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.

Adam La Reau co-founded O2X Human Performance in 2013 along with Paul McCullough and Gabriel Gomez, and serves as President. 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, son, and daughter.

Paul McCullough co-founded O2X Human Performance in 2013 along with Adam La Reau and Gabriel Gomez, and serves as President. 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.

Brice Long is the Executive Vice President & 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.

Eamonn Burke is the Executive Vice President of Sales at O2X Human Performance, where he leads a nationally distributed sales team to drive revenue generation, client retention, and management. Eamonn’s strategic vision and leadership have been critical in positioning O2X as a leader in human performance programming for public safety departments across the U.S. His role involves crafting and executing business development strategies that fuel the company’s substantial year-over-year growth.Since joining O2X in 2016, Eamonn has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s products and services. He spearheaded the implementation of a CRM system, structured an efficient sales pipeline, and built a decentralized sales team with nationwide coverage. His ability to foster meaningful relationships within the tactical community has been instrumental in driving O2X’s consistent annual revenue growth. Before O2X, Eamonn held key sales roles at security startups Resilient Systems and Rapid7, where he excelled in capturing new market opportunities.Eamonn is a graduate of The Catholic University of America and a former collegiate baseball player. A passionate endurance athlete, he has completed nine marathons, a half Ironman, and three Pan-Mass Challenges. Eamonn lives in Milton, Massachusetts, with his wife, Kelly, and their dog, Darcy, and enjoys pursuing his athletic interests alongside his professional endeavors.

Ali Levy serves as the Vice President of Sales Operations at O2X Human Performance, where she leverages over a decade of experience in the human performance industry. In her role, Ali collaborates across departments to develop systems and strategies that enable the sales team to focus on revenue generation, client retention, and program implementation. As one of O2X’s founding team members, she is instrumental in shaping internal processes and ensuring the company’s evolution aligns with its core values and mission. Ali has held various impactful roles at O2X, including Director of Education, where she partnered with leading researchers and experts to create tailored programs for clients. She also contributed to the company’s literary projects, including co-authoring Human Performance for Tactical Athletes and a chapter in Surviving the Fire Service. Before that, as Director of Operations, Ali led the logistics and execution of O2X’s in-person training programs nationwide. Drawing on her background as a Mental Performance Specialist, she has delivered sessions on goal setting, resilience, and performance psychology. Prior to her career at O2X, Ali competed on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, achieving titles such as 2x North American Cup Grand Prix Champion and competing at the World Cup level.In 2015, Ali was inducted into the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Hall of Fame and Wall of Excellence. After retiring from competitive skiing, she earned a B.A. in Geography from Middlebury College, where she also competed in track and field. She later completed an M.Ed. in Sport Psychology and Counseling at Boston University. Ali continues to pursue athletic challenges, including completing a 1,100-mile cycling trip and multiple 50-mile ultramarathons. She balances her passion for endurance sports with her love for skiing and spending time outdoors.

Lorenzo Romolo is the Vice President of Human Performance Integration at O2X, where he ensures the seamless implementation of O2X’s programs within client organizations. In this role, he manages client relationships and oversees national programs, focusing on impact delivery across various sectors. Lorenzo’s responsibilities include overseeing the On-Site Specialists, data analytics, impact tracking, and customer service to ensure the effective integration of human performance programs that drive results for O2X’s clients.Lorenzo began his career with O2X as a lead instructor, leveraging his operational experience to deliver training and education events for first responders, federal agencies, and military personnel. He was later promoted to On-Site Specialist Program Manager, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the program across the Army and Air National Guard, fire departments, and the Department of Justice. Lorenzo’s leadership was instrumental in establishing O2X as a trusted partner in human performance within these critical sectors.Originally from Australia, Lorenzo retired from Special Operations Command Australia after a distinguished 15-year career in the Army. During his time as a Special Forces Operator, he deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Timor, working alongside U.S. Special Operations. He also served in various leadership roles in domestic counterterrorism teams and worked with Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism and Tactical Police Teams, as well as the FBI HRT. Lorenzo holds a CF-L1 certification and has competed at the CrossFit Regionals. Now based in North Carolina, he enjoys mountain biking, water skiing, and hiking in his free time.

Zack McAdams is the Vice President of Training Operations at O2X, where he brings more than a decade of experience as a tactical athlete and a passion for career longevity to his role. Zack oversees all aspects of O2X’s in-person and virtual training and education programs, managing hundreds of global events each year. His responsibilities include overseeing specialist training and staffing, event planning and client coordination, forecasting personnel and equipment needs, logistics, inventory management, staff training and feedback, and budget management. Zack’s leadership ensures the seamless delivery of O2X’s world-class programs that support tactical athletes.Prior to joining O2X, Zack served 13 years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer, where he earned the rank of Major. Throughout his career, Zack served in various leadership positions across the Army, including the 101st Airborne Division, 25th Infantry Division, and 10th Mountain Division. His roles ranged from teaching and advising to logistics, operations, and command, with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan. Zack concluded his Army career as an Operations Officer and Executive Officer at the Battalion level, leading the planning, resourcing, and synchronization of operations for an 800-soldier infantry unit. He was medically retired in July 2022 due to career and combat-related injuries, which led him to the O2X team. Zack is driven by a passion to provide world-class training that improves the health, safety, and performance of our nation’s heroes.Zack holds a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College and a master’s degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He currently resides on the South Shore with his wife, Jen, and their daughter, Delaney. In his personal time, Zack is committed to family and enjoys staying active and engaged in his community. His experience, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of others make him a valued leader at O2X.

Meaghan Grimes is the Vice President of Education at O2X, where she collaborates with leading researchers and experts to develop customized, integrated programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by tactical athletes and elite organizations. In this role, Meaghan oversees comprehensive data analysis and organizational reporting, focusing on impact assessment. She is also responsible for creating detailed reports for agencies to demonstrate the tangible effects of O2X’s Integrated Specialist Programs and educational training events. Meaghan has held several roles at O2X, where she has contributed to both the Client Services and Education departments. As the Education & Reporting Manager, she worked closely with teams across the company to develop customized reports that illustrated the effectiveness of the Integrated Specialist Programs and workshops. Before this, she served as the Client Services Manager, where she led the creation of educational content and implemented reporting systems. Meaghan’s experience at O2X has been instrumental in delivering timely, professional customer service while helping to enhance the impact of the company’s programs. Meaghan holds a Master of Education in Coaching and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, both from Boston University. As an undergraduate, she was a distance swimmer on the BU Swimming and Diving team and a former USA Swimming Senior National Qualifier in distance freestyle and backstroke. Meaghan’s passion for sports and wellness is deeply personal, stemming from a family history of first responders. Her great-grandfather was a firefighter in Lowell, MA, her grandfather served as a Captain in the Massachusetts State Police, and her cousin is a police officer in Boxborough, MA. Working with O2X provides Meaghan with the opportunity to give back to the first responder community and contribute to their health and wellness.

Dan Hartig is Vice President of Engineering and Digital Products 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.

Crystal Vidas is the Vice President of People Operations at O2X, where she leads the organization’s people strategy and plays a pivotal role in fostering a high-performance environment. She oversees all HR and administrative functions, ensuring the company scales effectively while supporting its continued growth. Crystal’s leadership ensures alignment with O2X’s overarching strategy, cultivating an environment of growth and success for team members. In addition to her broader HR responsibilities, Crystal also oversees the recruitment, selection, and training of O2X Employees in key operational roles, contributing to the organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent. Before joining O2X, Crystal spent six years with lululemon, where she led multiple stores in the Philadelphia region. Her journey with the company culminated in the successful opening of a new store in Delaware. Throughout her time at lululemon, she consistently exceeded sales targets, achieved high employee engagement scores, and maintained strong ties with the local community. Prior to her retail career, Crystal spent the first decade of her professional life as a Certified Athletic Trainer. She worked in various locations including Oregon, Virginia, California, and Taiwan, and made significant contributions, such as standing up a sports medicine program at Taipei American School. There, she built a multi-disciplinary team that supported the unique needs of student athletes.Crystal earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Oregon State University and her Master of Science in Education through the Post Professional Athletic Training Education Program at Old Dominion University. Her diverse career path also reflects her passion for outdoor adventure and athleticism. Crystal has been a competitive CrossFit athlete, participating in regional competitions three times, and transitioned into ultra-endurance sports. One of her most notable accomplishments was an unsupported rim-to-rim-to-rim run of the Grand Canyon, completed with her husband in 16.5 hours. Outside of her professional and athletic pursuits, Crystal is a dedicated mother of three boys, aged 7, 4, and 9 months, and enjoys exploring new adventures with her family.

Jason Carver is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at O2X Human Performance, where he oversees activities with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth. He leads the Federal Sales team, driving business development, client management, and event coordination across the nation. Jason’s leadership ensures that O2X continues to provide impactful human performance solutions to federal clients nationwide. Before joining O2X, Jason served for 21 years in Naval Special Warfare as a Navy SEAL. During his distinguished career, he held leadership roles on SEAL Teams, was a founding member of a Special Reconnaissance Team, and served in staff positions at Naval Special Warfare Command and Naval Special Warfare Unit Ten. Jason became a dedicated advocate for human performance, emphasizing the integration of physical health, nutrition, sleep, injury prevention, and mental resilience into tactical readiness. Additionally, he co-founded Outlier CrossFit in San Diego, managing operations, scaling the business, and sponsoring a team that competed at the CrossFit Games. After four years, Jason and his co-founders successfully exited the business for profit.Jason has a passion for sports and outdoor activities, enjoying mountain biking, snowboarding, working out in his home gym, and tackling endurance challenges. Based in San Diego, CA, he continues to pursue his commitment to fitness and human performance both personally and professionally.

John Vargo serves as the Senior Vice President of Municipal Sales at O2X, where he applies his tactical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen to create impactful programs for state and local government organizations. He leads the municipal sales team, builds strategic partnerships, and executes business development strategies that drive success for municipal clients nationwide.Before joining O2X, John retired from a 20-year career with the Chandler Fire Department in Arizona, where he served as an Engineer Paramedic. During his tenure, he contributed as an IAFF Union Representative, an Apparatus Committee Member, and a co-founder of the Chandler FireFighter Athletic Association, supporting firefighter participation in the World Police and Fire Games. John also excelled as a real estate agent for 15 years and served as an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR), guiding his peers in asset diversification, portfolio management, and retirement strategies. After retiring, he founded Turn In, a nonprofit organization introducing first responders to mindfulness and meditation, and became a keynote speaker on first responder mental wellness.In 2019, John became an mPEAK-certified instructor through UC San Diego’s Center for Mindfulness and contributed as an instructor for the Chopra Global 21-Day Business Kickstarter in 2022. Residing in San Diego, CA, with his wife, John enjoys an active lifestyle that includes running, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and yoga. He is a proud father of three adult children and a grandfather to two.

Blake Brinkerhoff is the Senior Vice President of Federal Sales at O2X, where he leverages his tactical expertise and leadership background to integrate performance programs into federal agencies. He oversees the federal sales team, focusing on building relationships, ensuring client retention, and driving business development strategies that align with the needs of the U.S. Government sector. His role is instrumental in fostering growth and success within the organization’s federal initiatives. Blake’s professional foundation was built during his 12-year career as a Navy SEAL, where he completed three deployments to over 20 countries. As a member of SEAL Team 4, he served as Lead Breacher and Assault Team Leader, managing high-risk missions with precision and strategic acumen. In his later years, Blake became the lead instructor for Close Quarters Combat at SEAL Qualification Training, where he trained and mentored over 300 SEAL candidates annually, shaping the next generation of special operators. Blake holds a degree in organizational leadership, earned during his active-duty service, and a Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) from the University of Southern California. Residing in Oceanside, CA with his wife and three children, Blake embraces his love of the ocean through surfing and spearfishing. His personal passions reflect his commitment to physical and mental resilience, which informs both his work and leisure activities.

Nick Westendorf is an Assistant Vice President of Municipal Sales at O2X, where he focuses on expanding the company’s work with state and local government clients. In this role, Nick leverages his tactical experience, leadership skills, and subject matter expertise to implement comprehensive performance programs tailored to the needs of his clients. His daily responsibilities include building new relationships, managing client retention, and ensuring that each O2X program delivers maximum impact in support of its mission.Before transitioning into sales, Nick served as a Combat Engineer Officer in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Captain during his five-year active duty service. He deployed to Afghanistan as a Sapper Patrol Leader, conducting counter-IED operations in Regional Command East. Upon returning stateside, he served as a Company Executive Officer and Operations Officer for the 36th Engineer Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas. After leaving the military, Nick launched his sales career as a Territory Manager with Thermo Fisher Scientific, where his success led him to a role with Stryker Medical in New York City. Over the years, he has held various sales positions, excelling in regional strategy development and revenue generation.Nick earned 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 a Master of Business for Veterans from the University of Southern California, with an expected graduation in May 2024. Nick and his wife, Divneet, relocated from New York to California in 2022 and have made it their permanent home. Passionate about giving back to the Veteran community, Nick enjoys playing soccer and golf in his free time and is excited to rekindle his commitment to supporting First Responders through his work at O2X Human Performance.

Stephen Scrobe is an Assistant Vice President of Municipal Sales at O2X, where he applies his tactical experience, leadership skills, and subject matter expertise to deliver impactful programs for local government organizations. His daily responsibilities include executing the business development strategy, managing the municipal sales team, and cultivating partnerships that drive success for O2X’s municipal clients.Stephen brings over 15 years of law enforcement experience to his role. He has served as a K-9 Officer, SWAT Team Leader, and Training Detective, where he honed his leadership and training expertise. Stephen initially joined O2X as a Lead Instructor and is also the co-founder of Heart and Sol, LLC, a company focused on coaching families in health and fitness through online and in-person training, classes, and workshops. Additionally, he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) through the NSCA. His passion for fitness and training stems from his background as a collegiate wrestler and rugby player, and he continues to channel that passion as a HYROX Pro competitor and Ironman Triathlete. Stephen graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Rachel, and a proud father of two boys. Outside of his professional work, Stephen continues to pursue his love of training dogs and still competes in K-9 competitions with his retired K-9, “Carbon.” With a deep belief in a holistic approach to health and wellness, Stephen strives to empower the tactical community through education and training, enhancing both physical and mental performance.

Cole Hatcher is an Assistant Vice President of Municipal Sales at O2X. In this role, he applies his tactical experience, leadership skills, and subject matter expertise to deliver customized programs to local government organizations. His primary responsibilities include building and maintaining client relationships, ensuring retention, and managing impactful programs that support the unique missions of each organization he serves. Before joining O2X, Cole served as a Special Agent specializing in cases involving gang violence, firearms, and narcotics trafficking. Prior to his federal service, he spent four years on active duty as a Sergeant in the United States Army with F Co 51st Long Range Surveillance Company, where he was part of a military freefall team. During his Army tenure, Cole trained soldiers in surveillance tactics and physical fitness, fostered partnerships with allied forces, and completed advanced training, including the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course (RSLC), Pathfinder School, and the Military Freefall Parachutist Course (MFFPC).Cole earned a degree in accounting from the University of Arizona and has worked in various accounting and finance roles. A proud Arizona native, he has a deep passion for the outdoors and spends his free time traveling, hiking, visiting the beach, or competing in trail races and local CrossFit competitions.

Conner Freeland is an Assistant Vice President of Municipal Sales at O2X Human Performance, where he utilizes his coaching experience, leadership background, and expertise in both tactical and collegiate settings to deliver high-impact programs to municipal organizations. Conner’s focus is on building new relationships, client retention, and ensuring each O2X client receives tailored programs that enhance their performance and support their unique mission. Conner began his career with O2X as an On-Site Specialist and Program Manager, where he pioneered the Integrated Specialist Program at Washington D.C. Fire & EMS. He led a team of multidisciplinary specialists who supported over 2,200 members in the D.C. Fire Department, driving cultural transformation by enhancing physical training for recruits and operational firefighters. His work included developing a comprehensive return-to-work rehabilitation program, strategic facility designs, and fitness assessment tools. Before joining O2X, Conner spent five years as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Assistant Football Coach at the University of Charleston. There, he designed training programs, coached defensive backs and linebackers, recruited student-athletes, and developed new health and wellness procedures for the institution.Conner holds a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Longwood University. He has also completed internships in both the collegiate and private sectors and holds certifications from NSCA-CSCS and ACSM-EP. Conner lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Abby, and enjoys staying active through sports and outdoor activities.

Sara Davidson is an Assistant Vice President of Federal Sales at O2X Human Performance, specializing in client support within the DoD sector. With 20 years of military service, Sara draws on her extensive experience to assist clients in identifying opportunities and developing innovative solutions that enhance engagement and mission accomplishment. Her commitment to continuous learning, willingness to challenge the status quo, and passion for investing in people ensure that her clients’ goals are not only met but exceeded. Before joining O2X, Sara had a distinguished career in the Air Force, where she served as an intelligence analyst and operational leader, overseeing teams both large and small. Her global deployments, including time with a Special Operations Team in the Middle East, have provided her with significant experience in remote operations and the tactical application of cutting-edge technology. Throughout her military career, she collaborated extensively with various Intelligence Agencies, honing her skills in strategic decision-making and team leadership. Sara holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence. Her lifelong journey in fitness, health, and wellness is marked by voracious reading and data analysis, alongside firsthand experiences of holistic transformation through performance optimization. A certified Spin instructor, she currently competes in trail and road running, as well as CrossFit events. In her free time, Sara enjoys golfing, running, hiking, and reading in nature. Although Washington, D.C., is her home base, she embraces a minimalist lifestyle and travels frequently, often with just a backpack. Sara is passionate about empowering others to grow their holistic selves through physical, mental, and emotional strength, emphasizing the importance of health, wellness, and nutrition.

Cameron Baird is an Assistant Vice President of Federal Sales at O2X Human Performance, where he focuses on delivering customized human performance solutions to federal law enforcement and other federal agencies. Drawing on his military expertise and passion for fitness, Cameron ensures that tactical professionals are equipped with top-tier resources and training to enhance operational readiness and resilience in critical situations. Before joining O2X, Cameron served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps, leading diverse teams in challenging environments. His roles included Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Camp Pendleton, CA, where he deployed on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Cameron later commanded the Special Training Company at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, where he mentored and trained thousands of recruits. He concluded his active-duty career at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA, serving in roles such as Tactics Officer in Charge. Originally from Michigan, Cameron earned the rank of Eagle Scout in high school, reflecting his early dedication to leadership and service. A lifelong athlete, he competed in football, wrestling, and rugby, winning a state championship in rugby and playing collegiately at the U.S. Naval Academy. He went on to earn a Master in Business for Veterans (MBV) from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. An avid reader and fitness enthusiast, Cameron enjoys tackling fitness challenges, martial arts, and ultramarathons. He resides with his wife, two young children, and German Shepherd, balancing family life with a relentless drive to push boundaries and support those who serve.

Josh Stuart-Shor is a Manager of Integrated Programs for O2X and a Lead Instructor. In this capacity, Josh ensures that the needs of all tactical athletes and client organizations are met through regular engagement and on-site coordination. His role is pivotal in maintaining the effectiveness of O2X’s human performance programs, working directly with clients to ensure optimal program implementation and support. Prior to joining O2X, Josh served in the United States Army, initially as an Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division before transitioning to a Green Beret with the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, NC. Throughout his military career, Josh completed several combat deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, earning numerous combat awards and decorations. During 2015 to 2016, Josh was involved in the Army’s Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation & Reconditioning Program (THOR3) to recover from injuries sustained during combat. This experience fueled his passion for human performance, inspiring him to help others recover physically and mentally to return to duty.After nearly a decade of service, Josh transitioned out of the Army to pursue new opportunities. In addition to his role with O2X, he works as a Lieutenant for a major metropolitan fire department. Josh holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He currently resides in Boston, MA, with his wife, Jessica, their four children—Camden, Abigail, Harrison, and Anne—and their dog, Buck. In their free time, the family enjoys skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing in the mountains of Vermont.

Brendan Stickles is the Vice President of Government at O2X, overseeing Federal Government Accounts. He joined the O2X team in September 2023 after serving as a consultant with Boston Consulting Group. Prior to that, Brendan served as the Special Advisor for Defense to Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. During his two years at the White House, he managed a wide-ranging portfolio that included veterans’ issues, national security, defense innovation, and military personnel and readiness as Director on the National Security Council. Before transitioning to his advisory roles, Brendan had a distinguished career as a Navy Commander, flying jets for over 18 consecutive years and completing more than 550 carrier landings. On his final operational deployment aboard the USS Eisenhower, he commanded an EA-18 squadron that earned two consecutive “Battle E” awards for combat efficiency during Operation Inherent Resolve. Among his proudest moments in the cockpit was performing the 2008 Major League Baseball Opening Day flyover for his favorite team, the New York Mets. Originally from Glen Rock, New Jersey, Brendan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in history. He also earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina and an MPA from Harvard. Brendan lives in Bethesda, MD, with his wife and their three school-aged children.

Rachel Miller is the Manager of Events at O2X, where she plays a vital role in the Operations Team. In this capacity, she manages the staffing, planning, travel, and execution of O2X’s programs throughout the year. Rachel oversees a network of over 250 O2X subject matter experts and instructors, ensuring seamless operations for each event. She is committed to building strong relationships, growing the O2X family network, and fostering a positive and rewarding work environment for current staff, creating a culture of support and collaboration. Before joining O2X, Rachel worked in the Events and Experiences team at Fenway Sports Management, the sports marketing agency of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group. In her role, she managed fan travel experiences, corporate events, and brand activations for several FSG entities and partners, including the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, Liverpool F.C., Jim Beam, Dunkin’, and the Red Sox Foundation. Her diverse experience in sports marketing and event management gave her a strong foundation in large-scale event coordination. Rachel also holds a Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism with a sports focus from Boston University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Journalism.Rachel was a standout member of the Women’s Soccer team at Boston University, where she was a two-time captain, two-time All-Patriot League selection, and three-time Patriot League Champion. Her dedication to sports extended beyond her college career, as she traveled to Uganda with Coaches Across Continents to promote the power of sport for social impact. After her soccer career, Rachel ran the Boston Marathon to raise funds for the Boston Bruins Foundation, igniting her passion for running and endurance training. Born and raised in South Shore, MA, Rachel is a member of the East Bridgewater High School Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in soccer and track and field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dog, and exploring the outdoors.

Joe McCullough is the Manager of Marketing at O2X, where he is responsible for creating, planning, and executing the company’s marketing initiatives. His work includes managing social media, email campaigns, public relations, the O2X Human Performance Podcast, and the company’s blog. Joe’s role is central to promoting O2X’s mission and educating the public on the importance of human performance, especially within tactical communities. Before joining O2X, Joe received a conditional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), where he enrolled in 2014 after completing a preparatory program at the New Mexico Military Institute. While at USMMA, Joe 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, Joe suffered a cervical level spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. After undergoing months of intensive therapy and rehabilitation, he regained enough function to live independently, a testament to his resilience and problem-solving skills honed during his time at the Academy. Joe attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy as part of the Maritime Logistics and Security Program, where he gained valuable leadership and problem-solving experience. Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Joe’s determination and adaptive mindset have shaped his professional journey. Since his recovery, Joe has built a successful career with O2X, holding roles as Operations Coordinator and Experience Coordinator before becoming Marketing Manager. Outside of work, Joe’s perseverance and growth post-injury continue to inspire those around him.

Dr. Katy Tran Turner is the Manager of Curriculum and Learning Design at O2X, where she is responsible for compiling content, researching relevant background information, and helping create world-class training materials for a variety of clients and events. Additionally, Katy serves as an O2X Mental Performance Specialist, specializing in developing mental skills that optimize performance in high-pressure, fast-paced, and dynamic environments. Her expertise focuses on enhancing decision-making, confidence, self-regulation, and present-moment focus during high-stress performance moments. Dr. Turner has a rich history of working with high-performance teams in various settings. She served as the mental performance coach for the Buffalo Sabres for five seasons and spent two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where she contributed to multidisciplinary teams providing holistic support. Before her time with professional athletes in Western New York, Katy worked with soldiers at Fort Bragg, NC, providing mental performance training for tactical athletes. Her experience also includes working in NCAA Division I athletics departments in student-athlete services and supporting a wide range of sports. Dr. Turner holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology from Florida State University. She also earned a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University and undergraduate degrees in Biology and Exercise & Sport Science from UNC-Chapel Hill. While at UNC, Katy was the starting goaltender for the field hockey team, earning All-America honors. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and a member of the American Psychological Association Division 47. In addition to her role at O2X, Dr. Turner serves as an adjunct professor. Her research has focused on team dynamics and coordination. Katy currently resides in Michigan with her husband, two children, and two dogs, where she enjoys teaching and learning about high-performance strategies and performing under pressure.

Trevor Sheasley is the Manager of Digital Products, where he leads product innovation and ensures the excellence of O2X’s digital offerings. Trevor is responsible for overseeing project management, ensuring deadlines are met, and incorporating user feedback for continuous product improvement. He serves as a liaison between clients and the technical team, ensuring exceptional customer service and prompt resolution of technical issues. Trevor’s expertise in human performance also ensures that the quality of the content remains top-tier. Additionally, he works closely with On-site Human Performance Specialists and plays a key role in onboarding new clients and employees, contributing significantly to O2X’s success. Before his current role, Trevor served as an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist at the Arlington County Fire Department, where he specialized in Strength and Conditioning. With over 7 years of experience in the human performance field, Trevor’s career began as an Army Reservist, where he was responsible for overseeing his platoon’s physical readiness program while earning his Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. His career has since expanded to include roles with all branches of the military through The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and Division 1 athletes at Georgetown University. Most recently, Trevor worked with the officers of the United States Capitol Police, further deepening his expertise in supporting tactical populations.Trevor holds a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and is currently pursuing a master’s program with a dual concentration in Tactical Strength and Conditioning and Rehabilitation Sciences. His passion for human performance and supporting those he serves continues to drive his career. Trevor’s dedication to improving the health and performance of tactical athletes and first responders is evident in his career and education. Outside of his professional life, Trevor enjoys staying active and continues to deepen his knowledge of human performance in both tactical and rehabilitation settings.

Dave Burke is the Operations Coordinator at O2X, where he is a key member of the Operations department. In this role, Dave manages logistics to support O2X’s events and on-site specialists, ensuring smooth execution across all programs. He is responsible for organizing shipping to and from events nationwide, ensuring that every O2X training program is fully equipped and operational. As O2X continues to grow, Dave plays a critical role in enhancing processes and strengthening the O2X brand through innovative solutions and creative problem-solving.Before joining O2X, Dave served as a manager at a local beach in Cohasset, MA, where he worked closely with first responders, including emergency management teams and the local fire and police departments. During this time, Dave designed and implemented safety procedures and fitness programs, significantly improving team training and promoting a safer beach environment. His experience in program management and team leadership in a high-stakes setting provided him with valuable skills that he brings to his role at O2X, ensuring that each event is prepared for success.Dave earned his Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship in May 2022 and is currently pursuing his MBA at Lasell University. As a two-time captain of the Lasell Men’s Lacrosse team, Dave led his team to a Greater Northeast Athletic Conference championship and was a multi-year all-conference player, also being a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year as a SSDM. Raised on the Massachusetts South Shore, Dave is passionate about competition, teamwork, and adventure. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, surfing, and spending time with his family, friends, and three dogs.

Alyssa Cafarelli is the Content Coordinator at O2X, where she collaborates with various departments to help deliver high-impact training and education resources, marketing materials, and client reports. In this role, Alyssa plays a key part in ensuring that O2X’s materials meet the needs of tactical athletes and organizations, contributing to the development of effective resources that support health, performance, and recovery. Her ability to work across departments helps ensure seamless delivery of impactful content that benefits O2X’s clients and mission.Before joining O2X, Alyssa worked as a preschool teacher for six years, a role that nurtured her passion for education and creativity. Her experience in education has fueled her desire to help others learn and grow, which she continues to do at O2X by creating and managing content. Alyssa also comes from a family of tactical athletes, which influenced her deep connection to O2X’s mission of supporting those who serve and protect the country. Her background in both teaching and content creation has made her an essential part of the team at O2X.Alyssa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media from Plymouth State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Communications National Honors Society, Lambda Pi Eta. While attending Plymouth State, Alyssa developed a passion for health and fitness by creating digital content for the university’s recreation department. In her personal life, Alyssa is passionate about giving back to the tactical community and continues to find inspiration in the work of those who serve the country.

Brooke Williams is the Travel Coordinator at O2X, where she plays a crucial role in supporting O2X’s Human Performance training events. In this position, Brooke assists with all aspects of travel booking and event coordination, ensuring that O2X’s training programs run smoothly across the country. Her work involves coordinating logistics for staff and trainers, helping to facilitate successful events and enhance the experience for both participants and staff members. Before joining O2X, Brooke worked with enterprise organizations in SaaS sales, where she focused on implementing scalable solutions and streamlining content experiences for clients. Her background in business and technology helped her develop a keen understanding of operations and project management. Additionally, Brooke’s entrepreneurial studies at Bryant University sparked a deep passion for health and wellness, which led her to earn certifications in Nutrition and Personal Training, complementing her work in business. Brooke graduated from Bryant University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. While at Bryant, she co-captained the university’s first Women’s Club Lacrosse team during its inaugural season, showcasing her leadership skills and love for competitive sports. Brooke also studied international business abroad in Uruguay and Argentina, cultivating a passion for cultural exchange and travel. Raised in a family of service members, both military and first responders, she has a strong commitment to giving back to tactical communities. In her free time, Brooke enjoys traveling, staying active, and contributing to causes that support those who serve others.

Hugh Hamill is the Logistics Coordinator at O2X, where he is an integral member of the operations team. In this role, Hugh is responsible for managing the logistics and operational requirements for O2X Human Performance events and On-Site Specialists. He oversees the coordination, organization, packaging, and shipment of materials to various events across the country, ensuring everything is delivered on time and in perfect condition. Additionally, Hugh helps manage inventory and logistical needs at O2X’s headquarters, playing a key role in maintaining efficient operations.Before joining O2X, Hugh gained valuable experience as a supervisor within the Intramural Athletic Board at Providence College, where he developed his passion for sports, health, and physical well-being. This role allowed him to gain leadership experience and further his interest in the logistics of athletic events. Hugh also worked as a marketing intern at a local bank on the South Shore of Massachusetts, where he honed his skills in communication and organizational support, contributing to his broad experience in both operations and marketing.Hugh graduated from Providence College in May 2023 with a major in marketing and a minor in sociology. Growing up on the South Shore of Massachusetts, Hugh was an avid sports fan and played multiple varsity sports during his time at Marshfield High School. Outside of work, Hugh enjoys spending time with friends and family, skiing, and staying active outdoors. His love for sports and fitness continues to drive his personal and professional endeavors.

Ashley Tropea is an Education Coordinator at O2X, based in Massachusetts, where she utilizes her extensive expertise in human performance, injury prevention, and musculoskeletal injury management to design and implement educational programs. In this role, she develops content and training aimed at helping tactical professionals enhance their performance, resilience, and recovery. Ashley excels at simplifying complex medical and performance concepts into practical, engaging materials, ensuring they can be easily applied by professionals across various industries to improve both their physical and mental well-being.Before transitioning to her role as an Education Coordinator, Ashley worked as an on-site Human Performance Specialist for O2X, where she directly supported industrial athletes in optimizing performance and reducing injury risks. This hands-on experience with tactical athletes has greatly influenced the educational programs she now creates. Prior to joining O2X, Ashley spent several years working as a state-licensed, nationally certified Athletic Trainer in both athletic and clinical settings. Notably, she spent five years as the primary athletic trainer at a high school, managing injury prevention and rehabilitation. She also collaborated with orthopedic surgeons in a hospital’s sports medicine department and rehabilitation clinics, gaining significant experience in musculoskeletal care.Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Bridgewater State University in 2015. She continued to expand her expertise in patient education, wound care, casting and bracing, and durable medical equipment application during her time in an orthopedic surgical clinic. Born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Ashley is passionate about hiking with her dog, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Her background in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and education allows her to continue impacting others’ well-being by providing valuable insights into performance and recovery.

Ashley Roberts is the Talent Acquisition Coordinator at O2X, where she plays a crucial role in supporting the People Operations team. Her primary responsibility is attracting top talent to O2X and guiding candidates through an efficient interview and onboarding process. In addition to her talent acquisition duties, Ashley is also involved in supporting employee engagement and development across all departments, helping O2X build and sustain a dedicated and skilled team as the company continues to grow.With over 8 years of experience as a certified athletic trainer, Ashley has worked in a variety of environments, including secondary schools, collegiate athletics, military settings, and industrial contexts. Her passion for serving military personnel and veterans is deeply personal, as she is the spouse of a Marine veteran. This connection fuels her work and drives her commitment to supporting those who serve. Before her current position, Ashley contributed significantly to hiring and onboarding new athletic trainers and served as an industrial athletic trainer, where she gained a broad range of knowledge and honed her expertise in multiple sectors.Ashley holds a Master of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Central Oklahoma, providing her with a strong foundation to excel in her profession. Outside of her work, she enjoys staying active through workouts, outdoor adventures such as boating, and spending quality time with her family, including her daughter and two beloved pit bulls. Ashley’s vibrant personality, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication make her a valued asset to both O2X and her community.

Elmer Diaz is the Creative Content Specialist at O2X, where he produces high-quality visual content to advance the company’s mission. With a focus on delivering engaging and impactful media, Elmer specializes in creating storytelling visuals that resonate with diverse audiences across multiple platformsWith over five years of experience in the field, Elmer has built a diverse portfolio of work. He previously served as the Media Director at SoldierfitHQ, where he developed and managed multimedia projects. Additionally, Elmer has collaborated on various freelance projects with renowned brands such as CBS Sports and Lululemon, showcasing his versatility and creativity in video production.Elmer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Hood College, where he developed a foundation in storytelling and media production. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys exploring the visual arts, diving into films, and spending quality time with his family. Elmer’s passion for storytelling continues to inspire both his professional work and personal pursuits.

Daniel Williams is the Manager of Integrated Programs for O2X Human Performance on the West Coast. Starting as an On-Site Human Performance Specialist specializing in Strength & Conditioning, Daniel has cultivated extensive expertise in supporting tactical athletes. With over 12 years of experience in the human performance field, Daniel has a deep passion for working with tactical athletes, helping them achieve peak performance and resilience. Since 2015, Daniel has served as a Human Performance Specialist in the special operations community. His career began with the Air Force Special Operations Command, working with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Special Tactics Training Squadron (STTS). After two years with STTS, Daniel transitioned to Naval Special Warfare Group 1, where he spent over four years supporting Navy SEALs in optimizing their performance and readiness. Daniel’s dedication to human performance and his extensive experience make him an invaluable resource for tactical professionals committed to achieving operational excellence.

Devon Smith is the Manager of Integrated Programs for the East Coast at O2X. As a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach, he brings over a decade of human performance experience to the O2X team. In this role, Devon applies his expertise to support tactical athletes and organizations, driving optimal performance through personalized programs. His experience in working with diverse populations allows him to design holistic and impactful programs that enhance both mental and physical fortitude. Prior to joining O2X, Devon was a strength and conditioning coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he helped Cadets develop their athletic performance and transition to the Army Combat Fitness Test. Before his time at West Point, Devon coached at several privately owned gyms and academies across New York and New England, working with athletes ranging from youth to professional levels, as well as general and tactical populations. His diverse experience in human performance has shaped his holistic approach to training, focusing on physical conditioning, sports psychology, and nutrition. Devon holds an undergraduate degree in Health and Human Performance, a Master’s in Sports Psychology, and has pursued extensive education in sports nutrition. His background also includes years of experience as an orthopedic trauma consultant, where he gained expertise in musculoskeletal injury from both a surgical and rehabilitative perspective. Devon’s athletic background includes competing internationally for a USA Select lacrosse team and, more recently, in a variety of strength sports, including Strongman competitions. Raised in a military family, Devon is passionate about serving those who serve, and he currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, daughter, and their four-legged “fuzzy” kids.

Crystal Schurko is a Senior Front End Engineer at O2X, where she focuses on web and mobile development, introducing new features and intuitive designs that enhance the user experience. With a strong background in operations, she also plays a key role in optimizing the agile development process, helping to ensure efficient collaboration between engineering and product teams.Before joining O2X, Crystal led software engineering efforts in the healthcare and publishing industries, serving as a Lead Software Engineer at Florida Blue and Banyan Hill Publishing. She has worked across diverse industries, including client-facing development at MercuryWorks and earlier experience in embedded systems at Magic Leap. Her expertise spans frontend development, agile methodologies, and product-driven engineering, allowing her to bridge technical challenges with user needs. Crystal has a rich background in certifications and technical achievements, including winning hackathons and earning credentials in areas such as full-stack web development, embedded systems, and modern frontend frameworks like React and Next.js.Outside of work, she is an avid reader, researcher, and designer, always exploring new ways to expand her knowledge. She lives in South Florida with her husband and two daughters.

Martin Guidie is an Assistant Vice President of Federal Sales at O2X, specializing in client support within the DoD sector. Martin’s professional career was built during his 13-year career in Naval Special Warfare as a Navy SEAL. Completing 4 successful deployments spanning 25 countries at SEAL Team 4, Martin served in key leadership positions such as Leading Petty Officer, Assault Team Leader, and Leader Breacher, and even fulfilling positions above his pay grade at the time such as Leading Chief Petty Officer.

Following his time at SEAL Team 4 Martin became the lead instructor for Land Warfare during candidates’ SEAL Qualification Training. Leading, training, and mentoring over 500 candidates through operational and professional training, Martin was able to give back to the community he appreciates so much as well as shape the future generation of warfighters.

Martin has a degree in Organizational Leadership and spent 5 years as a personal trainer before his time in the military. Martin has a deep love for sports and competition, as well as Skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and weightlifting, enjoying the opportunity to do any of them. Residing in San Diego, CA with his wife and 2 kids, they enjoy the opportunities that Southern California offers to maintain an active healthy lifestyle.

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Daniel Velez is a Senior Mobile Engineer at O2X, where he leads the development of high-performance mobile applications that drive forward the company’s mission to optimize human performance. With a foundation in business and a passion for technology, Daniel brings a strategic mindset to mobile engineering, creating seamless and intuitive user experiences that meet real-world needs.

Prior to joining O2X, Daniel played key roles at companies such as Reggora, Dragon Army, and TrueNorth, where he contributed to the design and deployment of impactful mobile solutions across diverse sectors. His strengths lie in solving complex technical challenges, writing clean and maintainable code, and fostering strong collaboration across teams. Daniel made the leap into tech in his late twenties and has since carved out a path defined by growth, curiosity, and a relentless drive to improve. His work reflects a deep commitment to learning and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile development.

Outside of engineering, Daniel is a dedicated enthusiast of combat sports and soccer, and enjoys any challenge that pushes him to grow, both personally and professionally.

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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.

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.

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 Trauma Informed Care, 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 12 marathons and annual competitions such as 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, playing with her dog, or discovering new ice cream places.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

lima 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.

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.

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.

Kortney Leazer is an O2X instructor and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Kortney was a collegiate athlete while studying Criminal Justice and Spanish at the University of Lynchburg and joined the Virginia State Police after graduation. While working full-time, Kortney completed her Master’s of Science in Human Performance in 2024. She is currently working with local law enforcement and fire departments to enhance their physical performance and wellness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 dieteticsAs 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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, VAGreg 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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 2009, with a degree in Athletic Training. During the summers, Kent completed professional football internships with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Following Kent’s undergraduate work, he accepted a graduate assistant position at Iowa State University. While studying for his Master of Education, Kent worked as the wrestling and golf athletic trainer. Outside of coursework, Kent would provide preventative, emergency, and rehabilitative medicine to the wrestling and golf programs. The opportunity for Kent to further his academic and clinical education while working and traveling directly with a sports team was a great building block.After graduate school, Kent accepted an athletic training position at the United States Military Academy, working with West Point’s wrestling and men’s soccer programs. While in New York, Kent also assisted the Army’s medical staff with football and baseball coverage. In 2011, Kent left West Point and moved to Tucson where he pursued a full time football opportunity at the University of Arizona. While at Arizona, Kent implemented movement screens and injury prevention into rehabilitation.In 2016, Kent moved to Centennial, CO to work with tactical athletes. He joined the wellness department at South Metro Fire Rescue located just outside of Denver, Colorado. At South Metro, he is responsible for the rehabilitation and treatment of injuries that occur both online and offline. He is also working to improve current injury prevention tactics already implemented by the department.In his free time, Kent enjoys spending time with his wife, KellyAnne, and his two dogs, Drew and Harry. Being new to Colorado, he is looking forward to taking on new outdoor adventures.

Antigone Vesci is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist currently working as the Director of Performance Therapy at The Edge in Glenview, IL. Prior to joining The Edge team, she worked as an Athletic Trainer & Physical Therapist at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute for nearly 3 years, where in addition to patient care she actively consulted, mentored, and taught. Antigone received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2012, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2014 from Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College. She then completed the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 2017. Antigone is a member of both the National Athletic Training Association (NATA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapists (AAOMPT). Antigone is also a certified health care provider for World Rugby.Antigone has worked across the country from Boston to L.A with all levels of human performance, from a spinal cord injured veteran to professional athletes. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based and patient-centered care to all age groups and demographics, but finds working with tactical athletes, the aging athlete, and patients in chronic pain the most professionally rewarding. She has been with O2X since 2015. In her free time, Antigone likes to paint, sing and play music, and volunteer as a medical health professional. Antigone has volunteered for the Boston Marathon and many other local and national sporting events since 2010. Antigone currently resides in Glenview with her husband, Brian and their daughter Meli.

Dr. Jason Mitchler is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist who is an active duty physical therapist currently serving at Fort Carson, CO. Jason has served the majority of his 19 year Army career in operational units. His enlisted career began as an infantryman and later as a Special Forces Medic with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) while completing two tours to Afghanistan. After being commissioned as a physical therapist, he was the lead during the implementation of the USASOC THOR3 program at the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). During this time he oversaw the development of a comprehensive performance and rehabilitation program at Ft. Carson, CO. Following this assignment he was selected to be the Chief of Physical Therapy at the Pentagon. His most recent deployment was as the sole physical therapist for the Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan (SOTF-A) serving both American and coalition forces. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Kinesiology and the Army-Baylor program with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He is an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Jason lives in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife Erin and their two children. He is an assistant high school wrestling coach and holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In his free time he is an active cyclist, runner, and skier.

Becky McClelland is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist who received her B.A. in Athletic Training from Messiah College in 2003, M.S. in Kinesiology from University of Kentucky in 2006, and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2017. She has been a Certified Athletic Trainer and CSCS since 2003, and a Certified Physician Assistant since 2017.Following her degree at the University of Kentucky and work at Monmouth University in NJ, Becky accepted a position at Boston University where she stayed for 6 years. While there, she worked as an athletic trainer with varsity and club sports teams as well as the on-campus ROTC, including all military branches. As a faculty member she taught in the undergraduate athletic training and doctorate of physical therapy programs.Throughout her career she did multiple original research projects, becoming an expert in shoulder and scapular kinematics, kinetics, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Since becoming a Certified Physician Assistant, she has been working in Cardiac Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. There, Becky is involved in surgery as well as coordinating the medical care of patients after surgery, ensuring they are prepared to live healthy lifestyles when they are discharged home. She also has a faculty appointment at the MGH Institute of Health Professions where she teaches in the PA program.Becky is an avid runner and enjoys races of all sizes. She has volunteered at athletic events throughout the country, including the finish line of the Boston Marathon since 2003. In her free time, she enjoys being active with friends, cooking, and spending time with her multiple nieces and nephews.

Dr. Mike Donato is an O2X Foot and Ankle Specialist who is an owner/podiatrist at Rappahannock Foot & Ankle Specialists in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is board certified in Forefoot, and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and has served as a spokesperson and as a past chairman of the managerial board for Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He has been named among Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Doctors for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Mike grew up in Boston and graduated from Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury prior to attending Princeton University where he played baseball and hockey. He is a graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, California and did his residency at the Yale New Haven Hospital-VA Connecticut Healthcare System. He has a passion for sports and brings his expertise of foot and ankle mechanics and proper shoe wear utilized for various athletic/tactical activities. He is a regular medical volunteer at the Marine Corps Marathon and the other associated Marine Corps Marathon Race Events. He is a USA Hockey level 4 hockey coach and after years of being a head coach he currently serves as an assistant coach for the Piedmont Predator Youth Hockey Club. He is an avid crossfitter and hockey player who participates in masters crossfit competitions and adult hockey tournaments.

Jay Sedory is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Jay is also a licensed athletic trainer for the United State Marine Corps where he oversees injury prevention for martial arts, water survival, and fitness programs. Jay has been an athletic trainer for over 16 years with over 13 years of those years in the military setting. He is a plank holder for the Marine Corps Force Fitness Instructor Program. Jay is also a trained Tactical Medic with over 10 years of emergency management experience within the military and civilian setting. Most notably, Jay is a deployable asset for Health and Human Services under the Division of Partner Readiness and Emergency Programs (PREP). He is a graduate and instructor for tactical medics under the premier federally recognized program: Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support (CONTOMS). As a part of this elite cadre of medical professionals, Jay is the lead instructor in sports medicine and human performance topics. Additionally, he has worked with several federal, state, and local agencies in tactical medicine operations.Jay holds a number of additional certifications in strength and conditioning: USA Weightlifting, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Tactical Strength and Conditioning, and Functional Movement Screening. While he excels within the Marine Corps, he is also an adjunct professor for George Mason University. Starting in 2014, Jay has been a regular contributor to the Athletic Training Education Program. Prior to his position with the Marine Corps, he served as the head athletic trainer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration. At this position he implemented a number of injury prevention programs related to heat illness, concussion, musculoskeletal injuries, and sports preparedness. He is also an accomplished professional within the profession of athletic training on national, district, and state levels. Jay is a former President of the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association where he oversaw state operations that included paid and volunteer staff, 16 committees, a budget exceeding 500k, and a membership of over 3,000 athletic trainers. He is the recipient of the Virginia Emerging Practice Setting Athletic Trainer of the Year Award in 2012.

Anne Hruskoci is an Assistant Instructor and Injury Prevention Specialist with O2X. While studying at the New England Conservatory of Music to become an opera singer, she found her passion in health and human performance after achieving an 80 pound weight loss. She witnessed the transformative impact of prioritizing her health after her weight loss led to a significant reduction in chronic pain caused by a physical disability that she was born with. This became the driving force behind Anne’s decision to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.As a DPT, she is passionate about treating patients with neurological diagnoses, such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, and TBIs, in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings, Anne still occasionally organizes singing performance opportunities for herself and musical colleagues in the Washington DC area to benefit causes she is passionate about.

Steve Fell is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Steve is a former college and professional soccer player, who developed a passion for the systematic approach to physical preparation through his own desire to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk. Steve holds a Bachelors in Exercise Science, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Health and Human Performance. Additionally, Steve is a Board-Certified Sports Physical Therapist (DPT-SCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS). Steve has served as a rehabilitation and performance Practitioner in many settings including the Human Performance Advisor for Special Operations Command South, Director of Sports Performance for Phoenix Rising Football Club of the United Soccer League, Assistant Performance /End-Stage Rehabilitation Coach for Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, and Director of Sports Performance for Flagler College. Currently, Steve is the owner of Performance Science and Rehab where he uses a data informed approach to assist high-performing individuals return-to-performance following injury.

Dr. Kyle Feldman is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. He is the National Director of Revision Physical Therapy where he has grown and managed the company to 15+ locations in VA, FL, MD, and NC. His clinical expertise spans athletic performance, spinal conditions, and complex cases involving chronic pain management. Dr. Feldman earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2014, where he also distinguished himself as an Academic All-American wide receiver for the university’s football team. He continued his professional development through a rigorous residency in orthopedic manual therapy with the Virginia Orthopedic Manual Therapy Institute (VOMPTI) and completed his fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (FAAOMPT) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, focusing on chronic pain and advanced manual therapy techniques.As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Feldman has trained physical therapists globally, with teaching stints in Kenya, Ghana, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Haiti. In addition to his clinical work, he holds teaching roles at Shenandoah University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and is a faculty member in the VOMPTI Orthopedic Residency program.Kyle resides in Winchester, VA, with his wife Olivia, two daughters, and their family dog.

Michael Reinhardt is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Mike was involved in an array of sports while growing up – football, crew, and competitive tournament paintball – which budded his passion for strength sports and performance training. Mike earned his B.S in Exercise Science and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University at Buffalo.Mike is a presenter and content creator for R2P Academy, a clinician-directed continuing education company that seeks to bridge the gap along the rehab to performance continuum. Through a wide variety of coaching and clinical experiences, he has worked alongside an assortment of highly talented performance-minded health professionals. With over 10 years of strength and conditioning experience, Mike has worked with diverse populations of athletes and active individuals from both rehabilitation and performance perspectives. He has been fortunate to work with team sport athletes, firefighters, police officers, SWAT members, retired military, CrossFit, powerlifting, and weightlifting athletes. Mike has competed in Olympic Style weightlifting for the last eight years and remains heavily involved in numerous weightlifting and strength sport communities. He enjoys the beautiful complexity of the sport of weightlifting – a perfect blend of speed, strength, power, mobility, and coordination required to perform the snatch and clean and jerk at maximal potential.Mike has an intense passion for integrating strength and conditioning principles along with the intricacies of human performance and rehabilitation to help realize an individual’s true potential. He enjoys the art of blending the complexities of human movement into a progressive plan geared towards building resiliency and maximizing an individual’s physical and mental capabilities.

Vickie Dills is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 1999 and later completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Simmons College. Vickie embraces the concept of evidence-based rehabilitation. In treating physical therapy patients, she draws upon current research to incorporate scientifically validated methods into her daily practice. In March 2016, she co-authored an article titled “Return to Play Following Sports Hernia Surgery”, which was published in “Clinics in Sports Medicine”.Vickie is also a licensed private pilot and a certified SCUBA diver. Prior to pursuing a career in Physical Therapy, she worked in a trauma center operating room under the direction of the anesthesia department. Vickie served as an active duty Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. She holds numerous certifications, including Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Certified HawkGrips Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Specialist, Certified ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT), Certified Strength and Agility Coach (CSAC), Dry Needling for Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Sport Performance, and Training for Warriors Instructor Certified, among others.

Ian Manning is an O2X specialist who graduated from Northeastern University in 2003 with his Bachelors in Allied Health Sciences and in 2004 with his Masters in Physical Therapy. He specializes in Orthopedic injuries and in Injury prevention for all demographics and occupations. In 2008, he continued on his education path with the Titleist Performance Institute and now specializes in helping golfers improve their performance and also prevent injuries. Ian is a dry needling specialist and has been utilizing the technique since 2010. He now helps educate other health care practitioners on incorporating the treatment into their therapeutic interventions.Ian opened his own private practice in 2012 and grew the business over the next 10 years. In 2022, he merged with Performance Physical Therapy and now continues to focus on business development and implementing their growth strategy. When he isn’t treating in the clinical setting he travels to treat professional athletes and provide concierge medicine.

Jessica is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009 from Temple University after completing her B.S. in Exercise Science in 2006. During the early years Dr. Visintainer traveled throughout the United States of America building a diverse skill set with focus on sports and orthopedic injury and prevention. She has earned specialty certifications in various areas to provide quality care to endurance and martial arts athletes.Jessica is a certified Mulligan Practitioner and certified Dry Needling Clinician in addition to being certified in Vestibular assessment and rehabilitation. Jessica owns a sports concierge practice specializing in the injury prevention and rehabilitation of the endurance and MMA athlete. As a seasoned triathlete (including long course), Krav Maga instructor and student of Brazilian Jiu jitsu she is poised to not only treat injuries in the athletic population but also understands the demands placed on the human body with elite and tactical athletes. When Jessica is not running her sports practice or preparing for an upcoming race, she enjoys all things in nature especially when in or on the water as an open water swimmer and kayaker. Most recently she has entered into the world of adventure racing which has married both her love of multisport and the wilderness.

Tiffany Sheffield is an O2X injury prevention specialist. Tiffany graduated from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY., with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2019. She holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Sports Science. She has worked with various populations to include but not limited to veterans, active duty, firefighters, horse trainers, equestrians, paramedics and pro-athletes. Her primary focus has been in the outpatient setting where she has effectively treated conditions including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, vestibular dysfunction, post-concussion syndrome, post/pre-operative, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Tiffany provides a holistic and comprehensive approach to achieve maximum recovery and performance to minimize long term pain and impairments. She believes in treating the patient as a whole and is passionate about providing an individualized plan of care. The military is near and dear to her heart. Her father served in the United States Army, her brother served in the United States Marine Corps, and her husband served in the United States Navy.

Dr. Brandon Paulus is an O2X Injury Prevention Specialist. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Radford University. He is board certified in orthopaedics, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He holds certifications in dry needling, spinal manipulation technique, and blood flow restriction training. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science degree in Physical Therapy through Andrews University. Dr. Paulus is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. He enjoys treating individuals with a holistic approach, focusing on aspects of injury prevention and reduction, pain management, athletic performance. He has spent the last 7 years working with college and professional athletes, special operations forces, law enforcement/first responders, and CrossFit athletes.

Alexa Bannerman is an injury prevention specialist with O2X with 14 years of progressive sports medicine experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Central Florida, and a Master’s in Science in Sport Fitness Management from Troy University. Alexa is currently working as a contracted ATC with Naval Special Warfare in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Prior to transitioning to the tactical athlete, Alexa spent most her career in Division I athletics. Alexa possesses a strong clinical skills, with specialty in myofascial therapies, Functional Dry Needling, post-operative rehab, and innovative return to duty rehabilitation. Born and raised in Michigan, Alexa is a Midwest girl at heart. She is an intrinsically motivated lifelong learner who loves working with like-minded individuals. In her free time, Alexa enjoys weight lifting, eating, outdoor activities, and spending time with her husband and their three crazy kids!

Jaime Lee Tartar is an O2X Sleep & Fatigue Management Specialist. Dr. Tartar is a Professor of Neuroscience at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). She serves as the neuroscience program director and research director for the NSU College of Psychology. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from NSU and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University where she used EEG measure to detect subclinical neurological impairments.She earned her Ph.D. in the Behavioral Neuroscience program at the University of Florida where the focus of her research involved discovering long-term changes that occur in neurobiological pathways involved in stress responses and developing animal models of stress. During graduate school Dr. Tartar also served for 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. Dr. Tartar completed Postdoctoral Training at Harvard Medical School where she studied neurological consequences of sleep perturbations using in vitro electrophysiological recording techniques. She also received training in Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.In her professional career Dr. Tartar was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from NSU based on her work and contributions to NSU and the scientific community. She was also the NSU Professor of the year at NSU in 2018 and received the NSU Excellence in Teaching Award in 2009. Dr. Tartar has received multiple funding grants through the Department of Education and has received research funding from the Department of Defense.She has published over 55 original research articles and has written several book chapters. Her publications include work with professional MMA fighters and NFL players. She has been an invited speaker for multiple organizations and universities. For example, she was a TEDx Presenter, the keynote speaker for the Miami Dade College Research Symposium, and gave the commencement speech at NSU in 2021.Based on her expertise, she consults for multiple prestigious organizations and served on the scientific advisory board for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and regularly serves as a peer review panelist for NASA. Dr. Tartar is also a scientific advisor for Enchanted Wave, LLC where she oversees their research in using single channel EEG. She is the co-founder and President of The Society for NeuroSports — an academic organization for the field of Sports Neuroscience. Dr. Tartar’s current research is focused on stress, sleep, and athletic performance in humans.

Dr. Conroy is an O2X Sleep Specialist. Dr. Conroy is a Clinical Professor at Michigan Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. She attended college at Simmons College in Boston, MA where she majored in Biopsychology. After college, she completed a Kleitman Fellowship in Human Circadian Biology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She went on to study psychology and sleep disorders medicine while getting her PhD at The City University of New York. After graduating with her doctorate, she left the east coast for Ann Arbor, Michigan to obtain post-doctoral training at the University of Michigan department of psychiatry. There, she studied the relationship between insomnia and alcohol dependence. She transitioned to the clinical faculty at Michigan in 2007 where she has been working with patients, educating medical residents and fellows, and directing the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program. Dr. Conroy is a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, a diplomate of the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, and is board certified in cognitive behavioral therapy by the American Board of Professional Psychology. In addition to her passion for improving sleep, Dr. Conroy has a long standing interest in health and wellness. In 2015, she received certification in health coaching by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and established a health coaching business, Happy, Healthy, Rested, PLLC. In her free time, you can find her engaging in outdoor activities and traveling.

Dr. Meagan Rizzo is an O2X Sleep Specialist. She retired from the Army after 24 years of service in Army Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD in 2003. Dr. Rizzo is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine. As an Army Colonel and mother of four, she is intimately familiar with sleep deprivation and its impact on human performance. Prior to retirement, Dr. Rizzo was the Chief of the Sleep Disorder Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she served active duty, retirees and dependents of all ages. She had a special focus on the special operations community, shift workers and military senior leaders. Dr. Rizzo served in both the deployed environment and in CONUS locations. She deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq in 2011 with the 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. She also served in the prestigious role as a Specialty Consultant to the White House Medical Unit while at WRNMMC, where she was the sole provider for senior government leaders. Dr. Rizzo is the daughter of a retired Army officer and wife of an active-duty Special Forces officer. Her practice is shaped by the holistic experience of not only being a service member, but also a spouse, and former “Army brat”. Dr. Rizzo has always been committed to fitness. She was a starter on her Division I soccer team in college, and the captain and leading scorer for her medical school Rugby team. In her free time, you can find her in the pool, on a bike, or on the run. She has completed two half-ironman races and countless other triathlons.

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.

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Fernando Llamoca is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist who works with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. Fernando applies his expertise in sport psychology, positive psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology to assist individuals in developing and cultivating mental skills that enable them to perform at their best consistently and deliberately. Through his work, he equips his clients with tools and strategies to enhance readiness and resilience in their work environment to achieve their goals.

For the past decade, Fernando has worked with athletes from high school to collegiate levels and soldiers from the United States Army. In this journey, he has been fortunate to partner with others to help them excel and thrive in the aspects of life that matter most to them. This work is not only exciting but also profoundly gratifying. Having been involved in sports from a young age and working as a mental performance coach, Fernando understands that a key ingredient for helping individuals improve their performance is their mindset. To reach the goals we set for ourselves, whether professional or personal, we must create a narrative that aligns with those objectives. By providing coaching, support, and opportunities for self-discovery to help clients navigate their experiences together, he establishes a strong foundation for growth and change.

Fernando holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy, a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Sport Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This diverse educational background allows him to educate others on mental performance that can aid or sustain growth in various domains, including leadership, professional, or personal pursuits. Outside of work, Fernando enjoys running, traveling across the U.S. and the world, and staying current on research and information related to human performance.

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Dr. Tina M. Burke is an 02X Human Performance Sleep Specialist. She specializes in providing skills for sleeping better and techniques on how to increase your performance when working round the clock shifts or working with sleep loss.Dr. Burke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Kent State University in Kent, OH. She then earned a Master’s of Science in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado – Boulder, followed by a dual Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of Colorado – Boulder. Her research aims at developing our understanding of mechanisms by which photic (light) and non-photic stimuli (e.g., exogenous melatonin, caffeine) can be used as countermeasures to improve sleep, alertness, performance, and overall health.Currently, Dr. Burke is the Sleep Research Team Chief at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and provides oversight for the Sleep Research Center and Operational Research Team. Dr. Burke is a professional member of the Sleep Research Society, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Society for Biological Rhythms, and the Society for Neuroscience. Dr. Burke has had the pleasure of the support and companionship of her husband for the past 10 years. As a professional road cyclist, he was one of her first clients that she was able to instill the importance of sleep and circadian alignment on performance.

Evan S. Bernhardy is an On-Site Human Performance Specialist with O2X Human Performance, specializing in Injury Prevention as a Certified Athletic Trainer embedded with the Pueblo, CO Police Department. With both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University, Evan takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to optimizing performance and recovery in tactical populations. He also holds professional certifications in dry needling and cupping, further enhancing his skill set in preventative care and rehabilitation.

Evan brings a wide breadth of experience from high-performance sports environments, including roles across professional, collegiate, and elite youth athletics. Most recently, he served as a Seasonal Athletic Trainer for the Washington Commanders. His past roles include Head Athletic Trainer for the Bay Area Panthers indoor football team, football athletic trainer at IMG Academy supporting the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, Head Athletic Trainer at Penn State Schuylkill, and athletic trainer at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster. Throughout his career, he has been known for his ability to implement innovative systems, foster collaborative environments, and deliver exceptional care that prioritizes long-term health and performance.

Outside of his professional work, Evan lives an active lifestyle as an amateur CrossFit athlete, drawing firsthand insight into the physical and mental demands faced by those he trains. He enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping with his girlfriend, Kayla, and their two dogs, Bailey and Lily. Evan’s passion for performance, recovery, and community drives both his personal and professional life, making him a dynamic contributor to the O2X team.

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Dr. Kelly Bennion is an O2X Sleep Specialist. Dr. Bennion received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience from Boston College, and is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Biopsychology at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Her research uses a combination of behavioral, eye tracking, polysomnography (overnight sleep monitoring), and neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI) approaches to understand the effects of sleep and stress on memory for negative and traumatic experiences. She has published several peer-reviewed articles on sleep and emotional memory consolidation, including showing that those with higher stress levels at the time of a negative experience have better subsequent memory for that negative information, but only following a period of sleep. As Dr. Bennion’s research has important implications for understanding PTSD and other clinical and affective disorders, she has received grants supporting her research from sources including the US Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, American Psychological Association, and Psi Chi. She has also spent time at the Duke- National University of Singapore Medical School as a visiting scholar, researching the effects of sleep restriction on adolescent cognition. Dr. Bennion has been passionate about teaching and education for as long as she can remember, and has an Ed.M. in Mind, Brain, and Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her commitment to teaching has been acknowledged by her receipt of the Professor of the Year Award (College of Liberal Arts, Cal Poly), the Teaching Excellence in Psychological Science Award (American Psychological Association), as well as the Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award (Boston College). Dr. Bennion is also passionate about mentorship and outreach. She has founded three mentorship programs for psychology and neuroscience students at Boston College and Cal Poly, coordinated neuroscience outreach events throughout the greater Boston area for children, college students, and older adults, and has organized several events promoting Women in Science. Dr. Bennion feels strongly that one should value health, fitness, and work-life balance, and she has accomplished this largely through fostering her love for dancing. Dr. Bennion has been an avid dancer since age 7, and danced professionally in the Boston area from 2010 to 2016. She was a member of the Adagio Big Band Jazz Company, the Boston Cannons Dance Team, and was a New England Patriots Cheerleader – ending her tenure as an NFL cheerleader with the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX victory in her home state of AZ in 2015. Dr. Bennion’s scientific commitment to researching the importance of sleep on cognition and emotional well being, and her personal commitment to maintaining a healthy, physically active lifestyle makes working with O2X a perfect fit.