as possible.

Lead Instructor

Steven Thomas

Steve is a O2X Lead Instructor and Green Beret currently finishing up his career at 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, NC. Currently, Steve is the senior engineer on a Military Freefall detachment while he completes his active-duty career. His time in the service has spanned multiple deployments to Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, Jordan, and Central Asia. During his Special Forces career, he was an instructor at the Special Forces Senior Leaders Course. Prior to his selection for Special Forces, Steve spent 8 years in the conventional Army. It was during these 8 years that began to mold his passion for human performance and fitness. He adopted these principles into his training to maximize his success during Special Forces Assessment and Selection and subsequently the Qualification Course. In his free time, Steve enjoys shooting 3-gun competitions. He is a USPA Coach and skydiver, CrossFit coach and enthusiast. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and MBA from Norwich University.

Lead Instructor

Jared Cheselske

Jared Cheselske is an O2X Lead Instructor and United States Army Combat Veteran that served in Iraq during Desert Shield / Desert Storm, grew up in San Diego. He has a total of 27 years in the Fire Service, 21 of those years being with the City of San Diego, the last 10 as a captain. Jared is currently assigned to station 21 in Pacific Beach. Jared has spent the majority of his career at double houses where he has specialized in truck company operations. He is also on his Department’s Peer Support Team Helping other Firefighters in times of emotional crisis. Jared has been married for 27 years to his lovely wife and they have 3 beautiful daughters. Jared is an avid surfer, loves playing sports and being outdoors.

Lead Instructor

Kenneth Taylor

Kenny Taylor (Ken or KT) is an O2X Lead and a retired Senior Chief Navy SEAL with numerous operational deployments in SEAL Team 5 and the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He served as an instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center, where selection, assessment, and training are the focus. Ken found his passion was in human development, helping people maximize their potential to deliver optimal performance.

On the heels of 2 back surgeries and a twenty-year career in the military, he transitioned into the world of human performance. Ken became one of the original TRX Suspension Trainer Master Training Specialists and traveled the globe leading Suspension Training Workshops at US and NATO Military bases around the globe. He later served as the Lead Performance Consultant in support of a research and development project named the Continuum of Leadership Development (CLD) Program back at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center.

Ken’s life in human performance consulting has also included the management and facilitation of team captain and assistant coaches Impact Leadership Workshops to develop leaders of character, competence, and consequence, for various NCAA D1 programs. Subsequently, Ken has mentored and worked with both high performing collegiate and high-school athletes and coaches alike.

Ken lives by the philosophy; Be action-oriented in pursuit of your interests, create new experiences, and embrace a life of learning and development.  Prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally to deliver your best in all endeavors.  He values authenticity, education, compassion, respect, creativity, and humor. He works to develop relationships with honesty, earning the trust of others and communicating with enthusiasm while openly sharing his stories. Ken uses motivation, inspiration, empathy, and accountability to guide performers. When working with people, Ken’s goal is to help them practice self-awareness, mental focus, and resilience for dealing with distractions that can potentially disrupt the physical and mental preparation needed to develop skills when working to achieve personal and professional Lastly, he takes stock of every situation and searches for humor or irony in moments of distress, for he believes laughter is medicine for the soul.

Ken has a BA in Sport Psychology and an MA in Performance Psychology.  Physically, Ken trains strengths/cardio regularly. Hobby-wise he loves golf and snow-skiing, and loves finding new people to share in those activities. He’s also an actor, but that’s a story for another day.

Lead Instructor

Brian Christianson

Brian Christianson is an O2X Lead Instructor and a 16-year Army Veteran. He joined the Army in 1999 as a Combat Engineer where he completed two deployments to Kosovo, one in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan. In 2007, he changed career fields to a Civil Affairs Specialist. After completing the Civil Affairs Qualification Course, he was attached to Joint Special Operations Command working alongside Rangers and SEALs in Afghanistan and later attached to SOCSOUTH where he again was attached to a SEAL Team. His final deployment was in Iraq during the drawdown. Positions he held are as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Route Clearance NCOIC, Civil Affairs NCO, Team Sergeant, Joint Plans and Operations NCO, and Master Gunner. 

When he stopped deploying around the world, his career shifted to training future warfighters as a hand-to-hand and advanced weapons and tactics instructor. Once he left the military, he saw a need for service members to have better training in their overall health and performance and took steps to insert himself to give service members something that he wished he had earlier in his career. 

He opened a CrossFit gym, CrossFit Hold Strong, in San Antonio, TX. At the same time, he completed my Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University. He has held numerous jobs in the health and wellness field since taking his uniform off. He has worked in the Nutrition Care Division and as Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Nutrition Health Educator for 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, TX. 

While at Fort Bliss, he completed his Masters in Exercise Science and Wellness: Fitness and Performance from Liberty University. He continues to work for the Army Wellness Center as Health Educator in Fort Sill, OK. His background is in Human Performance, but has been heavily sided towards nutrition the past 3 years. Most recently, he earned the Tactical Strength and Conditioning – Facilitator (TSAC-F) credential from the NSCA. His hobbies include golf, hunting, sports, and just generally being outdoors with his family.

Lead Instructor

Anna Mansueti

Anna Mansueti is an O2X Instructor. She is from Easton, Maryland, and growing up in a military family, Anna knew she would join the US Navy at a young age. While attending the University of Colorado Boulder and pursuing a degree in studio art, she was inspired to join the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community. Upon completing her undergraduate program, she served as an EOD officer for ten years. Anna commanded platoons in Southeast Asia and Europe, and led extensive ordnance disposal operations in the South Pacific, destroying tens of thousands of pounds of unexploded ordnance and restoring land and freedom of movement for populations affected by war. These experiences fortified her desire to pursue a design degree and to continue to serve demining communities around the world. She received her Master in Design Studies (MDes) degree from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD).  Anna lives and works in New York City with her husband Pierce, who is also a US Navy EOD veteran and attending medical school. In her spare time, Anna loves drawing, traveling, and spending time with her family. 

Lead Instructor

Erik Melanson

In addition to being an O2X Lead Instructor, Erik continues to serve on active duty in the United States Marine Corps as an intelligence officer. Erik has spent the majority of his career in the special operations community, deploying in support of combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Erik was a division 1 rugby player for Norwich University, where he also played lacrosse and club hockey. After years of CrossFit, and attaining his CrossFit Level 1 certification, he was introduced to human performance while serving in Marine Special Operations Command. From that point forward, human performance and the role of the tactical athlete have been a staple in Erik’s life.

In August of 2020 after returning from Afghanistan, Erik suffered a traumatic injury that left him paralyzed below the knee in his left leg. Erik’s doctors, surgeons, and rehabilitation team credit Erik’s physical and mental conditioning as the main reason he has been able to remain on active duty, and recover to the level he has from his limb salvage injury. It was during his time at Walter Reed that Erik’s passion for helping fellow injured and wounded individuals rehabilitate their body and mind really took off. Erik is a huge proponent of the mental health aspect of human performance, and looks for every opportunity to break the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health and substance abuse issues.

Erik, his wife Haley, their two sons Callan & Bodie, and their labradors Maverick and Rooster reside in Frederick, Maryland. Erik holds graduate certificates in leadership from Wharton and Harvard Law, a MA in Military Studies from Marine Corps University, and is finishing up his MA in Global Policy from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his passion of helping others recover physically and mentally, Erik spends the majority of his free time as a youth hockey coach, and he and his family can usually be found in a hockey rink up and down the east coast. Erik also plays hockey for the USA Warriors, a wounded and injured veteran/service member hockey team that plays games against similar teams across the United States.

Lead Instructor

Jimmy Schroeder

Jimmy Schroeder is an O2X Lead Instructor and retired Navy SEAL. He served 20 years on active duty and completed 12 combat deployments. During his 2007 deployment, Jimmy was seriously wounded from a close-range gunshot wound to his lower back which left him paralyzed for many months. Through his faith, family, and support from the SEAL community, Jimmy implemented wellness practices and intense physical therapy, ultimately resulting in adapting permanent physical limitations to achieve “fit for full duty” for 10 more combat deployments. Retiring from Naval Special Warfare Development Group in May of 2022, Jimmy relocated to Colorado Springs, CO to be near his three daughters and enjoy the mountains.   Jimmy has a passion for anything outdoors and helping people. He is pursuing an International Mountain Guide Certification (IFMGA- Rock/Alpine/Ski). He also volunteers with the El Paso County Mountain Rescue squad while working for a nonprofit focusing on helping injured and ill veterans. Jimmy feels it’s his duty to humbly share his recovery experience and bring awareness to the many challenges of mental and physical injuries across all walks of life.

Lead Instructor

Trey Lachicotte

Trey Lachicotte is an O2X Lead Instructor. Trey is also a retired US Army Special Forces Operator (Green Beret) and worked as the Long-Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD) commander. Prior to entering the Army, Trey attended the University of Tennessee, where he assisted in strength training for the National Championship University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball team. Trey also competed on the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps’ (AROTC) national championship Ranger Challenge team (collegiate level). These experiences translated to successful completion of the US Army’s Ranger and Special Forces Qualification courses and service as a US Army Green Beret. After 21 years of active duty and ten worldwide (four combat) deployments, he recently retired in February 2022. Trey entered the private sector as a Logistics and Risk Management Lead for a major Agricultural company in MN. He also actively involved in the Human Performance industry, as is currently working with multiple special operations non-profits. Trey enjoys just about any outdoor activity and working within a team dynamic. He is a proud father of three school-aged kids, coaches youth lacrosse, coaches youth human performance, holds multiple performance based certifications, and currently resides with his wife, west of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

Lead Instructor

Chris Combado

Chris Combado is an O2X Lead Instructor and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He graduated and commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Economics. He served in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer for eight years. After his time in the Navy, Chris moved to Colorado Springs to earn his Master’s degree in Applied Physiology. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. While in school, he worked at D1 Training, coaching youth athletes as well as general population. Chris has interned with collegiate athletes from the D-III to D-I level across multiple sports. He has volunteered with Colorado Springs Fire Department helping to execute fire academy workouts. Chris continued his involvement with the tactical population as an intern with 10th SFG(A) at Fort Carson. He was also the head strength and conditioning coach for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Academy, training recruits across five academies. Chris recently moved back to San Diego to continue his career as a strength and conditioning coach.

Lead Instructor

Jim Grauel

James Grauel is an O2X Lead Instructor. He retired from the Wildwood Fire Department after a 25 year career in his South Jersey hometown. During his career, he rose to the rank of Captain and established the position of Health and Wellness Officer. While in that position, he established annual physical evaluations for firefighters, became an IAFF peer fitness trainer, built the first firehouse gym, and led several wellness initiatives including leading a 9/11 stair climb and the Murph Challenge. The stair climb resulted in hundreds of firefighters, family, and friends climbing to raise donations for Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. His passion for leading charity events also led to hosting the Murph Challenge which raised funds for the Murph Charities. Out of the Murph Challenge, leading people, and a love for the great outdoors his company Sea Level Strength was born. An outdoor fitness company that takes full advantage of training in the great outdoors while leading classes as a Crossfit Level 2 trainer. In addition to Sea Level Strength, you can catch Jim in the great outdoors year round at every opportunity. He spends his summer on the water training for the next Stand Up Paddle Board ocean race, in the winter snowboarding on the mountains with his boys. James is a proud dad to two sons, one Ironman and one ocean lifeguard for a South Jersey Beach Patrol.

Lead Instructor

Chris Warden

Chris Warden is an O2X Lead Instructor and firefighter with a passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. With over 8 years of experience as a personal trainer and firefighter, Chris has gained a wealth of knowledge and skills in the field of health and fitness. He is a certified IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer and IAFF Peer Support, providing support and guidance to his fellow firefighters.

Chris has worked for two full-time fire departments, the Waterford Regional Fire Department, and the City of Ann Arbor Fire Department, where he is currently making a significant impact. He is the chair of the AAFD Health and Safety Committee and is working towards establishing a health and wellness branch for the department. Chris is also a representative on the Ann Arbor City Health and Wellness Committee, where he advocates for the importance of physical and mental health in the workplace.

In addition to his certifications, Chris is currently pursuing his BS in Health and Wellness. His dedication to ongoing education and professional development is a testament to his commitment to excellence in the field of health and fitness. In 2019, he successfully passed the NSCA TSAC-F test and was granted the associated credentials, further demonstrating his expertise.

With his unwavering passion and dedication to serving his community, Chris is a true leader and culture change agent in the fire service. He is a humble and approachable mentor who inspires his colleagues to prioritize their health and wellness. Chris’s expertise and experience make him an asset to the first responder community, and his commitment to ongoing education ensures that he is always up-to-date with the latest health and fitness trends.

Lead Instructor

Kenny Hayes

Kenny Hayes is a Captain with the Boston Fire Department where he has proudly served for over 25 years, working on the busiest companies throughout the city. Kenny is passionate about all training relating to fire ground survival and rescue. He has developed and lead all aspects of this type of intense, hands-on training for over 15 years. This passion for the subject has enabled him to travel all over North America both as a student and now Master Instructor for the IAFF Fire Ground Survival program. In addition to his passion for firefighter rescue training, Kenny is also heavily involved in department leadership and officer development training all new company officers. None of what he has done in his career would be possible without the support he receives from his family at home. Kenny served 4 years in the Navy where he met his wife Christina, who proudly served in the US Navy for 6 years. Together, they have 2 beautiful daughters. Bella is a sophomore at the University of Chicago and Lola is currently a junior in high school. Kenny recently turned 50 years old and set a personal goal, to run the Boston Marathon in 2024.

Lead Instructor

Jeff Greene

Jeff Greene is an O2X Lead Instructor. He’s a distinguished federal law enforcement leader with a career spanning over 15 years within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He currently serves as the Assistant Port Director for CBP at the Port of New York / Newark, where he leads a dedicated team of over 400 employees. Previously Jeff held the role of Senior Advisor to CBP’s Office of the Commissioner, stationed at CBP Headquarters in Washington D.C., where he oversaw various specialized teams, including Task Force Officers, Confidential Human Source Handlers, and Special Response Team Operators.

Lead Instructor

Jessica Crowley

Jessica is an O2X Lead instructor. With 27 years as a police sergeant, Jessica is a seasoned law enforcement professional renowned for her roles as a hostage negotiator, firearms instructor, and leader of the Crisis Intervention and Wellness team in the western suburbs of Chicago. A three-sport high school athlete and two-year collegiate athlete, her trajectory shifted due to a duty-related injury, leading to 25 leg surgeries and hip and knee replacements. Rising from physical challenges, she transformed into a mental performance and trauma specialist. Beyond her impressive law enforcement career, Jessica’s resilience shines in feats like hiking the Grand Canyon Rim-to-rim-to-rim and completing a 3-day, 33-mile trail run. As a High School Girls Basketball Coach and devoted family woman, married for 30 years with three daughters, Jessica brings a holistic perspective to human performance.

Lead Instructor

Chris Horkan

Chris is an O2X lead Instructor. He recently retired from law enforcement after a 32-year career. Chris began his law enforcement career with the Massachusetts Norfolk County Sheriff’s office in 1992 as a corrections officer. During his tenure he rose to the rank of Sergeant, was a team leader of the Sheriffs SRT unit and became a certified Mass Police Training Council defensive tactics Instructor. While with the sheriff’s office he was assigned to the METRO-LEC SWAT, a regional SWAT team. In 2002 he started with the Pembroke Police Department in Massachusetts as a patrol officer. During that time, he was certified as an MPTC Instructor in Firearms, Taser, and physical fitness. While with the Pembroke Police Department he was assigned to SEMLEC SWAT, where he rose to the rank of Operational Commander. In 2018 he attended the DEA Clandestine Drug Lab Course in Quantico Va. and became a member of the DEA Clandestine Drug Lab Entry Team New England Division. In 2020 was promoted to detective with the department until his retirement in 2024. Chris is a physical fitness enthusiast having shared his knowledge instructing police officers, CrossFit members and high school athletes.

Instructor

Billy Hegedus

Billy Hegedus is an O2X Instructor with an impressive 21 years of experience in the fire service. Billy began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and has served the last 13 years with the highly-acclaimed New York City Fire Department, FDNY. Billy also spent some time down in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He now resides in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Because burpees are his least favorite thing to do, Billy decided to start Strongman Training. For the past 5 years, he has been growing his strength at the Brooklyn, NY, Global Strongman Gym. Billy has evolved to compete in the Strongman’s Hero’s Division. This division includes police, military, EMS, and fire. Billy enjoys the diversity of training programs that O2X has to offer. Since he was a bigger guy in the fire service, he needed guidance to find the right, tailored program for himself. O2X was the answer. Billy claims that if you ever need rocks moved in your backyard or you forget your car jack, he’s the guy to call!

Instructor

Andrew Jenkins

Andrew Jenkins is an O2X Instructor from Virginia and has been a career firefighter/paramedic with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue for the last seven years. Drew is fortunate to be able to find a career that combines his passion for fitness and wellness along with having an impact on his community. When Drew isn’t on shift or assisting at the department’s health and wellness facility you can catch him outdoors or on the mats training Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Instructor

John Sarsfield

John Sarsfield is an O2X Instructor. John has worked professionally in the fitness industry since 2007.  In this time, he has coached, developed, and managed both clientele and other fitness professionals.  With this work experience, John has developed a wisdom that allows him to guide anyone looking to enhance their strength, conditioning, nutrition, and recovery by making things simple for the individual.  He has worked with every type of person throughout his career from athletes, to business professionals, to stay-at-home moms.  His passion is simple; allow everyone to perform at the highest level capable of them.  John’s credentials include a BS in Kinesiology, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coaching.  In his free time, John mainly spends time with his family who stay active around the year with different fitness activities including skiing, hiking, and golf.

Instructor

Mike Fitzpatrick

Mike Fitzpatrick is an O2X Instructor and proud United States Army Veteran, grateful for the opportunity to serve the last two decades. He completed combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His most recent role, before completion of service, was as Platoon Sergeant within a light infantry company of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Firefighter/EMT-B for a major city fire department in the Northeast, working on an Engine company and serving as an adjunct Fire Academy instructor. Mike holds a B.A from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and considers himself a lifelong learner. He is always eager to engage in discussion and the learning process. He is also a lifelong resident of the City of Boston, where he currently resides with his wife, their four children, and beloved German Shepherd.

Instructor

Dave Carter

Dave Carter is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Dave is going into his 21st year as a  Firefighter/Paramedic with the Portland Fire Department (ME). In addition to his regular duties he is an active member of the department’s Health and Wellness Division and is continually seeking new ways to improve the health and well-being of the department. Prior to joining the fire service, Dave was a Division 1 collegiate runner at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C..  It was during that time he was exposed to the importance of having structured training programs and the value of taking proper care of oneself.  He developed a strong interest and appreciation for all aspects of improving performance for which he continues to learn and build upon. After graduating he received his level 1 USA Track and Field certification and went on to become a volunteer assistant coach with the Bowdoin College Cross Country and Track teams. Similarly, he became an assistant coach for a local high school track team.  Having completed a handful of marathons, a dozen triathlons and a number of trail races, he continues to implement the training principles he has learned over the years.

Instructor

Jason Lacayo

Jason Lacayo is an O2X Instructor. Jason has been a police officer for 14 years. He began his career as a NYPD Officer in 2005 and worked operation impact on the 4×12 tour until he transferred to the City of White Plains Police Department in 2007. He worked 18 months on patrol before he moved into the Emergency Services Unit and became a SWAT operator. His unit specializes in rope rescue, vehicle extraction, and special weapons and tactics. He is a state Certified PT instructor and runs the Cooper Standard test to screen new applicants to his unit. Being physically fit is essential to being able to effectively complete his job. However, it is not simply being physically fit that enables him to be able to complete his occupational duties. Mental fitness and wellness are largely under-valued in society as a whole, but more specifically within the first responder community. Jason is a strong proponent of ensuring that all aspects of health and wellness are taken care of in order for any individual to be functioning optimally both on and off the job. He trains hard physically in the gym and makes sure that he takes time to meditate and reflect every day. In addition, Jason has been a CrossFit coach since 2014 and takes great pride in helping others to improve their lives and overall quality of life through fitness.

Instructor

Paul Blaikie

Paul Blaikie is an O2X Instructor. Paul is a Veteran who served two tours in Iraq (2005, 2007) during his 4-year enlistment for the USAF.  Upon being discharged, he became a Boston Firefighter in 2010.  In 2012, he began coaching football at his alma mater, St. Clement High School, where he coached multiple student-athletes that went on to play at the NCAA level, including 7 full-scholarship players and current Miami Dolphin, Larnel Coleman (OT, UMASS).  

Since 2017, Paul has been a Defensive Line Coach at Framingham State University.  Paul has been a part of a staff that has won 3 MASCAC Championships, made 2 NCAA Tournament appearances and won a New England Bowl (2017).  During this time, the Rams have had multiple D3Football.com All-Americans, NEFW All New England selections as well as MASCAC All-Conference players.

Paul was involved in the initial O2X workshop with Boston Fire and it was here he recognized the impact O2X can have.  Since then he has been an advocate of O2X and in 2020 he officially came on board as an instructor.  Paul is currently enrolled at UMASS Boston where he is pursuing his Exercise Science Degree.

Instructor

Whitney Tramel

Whitney Tramel is an O2X Instructor and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. She has coached in
both high school and collegiate settings but has spent most of her time working with tactical
populations. In her current role, she serves as a strength and conditioning coach working with
candidates going through the Air Force Special Warfare training pipeline.

On top of coaching, Whitney is currently pursuing a PhD. Her topic of research is examining
subjective and objective measures of physiological stress in tactical personnel and what can be
done to mitigate those stressors.

Outside of school and coaching, Whitney enjoys being outdoors. You’ll likely find her hiking, shooting
her bow, walking the dog, or finding a cool outdoor patio to enjoy some downtime.

Instructor

Kevin Dautel

Kevin Dautel is an Instructor with O2X Human Performance. Kevin has been with O2X for the past 2.5 years, working closely with tactical athletes in fire, law enforcement, government / federal agencies, and the military. Kevin is a passionate, high-energy coach with nearly a decade of experience working across all aspects of strength, conditioning, and human performance. Since 2012 he has been involved in multiple CrossFit gyms, coaching classes, conducting new membership introductions, movement assessments and screenings, and programming. Kevin has had the opportunity to coach and program elite gymnasts, hockey players, Olympic lifters, and many novice lifters.

Kevin is a Castleton University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Throughout his coaching career he has attended many workshops, such as Powermonkey Fitness Camp under David Durante and Chad Vaughn, both who are Olympians in their sports. Powermonkey features top level coaches in weightlifting, gymnastics, programming, pre and post workout mobility, and a Business of Excellence Seminar.

Kevin has also worked with ActiveLifeRx, an organization of Chiropractors and Physical Therapists to help better assess and create programs for athletes that have struggled with shoulder, hip, knee, and lower back injuries. Workshops include hands-on training to help athletes make better decisions and form a more accurate understanding of flexibility and mobility, as well as how movement impacts injury and performance. His passion is helping people get better every day and pushing them towards their goals.

Instructor

Christina Morris

Christina Morris is an O2X Instructor. Christina is also a wellness entrepreneur and the creator of Gypsy Fit- an online wellness platform. Her Bachelors in Education has empowered her to coach thousands of athletes and clients over the course of the past 10 years.

Her coaching journey began in 2011 at a Crossfit gym in Boston and has evolved into the creation of her own brand which promotes a more holistic approach to health. She equips clients with a roadmap towards sustainable wellness for their life’s journey through a variety of her nutrition and training programs.

Christina is passionate about learning and evolving her coaching style as she continues to grow. Her certifications and continuing education include: Box Fit Certified, Crossfit Level 1 & 2, Crossfit Strongman, Juggernaut Powerlifting Seminar, Crossfit Mobility, Certified Physical Preparation Specialist, Precision Nutrition and currently working on becoming a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach.

As a competitive athlete, Christina has competed in the Reebok Crossfit Regional Individual and Team competitions for 4 consecutive years (2013-2016) in addition to competing in an amateur boxing match for charity hosted by Haymakers for Hope at the House of Blues in Boston in 2016.

Christina wears many hats as student, trainer, coach and athlete but has also had the opportunity to work as a fitness model for some major brands like Reebok, UnderArmor and Nike to name a few.

Her passion is using movement and nutrition as the catalyst for change empowering individuals to step into the best version of themselves. She is most proud about her volunteer work with The Phoenix-a nationwide nonprofit sober active community. She helped in the beginning phases of the Boston Chapter and continues to support their organization.

Instructor

Robert Reid

Robert Reid is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Rob is a Captain with Roanoke Fire-EMS, located in Southwest Virginia. He’s been with the department for more than 18 years. Rob is a member of the Heavy and Tactical Rescue Team and is a boat operator for the Swift Water Team. He is also a water rescue instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Five years prior to employment, Rob was a volunteer firefighter in his hometown. He quickly discovered the importance of physical fitness for his career after an injury. It was after this injury that he was introduced to CrossFit and became a Level 1 coach. As of late, Rob has stepped away from the CrossFit world and into the world of endurance training, more specifically triathlons. Rob has two beautiful daughters and has been happily married for over 16 years.

Instructor

Mark Lane

Mark Lane is an O2X  Instructor. Mark brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to any team, but above all he brings an air of positivity. He uses his talents for good, and never evil, for the benefit of those around him. He has a passion for working with others to help them realize their full potential. Mark is an USAF veteran and former Firefighter. After an active childhood of team sports, he has spent over 20 years playing competitive rugby and almost 15 years as a CrossFit member and CrossFit Level2 Trainer(CF-L2). In 2005, Mark was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes which has given him a unique perspective on health regarding the tactical athlete with special considerations. Mark recently returned to school to complete a bachelor’s degree in Strength & Conditioning at The Citadel – The Military College of South Carolina. In his spare time, Mark coaches at a Charleston area gym and enjoys life with his family, traveling, playing/watching rugby, and just about any outdoor activity.

Instructor

CJ Gibbs

CJ Gibbs is an O2X Assistant Instructor. CJ first entered the fire service in 2014, when she joined her high school’s Fire Explorer program. After graduating, she continued to volunteer as she went through EMT, Paramedic School, and Fire Academy. CJ was hired by her first career department in 2009, then began working for her dream department, Denton FD, in 2012. Currently, CJ works at Denton’s rescue station and serves as an instructor for the department’s training program. CJ has a B.A.A.S with concentrations in Health Promotion, Public Administration, and Emergency Management from the University of North Texas. She has been a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer since 2016 and has used that training to help men and women prepare for careers in the fire service. CJ also serves as the Grant Coordinator for 555 Fitness, a non-profit whose goal is to help first responders create a resiliency to illness, injury, and disease. In her spare time, CJ works as an Adjunct Instructor for Tarrant County College’s Fire Program and travels the world.

CJ’s passion to help others with their fitness journey stems from her past. Though always active, CJ struggled with being overweight until the age of 20, when she adopted a life of healthy eating and fitness. The accumulation of small changes over time allowed her to have a career she is passionate about, adventures she will never forget, and experiences she will forever cherish. It is her goal to help others reach their health and fitness potential, so they too, can enjoy all that life has to offer.

Instructor

Brandon Haney

Brandon Haney is an O2X Instructor. He is also a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and has served as a fireman since 2009.  Throughout his fire service career he has provided care as a paramedic, operated as a back step on suppression apparatus, worked as the Driver/Pump Operator, and acted as a fill-in officer. Currently, he is assigned as an Engine Company Officer with Stafford Fire and Rescue in Virginia.

Prior to his most recent assignment, Brandon served two years in the Basic Training Division instructing and managing Recruit Fire Academies.  It was here that he developed a passion for all things health and wellness.  In 2017 he certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA so that he could better serve the tactical athlete community.  Brandon was exposed to O2X in 2018 and began contracting as a Workshop Assistant in 2019.  His favorite O2X pillar is Thrive.  He believes this area is typically overlooked but is critical for success in all other areas of fitness and performance. O2X has impacted him most significantly in the areas of sleep performance and mindfulness.

Instructor

Scott Ziegler

Scott Ziegler is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Scott has been a Firefighter – EMTB for over 15 years. Before becoming a firefighter he was a volunteer FF, worked on an ambulance, and in an emergency room as a tech. After this experience, he was hired into the City of Highland Park’s Fire Department in 2009. Highland Park, geographically,  is a small city completely surrounded by Detroit and has an extremely high operational tempo.  Scott worked there until he was hired by the City of Detroit in 2014, and is currently stationed on the west-side of the city on Truck 25, which resides with Engine 53. 

Scott is a certified Crossfit coach and has coached at a local gym for 6 years as well. He spends much of his free time hunting, fishing, and camping in northern Michigan, and also works for the fire-fighter non-profit, 555 Fitness, as one of their social media managers.

Instructor

Rhett Baron

Rhett Baron is an O2X Instructor who grew up playing ice hockey in San Diego. Having been raised in a military family, he moved to Virginia Beach, VA, and played hockey at East Carolina University. There, he received his B.S. in Kinesiology, and afterwards took an internship with EXOS in Los Angeles. Following the completion of the internship, he relocated to work at the University of Vermont. He also held positions at the Human Performance Initiative (VA) and Prentiss Hockey Performance (CT). He is very excited to be a part of O2X and work with the tactical population.

Instructor

Chris Leyva

Chris Leyva is an O2X Instructor. Chris began his journey in human performance as a division 1 athlete, playing football at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Shortly after his tenure with the Golden Panthers, he enlisted in the military completing multiple deployments to the Middle East as a Gun Team Leader with 1st Ranger Battalion.

After his time with Ranger Regiment, he then went back to school to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at George Washington University in Washington, DC. During that time he also interned in the Georgetown Sports Performance Department, working with all 29 sports teams and the Iron Hoya’s VETMAG program serving Active Duty and Veteran Status students at Georgetown University. While with the Iron Hoyas he earned his USAW L1-L2 certifications and is working towards his NSCA-CSCS. 

In his spare time, Chris enjoys participating in recreational sports, specifically football, continuing an education in physical therapy, lifting heavy, and is known to be a connoisseur of tacos and Cuban cuisine.

Instructor

Matt McDowell

Matt McDowell is an O2X Instructor who works full time as the Chief of Training & Special Operations for the North Charleston (SC) Fire Department. He is also a Maritime (Law) Enforcement Specialist at a Port Security Unit in the US Coast Guard Reserve and works for the South Carolina State Fire Academy as an Education Specialist where he develops curriculum and instructs.

Matt is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up an athletic nomad. Having recreationally competed in judo, soccer, hockey and speed skating, he formally competed at high levels in baseball, basketball and tennis. After an interesting high school athletic career, he was invited his senior year to train at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina before playing Division 1 tennis at The Citadel in Charleston (SC).

After joining the fire department, he immediately became interested in the Firefighter Combat Challenge. Training for competition, and learning from his successes and failures, led to him becoming a personal trainer. He has used that knowledge and experience to help develop and grow health & wellness programs for numerous fire departments, recruit schools and individuals.

Matt is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Specialist. He has degrees in business and occupational safety & health and is currently a graduate student in intelligence and security studies at The Citadel. He is the owner of Kinetic Development Group consulting and has presented at the national level on topics to include firefighter safety and survival, leadership and resilience.

Instructor

Samantha McChesney

Samantha Hamilton is an O2X Instructor, Firefighter/EMT, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach dedicated to providing top-tier injury prevention, strength, and conditioning for tactical, college, high school, and youth athletes. As the founder and owner of a fitness studio specializing in tactical and elite athletes, Samantha’s impact goes beyond individual training. She has worked to transform her department in Concord, Massachusetts, fostering a healthier workplace by introducing pre and post-shift workouts, monthly challenges, and health facts posted to a whiteboard. While also being married to a firefighter, Samantha can understand the challenges of a work/life balance within the tactical population.

Her commitment extends globally, having trained athletes and first responders in various countries, stemming from her study abroad experience in Ireland. With a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Science, and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration, Samantha exemplifies a passion for continuous learning.

Beyond her professional achievements, she actively supports organizations like Military Friends Foundation, Tough Ruck, and 22Mohawks, raising over $100,000 for veterans and first responders. Samantha’s relentless pursuit of self-improvement is evident in her participation in 11 marathons and annual competitions at the Arnold’s in Strongman. O2X is not just a job for her; it’s her happy place, and her dedication to personal and collective well-being is unwavering. Outside of work, you’ll find Samantha at the gym, exploring the world, fostering dogs, or discovering new ice cream places.

Instructor

Nick Hawkes

Nick Hawkes is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Nick currently holds a position of Master Coach and Education Mentor at CrossFit Invictus in San Diego, California. Nick is one of only a handful of people that has earned the title of Crossfit Level 4 coach. He also holds numerous other certifications including FRCms (Functional Range Conditioning mobility specialist), Kinstretch, CPT, and ELDOA L3. Nick is also a United States Navy Veteran, serving multiple combat deployments to the Middle East as an Aircrewman.

Instructor

Jessica Silva

Jessica Silva is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Jessica has been in the first responder world for most of her career.  She started out as an EMT in San Jose and San Diego.  After a military relocation to Virginia, she moved to the other side of the radio as a 911 dispatcher for the City of Virginia Beach.  After receiving her BS in Criminal Justice, she participated in an internship with Virginia State Probation and Parole, and subsequently worked for the City as a Community Corrections Officer for domestic violence offenders.  In 2011, she started volunteering with a Wilderness Search and Rescue team and shortly thereafter started training as a K9 handler.  She and Nash, the dog, worked numerous searches for missing persons, downed aircraft, and cold case human remains searches throughout the state under the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, in conjunction with both state and local police, fire departments, and rescue personnel.  In addition to raising two children and riding out 14 post 9/11 deployments, she served as Ombudsman for a SEAL command for several years, was part of the shaping of resiliency programs for special forces spouses and families, and is the author of a children’s book about deployment.  She currently lives in Colorado, with her husband, who has recently retired after 27 years in the SEAL teams, enjoying the empty nest life.

Instructor

Zach O’Neil

Zach O’Neil is an O2X Instructor who has been involved in the fire service since 2019. He started his career as a call firefighter and was later hired as a full time firefighter/EMT in 2020 for a town in the metro Boston area. Prior to going full time in the fire service, Zach worked for the City of Worcester’s Division of Emergency Management. Most recently, he assisted in the City’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Zach has a B.S. in Emergency Management and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He played soccer while at the academy and served as team captain his senior year. It was during his time at Mass Maritime when he found his passion for human performance. Zach also trained for and ran the 2018 Boston Marathon which further motivated his interest in fitness and wellness. Zach hopes to share his passion and motivate others within the tactical athlete community. Zach currently lives in the Boston area where he enjoys grilling, hiking and snowboarding in his free time.

Instructor

Luke Cuneo

Luke Cuneo is an O2X Instructor. Luke is from Ashland, MA and graduated from the Dexter School in Brookline, MA in 2014. Luke was named team Captain of his football team for 3 years and named New England Player of the Year his senior season. After high school Luke went to Furman University in Greenville, SC to play football and be a part of the Army ROTC program. Luke played football for all four years and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences. In 2018, upon graduation from Furman University, Luke commissioned as a 2nd LT in the US Army.

After college Luke attended Infantry training down in Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion of his training he traveled to Schofield Barracks, HI to serve as an Infantry Platoon Leader from September 2019-June 2021. While in the Army, Luke started to compete in the sport of CrossFit. Luke tried out and was selected to the US Army Warrior Fitness Team in 2021 and serves with the team currently. He has been to CrossFit Semifinals as a team member and has his CrossFit Level 1.

Instructor

Brooke Rich

Brooke DeForte Rich is an O2X Instructor. Brooke completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Counseling degree at the University of Maine. While at college, Brooke competed as a Division 1 runner for the track and field team. She served as a captain for the women’s indoor and outdoor NCAA collegiate track teams. Early on Brooke developed a passion for the connection of mental and physical health and how they both contribute to overall performance. After several years working in the mental health field, Brooke went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Post graduation, she worked at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital caring for children and their families. Currently, Brooke is a National Board Certified Counselor, a trained health coach and works as a Registered Nurse in a school setting. She is a lifelong athlete and has competed in many adventure races, triathlons, and endurance events. Brooke lives in Southern Maine with her family and enjoys lifting weights, hiking, being on the water, running, and traveling.

Instructor

Matt Stoneback

Matt Stoneback is an O2X Instructor. Born and raised in Quakertown, PA, Matt attended East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. There he obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Athletic Training. While obtaining his master’s degree, he became a volunteer Firefighter. After graduating he practiced as an athletic trainer and later was hired as a professional firefighter in Frederick County Maryland where he currently works.

Matt truly loves his job as a career firefighter. Having an educational background in injury prevention and rehabilitation has given him the opportunity to train with and educate others in his department on how every aspect of health and human performance impacts career longevity. After discovering O2X and their focus on tactical athletes, Matt felt he could offer a unique perspective being a firefighter with a master’s degree in athletic training. Matt emphasizes proper technique and training with a purpose, all the while pushing yourself to be the best you can be. He wants to use his background and skills to educate others on how to develop healthy habits for long and fulfilling careers. Matt believes the history of the fire department is strong but there is a need for positive change in the health and wellness part of this profession and he wants to be a part of that change.Matt enjoys fishing, hunting, traveling and taking new classes both in fire and rescue as well as health and safety. He hopes he can bring a positive impact to O2X and bring change to the fire service all across the country.

Instructor

Nate Larkin

Nate Larkin is an O2X Instructor. Nate brings 16 years of career experience from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Currently at the rank of Lieutenant, Nate is assigned to T425 in Reston, VA. His passion for training is focused on the psychological and physiological stressors which the mind and body are subject to during training and on the fire ground.  Previously, Nate was the Operational Training Unit Lead in the Field Training Branch where he managed, developed, and instructed numerous training classes during conferences both nationally and internationally.  Nate is also a current H.O.T. Instructor at FDIC.

Instructor

Christine LaVopa

Christine LaVopa is an O2X Instructor. Christine earned her B.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis in nutrition at Queens College in New York. She went on to attain her personal training, strength and conditioning and nutrition certifications leading to over 17 years of experience in the health, wellness and fitness industry. She enjoyed playing competitive level softball in high school and also competed in fitness competitions at the national level.  

As a wellness coach, she creates adaptable strategies and solutions for her clients. Her clientele ranges from professional single women to busy mothers, specifically military mothers. As a military spouse and mom, she has an appreciation and a great deal of gratitude for how challenging the military life can be so when she gets to help military members and their families, it brings an extra degree of accomplishment. Living healthy and being fit is her daily routine and when she isn’t helping clients she is learning more about fitness, nutrition and wellness to further serve her clients at a higher level.

Although health and wellness is her passion, the second biggest joy in her life is her family. Spending time with her husband and kids. She’s also a true beach bum and enjoys the sun and sand at every opportunity.

Instructor

Joseph Tardiff

Joseph “JT” Tardiff is an O2X Instructor who has been involved in the fire service since 2021. Before his career as a firefighter, JT worked as a State Special Police Officer for 10 years. JT has also been involved in coaching athletes since 2014 after he competed in the New England CrossFit Regionals where his team placed 8th overall. There he found a passion for fitness and living an active lifestyle and wanted to further his knowledge by obtaining his CrossFit level  1 & 2 trainer certifications. JT has worked with athletes in the class and individual settings to pass on his knowledge of fitness and overall health. He also played baseball and rugby growing up which helped shape his team mentality which he incorporates in his classes.

Instructor

Patrick Farr

Patrick Farr is an O2X instructor who became an entrepreneur over ten years ago by taking the leap from the corporate world and opening a juice & smoothie bar called Quench Juicery.  Since opening location #1, the business has expanded to 4 separate locations throughout New England, two of which have subsequently been sold off, and the remaining locations have now been franchised.  Patrick is also active in the CrossFit community, being a former co-owner of CrossFit Overthrow, and holds his CrossFit L2 Trainer designation.  Patrick holds a B.S. in Economics/Finance from Bentley University.  Being a lifelong sports and fitness enthusiast, Patrick is a 6-time marathon finisher and enjoys sharing his knowledge of nutrition (Quench Juicery) and strength and conditioning (CrossFit) with like-minded individuals.  In his spare time, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and doing anything physically active in an attempt to burn off the endless energy of their three young rowdy boys.  He looks forward to a lifetime of physical activity and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to teach his young boys how to one day grow up to become great men.

Instructor

Alima Mims

Alima Mims is an O2X Assistant Instructor. In 2001 Alima began volunteering with a local fire department in South Georgia, his volunteer work would later lead him to relocate to Augusta, Georgia where in 2007 he would be hired as a fulltime firefighter. Alima currently has nearly two decades of fire service experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration and is working on his Master’s in Homeland Security. He has his Health and Safety Program Manager and uses this to guide agencies on both injury prevention and fitness. Alima is a certified CPR instructor for The American Heart Association and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the State of Georgia.  His hobbies include obstacle course racing, traveling, and helping others achieve their fitness goals. He also has a passion for health and as a result, obtained his nutritionist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine to help others become more physically active within the different lines of work.  Alima currently works for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and has been with the agency for 4 years now. He is a liaison for the GSAR (Georgia Search and Rescue Teams) across Georgia and the regional Hazardous Material Teams, which includes the deployment and dispatch of these units in the event of a disaster throughout Georgia.

INSTRUCTOR

Hans Olson

Hans Olson is a O2X workshop instructor. He currently works with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In this capacity, he works with the Department of Defense, Special Operations Command, and the intelligence community transitioning next generation technologies to keep the U.S. at the forefront in the global competitive environment.

Hans previously worked as a Senior Vice President with Teneo Risk. In this role, he led strategic engagements and advised CEOs, management teams, and executive boards on issues relating to cyber and physical security risks and mitigation strategies, crisis preparedness, planning, management and response.

He was the Cyber Engagement Manager supporting the U.S. State Department’s Global Engagement Center. Their mission is to lead, synchronize, and coordinate the U.S. Government’s interagency technology efforts to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation.

Hans was also the Assistant Undersecretary for Homeland Security, and the Senior Advisor for Antiterrorism and Cybersecurity, Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this role, he oversaw multiple agencies and the Homeland Security Grant Process for the state, as well as developed comprehensive antiterrorism and cybersecurity policies.

Prior to his role with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hans was the CEO of SubSea Energy North America, an innovative energy company that developed micro-hydropower systems for the Department of Defense.  Earlier in his career, Hans was a civilian intelligence officer with the Department of Defense and a Navy Reserve intelligence officer working primarily with the special operations community. He has multiple overseas tours, including two deployments to Afghanistan.

Hans holds an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, an MBA from Babson College, and a MA and BA from the University of New Hampshire.

O2X Instructor

Kayla Stoneback

McKayla Stoneback was the first On-site specialist for O2X. She started with O2X as an On-Site Specialist for Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services in Frederick, Maryland. She has worked with the tactical population for over eight years now, implementing annual movement screenings, pre-habilitation programs, tactical strength and conditioning programs, and developing an overall health and wellness program for career fire departments. Since then, she has relocated to the Midwest and continues to work as an O2X Workshop Instructor. 

McKayla graduated with a B.S. Exercise Science and a minor in Nutrition. Her experience in human performance started on the athletic side, working with athletes of all ages and ability levels. From there, she wanted to expand her experience and knowledge in the human performance field and became involved with the tactical side of human performance. Kayla then went back to continue her education and graduated with a Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation: Sports Performance & Conditioning from Southern Utah University. She chose to complete her Master thesis research within the tactical population. Her research was focused on identifying the significance of the relationship between the physical demands of firefighting and the physical fitness qualities of firefighters. Her research was then published. In addition, McKayla is also a certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist and Athleticism Coach. 

Outside of work you will find Kayla spending time with her family and friends, enjoying the outdoors. Her and her family enjoy working out together and staying active. Kayla enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, and staying active with her husband, kiddos, and their dog Koda.

Resilience Specialist

Sara Hendershot

Sara Hendershot is an O2X Thrive Specialist. Sara is a lifelong athlete and competitor. She grew up in Boston, MA where she developed a love of sports from an early age. During her high school years, she moved to Simsbury, CT where she was introduced to the sport of rowing. Immediately drawn to the nature of the sport, she realized that this highly technical craft rewarded relentless hard work, and she committed herself to the goal of competing in college.

This lead Sara to be recruited to row at Princeton University where she became her team’s Captain, a two-time All American, and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. Upon graduation, she earned her way onto the United States Women’s National team and became a two-time World Champion and 2012 Olympian in the Women’s Pair where she finished in fourth place. Through this journey, she faced several bouts of injury, which lead her to study human movement and physiology and develop a passion for coaching and high performance.

After retiring from the sport of rowing, Sara has taken the lessons she learned from professional sport and applied them to performing in business and life. She has developed a career in brand marketing for health and fitness companies, where most recently she helped build a sports nutrition brand from before its launch to its fourth consecutive year of growth. She is also a performance consultant to the Harvard Women’s Rowing Team, an avid mental health advocate, and she continues to compete in athletic events like the NYC and Chicago marathon. Sara now lives in Cambridge, MA with her husband Mike, son Maverick, and French Bulldog Bron.

Resilience Specialist

Ray Norton

Ray Norton is an O2X Instructor and Resilience Specialist. He began his fire service career in 1987 as a volunteer firefighter at Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue in Florida and was hired on full-time a year later; became a paramedic in 1989; and in 1994, he began working for the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District. He is currently a District Chief in charge of command of control of incident operations and management. During his career he held positions as Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Training Chief, EMS Chief and assisted with the Operations Chief position.

In 1990, Ray began working as a medic in a Level 2 adult and pediatric trauma center (Bayfront Medical Center), and soon joined the crew of Bayflite, the hospital’s aeromedical program specializing in trauma. It was the busiest trauma response helicopter in the nation with 97% of calls being scene responses. The program provided services for All Children’s Hospital for pediatric and neonatal transports. He also became one of the primary preceptors for the emergency room and Bayflite.

Ray also worked at the Pinellas Fire academy teaching mostly live fire exercises to new recruits and coordinated with other training chiefs in the county to provide inter-agency training drills.

During his off hours, Ray joined his wife to start up a nonprofit she co-founded for combat veterans where he functioned as the fitness and event coordinator. This organization utilized alternative therapies to assist Veterans with PTS transition back to civilian life and help with stress management. He also taught martial arts (Kali-stick and knife fighting) as an alternative modality to help manage stress and be present in the here and now. Ray recognized the overlapping need for these modalities and helped guide the program to provide services to first responders with PTS.

Ray is a lifelong practitioner of martial arts, owns a martial arts school and has a passion for fitness. He became a yoga instructor and co-owns and manages a yoga studio with his wife Janel where they also provide services for veterans and first responders.

Resilience Specialist

Myron Burns

Myron J. Burns, PhD is an O2X Resilience Specialist. Dr. Burns completed his undergraduate studies from Howard University in Washington, DC and graduate training in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. In addition, he has completed post-doctoral training in health psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Burns is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Novasoutheastern University College of Psychology.

He has instructed a variety of courses in psychology, counseling, and substance abuse. Dr. Bruns has worked with individuals, families, first responders, and military personnel on processing trauma and stress, depression, drug use, and stress management. His research interests are in health, personality, resiliency, and stress process variables. Dr. Bruns is a native Floridian, and when not working, this self described “military brat” can be found in the gym or traveling abroad.

Resilience Specialist

Lauren Simmonds

Lauren Simmonds is an O2X Resilience Specialist. Lauren Simmonds has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 2015. Lauren went to the University of Central Florida for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and continued her education at Nova Southeastern University where she obtained both her Master’s and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.

Lauren completed an internship at the Southern Arizona VA in Tucson, AZ and residency at the James A. Haley VA in Tampa, FL. Lauren continued her work with the military/Veteran population at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, NC, working primarily with the 82nd Airborne Division.

In 2019, Lauren went through support assessment and selection for AFSOC-GSU and began her career with Special Operations. Presently, Lauren is working at the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. Lauren has extensive experience with trauma focused interventions for the treatment of PTSD (combat and MST), as well as the treatment of TBI, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.

Resilience Specialist

Elizabeth Werly

Dr. Elizabeth Werly is an O2X Mental Performance and Resilience Specialist. She has a foundation in clinical psychology and works as an operational aviation psychologist for the United States Army. Dr. Werly has provided individual and organizational consultation for military personnel in both training and deployed environments.

Her training focuses on performance enhancement in high stress, fast-paced environments with extreme performance expectations. Her work focuses on education, self-awareness, and advanced resilience training for individuals and teams in order to build and foster a culture of well-being for continued advancement and peak performance. Dr. Werly has been working with the military since 2015 and has deployed twice in support of combat operations.

Her areas of expertise include: performance enhancement, advanced behavioral consultation, resilience and mental performance, personnel selection, executive coaching, leader coaching and development, training and program support, performance psychology, generational trends, and program evaluation.

Dr. Werly currently lives in Nashville with her Husband Dan and their son, Jack.

Resilience Specialist

Shumi Rawlins

Dr. Shumi Rawlins is an O2X Resilience Specialist and a licensed clinical psychologist. In 2005, after completing her training and licensure as a Psychologist, she earned her commission in the United States Navy. She later went on to serve in the Reserves. Dr. Rawlins has spent over 15 years combining her clinical work with her experiences as a military spouse in order to support active duty service members and their families as a clinician and teammate. 

In her role as an embedded psychologist at a Special Operations command, she became highly experienced at recognizing and addressing the outcomes of working in a high-risk environment and teaching strategies for strength and resilience. 

By having a specialization in assessment and selection, Dr. Rawlins has developed an understanding of the personalities and characteristics of those drawn to working in high-risk environments and necessary techniques for success and effectiveness.

Resilience Specialist

Kally Swibes

Kally Swibes is an O2X Resilience & Mental Performance Specialist. She currently works for Versado Training – a company out of Raleigh Durham, specializing in adult learning within the life science industry. Prior to Versado, Kally worked in the advertising industry in Chicago and helped start a program called Athletes Connected, a collaboration between the University of Michigan and the NCAA. Her work with Athletes Connected allowed Kally to speak to Student Athletes at the University of Michigan and around the Big Ten about her struggles around mental health. The goal of these workshops was to normalize the topic of mental health and to promote help seeking in student athletes – a group who generally does not reach out for help when struggling with mental health issues.

Kally now speaks with student athletes and organizations around the country using her story to demonstrate the power of human performance and how it contributes to the success of every individual.

Resilience Specialist

Andy Haffele

Andy Haffele is an O2X Resilience Specialist and former Navy SEAL. After graduating from high school in a small-town in southern Wisconsin, he was appointed to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. While attending the Naval Academy, Andy studied Computer Science and participated in intercollegiate boxing. He graduated from Annapolis in the spring of 2001.

Upon his U.S. Naval Academy commissioning, Andy received orders to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL(BUD/S) training in Coronado, CA. He started the SEAL training pipeline in the fall of 2001 and earned his SEAL Trident approximately 2 years later. Andy’s first duty assignment was to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, HI where he reported in November 2003.

After only four months of training in his first SEAL platoon, he was critically injured during a training exercise in Hawaii on March 18, 2004. He was accidentally shot in the upper right chest from approximately 15 feet away with a military assault rifle. Despite the near fatal wound, he survived the initial injury but sustained severe nerve damage to his entire right arm/shoulder. Andy continued therapy and received numerous surgeries to improve the function in his arm for nearly four years while remaining on active duty. The injury resulted in permanent nerve damage and he was subsequently medically discharged from the Navy.

After leaving the service, he has worked in the Information Technology sector. Andy currently works for a law enforcement agency in the Rocky Mountain region, where he assists the agency with technological needs and is involved with their special tactics unit.

Since his time in the military, Andy has felt very fortunate to get a second chance at life through his unique experiences. He looks back on everything that took place in a positive aspect and shares his story with military personnel, first-responders, and Christian organizations around the country. Andy and his wife have been blessed with three wonderful sons and currently reside in the mountains of Colorado.

Resilience Specialist

Jennifer Pugh

Jennifer Pugh is an O2X Resilience Specialist with expertise in mental health skills training. Her areas of focus include acute and chronic stress management, emotion regulation, anger management, effective communication, crisis intervention, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. Jennifer served for many years as a staff clinician at her local VA hospital, engaging servicemembers, veterans, first responders and government employees in a variety of mental health treatment modalities. She now owns her own practice and teaches graduate clinical courses at Boston College. 

Jennifer received her B.A. in Psychology from Boston University and her MSW with a focus in veterans and military families from Boston College. After graduation, she went on to complete an academic fellowship at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. She is currently licensed to practice clinical social work in Massachusetts and New York, and is certified in Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy. Her professional experience includes the provision of individual psychotherapy, group therapy, clinical case management, and psychoeducation training in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. 

With personal ties to law enforcement and the military, Jennifer appreciates that the optimization of mental wellness is an integral part of maximizing human performance. Following the same advice she gives her clients, her free time consists of eating fun foods, getting outdoors, catching quality zzz’s, and working up a good sweat.

Resilience Specialist

Arno Ilgner

Arno Ilgner is an O2X Resilience Specialist with expertise in stress management, resiliency, and all things mental training for tactical athletes & first responders nationwide.

Arno distinguished himself as a pioneering rock climber in the 1970s and ‘80s, when the top climbs were bold and dangerous first ascents. These personal exploits are the foundation for his unique physical and mental training program–The Warrior’s Way ®. In 1995, after a thorough search of the literature and practice of mental training and the great warrior traditions, Arno formalized his methods, founded the Desiderata Institute, and began teaching his program full time. Since then, he has helped thousands of students sharpen their awareness, focus attention, and understand their athletic (and life) challenges within a coherent, learning-based philosophy of intelligent risk-taking. Arno considers the joy and satisfaction in the effort – the “journey” – intimately linked to successful attainment of goals, the “destination.”

Arno has taught clinics across the U.S.A. and abroad. He holds a BA in geology, spent several years operating his own geological consulting firm in the Wyoming oil fields, acted as Chief Financial Officer for an industrial tool distribution company, attended the Army Ranger School, and served a non-combat tour of duty in Korea. He currently resides with his family near Nashville, Tennessee.

Resilience Specialist

Dan Cnossen

Dan Cnossen is an O2X Resilience Specialist. Dan was raised on a 5th-generation family farm in Topeka, Kansas. After successfully completing SEAL qualification training in 2003, he deployed numerous times in support of global special operations. As a SEAL platoon commander, he was severely injured in 2009 in Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of both legs above the knees. Turning to sport for recovery, Dan eventually began training full-time for the US Paralympic Nordic ski team. He has since competed for Team USA in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games and is the first male athlete to win a gold medal for the United States in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing with precision target shooting. Dan holds a BS in English from the U.S. Naval Academy, MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and MTS from Harvard Divinity School. He has been working with O2X since 2018 as a resilience specialist.

Resilience Specialist

Coleman Ruiz

Coleman Ruiz is an O2X Leadership and Resilience specialist. Coleman is also the Co-Founder and Director of Performance at the Mission Critical Team Institute. The MCTI develops research and practice for the Selection, Training, and Professional Development of Mission Critical Teams, defined as small (4-12 agents) integrated groups of organically trained and educated experts dealing with complex adaptive problems. Mission Critical Teams operate in immersive, but constrained (300 seconds or less), temporally constrained environments where the consequence of failure can be catastrophic. Mission Critical Teams, as examples, include Wildland and Urban Firefighters, Trauma Surgeons, Hostage Rescue teams, elite sports teams, Special Operations soldiers, etc.

Coleman is also an Advisor and Partner at the Liminal Collective, reimagining the future of what is possible as a Human 2.0, Humans 2.0, and Humanity 2.0. The Collective helps create, plan, organize, and execute against some of humanity’s boldest endeavors ranging from space flight and deep-sea exploration to reimagining the future of national security and elite sport. The Liminal Collective serves as the operational planning arm for “never been done” events, and serves the individuals training for performance under pressure in high consequence environments.

Coleman is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer. All-together, he served six operational combat deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He’s served as troop commander, joint task force commander, and executive officer at various levels of Naval Special Warfare and served in U.S. Embassies in both Yemen and Kenya working directly with the Ambassador’s country team. Coleman also served as a Training Officer at both the basic and advanced Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) training schools.

Coleman has served as a trainer, educator, and advisor for over a dozen collegiate teams, and professional athletic organizations.  He serves as a US Naval Academy Trustee for Athletic and Scholarship Programs and serves as a Senior Fellow at the US Naval Academy’s VADM James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership.

Since completing active duty service in 2011, Coleman has also served as the Executive Director of Carry the Load in Dallas, TX, a 501(c)3, as a board member at Tip of the Spear, a veteran-focused non-profit, and member of the Station Foundation’s veteran transition programs. Lastly, he often serves as a Mentor at COMMIT Foundation transition workshops, where senior retirees or high-potential veterans are creating their path into the private sector.

Coleman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in Mathematics and earned an MBA in Finance at the Government School of Business & Public Policy from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

He lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife Bridget Ruiz and their three children, Coleman (age 16), Ben (age 14), and Oliver (age 10).

Resilience Specialist

Geoff Krill

Geoff Krill is an O2X Resilience Specialist. Geoff is also an adventure athlete, professional skier and public speaker, who first found skiing when he was 12 years old when his family moved from Georgia to Connecticut. He continued to ski recreationally through college until suffering a spinal cord injury in a snowmobile accident in New Hampshire in 1995.  As soon as he received the “ok” from his doctor, he learned to ski sitting down.  

Geoff went from student to instructor that first season with New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. He now serves as the Executive Director of Eastern Adaptive Sports. Geoff is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) National Demonstration team, which allows him to travel across the country to share his work at other mountains.  He is also a PSIA examiner in the Eastern Division and spends much of his time leading clinicians and training others in the sport he loves. 

Some of Geoff’s important wheelchair “firsts” include being the first mono skier to tackle Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mt. Washington and the first hand-cyclist to travel the three notches (Franconia, Crawford and Bear notches) and 100 miles in one day.  

He currently lives in North Woodstock, NH with his wife, Heather and two children, Carver and Greta. As his wife puts it, you can always find him out trying to save the world one wheelchair at a time.

Resilience Specialist

Emily Cook

Emily Cook is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. Emily never let go of a dream to compete in the Olympics. Sidelined by two broken feet only days after making the 2002 Olympic Team, Cook watched her hometown Olympics from a wheelchair, and missed three World Cup seasons while healing. She persevered and returned to compete, reaching the top of the World Cup podium numerous times as well as reaching her Olympic dream three times: 2006 in Italy, 2010 in Vancouver and in 2014 in Sochi. 

After retiring from Olympic competition, Emily joined the audio brand, Skullcandy to design and bring to life the Skullcandy Human Potential Lab. In The Human Potential Lab Emily spent time with some of the world’s top athletes helping them pursue their individual dreams and contribute to the communities around them and investigating the science between music and human performance. 

Today, Emily is traveling the world with the US Ski Team, coaching the next generation of champions to reach their own Olympic goals. She has coached our country’s best including guiding World Champions Ashley Caldwell and Jon Lillis to the top of the podium at the 2017 World Championships. The highlight of her coaching journey was accompanying the team to the Olympic Games in PyeongChang, Korea. 

Resilience Specialist

Stephen Durant

Dr. Durant is a Dorchester, MA native and rugby player. He is a clinical psychologist and the co-director of the PACES institute at Mass General Hospital, specializing in Sports Psychology (Performance and Character Excellence in Sports). Dr. Durant shares his own story of resilience, and how to tap into your own resilience in times of challenge and adversity.

Resilience Specialist

Jess Moffitt

Dr. Jess (Harmon) Moffitt, Psy.D., is an O2X Mental Performance and Resilience Specialist. She has a foundation in clinical psychology and works as an operational psychologist in the United States Army.  She specializes in personnel selection, advanced behavioral consultation, and resilience and mental performance training for special operation forces. 

She has provided individual and organizational consultation for military personnel in both training and deployed environments.  Her training focuses on a resilience based model of performance enhancement in high stress, fast-paced environments to prevent and mitigate the impacts of work and familial related stressors in these settings.  Her work focuses on education, self-awareness, and advanced resilience training, for individuals and teams, in order to build and foster a culture of well-being for continued peak performance over time in high stress environments.     

Dr. Moffitt has been working with the military for the past twelve years.  She has multiple combat deployments and has spent over 24 months in combat environments, providing psychological support, including traumatic event management to individuals and teams in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  She works with service members and their families to provide preventative stress management training, as well as teaching individuals how to develop and maintain resiliency and growth in the aftermath of trauma and loss.  Her interests expand to working with those in demanding environments to develop and maintain peak psychological performance over the course of their career and beyond retirement or job transition.  

She was born and raised in Colorado, but currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children. 

Resilience Specialist

Hunter Barnhill

Hunter Barnhill is an O2X Resilience Specialist and a former U.S. Air Force pilot with over 700 hours logged in the B-52H Stratofortress, and over 600 hours in the T-6A Texan II. As a B-52H pilot, Hunter led his crew in accomplishing a variety of missions. Missions including nuclear deterrence, close air support, air-to-ground, direct attack, and counter-drug. In 2015, Hunter volunteered to be an Instructor Pilot and was thus tasked with the crucial and vital role of instructing and producing the Air Force’s next generation of highly skilled and capable pilots. 

On Easter Sunday 2017, Hunter suffered a seizure caused by a previously undetected brain tumor which required immediate surgery to remove. Hunter was subsequently diagnosed with malignant brain cancer, thus cutting short his military aviation career. The diagnosis led Hunter to develop a deeper respect for resiliency and a new-found passion for teaching others how to implement the life-saving and life-enriching skills into their own lives: “I had received hundreds of hours of resiliency training from the Air Force for the purpose of instructing other Airmen. Even in passing along those resiliency skills to others, I had failed to internalize and apply those skills myself, but that all changed when I received my cancer diagnosis.” The skills and techniques he once used to teach undergraduate pilots now enables him to teach and instruct thousands in developing and building their own resilience. 

Hunter resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Crystal, son Nolan, and dog Riley. Despite being found medically unqualified to fly, his passion for aviation continues. He enjoys studying leadership, is a proud Ohioan, and a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye athletics fan, especially football and hockey. Most of all, he loves seizing opportunities to strengthen his faith and spending quality time with his family.

Resilience Specialist

David Meyer

Dr. David Meyer is an O2X Resilience Specialist who is also a licensed psychologist with a focus on PTSD/trauma. While attending college for environmental science and psychology, he worked as an EMT/firefighter with the US Forest Service. In his 14 years of fire/EMS experience, he served as a wildland firefighter, EMT, engine foreman, and helicopter rappeler with the Jackson Helitack before deciding to shift his career toward psychology, with an emphasis on trauma and work with first responders and survivors of trauma. 

Dr. Meyer earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Dakota with a specialization in Disaster Psychology through the Disaster Mental Health Institute. He responded with the American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team and worked with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center in Thailand. Dr. Meyer completed his internship with the Salem, Virginia VA and postdoctoral training through the Boston VA Healthcare System and Boston University. For his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Meyer served as the project director of an NIMH funded longitudinal study focused on risk and resilience in firefighters, working with recruits throughout the US and Canada to identify potential factors that increase resilience. 

Dr. Meyer went on to work with the Maine VA Healthcare System as a member of the PTSD Clinical Treatment Team for five years, where he offered trauma focused treatment to military, veterans, and first responders. Today Dr. Meyer is part of Health Psych Maine, a group practice in Waterville, Maine, where he works with clients on managing stress, treating symptoms of PTSD, and mood disorders. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and empirically supported treatments. He has worked with multiple law enforcement agencies and corrections facilities as well as being included in a Maine Public Broadcasting documentary, A Matter of Duty. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and two daughters, running, carpentry, and making maple syrup.

Resilience Specialist

Michael DeVries

Michael DeVries is an O2X Resilience Specialist. He is an Army Psychologist with over 18 years of experience working with high performance teams in the military and civilian sectors. Michael has his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. Prior to the military, he worked as a facilitator for corporate team building events. For the past 11 years, he has worked with Special Operations units across the Department of Defense. Michael is board certified in Organizational and Business Consulting and is a certified business coach. His areas of expertise include executive coaching, leader coaching and development, assessment and selection, training support, performance psychology, and program evaluation through data analysis.

Resilience Specialist

Art Miller

Dr. Art Miller is an O2X Resilience Specialist. He earned his doctoral degree in Psychology from Pacific University in Oregon and then joined the US Air Force where he completed his Internship at Wright Patterson AFB Medical Center.  He worked as a clinical psychologist at AF hospitals in NC and NM before moving into Operational and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Psychology.  He has served as the Chief of USAF SERE Psychology, SERE Medical Flight Commander, Command Psychologist for an AFSOC unit, and he is currently the JSOC Deputy Command Psychologist.  His primary duties involve providing subject matter expertise on all psychological matters relating to Assessment and Selection (A&S), training, organizational health and resiliency, current operations, and behavioral health services.  During his career he has supported the majority of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) units as well as the Intelligence Community (IC) with A&S, SERE support, consultation, and special projects  He served as the USAF Operational Psychology Fellowship director during his time at JSOC and has multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Qatar, Jordan and other locations in both clinical and operational roles.  He is married to a Social Worker who is retired from the USAF and currently works at JSOC leading the Behavioral Health Program.  In his off time he loves training for triathlons which gives him an excuse to travel the globe to race.

Resilience Specialist

Joe Hassell

Dr. Joe Hassell, Ph.D. is an O2X Mental Performance and Resilience Specialist. Dr. Hassell is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working for over 8 years as an embedded clinical and performance psychologist for the military Special Operations community. Dr. Hassell has over 20 years of experience working with adults, teens, and children and has worked with many special populations including veterans, department of corrections staff, sheriffs’ departments, corporations, all branches of the military, active duty and retired special operators, and combat support staff.

Dr. Hassell’s passion lies in assisting individuals and teams to perform at their highest level. Elite performers are aware of the importance of physical training; however, mental training is oftentimes less understood and/or overlooked, and it’s essential to unlocking one’s full potential. Dr. Hassell practices mental performance training in the following areas: goal attainment, values living, character optimization, stress regulation, mindfulness, sleep, resilience training, cognitive enhancement, breathing training, public speaking/briefing, team dynamics, leadership training, and injury recovery. Dr. Hassell has also found that sometimes the lines of clinical and sport psychology are blurred and therefore he has focused his career on mental health problems that impede optimal performance, brain health, post-traumatic growth, and works on a multidisciplinary treatment team supporting traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and recovery.  

Dr. Hassell has a B.A. in psychology from Rowan University, an M.A. in psychology from Pepperdine University, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Alliant International University. He received specialized training in sport psychology and exercise physiology from National University and biofeedback training from Harvard University. Dr. Hassell completed the Advanced Trainer Certification Course (ATCC) on the VirTra combat simulation training program. He is trained to conduct the gold standard sport psychology assessment, The Attention and Interpersonal Styles (TAIS) assessment, and has reviewed assessment results with over 150 special operators.

Resilience Specialist

Jeremy Noble

Jeremy is an O2X instructor who teaches stress management and resilience building. he is a Licensed psychologist who earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology before joining the U.S. Army to provide psychological services to soldiers and consultation to their commanders. After a few years in a clinical setting, Jeremy transitioned to serving in units within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), where he worked as an operational psychologist providing psychology-specific consultation to maximize individual/unit performance.

Since leaving the Army in 2022, Jeremy has shifted his focus towards helping organization leaders maximize their own performance while also creating highly productive and psychologically healthy environments for their employees. He is board certified in Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology. Jeremy currently resides in Opelika, Alabama with his 9-year-old Doberman, Zeke. Most mornings, you can find them running around their small town, chasing sunrises.

Resilience Speclist

Laurie Craigen

Laurie Craigen is an O2X Clinical Resilience Specialist and an Associate Professor in the Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine Program at Boston University’s Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine. At Boston University, she has received teaching and faculty awards highlighting her teaching successes and ability to connect with students. She is also an active licensed mental health counselor in Boston, Massachusetts. Laurie received her PhD from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.  It was there she developed her passion for working with clients experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. Throughout the years, she has developed expertise in working with high performance athletes, clients working in high stress environments, and military connected individuals.

Laurie is also an endurance athlete. She grew up swimming and competed at the Division I level in college. As a marathon open-water swimmer, she is in pursuit of the triple crown of open-water swimming; the 20 bridges swim around Manhattan (which she completed in 2023), the Catalina Channel (which she is attempting in the summer of 2023) and the English Channel (which is scheduled for September of 2024). Additionally, Laurie is an ice swimmer and swims year-round in the ocean. She has also competed at the Vermont Winter Swimming Festival in Newport, Vermont.

Resilience Specialist

Maria Trozzi

Maria Trozzi, M.Ed., is an O2X Resilience Specialist. She is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, Director of the nationally renowned Good Grief Program at Boston Medical Center, a consultant to the Child Development Unit at Children’s Hospital, and an author. Her credentials and expertise have established her as one of the foremost experts on child and family bereavement in the country. Most recently, at the request of the Pentagon, she has been hired as the special resilience consultant to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

She has provided consultation at Littleton, Colorado, at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11 and in Grenada following Hurricane Ivan. Since 1991, she has lectured nationally to professional audiences in every major city with Dr. T. Berry Brazelton as a regular faculty member of the National Seminar Series.

For nearly 20 years, as Director of the Good Grief Program, her training for educators and health professionals focuses on promoting resilience in the face of loss via strategies that strengthen coping skills for families, institutions, and communities. Immediately following 9/11, Trozzi’s principal work expanded to care for the loved ones and their families of the victims of the two planes that had emanated from Boston.

Trozzi’s interest in bereavement expands to the grief families experience when a child is diagnosed with a disability, a grief that keeps on giving. Her research is focused on identifying grief touch points – predictable times in a disabled child’s development when parents’ grief is exacerbated. Trozzi’s model for professionals and parents has taken this grief ‘out of the closet’ for both affected families and clinicians that treat them.

She is a frequent contributor to both print and electronic media. She has appeared with Dr. Brazelton as co-host of his national television show “What Every Baby Knows” multiple times, as well as several national news programs including “Larry King Live”, Early Show, CNN, NBC, ande ABC.

Her first book, Talking With Children About Loss, was published by Putnam-Penguin and continues to be an essential reference for parents and professionals. She has also authored several chapters in pediatric and academic textbooks.

She is the parent of two adult daughters and lives in Boston and West Yarmouth. She maintains a private practice dedicated to issues of loss and provides consultation to families facing stressful life events.

RESILIENCE SPECIALIST

Kendra Penski

Kendra is an O2X Resilience Specialist. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in work with the military and Veteran population. She has worked at the Navy Base in San Diego with active duty service members and their partners. Additionally, she worked for 9 years at the VA, providing counseling to Veterans with PTSD, trauma, and transitional care. Kendra currently operates a group practice in San Diego where they focus on treating adults struggling with trauma, relationship issues, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The group focuses predominantly on working with service members, Veterans, and their family members, as well as other first responders. Kendra is married to a Marine Corps Veteran who is currently finishing his time in the reserves. She has 3 young kiddos and loves to spend her time by the beach in San Diego doing anything active.

RESILIENCE SPECIALIST

Carlos Garcia

Dr. Carlos Garcia is an O2X Resilience Specialist. As a Clinical Psychologist, Executive Coach, and speaker who is dedicated to helping individuals unleash their full potential through high-performance counseling, coaching, and consulting. He is the Founder of The Mastery Group, a company that provides individuals and organizations with the tools to take their leadership and performance to the next level. He is also the Founder of Tampa Counseling and Wellness, a private practice that provides therapy and wellness services to individuals looking to positively transform their lives.
Dr. Garcia received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed his residency at Rutgers University. Dr. Garcia also served in the armed forces as a United States Marine and as a firefighter and paramedic prior to receiving his doctorate degree. Dr. Garcia draws on his years of experience in both military and professional organizations to teach individuals how to become more masterful leaders and performers. His passion lies in helping others grow and create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. Dr. Garcia strives to help people utilize their natural talents to build a happier and more successful life. He is a true catalyst for those looking to achieve peak results.

RESILIENCE SPECIALIST

Lindsay Braden

Lindsay is an O2X Resilience Specialist. She began her career in the Army National Guard as an enlisted member in 1998. She transitioned to Active Duty in 2007 as an officer, and after completing her residency, she served as an embedded psychologist in two units. Lindsay completed a neuropsychology fellowship, completed her board certification in clinical psychology, and ran several clinics until her retirement in 2020. Since leaving the Army, Lindsay has shifted her focus to working to address insider threats within the DoD and intelligence community. Lindsay also has experience working in assessment and selection, which has helped in developing an understanding of the personalities and characteristics of those drawn to working in high-risk environments and necessary techniques for success and effectiveness.

RESILIENCE SPECIALIST

Robert Owens

Rob Owens is an O2X Leadership and Resilience Specialist. As a Leadership and Resilience Coach, Rob believes that optimal performance in work and life is contingent on the healthy communities we belong to (and the communities that we create for ourselves). Rob has held leadership roles in various sport psychology and wellness organizations and currently serves as the Division Head for Research and Practice for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Rob spent most of his professional career in academia designing and implementing professional development programs and teaching courses in leadership, organizational development, coaching, and sport psychology. He retired from academia in 2022 to pursue a career in executive, performance, and organizational development coaching. He is a board-certified leadership coach and a licensed therapist.

Leadership Specialist

Brian Kitching

Brian Kitching is a former Army Ranger and Lieutenant Colonel with over 20 years of experience commanding high-risk missions in Special Operations and other combat units.

In 10+ overseas deployments and 50+ months of combat, Kitching led hundreds of high-risk operations and was recognized on three separate occasions for bravery in battle. Kitching is a recipient of the nation’s third highest military decorations for gallantry, the Silver Star, as well as six Bronze Stars, two awarded for valor.

Kitching served as a Downin Scholar at the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and as a military fellow at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King’s College in London. His recent assignments include serving as a White House Fellow and Advisor in the Domestic Policy Council and Office of Management and Budget, and as an advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Army’s senior-most General, at the Pentagon. His final assignment was at the 101st Airborne Division, where he was the first African American to command the storied 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment (“No Slack”), and he also served as the Director of Operations for the Division.

Kitching earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Alabama A&M University, a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Masters of Arts in International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Kitching is a lifetime member of the Council of Foreign Relations.

LEADERSHIP SPECIALIST

Mark Swinger

Mark is an O2X Leadership Specialist. As a former Blue Angel pilot, “Blue Angel No. 4”, for the US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. He was also a Legislative Affairs Portfolio Manager for the US Navy, which entailed briefing high level leadership. Mark is currently an airline pilot for United Airlines. Mark graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Washington State University.

Running Specialist

Jean Gillis

Jean Gillis is an O2X Running Specialist. Jean is a Certified ChiRunning Coach, USA Triathlon (USAT) Level 2 Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) Holistic Health Coach, and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer. She began competing in endurance events in 2007, and is a two-time Ironman triathlete, ultra distance trail runner and marathoner. As a USAT Certified Triathlon Coach for the past ten years, she has coached hundreds of triathletes, from sprint to Ironman, to the triathlon finish line. Since her certification as a ChiRunning instructor in 2017, she has been training athletes to use this technique to run more efficiently, and without injury. She works with age-group (non-elite) athletes of all ages who are new to running or triathlon, or who are taking on a new distance. In recent years, she has had the pleasure of training members of the MA Army National Guard in the ChiRunning technique, run training, and mental tactics for the Army physical fitness run test. Jean believes that training for sports is an analogy for life. The skills that you develop through training can help you to perform better in all aspects of your life. In addition to the technical knowledge that she provides, she draws on her health coaching education to assist athletes in finding balance in areas that are outside of training but that strongly influence it; such as work/relationship stress, poor eating habits, and overbooked schedules.

Nutrition Specialist

Maria Urso

Dr. Maria Urso is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Dr. Urso is a scientific advocate for optimal health and nutrition. She followed her passion for science and health and obtained her PhD in human physiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While that degree led her to a career as a scientist, first as an Active Duty soldier in the Army, then in Medical Affairs for industry, she continues to follow her passion for health and nutrition by serving as an advocate and educator. Her philosophy is that nutrition and fitness should be for life, not a single event (or outfit). To do this, we need to follow scientifically-sound and sustainable practices, not the latest story or fad from the media. Maria uses her education in biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition, as well as personal experiences with competitive running, to develop nutrition and exercise plans that make sense and allow her ‘students’ to eat and train for life. She understands that this is an ever-changing field, and staying on top of the latest research is critical. She has published over 30 papers in scientific journals and several book chapters, but she is most comfortable when using her scientific background to write or speak about nutrition and fitness practices. In her free time, Maria loves to run, swim, hike, adventure travel, and read.

Nutrition Specialist

Erik Bustillo

Erik Bustillo is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. He is a Registered Dietitian and former Vice President, ambassador and fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Erik is also a Certified Sports Nutritionist through the ISSN, a Certified Strength Coach through the National Council on Strength & Fitness- NCSF, and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association – NSCA. He also specializes in reading and understanding blood/lab values that have a direct effect on human physiology and one’s ability to perform. Several fields of expertise are energy improvement, performance recovery, weight loss, working with professional/elite athletes, stress management, inspirational communication, mindset, and habit change. 

Erik has studied the science of nutrition for many years because he believes that nutrition is an elemental factor with the state of well-being. He has been and is currently involved in conducting research studies as well. His mission is to make this world a better place and he strives to accomplish this by helping others achieve their health and life goals. He believes that with hard work and determination, everyone is capable of accomplishing what they set their mind to. 

He enjoys training on a regular basis as he feels what we do in fitness (weight room, gym, field, etc.) translates to the real world. He does this by playing sports, getting outdoors, high intensity training, weight lifting, CrossFit™, and improving his aerobic fitness by running and chasing his dog. Erik is passionate about making his patients/clients push themselves harder and further than they ever imagined. His practical approach puts exercise and nutritional science into easy-to-follow steps for action.

Nutrition Specialist

Patrick McCarthy

Patrick McCarthy is an O2X Nutrition specialist who specializes in performance nutrition and has a background in both sport and exercise science and nutrition. Alongside this, Patrick has 10+ years’ of experience as a basketball coach and 5 years as a semi-professional player in Ireland. His coaching experience has provided him with the ability to communicate effectively to athletes of all types. 

On the other hand, his athletic career provided first-hand experience of the importance of nutrition, training, recovery and all the other 1% details required for optimal performance. In  2018, he was appointed as the senior nutritionist for a top level football club and has been working with high-performance athletes ever since.

Patrick has a passion for bridging the worlds of science and coaching by breaking down evidence-based science to practical and actionable information. He believes that now more than ever, we are what we eat. He strives to help improve peoples’ understanding of what their body requires on a daily basis not only to function, but to excel in training and performance. From this, one’s confidence improves in situations where physical fitness, endurance, strength and recovery are critical. 

Patrick currently hosts a nutrition-related podcast called The Ubuntu Nutrition Podcast, where he strives to complete the goals mentioned above. The term ‘Ubuntu’ is an ancient Zulu phrase that is loosely translated to ‘I am because we are’. It places an emphasis on a family, team approach to everything. At O2X, Patrick can see that togetherness and teamwork are core values, which is why he is so excited to be a part of this brilliant program!

Nutrition Specialist

Tiffany Batsakis

Tiffany Batsakis is an O2X Nutrition Specialist and Registered Dietitian. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, and completed her dietetic internship there as well. She served in the United States Army for six years. As a result, she is familiar with the needs of the tactical athlete and maintains a high level of physical fitness in her day to day life. Upon completion of her degree, Tiffany worked for the non-profit organization, Meals on Wheels of San Antonio, where she planned the menu and conducted nutrition analysis for the meals served to over 3,800 homebound seniors daily. While at the organization, she counseled clients, worked with kitchen staff and food vendors, maintained the site’s blog, conducted surveys, and mentored student interns. In 2016, Tiffany left her job to travel, mostly in Asia, for two years. When she returned, she started her own business as a consultant and contract dietitian, with a focus on healthy living, nutritious meal plans for clients, menu planning and nutritionanalysis for various organizations, and general nutrition education classes tailored to  the client. 

Tiffany has worked in a variety of settings, including one of the largest grocers in Texas, HEB. As a retail dietitian, she counseled clients and helped shoppers find quality food products, meal ideas, and nutritious recipes. She has also taught Cooking and Nutrition in Recovery (from substance use disorders) at addiction treatment centers, including one facility that caters specifically to active military, veterans, and firefighters in recovery.

As a registered dietitian, Tiffany has a passion for health and wellness and is also a personal trainer. She remains active in her daily life, conducts weekly workouts with members of the fire department, and enjoys the outdoors. She earned a certificate in Topics in Human Behavior at Harvard Extension School and feels behavior change is a very helpful way to improve nutrition outcomes. She is a member of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and belongs to different dietetic practice groups including, CV Wellness, and the Behavioral Health Nutrition Group through the AND. She has also attended various sports and nutrition symposiums and stays up to date with the latest and greatest in the world of nutrition via webinars, conferences, and training events.

NUTRITION SPECIALIST

Samantha Poccia

Samantha is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Prior to her time at O2X, Samantha worked in market research for several years. During that time, she collaborated and built relationships with Fortune 500 companies to connect them to their consumers through private on-line communities. She also had the opportunity to work on global accounts in Australia and New Zealand, traveling there to meet with the clients.

Samantha received her Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Syracuse University in 2013. While there, she competed on the Club Women’s Ice Hockey team and was the co-captain her senior year. She decided to change career paths and went back to school in 2017 to become a Registered Dietitian. She received her Master of Nutrition from Simmons University, as well as a Certificate in Sports Nutrition and a Certificate in Integrative Functional Nutrition. While completing her M.S., Samantha researched and co-authored an article investigating the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of pregnant women as it relates to their nutrition and supplementation. Her research has been published in Nutrition and Health Journal.

Samantha enjoys running and has completed three marathons and two half-marathons, with her eyes set on more in the future. For the past 8 years she’s been a Lagree and spin fitness instructor in Boston, teaching at SLT and Equinox, respectively. In her free time, Samantha enjoys being with friends and family, including her new nephew, watching movies and shows, reading new books, spending as much time outside as she can, and traveling to new places.

Nutrition Specialist

Chloe Schweinshaut

Chloe Schweinshaut is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Chloe is a registered dietitian who owns a private practice, Riverside Nutrition in Cambridge, MA. She works with a variety of clients who are looking for ways to improve their health through diet and lifestyle with a particular focus on first responder nutrition.

Chloe has worked with members of the Boston Fire Department, New York Fire Department, Cambridge Fire Department, Boston Police Department as well as private ambulance services to lead a healthier lifestyle by helping them with issues such as weight loss, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. She is also a sought-after speaker and has spoken at Boston Fire’s Mullane Health and Safety Symposium, FDNY’s Uniformed Officers Association NYC Health & Safety Seminar, FDNY’s Annual Retirees Seminar, as well as the first ever Women Firefighter’s Health and Wellness Conference held in Boston. Chloe lives in Cambridge, MA with her four kids, two dogs and firefighter husband.

Nutrition Specialist

Andrea Givens

Andrea Givens, MS, RD, CSSD, is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Andrea has been a Registered Dietitian for over a decade and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She attended San Diego State University for undergrad and completed her dietetic internship through California State University, Sacramento in 2010. 

Andrea spent her early career building a strong foundation in dietetics working as a clinical dietitian in acute care, including serving veterans as a clinical dietitian at the VA. Transitioning into sports nutrition around 2015, she worked with recreational endurance and CrossFit athletes, Division I collegiate athletes at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, spent the 2018 MLB season as a Sports Science Intern for the San Francisco Giants, and was a Sports Nutrition Fellow for USA Volleyball during an Olympic qualifying year (2019).

Andrea returned to school and earned master’s degrees in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology concurrently from San Diego State University in 2020. During her graduate program, she began working in human performance research for the military and published data on metabolic demands of cold-water diving in Naval Special Warfare operators.

In addition to providing nutrition expertise to O2X tactical athletes nationwide, Andrea currently works on a physiology team in the Warfighter Performance Department of Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, conducting operationally relevant research to optimize readiness in military personnel. She also volunteers on the Research and Education Committee for the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitian Association and is a member of the Sports and Human Performance Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A California native, Andrea is an avid outdoor athlete and has crossed the finish line of numerous half marathons, triathlons, 10Ks, summited Half Dome, and swam from Alcatraz. She is a military spouse and has recently learned how to freedive thanks to her husband.

Nutrition Specialist

Kelli Reese

Kelli Reese is a Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition and O2X Nutrition Specialist. She completed her undergraduate degree at Ohio University, her dietetic internship at The University of Akron and her master’s degree in nutrition from Arizona State University. 

Kelli has been a dietitian since 2010 and has worked in numerous areas of nutrition and healthcare including hospitals, long term care facilities, gyms and a halfway house for drug and alcohol recovery, but her real passion lies in sports nutrition. In the past few years Kelli has worked with an array of athletes including competitive powerlifters, military tactical athletes, high school and adult athletes, runners and triathletes. In addition to her Kelli role as O2X Nutrition Specialist, she is a Clinical Dietitian and Wellness Coach at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio and in 2021 opened her own sports nutrition practice: Inso Sports Nutrition. She is the current (2022) President of the Greater Cleveland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was voted Ohio’s 2020 Recognized Dietitian of the Year by the Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for her significant contribution to the profession of dietetics

As an athlete, (having played rugby for seven years before switching to running marathons and half marathons) and personal trainer, Kelli is familiar with the challenges athletes and tactical athletes face on a daily basis. This understanding allows her to take a personal approach in helping clients find nutritional balance when juggling the demands of their sport, jobs and personal life all while remaining competitive and goal oriented.

Kelli lives in Cleveland, Ohio where she was born and raised with her husband (and fellow runner), their four year old daughter, cat and dog. In her spare time she enjoys working out, making funny Instagram Reels and collecting house plants. Her nutrition philosophy: food fuels performance, nourishes the soul and has the power to bring us all together. 

Nutrition Specialist

Alia Elias

Dr. Alia Elias is an O2X Nutrition Specialist who is also a Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for health, nutrition, and fitness. Her overall goal is to make a larger impact on people’s health and performance through empowerment for each individual.

Dr. Elias specializes in gut/brain health and nutrition. She is a Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) certified practitioner. Dr. Elias also devises meal plans and coaches clients on food and eating habits. She helps clients deal with emotional eating and stress and anxiety. Dr. Elias also consults for nutrition with gyms and fitness centers. She is a writer, blogger and speaker which are all centered around food, eating, gut health and self-worth.

Nutrition Specialist

Laura Moretti Reece

Laura Moretti Reece is an O2X Nutrition Specialist who completed her Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition as well as her didactic program in clinical dietetics at New York University. She previously worked as the Primary Nutrition Therapist at Columbus Park Collaborative and Appleman Nutrition in New York City before relocating to Boston in 2015 to join the Female Athlete Program and Sports Medicine/Orthopedics Team at Boston Children’s Hospital.

As a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Laura specializes in sports performance-based nutrition, as well as treating low energy availability, disordered eating, and eating disorders in athletes.  Laura has an extensive amount of experience in consulting and collaborating with Olympic and professional athletes, local colleges and universities, as well as professional sport and dance facilities. She is the consulting dietitian for the Boston Ballet Company and Schools, US Rowing, and is an instructor at the Institute for Rowing Leadership in Boston.

Laura previously served as the Co-Chair of the International Academy of Eating Disorders Sport and Exercise Special Interest Group, as well as the co-chair of the Boston Children’s Hospital Female Athlete Conference. Laura is also the owner of a Boston based private group practice Laura Moretti Nutrition LLC.  She is also a competitive triathlete and a two-time Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher.

Nutrition Specialist

Nicole Farnsworth

Nicole Farnsworth is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Nicole’s expertise is in sports nutrition; she is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in working with athletes for optimal health and performance. She is additionally an NASM-certified personal trainer. Nicole began working in sports medicine as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. She received her Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition at Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition and completed a dietetic internship at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

Upon completion of her internship, Nicole began working at Van Dusen Nutrition, a group nutrition practice specializing in performance nutrition and the treatment of eating disorders. There she assisted in developing a movement-based curriculum for eating disorder clients to help them redefine their relationship with exercise. She additionally provided nutrition counseling, developed marketing materials, and conducted outreach for the practice.

Nicole is a Clinical Nutrition Specialist with the Female Athlete Program and Division of Sports Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is additionally the consulting sports dietitian for Wheaton College. As a former track and field athlete at Harvard University, Nicole enjoys working with athletes at all levels to help them perform at their best. She has a special interest in working with athletes with low energy availability, disordered eating, and eating disorders.
Nicole is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group, Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitian Association, and Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association.

Nutrition Specialist

Nick Barringer

Dr. Nick Barringer is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Nick currently researches and serves as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy. Previously while working at the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine he researched Warfighter nutritional requirements in differing environments to include deployed Special Operators. Prior to that, he taught performance nutrition at the Army-Baylor Graduate Program in Nutrition. Nick served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as a member of the Ranger Athlete Warrior (RAW) program where he oversaw the nutrition and aspects of the physical training of Rangers.

Nick received his undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Georgia, his master of science in exercise science from California University of Pennsylvania and his doctorate in kinesiology from Texas A&M.

Nick is passionate about improving nutrition and performance in tactical athletes and has the unique perspective of a researcher, teacher, and practitioner who has gone through physically demanding courses such as Ranger School, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE), Airborne, Air Assault as well as having deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan so he best understands both the academic and applied demands of the tactical athlete. Nick has presented at both national and international conferences on tactical athlete nutrition and performance and his research has appeared in multiple media outlets such as Science Daily and Men’s Journal.

Nutrition Specialist

Alex Cotie

Alex Cotie is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Alex Cotie has been the Senior Sports Nutritionist at SportFuel, a Chicago-based integrative sports nutrition consulting firm, for the last 10 years. She works as part of the nutrition team for the Chicago Blackhawks, supporting players from development through retirement, and works with athletes in many other sports including tennis, football, baseball, running, swimming, cycling, gymnastics, and more. 

Alex has seen firsthand that great nutrition can have an astounding impact on strength, speed, mental clarity, immunity and digestion, while it can also reduce injury and improve overall performance and wellness. She believes, and science supports, that nutrition is only one component of optimal health and that improving lifestyle factors and emotional health are other very important keys.  

No matter if you’re an athlete or not, no matter if you are 8 or 80, and no matter how small of a change, Alex encourages you to start with one thing—something that speaks to you—to begin nourishing your health.

Alex prefers to be outdoors and having recently moved to Denver, she enjoys spending her time hiking, rock climbing, cycling, gardening and volunteering.

Nutrition Specialist

Sean Spanbauer

Sean Spanbauer is a Sport and Tactical Performance Dietitian and retired Army Officer with over 25 years of service. He is no stranger to the human performance industry, having spent 11 years as a personal trainer and 12+ years as a performance dietitian working with world class athletes and the Army’s Special Forces Operators. Prior to his current position, Sean spent a significant portion of his career as an educator, training military healthcare providers as well as working in a clinical setting as an in-patient and out-patient dietitian. He spent 12 months as a Sports Dietitian Fellow with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOCP) assigned to work with a variety of athletes and sports teams. For the last 7 years, Sean has been the owner/operator of Nurti-Sean Sports Nutrition Consulting, working with the USOCP, multiple NGBs, various college athletic departments, sports performance organizations, and first responders.

In addition to being a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Sean is a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetic from Kent State University and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Baylor University.

Nutrition Specialist

Amanda Sheaffer

Amanda Sheaffer is a Nutrition Specialist at O2X Human Performance. Amanda is also an accomplished Dietitian who has worked in various roles across the nation. She first started on the nutrition team with EXOS during the 2017 Combine class for the NFL draft in California. She then shifted to the Wounded Warrior Project to work with veterans nationally for weight-loss and disordered eating management. She moved back to Chicago, her hometown, to serve as the Associate Director of Food and Nutrition for Cook County Health Hospital Systems and was a part of the first COVID-19 response teams for the city. In 2021, Amanda started her private practice, Chicago Nutrition Clinic and opened a second office in Miami. She now also teaches at Miami Regional University and is completing her Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition at University of North Florida. Her passion is identifying challenging populations and developing realistic and sustainable solutions for individuals and populations alike.

Nutrition Specialist

Deanna Busteed

Deanna Busteed an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Deanna is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and is currently the Sports Dietitian for George Mason’s Center for Sports Performance, servicing over 500 Division I athletes. She is a member of the adjunct faculty teaching Sport and Exercise Nutrition in the College of Education and Human Development.  Deanna is a Senior Fellow for the Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing, an interdisciplinary research and teaching center at George Mason dedicated to catalyzing human well-being. 
Deanna received her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Rhode Island, where she competed on the swim team. Deanna received her Masters of Science degree in Nutrition Sciences at The University of Massachusetts- Amherst. She completed her dietetic internship at Framingham State College where she completed rotations at Cambridge and Somerville Hospital (Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals). Upon completion of her internship, Deanna spent 13 years working in the Boston Metropolitan area as a Clinical Dietitian and Sports Dietitian where she focused on working with athletes and active individuals with eating disorders. Deanna enjoys running, biking, swimming and teaching Yoga and Pilates to people of all ages. 

Nutrition Specialist

Dorette Franks

Dorette Franks, MS, RDN, is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. As a board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Dorette graduated with honors, earning a Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance from Logan University, completed a dietetic internship through Iowa State University, received a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from San Francisco State University, and holds coaching certifications on behalf of USA Triathlon and USA Track & Field.

Dorette has worked in the field of nutrition and human performance since 2004. Following the completion of her first Ironman New Zealand in 2001, she quickly established her career as an endurance coach. In 2005, she led as head coach for the San Francisco Nike Women’s Marathon and has continued to coach runners and triathletes to successful Boston Marathon qualifications and Ironman finishes. Dorette is a six-time Ironman finisher, placing 1st in division and 3rd overall female at the Full Vineman, division winner at Ultraman Canada, a three-time Boston Marathon qualifier/racer, and represented Team USA at the USA Triathlon Long Course World Championship. As a clinical sports dietitian she’s worked alongside cardiologists, exercise physiologists, strength trainers, and coaches integrating nutrition support to ultra-cyclists, ultra-runners, and triathletes as they face the most rigorous endurance events, including the Race Across America (RAAM), the Ultraman World Championship, the Ironman triathlon. Dorette addresses performance and health through functional and integrative practices using evidence-based approaches. Her expertise includes pairing nutrition with physiological data (V02, RMR, substrate utilization), biochemical and metabolite testing, sweat and hydration analysis, nutrition for body composition and weight management, mental health (and addiction), gut-health/the gut-brain axis, as well as the menstrual cycle & peri/post-menopause nutrition.

Dorette is passionate to impart her knowledge and expertise to others. Her nutrition tips and coaching plans have been published on behalf of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Sports Cardiovascular & Wellness Nutrition (SCAN), Triathlete, Runner’s World, Shape, and Women’s Health Magazines. She also conducts speaking events for first responders, in corporate health, universities, and sports events.
In her free time, Dorette can be found enjoying open water swims (minus the wetsuit) in San Francisco Bay, riding her bike beyond Mt. Tamalpais, and running the trails with her golden retriever, Leela, who is training to become a First Responder Therapy Dog.

Nutrition Specialist

Rene Scott

Rene Scott is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. Dr Scott holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Texas A&M Dental School, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition and Food Science from Texas Woman’s University, and she recently retired from the US Army Reserves as a Colonel with 21 years of service. Dr Scott owned her own general dentistry practice for over 25 years. She taught Sports Nutrition at the University of North Texas and she taught undergraduate Food Science at Texas Woman’s University.  She deployed twice to Iraq and mobilized in 2020 to Philadelphia in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. COL Scott served as the liaison between the Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force (UAMTF) and the Pennsylvania FEMA, Pennsylvania National Guard, the city of Philadelphia, and the hospitals of Philadelphia. She served as a commander for 6 years and as a brigade operations officer for 4 years. Dr Scott’s interests lie in nutrition, exercise, resiliency, and sleep interventions to increase the longevity of life, with a focus on health span (quality of life). She enjoys golf, pickleball, yoga, and weight training.

NUTRITION SPECIALIST

Mary DeHaven

Mary Pat is an O2X Nutrition Specialist. As an accomplished professional in the field of nutrition and dietetics with a passion for promoting healthy living and optimizing performance through proper nutrition. Mary Pat is currently the Director of the Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics program at Drexel University, with a specialized focus on sports nutrition. In this role, she not only shares her wealth of knowledge with aspiring nutrition professionals but also contributes to the advancement of the sports nutrition profession.

Mary Pat earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Scranton. Her strong foundation in exercise science laid the groundwork for her deep understanding of the relationship between physical activity and nutrition, setting the stage for her future success. Continuing her academic journey, Mary Pat pursued a master’s degree in human nutrition at Drexel University. This advanced degree provided her with a comprehensive knowledge of human nutrition, enabling her to provide evidence-based dietary guidance to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Mary Pat DeHaven’s career in nutrition and dietetics spans various healthcare and academic institutions, including The Massachusetts General Hospital and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. During her tenure as a clinical and pediatric dietitian, she honed her skills in providing personalized nutrition counseling to patients with diverse medical conditions. Mary Pat is passionate about improving the health and well-being of others and excited about working with O2X!

Injury Prevention Specialist

Amanda Epps

Amanda Borges is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. For over 8 years, Amanda has been a noteworthy leader in the human performance space. Amanda has worked with professional and collegiate level athletes, the United States Military and numerous Police and Fire Departments across the country. Amanda holds a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy and a Masters in Athletic Training from Northern Arizona University, and she is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Amanda also competed as a student-athlete for NCAA Division I University of the Pacific while earning her undergraduate degree.

She currently resides in Colorado and enjoys challenging herself with activities including rock climbing, snowboarding, and shooting.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Rachel Oden

Rachel Oden PT, DPT, DACM, L.Ac is a former Commander in the United States Navy currently living in San Diego, California.  She graduated from the Naval Academy in 1995 with a degree in Mathematics and began her career as a Surface Warfare Officer.  She served as the Undersea Warfare Officer, Damage Control Assistant and Training Officer while onboard USS OLDENDORF (DD 972).  While assigned to Assault Craft Unit ONE, she served as the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Division Officer. After her first two Division Officer tours, she was accepted for a lateral transfer to the Medical Service Corps and became a physical therapist.  Rachel completed her both Master’s and Doctorate of Physical Therapy degrees at Baylor University. Assignments included Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Center Pearl Harbor, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71), Navy Branch Medical Clinics, National Naval Medical Center Bethesda and Navy Medical Center Balboa. She has deployed as both a Surface Warfare Officer and a physical therapist to include humanitarian operations onboard USNS MERCY (TAH-19) and supporting ground troops with 2nd Marine Logistics Group.  She finished the last four years of her naval career as the Sports Medicine Manager and head physical therapist leading the Human Performance Program at Naval Special Warfare Center.  Rachel is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.  She is also a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and a licensed acupuncturist. 

Injury Prevention Specialist

Gregory Hartman

Gregory Hartman is an O2X injury prevention specialist. Greg graduated from the University at Buffalo with his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2012. He is board recognized as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). While completing his degree in Buffalo, Greg was a volunteer firefighter and EMT which sparked his interest in working with tactical athletes as he saw the difficulty of the profession both mentally and physically. 

Greg began his career as a physical therapist outside of Ft. Campbell working with both active and retired military. He has since moved to the Northern, VA region where he has worked with a wide range of patients including professional football and baseball players,  first responders, as well as high-performance and endurance athletes.  He currently works full-time with a Special Operations unit in Northern, VA

Greg is passionate about the science behind pain, treatment of chronic injuries, and helping people perform at their best. He believes in a well-rounded approach to health and wellness. In his personal time, he cycles between strength training, CrossFit-style workouts, and endurance sports, to include competing in Ironman distance triathlons. His team at home is composed of his wife and best friend, Deanna and their dog, “Clemmy”.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Colin Tomes

Colin Tomes is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Colin is also a Professor, PhD Candidate, Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Specialist. His interest in getting 1% better every day began when he enlisted in the US Air Force, with the objective of training to join a front-line combat team. Although he was medically discharged from service for chronic training injuries, during rehabilitation, he developed an interest in learning everything he could about health, wellness and human performance. This led to a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, during which he certified not only as an ATC, but as an NSCA TSAC-F and conducted research at Bond University with the Tactical Research Unit and New South Wales Police Force.

From there, he attended Physical Therapy school to earn his DPT at Bond University, conducting additional clinical and research work with the New South Wales Police and Royal New Zealand Police Academy. Colin also certified as a CSCS after PT school and is now currently a PhD Candidate at Bond University. His thesis research is focused on understanding the best applications of heart rate variability and wearable tech for tactical athlete mission and training support, as well as how HRV can be used to improve human optimization support staff efforts. This research is conducted primarily with specialist law enforcement organizations in the US and Australia. Colin’s research is matched closely with his clinical interests, which are focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation and mitigation for military, law enforcement and first responders, primarily through improved physical fitness and education.

In addition to his teaching and research activities, Colin is also an energetic educator and academic advisor to students in pre-health professions. To keep this momentum up, he is a passionate consumer of espresso, loves participating in CrossFit and enjoys relaxing by a lake with his friends and family.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Jess Best

Jess Best is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Jess is also a Physical Therapist and Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She has worked as a neurologic physical therapist for 7 years specializing in rehabilitation post-Concussion, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Vestibular Disorders and other neurologic disorders and has worked with the tactical population for over three years.

She really enjoys helping patients reach their personal goals and works to make each treatment plan individualized and creative to meet their needs. She received her B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Montana and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Prior to physical therapy school, Jess worked as a whitewater rafting guide, navigating multi-day rafting trips on the beautiful rivers of Montana and Idaho. She loves being active outside hiking and snowboarding and enjoys traveling to other countries and experiencing new cultures.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Lisa Prasso

Lisa Prasso is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. She earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The State University of New York at Buffalo in 2010. After graduation she worked as a travel physical therapist in Texas, Arizona, Oregon and Virginia before joining the medical staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. 

Lisa currently works as a staff physical therapist in Walter Reed’s Military Advanced Training Center (MATC). Her focus is on treating active duty service members by providing care to the amputee/poly trauma population with the goal of returning them to the fullest functional potential, post injury. Lisa is a Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist (CARSS) and is Safe Sport Training certified. She is also certified in Functional Dry Needling levels 1 and 2, Battlefield Acupuncture and Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation. 

Over the past 10 years, she has treated both civilian and military patients in a wide variety of settings. In her free time, Lisa enjoys exploring new cities, going to sporting events, volunteering in the community and playing in recreational sport leagues. She is also interested in martial arts and recently tested for her orange belt in Krav Maga which she has been studying for the past 3 years.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Deborah Sophier

Deb Sophier is an O2X Injury Prevention and Strength & Conditioning Specialist who received her Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science at Indiana University in 2006 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Midwestern University in 2014.  She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 2006.  Deb is a Physical Therapist and works with a variety of conditions, including injuries to the shoulders, knees, feet, hips, and back.  She has been performing foot and gait analyses and running evaluations for the past 7 years.  She has a unique understanding of law enforcement as her husband is a Police Sergeant in the Chicagoland area.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Nicholas Schumacher

Nicholas Schumacher is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Nick graduated from Boston University as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016. In 2017, Nick completed the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, where he received further training in the management of musculoskeletal injuries. He achieved Board Certification as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) in 2018. In 2021, Nick furthered his sports-specific and manual-therapy training by completing the Kaiser Permanente Sports & Manual Therapy Fellowship in Los Angeles and achieved Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT) in 2022. In addition to his physical-therapy training, Nick earned certification as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) in 2014. 

Nick currently works in Tampa, FL with all branches of the military. He has conducted research with USARIEM (US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine) in the Performance Division to help prevent injuries among Army soldiers. Additionally, he is the founder/CEO of Schumacher PT & Performance, which has developed the RehabKit and FitKit iOS apps. 

As a former D1 collegiate runner, Nick has suffered many injuries, which allow him to better relate with his active patients/clients. He continues to be an avid runner, weight lifter, and obstacle-course racer. He practices what he preaches in every aspect of his life.

Injury Prevention Specialist

Richard Westrick

Dr. Rich Westrick is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the U.S. Army – Baylor University DPT program and completed a Sports Physical Therapy residency at West Point, while earning his Doctor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Baylor University. He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in both orthopedic physical therapy and sports physical therapy.

Dr. Westrick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. While an active duty Army Physical Therapist, Rich served in multiple assignments, including several years as the physical therapist for 10th Special Forces Group and combat deployments in support of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.

Dr. Westrick is the founder and current chair of the Sports Section of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Tactical & Combat Athlete Special Interest Group supporting physical therapy for military, police, and firefighters, in addition to combat athletes (martial arts, wrestling, boxing).

Injury Prevention Specialist

Kent Bultemeier

Kent Bultemeier is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Kent is a certified athletic trainer who has a history of working with tactical, college, and professional athletes. Kent has furthered his education through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), as a corrective exercise specialist and performance enhancement specialist.

Kent graduated from Purdue University in 20