Welcome to Stretchlab Chevy Chase

Alex has been a fixture in the Bethesda personal training scene for over 10 years, providing outstanding service to clients of Equinox, Pulse Fitness, and True Body Fitness. He was the first certified Stretchlab Flexologist in Maryland and is Stretchlab Chevy Chase’s longest tenured employee. He is known for his upbeat and outgoing personality and brings tremendous creativity to his stretching routines. Alex holds a Bachelors Degree from University of Maryland where he studied Kinesiology and Organizational Management. He also studied at Montgomery College where he was a member of the basketball and track teams which competed for national championships.

Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Binghamton University and a Masters degree in Education from George Mason University. After over 15 years as an elementary school teacher, she recently switched careers to pursue her lifelong desire to work in the Health and Fitness industry. She joined Stretchlab in May 2023 as a Flexologist and is currently in school to obtain her license in massage therapy. Kim enjoys helping people (adults this time!) meet their goals and giving individual attention to her clients’ needs. She especially likes hearing from clients that stretching has helped alleviate pain and has given them more joint mobility to safely engage in physical activities. She looks forward to integrating massage more and more into her work at Stretchlab. In her free time, Kim enjoys mountain biking, exploring historic towns and buildings, and being mom to two cats.

Tara holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a personal trainer and cancer exercise trainer. She has worked as a personal trainer for over a decade in the Frederick and Rockville areas. After years of working with figure skaters, Tara incorporates stretching routines with everyone that she works with, knowing its importance for the preparation and recovery process, including in cases of those battling or recovering from cancer. She personally has cancer that runs in her family genetically, so she knows how helpful stretching can be for dealing with unpleasant side effects through treatment and recovery. Tara enjoys helping people move better to achieve their goals. When Tara isn't working she is spending time with loved ones, walking her two Corgis, playing board games, or reading science fiction.

I graduated from Salisbury University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. From there, I spent more than 500 hours taking care of 6 sports teams at the University of Maryland as an assistant strength & conditioning coach. I then became a Personal Training Director at LA Fitness signature club. Once certified, I became their master trainer with a retention rate of 60-70%, focusing my program around specificity, functional movements, and injury prevention. I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and making an impact for my clients. There's nothing of more value to me than helping someone go through an experience that makes them happy, confident, and strong!!!

My name is Everett Rankin and I am a Flex at Stretch Lab Chevy Chase. I graduated from The University of Mary Washington with a B.A. in Philosophy in 2015. After college, I completed the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coaching programs and became Certified in August 2018. Since then, I have obtained additional specializations and certifications, including a certification in corrective exercise. The combination of training, flexibility and strength that StretchLab offers meshes perfectly with my philosophy of training smarter, not harder. My favorite aspect of our stretching program is the PNF contractions because you hit two birds with one stone: increased flexibility and increased strength. No matter if you’re a busy office worker, seasoned athlete, or retiree, our stretching program will make a perfect addition to your whole wellness program!

Embarking on a fitness journey with you is my joy! I’m on a mission to unlock your body’s potential. When it comes to flexibility, I believe everyone should move pain- free. As an athlete who has navigated various injuries, I’ve fine-tuned a routine that prevents and eases tightness. I am thrilled to share my experiences and expertise! My sweet spot? Lower extremities, especially the hips. They’re the backbone of daily movement but often carry a ton of tension. Let’s tackle discomfort and make flexibility a regular thing! In addition to being a Flexologist at StretchLab, I am a collegiate Head XC/Track & Field Coach. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and hold certifications in injury prevention, sports psychology and sports medicine. I am also a NCAA National 3x All- American Weight Lifting/ Power Lifting champion and enjoy yoga and playing sports in my spare time.

I have dedicated over 15 years to the world of health and wellness. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and certifications in personal training and corrective exercise and nutrition coaching, I have honed my skills and knowledge to empower individuals on their journey to holistic well-being. My repertoire extends beyond the conventional, adding assisted stretching to my unique approach to holistic wellness. Having witnessed the impact of musculoskeletal/joint pain and limited mobility with my clients, I have found my purpose in alleviating discomfort and enhancing daily movement. Specializing in lower body stretches, I am passionate about addressing muscular imbalances from the ground-up. I love dancing through life, experimenting in the kitchen, and constantly seeking new avenues for personal growth and learning. Embark on a journey with me because stretching is not just an exercise; it's a key to unlocking your body’s greatest potential!

Ashley Alford was born and raised in New Jersey. Her passion for physical activity and sports led her to the University of Florida. After college, she earned certifications in TRX, NSCA, ACSM, spinning, and her RYT200 Yoga certification in India! She supported the U.S. Navy, as a civilian, as an Athletic Director, and even lived on an aircraft carrier as well as in Japan. Ashley is an avid hiker, rock climber, yoga instructor, and outdoor enthusiast and has always had a strong connection with and appreciation for nature. She has been a mountain rock climber since 2012. On August 31, 2018, she fell off a mountain in New Hampshire and fell 40 feet, landing on her head. She sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. She was put in a coma and was hospitalized for many months and eventually had to relearn everything about her life and teach herself how to walk, talk etc. Ashley’s journey has made her more opened minded, accepting, stronger, knowledgeable, and even more determined than ever! She focuses on the “mind over matter” mindset knowing that hard work always pays off, allowing you to accomplish all that you set your mind to. Ashley’s persistence, focus and determination is an inspiration to all of us at Stretchlab Chevy Chase!

Elizabeth is a graduate of Columbia University, where she received an MPH and Certificate in Health Promotion, and George Washington University, where she received a BS in Exercise Science and minored in Psychology. She has been involved in physical activity and mindful stretching since she was a child, during her 13 year career as a competitive figure skater. Elizabeth has worked in the wellness industry for 11+ years in New York City, Denver, and Washington, DC as a Personal Trainer (ACSM), Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500), and Health and Well-being Coach (Wellcoaches). Elizabeth researches what makes sports fun and spends her down-time with her long-haired miniature dachshund watching romcoms.

"Anika is an experienced yoga teacher with expertise extending far beyond physical postures, delving into the profound realms of bodywork, emotional release, and mental clarity, all while harnessing the power of stretching as a catalyst for transformation. With a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, Anika weaves together physical movements, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques to unlock deep-seated tensions and promote overall well-being. Anika's passion for body work stems from her personal journey of healing and transformation. Through dedicated practice, she discovered the remarkable ability of stretching to transcend physical limitations, cultivate emotional resilience, and unlock a newfound sense of freedom in movement. Inspired by her own experiences, Anika is committed to sharing the profound benefits of stretching with others, empowering them to embrace a life of vitality, harmony, and self-discovery, one stretch at a time."

As a dynamic fitness professional, I bring a profound passion for both healthcare and athletics to my work. Being an active soccer player, I seamlessly integrate my love for the sport with my role as a Flexologist at StretchLab. With extensive experience in healthcare operations, ensuring patient care and organizational efficiency, I offer a unique perspective to my clients. Coupled with four years of physical therapy experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session. Understanding the common issue of injury, I am adept at helping clients navigate their way back to optimal health and mobility. Whether recovering from an injury or seeking to prevent one, I provide personalized guidance and support tailored to each individual's needs. I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment for my clients, empowering them to achieve their flexibility goals while prioritizing their overall well-being. Through collaborative efforts and a holistic approach to wellness, I help my clients unlock their full potential and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Kayla has been a personal trainer since the age of 17! She holds a personal training certification from the International Sports Science Association. A native New Yorker, she relocated to this area in 2023 to launch her career as a flexologist. She has an upbeat, positive attitude that puts her clients at ease. She believes assisted stretching is an integral part of a healthy and functional lifestyle.

Beth’s background is heavily movement based. She trained as a pre-professional ballet dancer through high school and attended college for professional dance in New York, where she also studied Bartenieff Fundamentals, Kinesiology, and injury prevention. While in college, she earned scholarships to study dance two summers in a row. There, she was introduced to yoga for conditioning and was drawn to its egalitarian approach to movement and the ancient wisdom that approaches every facet of life with joy and patience. Beth trained at Flow Yoga Center in DC in 2014, where she received her RYT200 and has largely taught community classes for the past 9 years. Beth is currently pursuing her 500-hour certification with Thrive, which will be completed in May 2024. She teaches yoga and group fitness in addition to her work at StretchLab. She is a poet, runner, and lover of the world of fragrance.

My name is Mojdeh, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Iran. I'm passionate about promoting a wellness lifestyle and helping others achieve a healthy body. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a model, which led me to move to America to pursue my dream. I'm now certified as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and have completed 200 hours of yoga training. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Stretchlab team as a Flexologist and look forward to helping you achieve your wellness goals!