Welcome to Stretchlab Mercer Island

Jesse has recently made the move from California and enjoys the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Jesse's lifelong fitness journey has seen involvement in a range of sports, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, and track. Currently, Jesse is deeply committed to calisthenics training and holds certification as a personal trainer. Jesse's fascination with the mechanics of body movement traces back to his early years and served as the driving force behind earning a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, with a specialization in movement and exercise science, from San Francisco State University. In leisure hours, Jesse derives immense satisfaction from expressing creativity through various art forms, including painting, drawing, and sculpting. Additionally, a profound love for the outdoors leads him to engage in activities such as hiking and camping. Sporting pursuits also hold a special place in Jesse's heart, with a particular passion for football and basketball (Go Niners!). Thrilled to be a part of the StretchLab Mercer Island team, Jesse derives great joy from assisting individuals in their pursuit of achieving personal goals, particularly in the realms of enhancing flexibility, comprehending the intricacies of body movement, and preventing injuries. Jesse's overarching aim is to provide unwavering support to everyone, whether they be clients or colleagues, in their voyage towards realizing their aspirations and dreams.

Elana - an athlete at heart and sports/conditioning coach in practice. Working with athletes has always been a priority for her and when the athletes would come to her for advice on recovery, injury prevention, and overall health and wellness, she wanted to be able to be demonstrate knowledge in that domain. Graduating with BS in Health Coaching and pairing it with her pathway to Physical Therapy school, and her other interests in health and wellness, she aspires to be an all-in-one specialist for long-term clients. In her free time, she likes to stay active and spend time with friends and family. Practicing her main sport - soccer, and finding new ways to strengthen her body, mind, and health, are all important activities that she likes to priortize in life. With StretchLab, she believes she can further her understanding of human body and provide access to assisted stretching to the large community and help them move better!

Tuba Shaikh, a committed Physical Therapist with three years of experience in clinical and hospital settings. Tuba's focus is on pinpointing the root cause of patients' injuries to prevent potential reoccurrences in the future. Beyond her professional role, she finds joy in playing cricket and was honored as the 'Best Batsman' during her university days. Tuba also has a soft spot for cats and is an avid fan of Bollywood music. Excited to be part of StretchLab, Tuba looks forward to helping clients move better and achieve their wellness goals.

Sergio is a highly experienced fitness professional with a decade of dedicated service to individuals of all ages and athletic abilities. His extensive background includes accumulating several hours of firsthand experience in outpatient and inpatient physical therapy environments. Sergio is currently committed to empowering his clients to embrace active lifestyles through a holistic, science-driven approach to fitness. He is enthusiastic about further expanding his knowledge and skills while embarking on a new chapter of working with diverse clients at StretchLab.

Ramya is a certified yoga instructor from Rishikesh, India, known as the yoga capital of the world. With over two decades of dedicated practice, yoga has become a way of life for her. Having personally experienced the transformative power of yoga, Ramya approaches her teaching with a holistic perspective, embracing everything from dynamic asanas to the calming practices of pranayama and meditation. Before immersing herself in the world of yoga, Ramya spent eight years as a software engineer, concluding her corporate journey with Amazon. Alongside her passion for yoga, she enjoys strength training and running. In her leisure time, Ramya indulges in hikes, exploring the enchanting landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and enjoys other hobbies such as traveling, reading, and nurturing her garden. Driven by the belief that "movement is medicine," Ramya seeks to share the joy of yoga, helping individuals move and feel better. Her journey led her to choose StretchLab, where she can engage with people on a larger scale, understand their challenges, and assist them in attaining their wellness aspirations.

Angelo is an ISSA certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience in weight training, specializing in powerlifting and hypertrophy. His dedication to the sport has earned him multiple awards in powerlifting competitions. A former high school state swim captain, Angelo’s athletic background is diverse and robust. In his spare time, Angelo enjoys engaging in various activities that keep his mind and body active, such as spending quality time with his family outdoors, playing chess, solving puzzles, and exploring philosophical readings. Angelo believes that "nothing changes if nothing changes." He recognizes that many people are still unfamiliar with the benefits of assisted stretching and is enthusiastic about helping others discover new opportunities for health and wellness. Angelo's approach focuses on expanding one's comfort zone to foster positive change, making him a valuable asset to the StretchLab community.

Olena is a Certified Yoga Coach and Fitness Instructor with over 9 years of experience in group programs and health practices. She is a qualified trainer in yoga, Pilates, and stretching sessions for both private clients and groups. Olena specializes in yoga and breathing techniques for pregnant women. She is passionate about the impact of emotional well-being on physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional balance in life. At Stretchlab, she believes in helping clients build a strong connection between mind and body in each practice, enhancing overall health and sensitivity. Olena's husband is a weightlifter, and she is a proud mom of a dancer daughter and swimmer son, focusing on family health and wellness. She values spending quality time with her family as the cornerstone of well-being.