Our People
The O2X team is comprised of U.S. Special Operations veterans, first responders, elite athletes, and a continually growing network of human performance specialists who are subject matter experts and leaders in their respective fields.
Headquarters
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.
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.
Specialists
Alex Othmer is an O2X Lead Instructor. Alex attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage License. Upon graduation, Alex commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Navy where he served as a SEAL Operator. He holds a master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Leadership from Penn State University and is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Guardian Revival, a 501(c)(3) Not-for-profit Organization chartered to support first responders and veterans. Alex is also the Co-founder of Ox Box, a healthy snack subscription box company providing individuals, families, and organizations with healthy food options.
Ajay James is an O2X Lead Instructor. Ajay James led a multifaceted and successful career as a Special Operator within the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) enterprise for the last 20 years. Within the scope of his experience, he acted as a military advisor for partner nation force engagements, as a lead assaulter on kinetic operations, and as the Combatives Department Head where he taught and oversaw the instruction of armed and unarmed combative skills to thousands of NSW accession candidates. Ajay also successfully completed his position as a Team Leader of a deployed SEAL platoon, a coveted milestone role in the path of special operations advancement. He recently conducted turned over operations as the Senior Enlisted Advisor of NSW Advanced Training Command, where he, along with a staff of nearly 200, enabled the professional development of the special warfare community by offering 19 high-risk courses of instruction, which produce 3,500 classes a year. Ajay came to America with his family from Trinidad and Tobago to attend school in New Jersey, before moving to New York. Ajay is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and has enjoyed many opportunities to work in film and television productions. He also enjoys martial arts, fitness, foreign films and languages, high speed driving, motorcycle racing, paddle boarding, surfing and is a lifelong global traveler. Ajay’s life has been about the adventure of it all, and is excited for the prospects that await him in the future.
Stephen Pace is an O2X Lead Instructor. Stephen is a former Reconnaissance Marine and Scout Sniper in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, Stephen conducted multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he received numerous military awards for combat action. After completing his service, Stephen transitioned to a job as a Strength and Conditioning Assistant Coach at a Sport Rehabilitation facility training, educating, and rehabbing athletes recovering from sports injuries. During this time, Stephen began to combine his combat fitness with sports training and rehabilitation and continued his passion for health and wellness. From there, Stephen went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Texas State University where he majored in International Relations due to his love for travel as well as his desire to return to the government sector later in his professional career. He is currently a protective agent at Gavin de Becker & Associates which is a high-level private security firm where he specializes in executive protection for public figures. Stephen travels a little over 200 days of the year in support of his job all across the globe and loves the profession of safeguarding human life. If he isn’t traveling, you can find him in the gym or on the golf course and yes, even the golf clubs travel with him.
Karl is an O2X Lead Instructor. Karl attended the US Naval Academy, where he played four years of ACHA ice hockey and graduated with a degree in quantitative economics. After, he started his Naval Special Warfare career and graduated with BUD/s class 325. He served on SEAL Team THREE, where he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He then moved to Florida to serve at Special Operations Command SOUTH. At SOCSOUTH, he deployed to Haiti in support of USSOUTHCOM Joint Task Force Haiti and served as the advisor for maritime special operations in the Caribbean region. Karl is an Emergency Medical Technician and is transitioning out of the military to start his next career firefighting in Northern California. Karl started his athletic career at three-years-old, and to this day is an enthusiastic competitor. He loves all domains of sport and fitness. Karl still enjoys playing hockey and has competed in endurance races, powerlifting, and CrossFit.
Joshua Hacker is an O2X Lead Instructor. Josh was born in Houston, Texas and raised by hard working parents that instilled strong work ethic and strong character from an early age. He attended Sam Houston State University and 10 days after graduation left for Navy boot camp with his sights set on becoming a SEAL. After a long road that dream was realized through tons of training, focus, and perseverance. As a transitioning Navy SEAL going into Federal Law Enforcement, he is looking to continue his passion for human performance. Josh is always eager to learn and grow in the field of performance, health, and longevity. He receives great satisfaction in getting to work with like minded individuals and help high caliber teams thrive at every level. He enjoys spending his free time with his 2 year old daughter, Adley, woodworking, and loves anything outdoors.
Major Kasandra A. Clark (Kaci) is from Fayetteville, Georgia. She was a competitive Level 10 Junior Olympic gymnast and track & field state champion throughout highschool. She competed all four years of college as a sprinter, long jump and pole vault specialist. She was Team Captain, Patriot League Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, Patriot League Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault Champion and competed in the 2011 World Military Games in Brazil. Kaci received a bachelor’s in Psychology from The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in 2011.Following graduation from USMA, she attended Army flight school and learned to fly Blackhawk Helicopters (UH-60 A/L). Kaci’s first assignment was to Fort Campbell, KY where she started coaching and competing in Functional Fitness and CrossFit. In 2014, she deployed to Afghanistan as a flight platoon leader and coached regularly at the FOB CrossFit gym. In 2015, she assessed and was accepted into 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) as one of the first females & first Black female helicopter pilot. She deployed to multiple countries, commanded, and flew over a thousand hours during her time as a Special Operations Helicopter Pilot.In 2019, Kaci tried out for and was chosen to compete as a member of the Army Warrior Fitness Team. This 12 member team was selected to compete nationally and internationally in Crossfit, Power Lifting and Strongman & help increase awareness, relationships and recruiting with the civilian population. Kaci is a Master Fitness Trainer, U.S.A. Weightlifting, CrossFit Gymnastics, and CrossFit Level 2 certified and has coached at the local CrossFit Gym in every duty station she has lived in. She is currently an Inspector General within the Aviation Reserve Command, lives in Atlanta, GA with her fiancé and will be starting as a First Officer with Frontier Airlines in Spring 2023.
Benjamin Toderico is an O2X Lead Instructor. Benjamin earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and a Master’s of Science in Muscle Physiology and Biochemistry from Virginia Tech. After graduating, he worked for a busy urban police department for 18 years in various assignments including patrol, street level gun and drug investigations, property crimes, robberies, aggravated assault and sex crimes, crimes against children, Crime Stoppers, and was assigned to the department SWAT Team for over 7 years. Benjamin has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA for over 20 years. He has also held certifications in personal training, kettlebell instruction, natural movement, functional movement screening, and blood flow restriction training.Benjamin’s career and life path were drastically altered when his wife, Denise, was struck from behind by an SUV while she was running. Once she was discovered in a farmer’s field and EMS was summoned, she was flown by helicopter to the regional trauma hospital. Denise spent the next 40 days in the hospital recovering from several strokes, a severe traumatic brain injury, a severe brachial plexus injury (paralyzing her arm), several broken vertebrae in her neck and back, and other orthopedic injuries and internal traumas.Benjamin’s unique background enabled him to become the best advocate, coach, trainer, and partner for his wife and their family. With the lessons learned and skills developed, Benjamin changed his career path to be able to help tactical athletes become 1% better through resiliency, strength and condition and mindset.
Sean Sexton is an O2X Lead Instructor who was born and raised in Willow Grove, PA and enlisted in the Navy in February 1991. He served 20+ years in Naval Special Warfare with several deployments to include Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom. Sean’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with “V”, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, (2) National Defense Service Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, (2) Navy Commendation Medals, (5) Navy Achievement Medals, (6) Good Conduct Medals, SEAL Team 8 Sailor of the Quarter.After retiring in 2011, Sean continued his passion in human performance by earning his Bachelors in Health Science, Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and working as a Coach and Director Of Operations for CrossFit Stapleton in Denver. Along with various coaching certifications he has continued to serve as a Lead Combat Rifle/Pistol Instructor for The Department of Defense and Police Departments.As a self-professed “Movement Enthusiast,” he can be found SUP-surfing, hiking, hot yoga, and working out on a daily basis. He currently resides in Virginia Beach and enjoys reading and learning about anything related to diet, exercise, and longevity. “I can relate to physical setbacks and limitations and understand that (after 2 joint replacements and multiple back issues) you figure out what you CAN DO and DO IT – consistently.”
Jason Silva is an O2X Lead Instructor who recently finished a 27 year career in the United States Navy as a Master Chief. He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in 1992 and went on to become qualified as a Special Forces medic at Fort Sam Houston, TX and a paramedic in South Central Los Angeles, CA with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He served on SEAL Team Five, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and Special Operations Command North. Throughout his career, Jason has completed 17 combat deployments in support of several operations worldwide, to include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Jason’s awards and commendations include the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars with Valor, a Purple Heart, and two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, among others.Jason has a passion for woodworking, having learned from his father who was a Master cabinetmaker, and spends his free time creating pieces of art in his mountain woodshop in Colorado.
Justin Herzog has been an O2X Lead Instructor since the fall of 2018 and is a full-time firefighter with the San Diego City Fire Department. He has over 18 years of experience in the fire service, is a certified California State Fire Training Instructor, and serves as a member of the Training Cadre for both the SDFD Fire Recruit Academy and SDFD In-Service Training for career members. He runs the PT Program for the Recruit Academy and also serves as a member of the SDFD Peer Support Team.Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Justin played multiple sports through high school before joining the fire service after his athletic career ended in college. In 2001, he moved to California, settling at the beach in San Diego. When he’s not riding Engine 12 or Truck 12 in Southeast San Diego, you can find him working at the fire academy, hanging at the beach with his wife, or hiking and snowboarding in the mountains of the West.
Michael Fox is an O2X Lead Instructor. Michael was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in a Fire Fighting household which instilled a Spartan work ethic and emphasized the value of teamwork and service to others. He comes to O2X after a 24 year career in the Naval Special Operations community as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.Over his extensive career he has ascended through the enlisted ranks and honorably retired from Naval Service as the last Commissioned EOD Warrant Officer. From “Med cruises” to multiple combat deployments in support of OIF/OEF and other contingency operations, he honed his skills in the severest of schools. He finds deep satisfaction in working with like-minded individuals in pursuit of common goals and rising to the challenge of 1% a day. His ability to connect with people and relate stories’ relevance makes him a valued asset as a Lead Instructor.He spends his free time playing with life sized Hot Wheels, enjoying the outdoors, and RVing with his family.
Jim Foreman is an O2X Lead Instructor. Jim is a retired Command Master Chief who served 27 years in the Navy SEALs. Currently he is the Lead Sales for MATBOCK, an innovative company that creates lightweight and durable medical/operational equipment for the military and first responders.
Gary Alexander is an O2X Lead Instructor. He served 22 years as a Special Tactics Officer in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Colonel in December 2020. While in the Air Force, his career included assignments as a Special Tactics Squadron Commander, ST Director of Operations, and ST Flight Commander. Gary served as the Operations Officer for the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games, which executed 29 Olympic-style sporting competition events over the course of 10 days supporting 300 wounded, ill, and injured warriors. He was the Commander for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Detachment at North Carolina A&T State University. Gary deployed to Afghanistan on six separate occasions. While conducting combat operations in 2008, he sustained injuries and received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart Medal. Gary returned to optimal performance through intentional physical, mental, and social conditioning.Incorporating tactical athlete training sessions as part of his lifestyle, he understands that long-term development occurs as a result of small daily adjustments. Gary appreciates through his own personal experience, the benefits a comprehensive human performance program can have on both the individual and organizations.
Robert Wantowski is an O2X Lead Instructor. Prior to O2X, Rob completed a 30-year career in the United State Navy as a Diving Chief Warrant Officer Five. Robert served most of his career within Naval Special Warfare at SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Vehicle Delivery Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He completed eight combat deployments along numerous sensitive activity deployments. Robert’s awards include the Bronze Star, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals along with numerous unit and campaign awards.Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is relentlessly positive, passionate and an enthusiastic leader that thrives in dynamic and challenging environments with diverse groups. These qualities allow Ski to represent O2X at the highest level.Robert has a deep passion for being physically active and maintaining his body, mind, and spirit in the best condition possible. He enjoys surfing, snow skiing, swimming, Golf, and any other physical activity. When Ski isn’t working or working out, he enjoys hanging out at the beach playing corn-hole with his wife and friends. Robert and his Wife live in Englewood, Florida. They have two sons and three grandchildren.
Mike Murray is an O2X Lead Instructor. Mike served for over 26 years in the United States Army to include the 75th Ranger Regiment and Tier 1 Special Mission Unit (SMU). During Mike’s 15 years in the SMU Community, he served in multiple leadership roles with numerous deployments in support of national defense objectives. Before Mike retired in 2018 as a Sergeant Major, he held positions as a SMU Assaulter, SMU Sniper, SMU Team Leader, SMU Section Sergeant Major, and SMU Troop Sergeant Major. Post military service, Mike has served as Managing Director of a Cyber Security firm, Program Manager of numerous Special Activities training programs, and Director of Business Development for a successful government contracting company. Mike is a 100% service-disabled veteran with over 48 months of deployed time in combat zones around the world.
Adam Mackie is an O2X Lead Instructor that recently retired from the Navy in 2019. Adam originally hails from Northeastern Minnesota. He received a commission from the US Naval Academy in 1997 and then graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL Training shortly thereafter. He served as an officer in the SEAL Teams for 22 years at SEAL Team FIVE, SEAL Team TEN, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, and other Joint Commands. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times and deployed to many other countries for various operations. These days he owns a small real estate development and investment company. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters in their cabin in Northern Minnesota swimming, taking saunas, hunting, and fishing.
Aaron Santana is an O2X Lead Instructor who served 10 years in the Ranger Regiment and as the Sergeant Major for the Technical Surveillance Troop and Technical Senior Enlisted Advisor to the forward command at United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Applied Technologies Directorate. Aaron served as an infantryman in the Rangers before moving on to a Special Mission Unit and managed a diverse portfolio and oversaw the operational integration of technical surveillance, unmanned systems, and information warfare to include cyber, electronic warfare, and information operations. Aaron also directed a Research and Engineering team responsible for the rapid development and integration of technical solutions to support warfighters overseas and led a Technical Program Team focused on long-term Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts supporting elite Special Operations Unit. Aaron has 20 years of Special Operations experience conducting tactical operations, special activities and technical operations across North Africa, Southwest Asia and the Levant. Aaron is a native of Orange, California and is a lifelong martial artist, competition wrestler, coach and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt. In his spare time, Aaron coaches wrestling, golfs, rides mountain bikes, plays guitar, practices yoga, and travels.
Dave Neely is an O2X Lead Instructor from Chattanooga, TN. A class of 2003 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he served 5 years as a Surface Warfare Officer. After the Navy, Dave enlisted in the National Guard and served 4 years in 19th Special Forces Group before transitioning to active duty and was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Special Forces Qualification Course class.Once on active duty, Dave was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group where he was a member of a Military Free-Fall specialty team as well as a Combat Diver/Maritime team. His final assignment before retirement was to the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in Ft. Bragg, NC. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, and is the recipient of 2 Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and numerous other personal and unit awards.Dave is a Crossfit athlete and enjoys long distance running and swimming. He is a PADI Divemaster, a NAUI Master Diver, and formerly held a U.S. Parachuting Association B-license. He is an avid firearms enthusiast and instructor. As a recent military retiree, he enjoys spending his free time with his family as often as possible.
Phil Dunegan, also known as PJ, began his journey in human performance as a Division 1 athlete, playing football at Hampton University. After his tenure with the Pirates, he enlisted in the Army and served with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), completing multiple combat deployments and contingency operations worldwide. Notably, Phil served as the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Senior Enlisted Advisor during his final deployment, overseeing the shutdown operations in Afghanistan.After a decade of service, Phil was medically retired and is now pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Embracing a slower pace, he actively coaches his kids’ sports teams and serves as the offensive coordinator for Mount Vernon High School. Phil is passionate about collaborating with others to help them realize their full potential and contribute positively to his community.Phil is happily married with three children, two black labs, one cat, and three hermit crabs. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, including cycling, golf, and pickleball.
Steve is a O2X Lead Instructor and Green Beret currently finishing up his career at 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, NC. Currently, Steve is the senior engineer on a Military Freefall detachment while he completes his active-duty career. His time in the service has spanned multiple deployments to Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, Jordan, and Central Asia. During his Special Forces career, he was an instructor at the Special Forces Senior Leaders Course. Prior to his selection for Special Forces, Steve spent 8 years in the conventional Army. It was during these 8 years that began to mold his passion for human performance and fitness. He adopted these principles into his training to maximize his success during Special Forces Assessment and Selection and subsequently the Qualification Course. In his free time, Steve enjoys shooting 3-gun competitions. He is a USPA Coach and skydiver, CrossFit coach and enthusiast. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and MBA from Norwich University.
Jared Cheselske is an O2X Lead Instructor and United States Army Combat Veteran that served in Iraq during Desert Shield / Desert Storm, grew up in San Diego. He has a total of 27 years in the Fire Service, 21 of those years being with the City of San Diego, the last 10 as a captain. Jared is currently assigned to station 21 in Pacific Beach. Jared has spent the majority of his career at double houses where he has specialized in truck company operations. He is also on his Department’s Peer Support Team Helping other Firefighters in times of emotional crisis. Jared has been married for 27 years to his lovely wife and they have 3 beautiful daughters. Jared is an avid surfer, loves playing sports and being outdoors.
Kenny Taylor (Ken or KT) is an O2X Lead and a retired Senior Chief Navy SEAL with numerous operational deployments in SEAL Team 5 and the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He served as an instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center, where selection, assessment, and training are the focus. Ken found his passion was in human development, helping people maximize their potential to deliver optimal performance.On the heels of 2 back surgeries and a twenty-year career in the military, he transitioned into the world of human performance. Ken became one of the original TRX Suspension Trainer Master Training Specialists and traveled the globe leading Suspension Training Workshops at US and NATO Military bases around the globe. He later served as the Lead Performance Consultant in support of a research and development project named the Continuum of Leadership Development (CLD) Program back at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center.Ken’s life in human performance consulting has also included the management and facilitation of team captain and assistant coaches Impact Leadership Workshops to develop leaders of character, competence, and consequence, for various NCAA D1 programs. Subsequently, Ken has mentored and worked with both high performing collegiate and high-school athletes and coaches alike.Ken lives by the philosophy; Be action-oriented in pursuit of your interests, create new experiences, and embrace a life of learning and development. Prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally to deliver your best in all endeavors. He values authenticity, education, compassion, respect, creativity, and humor. He works to develop relationships with honesty, earning the trust of others and communicating with enthusiasm while openly sharing his stories. Ken uses motivation, inspiration, empathy, and accountability to guide performers. When working with people, Ken’s goal is to help them practice self-awareness, mental focus, and resilience for dealing with distractions that can potentially disrupt the physical and mental preparation needed to develop skills when working to achieve personal and professional Lastly, he takes stock of every situation and searches for humor or irony in moments of distress, for he believes laughter is medicine for the soul.Ken has a BA in Sport Psychology and an MA in Performance Psychology. Physically, Ken trains strengths/cardio regularly. Hobby-wise he loves golf and snow-skiing, and loves finding new people to share in those activities. He’s also an actor, but that’s a story for another day.
Brian Christianson is an O2X Lead Instructor and a 16-year Army Veteran. He joined the Army in 1999 as a Combat Engineer where he completed two deployments to Kosovo, one in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan. In 2007, he changed career fields to a Civil Affairs Specialist. After completing the Civil Affairs Qualification Course, he was attached to Joint Special Operations Command working alongside Rangers and SEALs in Afghanistan and later attached to SOCSOUTH where he again was attached to a SEAL Team. His final deployment was in Iraq during the drawdown. Positions he held are as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Route Clearance NCOIC, Civil Affairs NCO, Team Sergeant, Joint Plans and Operations NCO, and Master Gunner. When he stopped deploying around the world, his career shifted to training future warfighters as a hand-to-hand and advanced weapons and tactics instructor. Once he left the military, he saw a need for service members to have better training in their overall health and performance and took steps to insert himself to give service members something that he wished he had earlier in his career. He opened a CrossFit gym, CrossFit Hold Strong, in San Antonio, TX. At the same time, he completed my Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University. He has held numerous jobs in the health and wellness field since taking his uniform off. He has worked in the Nutrition Care Division and as Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Nutrition Health Educator for 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, TX. While at Fort Bliss, he completed his Masters in Exercise Science and Wellness: Fitness and Performance from Liberty University. He continues to work for the Army Wellness Center as Health Educator in Fort Sill, OK. His background is in Human Performance, but has been heavily sided towards nutrition the past 3 years. Most recently, he earned the Tactical Strength and Conditioning – Facilitator (TSAC-F) credential from the NSCA. His hobbies include golf, hunting, sports, and just generally being outdoors with his family.
Anna Mansueti is an O2X Instructor. She is from Easton, Maryland, and growing up in a military family, Anna knew she would join the US Navy at a young age. While attending the University of Colorado Boulder and pursuing a degree in studio art, she was inspired to join the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community. Upon completing her undergraduate program, she served as an EOD officer for ten years. Anna commanded platoons in Southeast Asia and Europe, and led extensive ordnance disposal operations in the South Pacific, destroying tens of thousands of pounds of unexploded ordnance and restoring land and freedom of movement for populations affected by war. These experiences fortified her desire to pursue a design degree and to continue to serve demining communities around the world. She received her Master in Design Studies (MDes) degree from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD). Anna lives and works in New York City with her husband Pierce, who is also a US Navy EOD veteran and attending medical school. In her spare time, Anna loves drawing, traveling, and spending time with her family.
In addition to being an O2X Lead Instructor, Erik continues to serve on active duty in the United States Marine Corps as an intelligence officer. Erik has spent the majority of his career in the special operations community, deploying in support of combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Erik was a division 1 rugby player for Norwich University, where he also played lacrosse and club hockey. After years of CrossFit, and attaining his CrossFit Level 1 certification, he was introduced to human performance while serving in Marine Special Operations Command. From that point forward, human performance and the role of the tactical athlete have been a staple in Erik’s life.In August of 2020 after returning from Afghanistan, Erik suffered a traumatic injury that left him paralyzed below the knee in his left leg. Erik’s doctors, surgeons, and rehabilitation team credit Erik’s physical and mental conditioning as the main reason he has been able to remain on active duty, and recover to the level he has from his limb salvage injury. It was during his time at Walter Reed that Erik’s passion for helping fellow injured and wounded individuals rehabilitate their body and mind really took off. Erik is a huge proponent of the mental health aspect of human performance, and looks for every opportunity to break the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health and substance abuse issues.Erik, his wife Haley, their two sons Callan & Bodie, and their labradors Maverick and Rooster reside in Frederick, Maryland. Erik holds graduate certificates in leadership from Wharton and Harvard Law, a MA in Military Studies from Marine Corps University, and is finishing up his MA in Global Policy from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his passion of helping others recover physically and mentally, Erik spends the majority of his free time as a youth hockey coach, and he and his family can usually be found in a hockey rink up and down the east coast. Erik also plays hockey for the USA Warriors, a wounded and injured veteran/service member hockey team that plays games against similar teams across the United States.
Jimmy Schroeder is an O2X Lead Instructor and retired Navy SEAL. He served 20 years on active duty and completed 12 combat deployments. During his 2007 deployment, Jimmy was seriously wounded from a close-range gunshot wound to his lower back which left him paralyzed for many months. Through his faith, family, and support from the SEAL community, Jimmy implemented wellness practices and intense physical therapy, ultimately resulting in adapting permanent physical limitations to achieve “fit for full duty” for 10 more combat deployments. Retiring from Naval Special Warfare Development Group in May of 2022, Jimmy relocated to Colorado Springs, CO to be near his three daughters and enjoy the mountains. Jimmy has a passion for anything outdoors and helping people. He is pursuing an International Mountain Guide Certification (IFMGA- Rock/Alpine/Ski). He also volunteers with the El Paso County Mountain Rescue squad while working for a nonprofit focusing on helping injured and ill veterans. Jimmy feels it’s his duty to humbly share his recovery experience and bring awareness to the many challenges of mental and physical injuries across all walks of life.
Trey Lachicotte is an O2X Lead Instructor. Trey is also a retired US Army Special Forces Operator (Green Beret) and worked as the Long-Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD) commander. Prior to entering the Army, Trey attended the University of Tennessee, where he assisted in strength training for the National Championship University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball team. Trey also competed on the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps’ (AROTC) national championship Ranger Challenge team (collegiate level). These experiences translated to successful completion of the US Army’s Ranger and Special Forces Qualification courses and service as a US Army Green Beret. After 21 years of active duty and ten worldwide (four combat) deployments, he recently retired in February 2022. Trey entered the private sector as a Logistics and Risk Management Lead for a major Agricultural company in MN. He also actively involved in the Human Performance industry, as is currently working with multiple special operations non-profits. Trey enjoys just about any outdoor activity and working within a team dynamic. He is a proud father of three school-aged kids, coaches youth lacrosse, coaches youth human performance, holds multiple performance based certifications, and currently resides with his wife, west of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
Chris Combado is an O2X Lead Instructor and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He graduated and commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Economics. He served in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer for eight years. After his time in the Navy, Chris moved to Colorado Springs to earn his Master’s degree in Applied Physiology. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. While in school, he worked at D1 Training, coaching youth athletes as well as general population. Chris has interned with collegiate athletes from the D-III to D-I level across multiple sports. He has volunteered with Colorado Springs Fire Department helping to execute fire academy workouts. Chris continued his involvement with the tactical population as an intern with 10th SFG(A) at Fort Carson. He was also the head strength and conditioning coach for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Academy, training recruits across five academies. Chris recently moved back to San Diego to continue his career as a strength and conditioning coach.
James Grauel is an O2X Lead Instructor. He retired from the Wildwood Fire Department after a 25 year career in his South Jersey hometown. During his career, he rose to the rank of Captain and established the position of Health and Wellness Officer. While in that position, he established annual physical evaluations for firefighters, became an IAFF peer fitness trainer, built the first firehouse gym, and led several wellness initiatives including leading a 9/11 stair climb and the Murph Challenge. The stair climb resulted in hundreds of firefighters, family, and friends climbing to raise donations for Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. His passion for leading charity events also led to hosting the Murph Challenge which raised funds for the Murph Charities. Out of the Murph Challenge, leading people, and a love for the great outdoors his company Sea Level Strength was born. An outdoor fitness company that takes full advantage of training in the great outdoors while leading classes as a Crossfit Level 2 trainer. In addition to Sea Level Strength, you can catch Jim in the great outdoors year round at every opportunity. He spends his summer on the water training for the next Stand Up Paddle Board ocean race, in the winter snowboarding on the mountains with his boys. James is a proud dad to two sons, one Ironman and one ocean lifeguard for a South Jersey Beach Patrol.
Chris Warden is an O2X Lead Instructor and firefighter with a passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. With over 8 years of experience as a personal trainer and firefighter, Chris has gained a wealth of knowledge and skills in the field of health and fitness. He is a certified IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer and IAFF Peer Support, providing support and guidance to his fellow firefighters.Chris has worked for two full-time fire departments, the Waterford Regional Fire Department, and the City of Ann Arbor Fire Department, where he is currently making a significant impact. He is the chair of the AAFD Health and Safety Committee and is working towards establishing a health and wellness branch for the department. Chris is also a representative on the Ann Arbor City Health and Wellness Committee, where he advocates for the importance of physical and mental health in the workplace.In addition to his certifications, Chris is currently pursuing his BS in Health and Wellness. His dedication to ongoing education and professional development is a testament to his commitment to excellence in the field of health and fitness. In 2019, he successfully passed the NSCA TSAC-F test and was granted the associated credentials, further demonstrating his expertise.With his unwavering passion and dedication to serving his community, Chris is a true leader and culture change agent in the fire service. He is a humble and approachable mentor who inspires his colleagues to prioritize their health and wellness. Chris’s expertise and experience make him an asset to the first responder community, and his commitment to ongoing education ensures that he is always up-to-date with the latest health and fitness trends.
Kenny Hayes is a Captain with the Boston Fire Department where he has proudly served for over 25 years, working on the busiest companies throughout the city. Kenny is passionate about all training relating to fire ground survival and rescue. He has developed and lead all aspects of this type of intense, hands-on training for over 15 years. This passion for the subject has enabled him to travel all over North America both as a student and now Master Instructor for the IAFF Fire Ground Survival program. In addition to his passion for firefighter rescue training, Kenny is also heavily involved in department leadership and officer development training all new company officers. None of what he has done in his career would be possible without the support he receives from his family at home. Kenny served 4 years in the Navy where he met his wife Christina, who proudly served in the US Navy for 6 years. Together, they have 2 beautiful daughters. Bella is a sophomore at the University of Chicago and Lola is currently a junior in high school. Kenny recently turned 50 years old and set a personal goal, to run the Boston Marathon in 2024.
Jeff Greene is an O2X Lead Instructor. He’s a distinguished federal law enforcement leader with a career spanning over 15 years within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He currently serves as the Assistant Port Director for CBP at the Port of New York / Newark, where he leads a dedicated team of over 400 employees. Previously Jeff held the role of Senior Advisor to CBP’s Office of the Commissioner, stationed at CBP Headquarters in Washington D.C., where he oversaw various specialized teams, including Task Force Officers, Confidential Human Source Handlers, and Special Response Team Operators.
Jessica is an O2X Lead instructor. With 27 years as a police sergeant, Jessica is a seasoned law enforcement professional renowned for her roles as a hostage negotiator, firearms instructor, and leader of the Crisis Intervention and Wellness team in the western suburbs of Chicago. A three-sport high school athlete and two-year collegiate athlete, her trajectory shifted due to a duty-related injury, leading to 25 leg surgeries and hip and knee replacements. Rising from physical challenges, she transformed into a mental performance and trauma specialist. Beyond her impressive law enforcement career, Jessica’s resilience shines in feats like hiking the Grand Canyon Rim-to-rim-to-rim and completing a 3-day, 33-mile trail run. As a High School Girls Basketball Coach and devoted family woman, married for 30 years with three daughters, Jessica brings a holistic perspective to human performance.
Chris is an O2X lead Instructor. He recently retired from law enforcement after a 32-year career. Chris began his law enforcement career with the Massachusetts Norfolk County Sheriff’s office in 1992 as a corrections officer. During his tenure he rose to the rank of Sergeant, was a team leader of the Sheriffs SRT unit and became a certified Mass Police Training Council defensive tactics Instructor. While with the sheriff’s office he was assigned to the METRO-LEC SWAT, a regional SWAT team. In 2002 he started with the Pembroke Police Department in Massachusetts as a patrol officer. During that time, he was certified as an MPTC Instructor in Firearms, Taser, and physical fitness. While with the Pembroke Police Department he was assigned to SEMLEC SWAT, where he rose to the rank of Operational Commander. In 2018 he attended the DEA Clandestine Drug Lab Course in Quantico Va. and became a member of the DEA Clandestine Drug Lab Entry Team New England Division. In 2020 was promoted to detective with the department until his retirement in 2024. Chris is a physical fitness enthusiast having shared his knowledge instructing police officers, CrossFit members and high school athletes.
Billy Hegedus is an O2X Instructor with an impressive 21 years of experience in the fire service. Billy began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and has served the last 13 years with the highly-acclaimed New York City Fire Department, FDNY. Billy also spent some time down in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He now resides in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Because burpees are his least favorite thing to do, Billy decided to start Strongman Training. For the past 5 years, he has been growing his strength at the Brooklyn, NY, Global Strongman Gym. Billy has evolved to compete in the Strongman’s Hero’s Division. This division includes police, military, EMS, and fire. Billy enjoys the diversity of training programs that O2X has to offer. Since he was a bigger guy in the fire service, he needed guidance to find the right, tailored program for himself. O2X was the answer. Billy claims that if you ever need rocks moved in your backyard or you forget your car jack, he’s the guy to call!
Andrew Jenkins is an O2X Instructor from Virginia and has been a career firefighter/paramedic with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue for the last seven years. Drew is fortunate to be able to find a career that combines his passion for fitness and wellness along with having an impact on his community. When Drew isn’t on shift or assisting at the department’s health and wellness facility you can catch him outdoors or on the mats training Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
John Sarsfield is an O2X Instructor. John has worked professionally in the fitness industry since 2007. In this time, he has coached, developed, and managed both clientele and other fitness professionals. With this work experience, John has developed a wisdom that allows him to guide anyone looking to enhance their strength, conditioning, nutrition, and recovery by making things simple for the individual. He has worked with every type of person throughout his career from athletes, to business professionals, to stay-at-home moms. His passion is simple; allow everyone to perform at the highest level capable of them. John’s credentials include a BS in Kinesiology, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coaching. In his free time, John mainly spends time with his family who stay active around the year with different fitness activities including skiing, hiking, and golf.
Mike Fitzpatrick is an O2X Instructor and proud United States Army Veteran, grateful for the opportunity to serve the last two decades. He completed combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His most recent role, before completion of service, was as Platoon Sergeant within a light infantry company of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Firefighter/EMT-B for a major city fire department in the Northeast, working on an Engine company and serving as an adjunct Fire Academy instructor. Mike holds a B.A from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and considers himself a lifelong learner. He is always eager to engage in discussion and the learning process. He is also a lifelong resident of the City of Boston, where he currently resides with his wife, their four children, and beloved German Shepherd.
Dave Carter is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Dave is going into his 21st year as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Portland Fire Department (ME). In addition to his regular duties he is an active member of the department’s Health and Wellness Division and is continually seeking new ways to improve the health and well-being of the department. Prior to joining the fire service, Dave was a Division 1 collegiate runner at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.. It was during that time he was exposed to the importance of having structured training programs and the value of taking proper care of oneself. He developed a strong interest and appreciation for all aspects of improving performance for which he continues to learn and build upon. After graduating he received his level 1 USA Track and Field certification and went on to become a volunteer assistant coach with the Bowdoin College Cross Country and Track teams. Similarly, he became an assistant coach for a local high school track team. Having completed a handful of marathons, a dozen triathlons and a number of trail races, he continues to implement the training principles he has learned over the years.
Jason Lacayo is an O2X Instructor. Jason has been a police officer for 14 years. He began his career as a NYPD Officer in 2005 and worked operation impact on the 4×12 tour until he transferred to the City of White Plains Police Department in 2007. He worked 18 months on patrol before he moved into the Emergency Services Unit and became a SWAT operator. His unit specializes in rope rescue, vehicle extraction, and special weapons and tactics. He is a state Certified PT instructor and runs the Cooper Standard test to screen new applicants to his unit. Being physically fit is essential to being able to effectively complete his job. However, it is not simply being physically fit that enables him to be able to complete his occupational duties. Mental fitness and wellness are largely under-valued in society as a whole, but more specifically within the first responder community. Jason is a strong proponent of ensuring that all aspects of health and wellness are taken care of in order for any individual to be functioning optimally both on and off the job. He trains hard physically in the gym and makes sure that he takes time to meditate and reflect every day. In addition, Jason has been a CrossFit coach since 2014 and takes great pride in helping others to improve their lives and overall quality of life through fitness.
Paul Blaikie is an O2X Instructor. Paul is a Veteran who served two tours in Iraq (2005, 2007) during his 4-year enlistment for the USAF. Upon being discharged, he became a Boston Firefighter in 2010. In 2012, he began coaching football at his alma mater, St. Clement High School, where he coached multiple student-athletes that went on to play at the NCAA level, including 7 full-scholarship players and current Miami Dolphin, Larnel Coleman (OT, UMASS). Since 2017, Paul has been a Defensive Line Coach at Framingham State University. Paul has been a part of a staff that has won 3 MASCAC Championships, made 2 NCAA Tournament appearances and won a New England Bowl (2017). During this time, the Rams have had multiple D3Football.com All-Americans, NEFW All New England selections as well as MASCAC All-Conference players.Paul was involved in the initial O2X workshop with Boston Fire and it was here he recognized the impact O2X can have. Since then he has been an advocate of O2X and in 2020 he officially came on board as an instructor. Paul is currently enrolled at UMASS Boston where he is pursuing his Exercise Science Degree.
Whitney Tramel is an O2X Instructor and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. She has coached in both high school and collegiate settings but has spent most of her time working with tacticalpopulations. In her current role, she serves as a strength and conditioning coach working with candidates going through the Air Force Special Warfare training pipeline.On top of coaching, Whitney is currently pursuing a PhD. Her topic of research is examining subjective and objective measures of physiological stress in tactical personnel and what can bedone to mitigate those stressors.Outside of school and coaching, Whitney enjoys being outdoors. You’ll likely find her hiking, shooting her bow, walking the dog, or finding a cool outdoor patio to enjoy some downtime.
Kevin Dautel is an Instructor with O2X Human Performance. Kevin has been with O2X for the past 2.5 years, working closely with tactical athletes in fire, law enforcement, government / federal agencies, and the military. Kevin is a passionate, high-energy coach with nearly a decade of experience working across all aspects of strength, conditioning, and human performance. Since 2012 he has been involved in multiple CrossFit gyms, coaching classes, conducting new membership introductions, movement assessments and screenings, and programming. Kevin has had the opportunity to coach and program elite gymnasts, hockey players, Olympic lifters, and many novice lifters.Kevin is a Castleton University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Throughout his coaching career he has attended many workshops, such as Powermonkey Fitness Camp under David Durante and Chad Vaughn, both who are Olympians in their sports. Powermonkey features top level coaches in weightlifting, gymnastics, programming, pre and post workout mobility, and a Business of Excellence Seminar.Kevin has also worked with ActiveLifeRx, an organization of Chiropractors and Physical Therapists to help better assess and create programs for athletes that have struggled with shoulder, hip, knee, and lower back injuries. Workshops include hands-on training to help athletes make better decisions and form a more accurate understanding of flexibility and mobility, as well as how movement impacts injury and performance. His passion is helping people get better every day and pushing them towards their goals.
Christina Morris is an O2X Instructor. Christina is also a wellness entrepreneur and the creator of Gypsy Fit- an online wellness platform. Her Bachelors in Education has empowered her to coach thousands of athletes and clients over the course of the past 10 years.Her coaching journey began in 2011 at a Crossfit gym in Boston and has evolved into the creation of her own brand which promotes a more holistic approach to health. She equips clients with a roadmap towards sustainable wellness for their life’s journey through a variety of her nutrition and training programs.Christina is passionate about learning and evolving her coaching style as she continues to grow. Her certifications and continuing education include: Box Fit Certified, Crossfit Level 1 & 2, Crossfit Strongman, Juggernaut Powerlifting Seminar, Crossfit Mobility, Certified Physical Preparation Specialist, Precision Nutrition and currently working on becoming a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach.As a competitive athlete, Christina has competed in the Reebok Crossfit Regional Individual and Team competitions for 4 consecutive years (2013-2016) in addition to competing in an amateur boxing match for charity hosted by Haymakers for Hope at the House of Blues in Boston in 2016.Christina wears many hats as student, trainer, coach and athlete but has also had the opportunity to work as a fitness model for some major brands like Reebok, UnderArmor and Nike to name a few.Her passion is using movement and nutrition as the catalyst for change empowering individuals to step into the best version of themselves. She is most proud about her volunteer work with The Phoenix-a nationwide nonprofit sober active community. She helped in the beginning phases of the Boston Chapter and continues to support their organization.
Robert Reid is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Rob is a Captain with Roanoke Fire-EMS, located in Southwest Virginia. He’s been with the department for more than 18 years. Rob is a member of the Heavy and Tactical Rescue Team and is a boat operator for the Swift Water Team. He is also a water rescue instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Five years prior to employment, Rob was a volunteer firefighter in his hometown. He quickly discovered the importance of physical fitness for his career after an injury. It was after this injury that he was introduced to CrossFit and became a Level 1 coach. As of late, Rob has stepped away from the CrossFit world and into the world of endurance training, more specifically triathlons. Rob has two beautiful daughters and has been happily married for over 16 years.
Mark Lane is an O2X Instructor. Mark brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to any team, but above all he brings an air of positivity. He uses his talents for good, and never evil, for the benefit of those around him. He has a passion for working with others to help them realize their full potential. Mark is an USAF veteran and former Firefighter. After an active childhood of team sports, he has spent over 20 years playing competitive rugby and almost 15 years as a CrossFit member and CrossFit Level2 Trainer(CF-L2). In 2005, Mark was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes which has given him a unique perspective on health regarding the tactical athlete with special considerations. Mark recently returned to school to complete a bachelor’s degree in Strength & Conditioning at The Citadel – The Military College of South Carolina. In his spare time, Mark coaches at a Charleston area gym and enjoys life with his family, traveling, playing/watching rugby, and just about any outdoor activity.
CJ Gibbs is an O2X Assistant Instructor. CJ first entered the fire service in 2014, when she joined her high school’s Fire Explorer program. After graduating, she continued to volunteer as she went through EMT, Paramedic School, and Fire Academy. CJ was hired by her first career department in 2009, then began working for her dream department, Denton FD, in 2012. Currently, CJ works at Denton’s rescue station and serves as an instructor for the department’s training program. CJ has a B.A.A.S with concentrations in Health Promotion, Public Administration, and Emergency Management from the University of North Texas. She has been a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer since 2016 and has used that training to help men and women prepare for careers in the fire service. CJ also serves as the Grant Coordinator for 555 Fitness, a non-profit whose goal is to help first responders create a resiliency to illness, injury, and disease. In her spare time, CJ works as an Adjunct Instructor for Tarrant County College’s Fire Program and travels the world.CJ’s passion to help others with their fitness journey stems from her past. Though always active, CJ struggled with being overweight until the age of 20, when she adopted a life of healthy eating and fitness. The accumulation of small changes over time allowed her to have a career she is passionate about, adventures she will never forget, and experiences she will forever cherish. It is her goal to help others reach their health and fitness potential, so they too, can enjoy all that life has to offer.
Brandon Haney is an O2X Instructor. He is also a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and has served as a fireman since 2009. Throughout his fire service career he has provided care as a paramedic, operated as a back step on suppression apparatus, worked as the Driver/Pump Operator, and acted as a fill-in officer. Currently, he is assigned as an Engine Company Officer with Stafford Fire and Rescue in Virginia.Prior to his most recent assignment, Brandon served two years in the Basic Training Division instructing and managing Recruit Fire Academies. It was here that he developed a passion for all things health and wellness. In 2017 he certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA so that he could better serve the tactical athlete community. Brandon was exposed to O2X in 2018 and began contracting as a Workshop Assistant in 2019. His favorite O2X pillar is Thrive. He believes this area is typically overlooked but is critical for success in all other areas of fitness and performance. O2X has impacted him most significantly in the areas of sleep performance and mindfulness.
Scott Ziegler is an O2X Assistant Instructor. Scott has been a Firefighter – EMTB for over 15 years. Before becoming a firefighter he was a volunteer FF, worked on an ambulance, and in an emergency room as a tech. After this experience, he was hired into the City of Highland Park’s Fire Department in 2009. Highland Park, geographically, is a small city completely surrounded by Detroit and has an extremely high operational tempo. Scott worked there until he was hired by the City of Detroit in 2014, and is currently stationed on the west-side of the city on Truck 25, which resides with Engine 53. Scott is a certified Crossfit coach and has coached at a local gym for 6 years as well. He spends much of his free time hunting, fishing, and camping in northern Michigan, and also works for the fire-fighter non-profit, 555 Fitness, as one of their social media managers.
Rhett Baron is an O2X Instructor who grew up playing ice hockey in San Diego. Having been raised in a military family, he moved to Virginia Beach, VA, and played hockey at East Carolina University. There, he received his B.S. in Kinesiology, and afterwards took an internship with EXOS in Los Angeles. Following the completion of the internship, he relocated to work at the University of Vermont. He also held positions at the Human Performance Initiative (VA) and Prentiss Hockey Performance (CT). He is very excited to be a part of O2X and work with the tactical population.
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Dr. Christine Sanchez is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist with expertise in mental and cognitive skills training for achieving optimal performance in high pressure scenarios. She has over 14 years of experience working with athletes and other elite performers who desire to unlock their true potential.Dr. Sanchez is best known for her work targeting mindfully performing under pressure, maintaining situation-awareness, and rebounding quickly from performance errors. She routinely integrates biofeedback technology for facilitating optimal psycho-physiological regulation of performance states. Mental skills training programs consist of group workshops and individual consultations focusing on rapid skill acquisition, performance enhancement, and performance recovery. Over the years she has had the opportunity to consult domestically and internationally with junior elite and collegiate athletes, first responders, and military personnel.Dr. Sanchez received her B.S. in Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech, M.Ed. in Kinesiology (Exercise & Sport Psychology specialization) from Temple University, and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (specialization in Sport & Performance Psychology) from Florida State University. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. In addition, she is a member of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and is Board Certified in Biofeedback (BCB) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Dr. Sanchez completed her 200 hour Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) training and routinely integrates yoga and mindfulness into her mental skills training plans for recovery.While swimming and rowing collegiately at Virginia Tech, Dr. Sanchez sought the expertise of a Sport Psychologist to help her through a performance slump. The positive impact this training had on her own athletic endeavors allowed her to realize her true passion – to assist others in achieving performance excellence while living a high quality, balanced life. In her free time Dr. Sanchez competes in Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) races, and enjoys surfing, yoga, swimming, and biking. Her most recent watersport to pick up is the surfski.
Dr. Tracy Heller is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist whose expertise is in providing mental skills training for optimal performance in high-pressure scenarios.Her areas of specialization include goal-attainment, stress management, attention control, mindfulness, relaxation strategies, mistake management, mind-body recovery, biofeedback for self-regulation, and breathing training. Her professional experience includes working with individuals and teams within Division I collegiate sports, high school athletics, recreational sport, executives, corrections, and the military. She also provides educational workshops for professional development. Dr. Heller enjoys working in a multidisciplinary team atmosphere to meet the multifaceted needs of clients.She received her B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University, M.A. in Sport Psychology from McGill University, and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Sport Psychology from Florida State University. She is licensed to practice psychology in Virginia and California and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She is a member of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and is Board Certified in Biofeedback (BCB) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance.Dr. Heller likes to spend her free time exploring restaurants, reading, practicing yoga, hiking, and picking things up then putting them down (she likes to start her week with squats). She was introduced to sport psychology as a junior athlete at the Olympic Training Centre, where she trained for luge. She learned how to systematically develop the cognitive side of her training to improve her performance. It made such a huge impact that she decided to pursue it as a career!
Pete Kadushin, Ph.D. is the Manager of Learning and Development for the Chicago Blackhawks, and before stepping into that role, spent three years as the mental performance coach for the Blackhawks. In over fifteen years in the field of performance psychology, he’s had the privilege to work in professional, college, and military high performance settings, with the goal of helping these groups develop the mindset and mental skills that will allow them to more consistently achieve their best performances. His core passion is to help people perform at their highest level so that they can live a more fulfilled, meaningful life.Pete’s work focuses on two key areas of growth: helping people dial in their ability to learn and refine lessons quickly, and increasing their capacity to apply those lessons under pressure. He believes that tools like self-reflection, breath work, and meditation are invaluable as people walk the path of mastery.In addition to mental performance coaching, Pete has held academic appointments at Boston University and Western Colorado University, where he taught performance psychology and motor learning at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Dr. Brian Hite is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. He has spent over 40 years immersed in the world of performance, both as a participant and coach. On stage since childhood, Brian has toured with live shows, done standup comedy, performed and coordinated stunts for film/TV, and coached athletes ranging from youth to professional. His diverse background allows him to connect with performers of all types, from actors and musicians to executives and elite athletes. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, Brian takes a holistic approach to maximizing human potential. He works with individuals and teams to develop the mental skills for sustained excellence – managing nerves, focusing amid chaos, retaining confidence after setbacks. Through over a decade of work with the U.S. Army, athletes from a variety of sports, performing artists of all stripes, and entrepreneurs from different industries, Brian has honed strategies to help leaders optimize team culture and performance.As a Senior Dissertation Chair for Grand Canyon University (GCU), Brian guides doctoral students through the research process, instilling the tenacity needed for rigorous scholarship while encouraging students to engage their curiosity and explore their areas of passion. His certifications as a Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Life Coach, Leadership Coach, and Executive Coach further enable him to empathize with clients and provide tailored guidance to meet their needs. Whether he is writing, attending shows and games, or rollerblading and biking with his daughter, Brian lives the ethos he teaches: hard work, perseverance, and passion. After 40 years of living and studying peak performance, he knows that joy and achievement go hand in hand. Brian brings this spirit of enthusiasm and mastery to every session, empowering others to excel.
Dr. Ira Martin is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. Ira received his Doctoral and Master’s Degrees in Counseling and Human Development with a specialization in Sport Psychology from Boston University. He received his bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude from Suffolk University. He also completed a personal and executive coaching program with the Institute of Professional Empowerment Coaching–IPEC, and is a Certified Professional Coach.Ira became interested in performance psychology as a collegiate ice hockey player, and over the past several years has worked with numerous youth, high school, and college athletes, as well as coaches and referees. He is passionate about educating teams, executives, coaches, and parents, in group and individual settings. Most recently, Ira served as the Leader in Residence at the United States Coast Guard Academy Institute for Leadership, translating leadership research into practice, while actively engaged in the curriculum development, implementation, and assessment of an academy-wide leader development strategy. While at the Academy, Ira spent time in the classroom as an assistant professor of Organizational Behavior and Leadership. Ira has teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level at schools such as Boston University, Connecticut College, and Suffolk University.
Greg Chertok is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. Greg is also the Director of Mental Training at CourtSense, a high-performance junior tennis academy in Bergen County, NJ. He currently holds academic appointments with the Departments of Psychology at Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY, and Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, and is the founder of Peak Performance Coaching, LLC, based in New York. Greg has given seminars and workshops to coaches, parents, youth, professional athletes, Super Bowl champions, Stanley Cup participants, UFC Pros, Jiu Jitsu World Champions, NCAA champions, Junior Olympians, and Olympic athletes. He has presented at pre-NFL Combine training sessions, USA Hockey Coaches Conventions, international sports medicine symposiums, and sports psychology conferences at the regional and national levels.Greg has also been featured as a Sports & Exercise Psychology expert on National Public Radio (NPR) Morning Edition, SiriusXM’s “Doctor Radio”, Healthradio’s “Sports Medicine & Fitness Show”, CaptainU Radio, and Voice America’s “Enter the League”. Greg has been an expert media source for Reuters, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, Outside, Runner’s World Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, SportingKid Magazine, Newsday, Muscle & Fitness Magazine, and Family Circle Magazine, among others. He is on the Editorial Board for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Fit Society Page as well as a member of ACSM’s Consumer Outreach Committee; is a regular contributor to US News & World Report’s Eat + Run wellness blog; and has co-authored a book geared toward youth baseball coaches entitled The Baseball Starter: A Handbook For Coaching Children and Teens. He received his B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and his M.Ed. in Counseling specializing in Sport & Exercise Psychology at Boston University in 2007. While at Tufts, he captained the baseball team and finished his career as an ESPN The Magazine Academic Regional All-American and a New England College All-Star. He currently co-owns and operates a youth summer sports academy called Pitch by Pitch Baseball and Sports Camps in Congers, NY, one of the area’s larger specialty day camps that features both physical and mental skills training for 6-16 year old athletes. He is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
Michael is an O2X Human Performance Mental Performance Specialist. Throughout the last 7 years, Michael has worked in various roles ranging from a humble research assistant, to the Director of Performance Psychology Operations within the US Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He received a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychological Research from Penn State University, Leadership and Management certificate from Wharton School of Business, attained both his Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) status from the British Psychological Society in 2020. He holds additional accolades as a member of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology and holds status as both a Voluntary Career Speaker and Associate Fellow (AFBPsS).Since 2016, he has helped build independent human performance focused departments at both the United States Naval Academy and the US Army’s 7SFG(A), served as the USNA’s liaison for one of the world’s largest research projects, and has earned recognition as one of the world’s premier human performance subject-matter-experts (SME) within US Army Special Operations – developing and managing over 10 state-of-the-art human performance programs.Currently, he serves as an SME working alongside special operations forces, first responders, and business leaders around the world and focusing on developing new and innovative methods of coaching to enhance human performance during person-to-person and kinetic engagements. His primary areas of expertise are centered around leadership management, enhanced communication methods, team culture, KPI tracking initiatives, and holistic human performance development. Outside of the professional sphere, Michael holds a high degree of interest in Olympic lifting – attaining his Level 1 certification through USA Weightlifting – and enjoys traveling around the globe to learn about different languages, histories, cultures and customs.
Bobby Schlote is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. Bobby is motivated to help others strive to be the best version of themselves on a consistent basis. He applies his knowledge and expertise in the field of Sport and Performance Psychology to help individuals and teams optimize their mental performance and unlock their inner potential.He began his career working with amateur and collegiate athletes before transitioning his passion to the military community. Over the years, Bobby has worked with over 40,000 Soldiers as a Performance Expert for the US Army’s Ready and Resilient (R2) program. During this time, he served as a Lead Performance Expert for various Basic Combat Training Battalions, and as the Lead Performance Expert for the United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy (USADSA) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. While at the USADSA he worked with thousands of Drill Sergeant Leaders and Drill Sergeant Candidates on mastering psychological skills for personal and professional applications, as they are tasked with developing the next generation of the US Army. His passion for the Army expands beyond the classroom and in 2016 he joined the South Carolina Army National Guard. Upon receiving his commission in 2018 as a Signal Officer, he served as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Brigade Human Resource Officer in a traditional guard role (part-time). He is currently in a full-time role with the South Carolina Army National Guard as the Battalion Training Officer for a Cyber Protection Battalion. Bobby received his B.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from West Virginia University and his M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Georgia Southern University. When he is not wearing his uniform or working with those who do, he spends as much quality time as possible with his wife and their two daughters in their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina.
Brad Marshall is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. Brad Marshall has been fascinated with human performance along with helping people live happier, healthier lives for as long as he can remember. Over the last decade, he has trained athletes, military personnel, corporate executives, law enforcement, first responders, and individuals who have big goals for how they want their lives to unfold. He loves helping and coaching others in the areas of movement, mindset, nutrition, and recovery.Brad has worked to educate himself and gain the necessary skills and experience to provide the best experience to his clients, earning certifications in the following areas: a Master’s degree in sport psychology, a CrossFit Level 2 trainer, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification, a Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Certification, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Certification, and an O23 Level 2 Holistic Lifestyle Coaching Certification.You can catch Brad playing softball, working on his golf game, volunteering at local fitness events, or enjoying all things superheroes when he’s not working with others. Brad has relentlessly been figuring out how to elevate the quality of life of others through the practices of mindset, movement, nutrition, and recovery. He’s beyond excited to work with others who share his mission of living happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.
Heather LeGette is an O2X Mental Performance Specialist. Heather strives to attain high levels of personal and professional well being and is passionate about helping others do the same. She enjoys living a balanced life where nutrition, physical fitness, recovery, mental fortitude, and emotional health are at the forefront of daily operations. She spends her time outside of work at her local gym, hiking, camping, traveling, or spending quality time with loved ones. Heathers background is in Sport and Performance Psychology. She participated in competitive cheerleading for over 10 years, coached for 8, and currently trains in CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. After completing her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Minor in Exercise Biology from the University of California, Davis, she went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She has worked with the US Army for over 8 years providing mental skills training to optimize performance and enhance resilience of Soldiers, their family members, and DA civilians. Additionally, she has helped athletes from a variety of sports improve their performance. Her favorite part of the work is seeing the impact mental skills training can have on people’s quality of life.
Zach Weatherford is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Zach is currently a self-employed human performance consultant. He is contracted with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee as well as the Naval Special Warfare Training Command offering support and development for their staff. Weatherford recently completed a 3-year term (2016-2019) as the Director of Human Performance with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA after spending 6 years as a Civilian Human Performance Manager for the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command.Before his Department of Defense experience, Weatherford held multiple roles with the U.S. Olympic Committee. From 2007-2009, Weatherford was a sports physiologist for the U.S. Olympic Committee, where he led a multidisciplinary team of science-based human performance professionals that implemented platforms across 17 U.S. Olympic Team programs.In addition, Weatherford served as the Strength and Conditioning & Video Specialist for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team from 2004-2007 as well as as the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the U.S. Olympic Committee from 2000-2004. Throughout this time, Weatherford was on staff for three Olympic Games: 2004 in Athens, 2006 in Torino and 2008 in Beijing.
hris Ullom is an O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He has worked in the fields of Health, Fitness and Human Performance since 1994 following the completion of his bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Old Dominion University. He then completed his master’s degree in Physical Education from Radford University in 1997 while serving as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. For the next several years he would work as a Certified Athletic Trainer in both the high school and physical therapy settings. In 2000 Chris would earn the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential from the NSCA and form Atlantic Sports Performance, a company dedicated to improving the performance and injury resilience of youth athletes. In 2004, Chris would become the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for USA Field Hockey, helping the US Women qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games – the first time the US had qualified without being the host country in over twenty years. This coincided with his work at Wareing’s Gym in Virginia Beach, VA – the oldest gym in the country. Initially a personal trainer specializing in youth athletes, Chris would go on to become the Director of Training and eventually General Manager. During his tenure, Wareing’s Gym would become the premier training center in Virginia Beach, with the introduction of world-renowned programs such as the Parisi Speed School (the national leader in youth performance training), Alloy Personal Training Systems and Martin Rooney’s famed Training for Warriors program.In 2021 Chris became the Director of Human Performance for Naval Special Warfare Group 8 East, serving both the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 and Special Reconnaissance Team 2. After 3 ½ years with NSW, Chris went back to work in the fitness industry to become the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Onelife Fitness in Virginia Beach.In addition to being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he is also a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA), a USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach and a Level 1 Titlelist Performance Institute Certified Fitness Professional.
Mike Sanders is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He received his master’s degree in Exercise Science in 1999, from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. As a strength and conditioning coach, he has been blessed to be part of many athletic team successes, including back-to-back national championships in D-I Collegiate Men’s Ice Hockey.In 2010, he moved from the sport athletics world to working with tactical athletes, physically training military and consulting with fire fighters. He has extensive experience and knowledge physically preparing Division-I athletes and tactical athletes for the rigors of competition, combat, and work.He is also the founder and president of Junto Tribe Ministries, a ministry committed to helping people achieve their highest potential in spirit, mind, and body. He is a speaker, author, and coach, and is currently working towards becoming a certified chaplain for first responders, police, and military.He enjoys spending time with his family and friends and loves to read, learn, write, think, and train. It could be argued that he has a slight addiction to coffee and believes outdoors is always better than indoors. To unwind, he enjoys going paddle boarding, sitting quietly in the great outdoors, and watching movies. Mike is married to his wonderful wife, Julie, and has two daughters and a fur ball for a dog.
Matt Cady is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist with expertise in physical performance and strength and conditioning. He has been training traditional athletes, military, and first responders for 15 years. Matt has been certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, USA Weightlifting, Precision Nutrition, and Functional Movement Screen. He has authored articles, spoken at seminars, and been a guest on various podcasts. Matt was a 4-year college ice hockey athlete at Miami University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Coaching. Upon graduating, he was a member of the University of Denver hockey coaching staff, where the team won the National Championship. Matt returned to Miami University to continue his strength and conditioning career and earn a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. Matt was a collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach for 8 years. His teams won world medals, national championships, and league championships. His individual athletes earned All American honors, became league MVPs, and received the Hobey Baker (the highest individual award for men’s collegiate ice hockey). Many of the athletes he has trained have also competed at the professional level. In 2016, Matt took his expertise and collegiate experience to the military where he was a Tactical Human Performance Specialist for 7th Special Forces Group. There, he was privileged to train and educate some of the military’s finest soldiers on smarter ways to train. He created specific programming to prepare them for deployments and specialized selection courses. Matt now works in the private sector for Impact Sports Performance. He trains, advises, and educates youth to professional athletes on performance measures such as strength, speed, and explosiveness, as well as, rest, recovery, nutrition, hydration, and mental toughness. When Matt is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog. He enjoys reading articles to continue his learning and stay up to date with current events and training trends. Matt stays active by working out in his garage, mountain biking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Ana Tocco is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Ana is also the Associate Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at St. Johns Preparatory in Danvers, MA. In her role, she assists with development, implementation, and oversight of all strength and conditioning programs for students, faculty, and staff.Prior to SJP, she worked as the Head Strength Coach and Site Director at Innercity Weightlifting, a non-profit organization that works to reduce youth violence by connecting proven-risk young people with new networks and opportunities in and beyond personal and group training.After graduating from University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Kinesiology degree and as captain of the Women’s Rowing Team, she got her start at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC) in Woburn, MA. The growth-focused environment at MBSC motivated Ana in a way she had never experienced. After a few short years, she went on to earn her Master’s in Coaching Education at Boston University and worked as a Graduate Assistant in BU’s varsity weight room.Currently, in addition to her time at SJP, she works with O2X to help tactical athletes maximize human performance through a curriculum that provides concrete ways to make incremental changes that lead to sustainable improvements.Ana enjoys using strength and conditioning as her platform to work with others to develop life skills. She specializes in getting athletes to set goals that focus on the process of training rather than only on the outcome. She enjoys helping athletes increase and improve the likelihood that they will reach their true athletic potential. Ana continues to further her education by attending conferences and seminars each year.Her certifications include: SCCC (Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Certification) Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) Precision Nutrition- Level 1 USA-Weightlifting Coach Strong First Certified Kettlebell Instructor Level 1 Certified Wellness Coach through American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) Postural Restorative Institute (PRI) Altis Speed and Sprinting Mechanics Mentorship Program.
Josh Lamont is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist from Baltimore, Maryland. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach who owns AthletEdge, a company that specializes in assessing, training, and educating athletes of all ages in order to improve their performance and increase their resiliency.Josh attended Towson University in Baltimore where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. From there, he went onto University of Delaware for his Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and worked with the Strength and Conditioning staff, training the school’s athletic teams. Following graduate school, Josh had the opportunity to live out a childhood dream as he spent many years in professional baseball. Although his dream was to be a player at that level, he spent his time training and rehabilitating the ballplayers in order to improve their performance and help them decrease their chance of injury. Working in baseball offered Josh the opportunity to travel the country, which is how he met his amazing wife in Chicagoland, and began working with Tactical Athletes in Arizona. Since moving back to Baltimore so his children could grow up near family, Josh has been able to return to playing ‘old-man’ baseball. His desire to be competitive and avoid injury has driven Josh to train consistently for performance and to keep up with his children while, at the same time, be a role model to the athletes he works with.
Jill Zeller is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Zeller currently is the Sr. Associate Director of Athletic Performance at the University of Georgia, working specifically with women’s soccer and women’s golf. Before her time with the Bulldogs, she was the Sports Performance Coach for San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. She helped the team win the regular season in 2023. Prior to the Wave, Zeller was at the University of Southern California, working with women’s soccer, lacrosse, and beach volleyball (5-time national champions). Before she got to USC, she worked with a variety of sports and athletes at places like EXOS and Mike Boyle’s Strength and Conditioning. Zeller spent one year as the Director of Sports Performance for the Wake Forest women’s basketball team. She served as a strength and conditioning coach for Boston University and USA Hockey, while also interning with Northeastern University and Athletes’ Performance. She went to 5 World Championships with USA Hockey’s U18-22 teams. A native of Newton, Massachusetts, Zeller graduated from James Madison University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and from Boston University in 2014 with a master’s degree in Coaching Education.She is passionate about supporting those who want to use strength training to help make their daily needs better.
Molly Poalino is an O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Strength and conditioning has never been a job for Poalino, it has always been her passion. Her career began in the realm of athletic performance while working to get her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She gained diverse experiences with her multiple internships throughout the state of MA during her college career.Coach Molly’s next stop was University of West Florida to obtain her Masters of Health Science, specializing in Physical Education/Teacher Education. As a graduate assistant, she gained experience working in the collegiate setting. This experience would springboard her to a position at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. At UNC Molly worked with 5 varsity teams ranging from Cross Country to Gymnastics. While working at UNC, Molly met her now husband, Eric Poalino, an Army officer. This would shift her career path in the direction of tactical strength and conditioning.After 4 years at UNC, Coach Poalino would make the jump to the tactical setting, working with the US Army 27th Engineers as a contractor. She spent 2 years building the Health and Holistic Fitness (H2F) program from the ground up. Molly created programs to help soldiers prepare for the new Army Combat Fitness Test, Ranger School, Sapper School, and Special Operations selection. She also helped bridge soldiers back to their companies after injuries. The knowledge and experience she gained with the H2F program empowered her to secure a contractor position as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).Whether it is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or training for a specific school or selection, Molly is there to educate all branches of the military to achieve success. Molly is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) through the NSCA and Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. In her spare time, she is cheering for all things New England, playing rugby or exploring the outdoors with Eric, daughter Parker and two dogs Brady & Billie.
Ryan Kirby is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Ryan was born and raised in Dallas, Georgia where he grew up with his two brothers and two sisters. He comes from an athletic family that has always been involved in sports. Ryan and his brothers were top athletes at the state and national level growing up. This is what led him into his career in the Marine Corps. It was that sense of purpose and unity that made the Marine Corps, especially the infantry, the only place that he wanted to go after high school. After multiple tours in Afghanistan, Okinawa, South Korea, and Thailand, Ryan decided that he would pursue other endeavors that he never thought possible before the military.After getting out of the Marine Corps, Ryan started school at Kennesaw State University, where he has received both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology. During his time in school, Ryan had the opportunity to work with multiple sports teams on campus. His passion in life is working with and educating athletes. Ryan also plays and writes music, loves the outdoors, and loves Georgia Football.
Michael Pimentel is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Michael is also a varsity collegiate strength and conditioning coach at Brown University. Michael received both his Bachelors in Exercise Science and his Masters in Strength and Conditioning from Bridgewater State University. He helps oversee 38 varsity sports, and specializes in 10: Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s & Women’s Hockey, Men’s & Women’s Crew, Men’s & Women’s Water Polo, Women’s Soccer, and Men’s & Women’s Swim & Dive. Michael works with each and every one of his athletes on injury prevention, maximizing athletic potential, educating on healthy lifestyle, and giving them tools for life, ensuring that they have a positive student/athlete experience. Michael has helped prepare his athletes for several Final Fours, NCAA Tournaments, and Ivy League Championships. Along his journey he has helped produce All Americans, National Champions and professional athletes. Michael is passionate about continuing education, learning new concepts, and bettering himself and those around him. He has a strong connection with his team, and maekes sure he stays current in his field in order to help his athletes thrive, recover faster, and stay ahead of their competition. Michael is certified through the SCCC, one of the highest ranking certifications in the field for collegiate strength and conditioning coaches. He is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a certified Sports Performance coach through the United States Weightlifting Association (USAW). Michael strives for excellence with his athletes in recovery, which is why he holds a certification through Reflexive Performance Reset. During his Master’s program, Michael conducted a research study on concussion prevention in sports, as well as co-publishing an article on grip strength. Throughout the course of his educational career, Michael completed several internships at top strength & conditioning programs, such as University of Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Brown University.Michael has a strong sense of empathy with his athletes and holds himself as a leader, not a boss. His own experience in collegiate sports allows him to connect on a deeper level with his athletes and assist them beyond what the textbooks teach. His emphasis on mental health and living a fulfilling, balanced lifestyle, makes him not only a well-rounded coach, but a mentor to many. Michael continues to compete in powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, prone paddling, and open water swimming, as well as participates in recreational surfing. Michael holds a healthy sense of competition, which allows him to grow as a professional and as an individual. On a daily basis, Michael is striving for excellence with the hope he can help the world become 1% better.
D.J. is an O2X Instructor and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, who previously served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry squad leader with 1st Battalion 9th Marines. His final duty station was Marine Corps Base Quantico where he served as a Warfighting Instructor at The Basic School. Following his time in service, D.J. obtained his B.S. in Kinesiology from James Madison University. D.J.’s passion for health and fitness, especially within the tactical community, paired with his enthusiasm for helping others while optimizing their athletic abilities are factors that have led him to coaching tactical athletes. His first-hand knowledge of tactical tasks and environments combined with his unique programming and sheer enthusiasm for working with the tactical demographics allows him to optimize performance for each individual athlete.
Tyler is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. As a prior US Olympian, he competed in snowboarding in the Torino and Vancouver Winter Games. He is a mental performance coach with over 10 years of experience, including from the Naval Tactical Athlete Program. Tyler was a varsity lacrosse player at Boston College.
Matt is an O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist who currently works as a contract Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a US Special Operations unit in Northwest Florida. Matt has been blessed to spend the bulk of his career working with tactical athletes from diverse positions and backgrounds. He also has experience working with athletes and teams competing in collegiate and high level sport at the international level. Matt began working with tactical athletes in 2014 in Colorado Springs, CO where he spent 5 years working with specialized law enforcement teams from the city, county, and federal levels. Matt also spent a lot of time instructing strength and conditioning courses for military, law enforcement, and fire service personnel all over the United States. Matt has a B.S. in Exercise Science from Colorado State University and holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Matt lives in Defuniak Springs, FL with his wife Karissa and their 2 daughters. He enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and making sure his daughters don’t get into (too much) trouble.
Tia Sapienza is an O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Tia has been in the sports medicine, health, and exercise field for over 10 years. Her passion for fostering positive relationships with health, wellness, and fitness has developed over that time. Tia went back to school for a graduate degree in strength and conditioning with hopes to dive into this field head first. Her cumulative experience extends over youth, adult, recreational, tactical, and professional athletes and is unique given her experience as an outpatient physical therapy assistant, CrossFit Coach, youth program developer, and collegiate strength and conditioning coach. Tia is interested in these athletes as a whole, incorporating goal setting and reaching, emotional barriers, and mental health strategies to make them better. She enjoys a fast pace, explaining concepts and reasons behind what she is teaching.
Adam DeMarais is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Adam has been a strength and conditioning coach since 2008 and has had the pleasure of working with tactical populations, athletes, and the general population. He received his Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, where he majored in Biology and minored in Sports Medicine. This combination of fields provided Adam with a unique perspective on the intersection between science and human performance. He also received his Master’s degree from Concordia University Chicago where he studied Exercise Science with a concentration on human movement.
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