Meet Our Trainers
Tell us your goals and we will match you with the best fitness professional—along with the latest results-based technologies and tools—to help exceed your expectations. Get to know our trainers and learn how they can help you.
Eli Nylund
Fitness Director
Location: Petaluma
Email: Eli.Nylund@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: I believe in incorporating proper form and foundation exercises into your daily routine. The more you adopt these practices into your life, the more enjoyable it becomes, and the more positive results you will see. This will ultimately lead to a more efficient, fit, and healthy life.
Certifications & Education:
- Bachelor of Science Kinesiology, Sonoma State University
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- ACE Senior Fitness Specialist
- ACE Cancer Exercise Specialist
Specializations
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Corrective Exercise
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Functional Training
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Injury Management
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Rehabilitation Training
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Strength and Conditioning
Jeremiah Johnson
Personal Trainer & Group Ex Director
Location: Petaluma
Email: Jeremiah.Johnson@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Fitness is more than getting a nice body. It’s about taking charge of your life and improving your physical & mental health. Exercise should leave you smiling and feeling good, not discouraged and hurt. I feel many people don’t understand that fitness is not a one size fits all approach. An efficient fitness program is one that is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and body. I believe in taking an in-depth look at your goals, creating a detailed plan and taking action. Let’s have fun and get fit!
Certifications & Education:
- NFPT Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NAFC Group Fitness Trainer
- ACE Senior Fitness Specialist
- AA Fitness, Health, Nutrition, Santa Rosa Junior College
Specializations
- Functional Strength Training
- Sports Specific Training
- Powerlifting
- Bodybuilding
- Weight Loss
- Small Group Training
Cory Griffin
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Cory.Griffin@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Train smarter not harder. It doesn’t take hours in the gym to achieve optimal levels of health, wellness, and ultimately performance. Everyone is unique and their body’s requirements and needs differ. Consistency, technique and exercise selection allow you to achieve your goals. Train accordingly.
Certifications & Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Sports Science
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
- NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- PTA Global Certification
Specializations
- Corrective Exercise
- Performance Enhancement
- Muscle Inhibition/Activation
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Lifestyle Modification
Janessa Dusek
Personal Trainer & ZONE Lead
Location: Petaluma
Email: Janessa.Dusek@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Our bodies are capable of far more than we think! The mind is a powerful and sometimes underutilized tool in people’s fitness journey. I enjoy helping my clients remove the limitations they have created for themselves to help unveil their try strength. Have you struggled with injury? Need help with pre or postpartum fitness? Just starting your fitness journey? Or have you hit a plateau and need some motivation? I would be honored to help you reach your goals and will be by your side the whole way through.
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist
- Retired Law Enforcement
Specializations
- Pre and Post Partum Training
- Weight Loss
- Injury Prevention
- Strength Training
- Small Group Training
Jennifer Buol
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Jennifer.Buol@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: My goal is to help you learn what is necessary to improve your quality of life by combining healthy eating and the exercises you need with the proper form to maximize your results. I specialize in weight loss by strength training, core conditioning, cardio, balance, flexibility training and health coaching. It’s important to find enjoyment incorporating what you learn into a lasting lifestyle.
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Weight Loss Specialist
- Certified Health Coach
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NASM Behavioral Change Specialist
Specializations
- Weight Loss
- Strength Training and Conditioning
- Balance and Flexibility Training
- Corrective Exercise
- Lifestyle Health Coaching
Michael Vaughan
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Michael.Vaughan@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: You have to leave your comfort zone in order to change. I have built a reputation changing clients bodies with sound fundamentals grounded in exercise science, biomechanics, and integrative techniques. I apply that knowledge to create tailored exercise program recommendations for the client. Identifying patterns that may be limiting results and progress is my responsibility. Then, give the clients the tools to succeed.
Certifications & Education:
- IFPA Certified Personal Trainer
- IFPA Senior Fitness Specialist
- IFPA Special Populations Specialist
Specializations
- Functional Training
- Sports Specific Training
- Bodybuilding
- Powerlifting
- Photoshoot Prep
- Diabetic Nutrition/Training
- Cancer Training
Cassandra Alley
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Cassandra.Alley@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: I believe that life is about finding balance while striving to improve ourselves every day and pushing through when it gets tough. I have a strong passion for encouraging others to achieve their overall fitness goals through personalized training. I have found tha getting results is about communication, finding the right combination of strength, resistance, cardio, and of course nutrition, while keeping focused on the overall goal of living a healthy lifestyle
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Youth Exercise Specialist
- NASM Speed and Agility Specialist
- Certified TRX Instructor
- Zumba Fitness Instructor
Specializations
- Strength and Conditioning for all ages
- Youth Fitness
- Women’s Fitness
- Small Group Training
- Speed and Agility Training
- TRX Training
Oscar Diaz
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Oscar.Diaz@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: There is not one ideal way of achieving health and fitness. It is something that takes on many different forms, based on individual needs. Achieving your goals requires hard work and a lot of effort. I am passionate about helping motivate people and assisting those who need guidance. My ultimate goal is to help people transition into a healthier, happier lifestyle!
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- Medfit Medical Fitness Specialist
- Fitness, Health and Nutrition Certification, Santa Rosa Junior College
Specializations
- Strength and Conditioning for all ages
- Weight Loss
- Youth Fitness
- Medical Fitness
- Small Group Training
Kaila Vangell
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Kaila.Vangell@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: There is always room for improvement.” No matter where you are in your fitness journey, there is always something more to learn! I approach fitness as a balancing act; staying active, eating well, and having fun is the ideal break down. With our world becoming more automated my focus is to assist individuals to maintain ease of movement and strength in their daily life.
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
- IDEA Grid Foam Rolling/Trigger Point
- IDEA Fat Loss Programming
- IDEA Cardio Circuit Training
- Battle Rope Certified
Specializations
- Women’s Strength Training
- High Intensity Interval Training
- High Intensity Steady State Training
- Functional Training
- Weight Loss
- Circuit Training
- Group Training
Ruben Valce
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Ruben.Valce@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: In a recent study I read, it was stated that one hour of exercise results in the gain of three hours of life. I have chosen the path of a personal trainer because of my deep love for exercise, a commitment to personal health, and a strong desire to share this passion and crucial message with those with whom I collaborate. Fitness, in its essence, is not about outdoing others but rather about surpassing one’s previous self. Therefore, if a challenge doesn’t push your limits, it won’t facilitate your transformation. To all who come across these words, I urge you to remember the timeless adage: “Health is Wealth!” Let’s embark on this journey together and work towards our well-being.
Certifications & Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Sonoma State University
- Certified Personal Trainer, American Sports and Fitness Association
Specializations
- Strength Training and Conditioning for All Ages
- Youth Training
- Weight Loss
- High Intensity Interval Training
Bella Muniz
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Bella.Muniz@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Guiding individuals to become the best versions of themselves has always been something I’ve found joy in. As I’ve grown, fitness and nutrition have become passions of mine as I’ve learned to trust the process of them both. Staying in shape is not just about meeting an expectation of a certain look, but most importantly it’s about feeling your very best in the current and future. How we perform in our everyday lives all ties together with how we treat/fuel our bodies. I have recognized that there is no one right path when it comes to a fitness journey. I am here to help you find yours. It’s never too late to take the first step. Let’s build a healthy life together.
Certifications & Education:
- Certified Personal Trainer ISSA
- Certified Nutrition Coach ISSA
Specializations
- Strength Training and Conditioning for All Ages
- Youth Training
- Weight Loss
- Circuit Training
Angela Phillips
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Angela.Phillips@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: I am a firm believer in balance, everything in moderation, and listening to your body. When it comes to your health and fitness, it is important to me that we prioritize all of those all while achieving your goals so that you can become the absolute best version of yourself ! After all, you are the greatest project you’ll ever work on, and I’m here to help you!
Certifications & Education:
- Certified Personal Trainer NASM
- Certified Nutrition Coach NASM
- Pro Natal Certified
Specializations
- Strength Training and Conditioning for All Ages
- Weight Loss
- Circuit Training
- Group Training
Sue White
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Sue.White@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Not everyone has to follow the same path to fitness. Your journey is your journey. Developing a plan that works for you means you have found the right combination that benefits your lifestyle. I would be thrilled to be a part of that exploration. I bring over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. But prior to being a “professional,” I too faced the challenge of living actively. I too had to figure out the balance of weight training and cardiovascular exercise that worked and more importantly was easy to continue. That’s the key isn’t it? Working together we can build a fitness plan that is easy to accomplish while building your fitness. Being fit shouldn’t be an arduous chore, but fun and engaging. Let’s work it out! Together.
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
- Golden Hearts Senior Specialist
- Pilates Mat Instructor
Specializations
- Strength Training and Conditioning
- Small Group Training
- Weight Loss
- Balance Training
- Senior Fitness
Lacey Taylor
Personal Trainer
Location: Petaluma
Email: Lacey.Taylor@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Fitness is my passion, and I am dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals through a holistic approach that emphasizes mental, emotional, and physical health. My training programs go beyond just physical fitness; they are designed to help you build a strong, balanced, and resilient self. With over 10 years of experience in weight and resistance training, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support your journey towards total well-being. Whether you’re new to fitness or an experienced athlete, my personalized training plans are tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
Certifications & Education:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Certified Group Personal Trainer
Specializations
- Strength Training and Conditioning
- Small Group Training
- Weight Loss
- Motivational Coaching
Kathy Hutchinson
Medical Integration Coordinator
Location: Petaluma
Email: Kathy.Hutchinson@activewellnesscenter.com
Philosophy: Whether teaching a spin class or working with a cardiac patient two months post surgery, I’m all about meeting people where they are. I work to get the information I have learned out of my head in a clear, concise way so that I can help people on their path to health and wellness. There is so much conflicting information out there on how to get healthy, I believe understanding the basics is crucial. Although I don’t do traditional personal training, I love collaborating with the amazing trainers at Active Wellness Center to make sure members reach their full potential.
Certifications & Education:
- ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
- Rock Steady Boxing Head Coach
- Precision Cycling Instructor
- BA Biological Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara
- MS Exercise Physiology, California State University at Hayward
Specializations
- Clinical Populations
- Heart Disease
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Medical Fitness