Personal Training Staff
Certified Personal Trainers
Jennifer Brand
Jennifer Brand
COLLEGE EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Bowling Green State University
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Personal Trainer
- Kettlebell Concepts Level 1 Instructor
- TRX Suspension Training
- Sportsmetrics Certified (ACL injury prevention program)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE), HumanSport Specialist and Partner-Assisted Stretching Certified
- Certified Stick Mobility Coach
SPECIALIZATION
- Improving overall health and well-being for daily demands of life
- Flexibility
- Mobility
- Female athletes
PERSONAL
I’m a mom to two beautiful and very active boys. I’ve been a trainer at The J since 2008 and have experience working with a wide range of individuals of various fitness levels. Exercise has always been a part of my life, starting at the age of four when I began gymnastics. I have played many sports over the years and love to be active whether it’s here in the gym or doing activities outdoors.
Brandon Colon
Brandon Colon
COLLEGE EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Bowling Green University
- International Sports Science Association (ISSA), Certified Personal Trainer
- TRX Suspension Training
- American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), Nutrition & Wellness Consultant
- American Red Cross CPR/AED
SPECIALIZATION
- Mid to long-distance running (i.e. track events, 5k, 10k, half and full marathons)
- Exercise rehab/functional strength
- Strength training for individuals ranging from sport-specific to general muscle-
- building exercises to achieve health benefits.
PERSONAL
I was always active in sports as a kid, but watching my father suffer from diabetes made fitness even more of a passion for me. I want to help people live longer to stay active with their loved ones. My goal is to guide individuals inside and outside the gym and to help them make lifestyle changes not just for themselves, but for their family. Our bodies change as we age, so it is my job to help individuals find a program that fits with their goals in life. In my spare time, I enjoy being outside, playing pick-up basketball games, reading to keep up with new fitness trends, going to Cleveland and Ohio State sporting events, as well as spending time with my friends and family.
Kevin Faraci
Kevin Faraci
COLLEGE EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Specialist
- World Instructor Training School (WITS), Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Concepts, Cardio Boxing/Kickboxing
- TRX Suspension Training
- American Council on Exercise (ACE), Small Group Training Certified
- American Red Cross CPR/AED
SPECIALIZATION
- Athletic training
- Strength training
- Body weight training
- Modified exercise
- Functional movement/training
- Corrective exercises
- Injury-specific training
PERSONAL
I like movies, video games, and stand-up comedy. I have been training in boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing since 2006. I like to challenge myself physically, and I’m always willing to try new things. I believe keeping a positive outlook and frame of mind will help everyone reach their fitness goals because having a strong mind is the foundation for a strong body.
Thomas Gassaway
Thomas Gassaway
COLLEGE EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
- Associates of Applied Science Sport & Exercise Studies – Cuyahoga Community College
- Bachelor of Sciencei n Exercise Science – Cleveland State University
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF-CT) Certified Personal Trainer
SPECIALIZATION
- Mobility
PERSONAL
My fitness journey began in a grungy, worn-down basement. The environment was not very exercise conducive. I was battling body image issues that affected my ability to be confident with others in public and myself in private. It became clear that I needed to make a change, but motivation takes anyone only so far. In my practice, I emphasize cultivating a positive connection with exercise and physical activity to encourage sustainable, long-term behavioral shifts. A person who loves to walk will walk farther than the person told to walk.
Michael Gordon
Michael Gordon
CERTIFICATIONS
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Master Trainer
SPECIALIZATION
- Strength and Conditioning Training
- Senior Fitness Specialist
- Corrective Exercise Specialist
- Sports Nutrition Management
- Genetic (DNA) Based Program Designer
PERSONAL
My love and passion for fitness, strength training and overall health and wellness inspired me to become a Certified Master Trainer. I have deep expertise in the areas of senior fitness, corrective exercise, strength training and fitness and nutrition. I create tailored fitness programs for seniors, middle-aged individuals, athletes, youth and those with chronic conditions and physical limitations. I have a proven track record of success developing fitness and wellness programs for clients of all ages, ethnicities and physical conditioning. The fitness programs that I develop are structured to help my clients build strength, gain lean muscles and improve balance and mobility. I enjoy helping others exceed their fitness goals. My goal is to deliver an exceptional wellness experience to my clients and help them live longer more vibrant lives.
Wes Latten
Wes Latten
COLLEGE EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Certified Personal Trainer
- American Red Cross CPR/AED
SPECIALIZATION
- Speed, agility and quickness training
- Strength and power training
PERSONAL
Growing up, my parents allowed me to play all the sports I wanted. In the process, I fell in love with sports and everything associated with them. I loved competing, being in shape, maintaining a disciplined routine and spending time with my friends. Much of what I learned playing sports has led me to become a trainer. Being a trainer allows me to do what I love while simultaneously helping people become healthier. My background in athletics, combined with my steady-growing knowledge of fitness training allows me to be versatile and work with many different types of people. My passion for helping people improve the quality of their lives is what keeps me going every day.
AJ Mooney
AJ Mooney
COLLEGE EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
- International Sport Science Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer
- American Red Cross CPR/AED
SPECIALIZATION
- Endurance conditioning training
- Strength conditioning
- Body weight exercises
- Boot camp
PERSONAL
I have always been interested in sports and fitness. As a kid, I participated in sports, mostly wrestling, football and baseball. Eventually, it just became wrestling and from there I caught the fitness bug. My goal for anyone I work with is to not only motivate but educate. I help clients reach their goals to be the best they can be, whatever the motivation. In my free time, I enjoy working out. I am a gamer as well and a HUGE Marvel fan; sorry DC fans. I have two dogs, a Bernese mountain dog mix (Bruno) and a German shepard collie mix (Radar). I enjoy spending time with them and my friends and family.
Steve Slanoc
Steve Slanoc
COLLEGE EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science, Kent State University
- Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
- National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA)
- Certified Personal Trainer
- American Heart Association CPR/AED
SPECIALIZATION
- Strength Training
- Exercise Rehab
- Nutrition/Weight Management
- Orthopedic Injury
PERSONAL
I am a personal trainer looking to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I possess a combination of an extensive educational background with a strong enthusiasm for health and fitness. I am eager to work with clients of all ages to achieve their desired goals. I have experience working with collegiate athletes in the strength and conditioning sector. I also have experience working with primarily older adults
in the physical therapy field during my time as a PTA. I believe that the majority of people will gain the best results using simple, proven training principles. I want to educate my clients on how to not only achieve their goals but how to maintain them over time. All that I ask from my clients is that they show up with a positive attitude.
Omar Williams
Omar Williams
HOME TOWN
Cleveland, Ohio
COLLEGE EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
- Associate Degree in Sports and Exercise Studies, Cuyahoga County
Community College - Bachelors of Science in Sport Studies, Lake Erie College
- Certified Life and Health Coach
- Yoga Certified
SPECIALIZATION
- Strength and Conditioning
- Youth Sports Training
- Sports Skill Training
PERSONAL
I’ve coached volleyball, basketball, football, baseball and track for over
15 years. I run a youth sports program in Cleveland that gives young kids
the opportunity to learn and grow through athletics. My love for sports
came from playing different sports growing up. My passion for fitness
came from wanting to learn the process of getting stronger and building
muscle. As a personal trainer, I enjoy helping others achieve goals. I build
custom fitness plans to assist clients of all ages in reaching their goals for
a healthier lifestyle. Together, my clients and I work on creating better
fitness and nutrition habits for them to adopt into their lifestyles.
Personal Training Leadership
Rich Zatta
Director of Fitness
216-593-6298