Welcome to Stretchlab Southtowns

Carrie started her journey and career as a Stretch Therapist through the Thai Yoga Massage Toronto Institute and the Stretch To Win Institute in Arizona. She trained for for 3 years to complete all levels of the Fascial Stretch Therapy certification at STWI. Since these 2 modalities help healed a chronic hip issue of hers, in 2015 she opened Buffalo Stretch Therapy to help others through one-on-one assisted stretching. In 2018, she decided to focus on stretching and educating people on the benefits of movement full time. Now, with the help of her business partner, Melanie, they opened up Stretch Lab to have the means to train movement professionals on stretching to help more people move and feel better. Carrie was a soccer player at Niagara University where she received her BS in Sports Management in 2005 She’s also certified as an ACE personal trainer, Active Isolated Stretching by Aaron Mattes, LifeStretch, SportStretch® and the Stretch Lab modalities.

Emily is a certified Flexologist and licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She gains satisfaction with making individuals feel their best and strives in making a difference in their lives. For as long as she could remember, Emily wanted to make as many people possible feel better, mentally and physically. Knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life and helped them reach goals that were thought as impossible, is priceless. She believes in both the mottos “Movement is Medicine” and “Move or Lose It” because the aging process is not kind to us, but having a healthy and active lifestyle helps. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get stretching!

I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer with a focus on Functional Movement. Since starting my journey in the fitness field, I’ve come to realize that fitness is much more than just lifting weights and running. Being able to squat down and play with my daughter comfortably has been a life-changing experience. One that I hope to help as many people as I can with. In my free time I enjoy training Calisthenics, Muay Thai, and Yoga.

Hello I’m Melissa (Meli), I moved to Western New York from England back in 2020. My background includes work in exercise referral, helping people manage a variety of medical conditions, and obtaining better health through exercise and lifestyle changes. To coincide with my experience, I am also a certified personal trainer, having obtained an Associates degree in sports and fitness. I am passionate about helping people reach their personal health and well-being goals, and believe that flexibility is important for people of all backgrounds. Outside of work, I love to run, hike, lift weights, and do yoga in my spare time. I find that activities such as these help keep me happy and healthy, and have a positive all-around effect in my life.

Hello, I’m Colin Denfrund and I am a certified personal trainer with the National Council of Strength and Fitness (NCSF). I’ve always been passionate about being active and trying to achieve a better sense of wellbeing through exercise and physical activity. Ever since I was a little kid, I grew up participating on any sports teams that I could including soccer, swimming, football, track and field, basketball, and tennis. As I began to mature, I realized how important it was to actively try to take care and recover your own body. After a lot of education and research I found myself completely obsessed with trying to become someone that will not only better themselves but also better all the people that I am around. Becoming a Flexologist at Stretch Lab allows me to express my passion for health and fitness while also educating others on the benefits of stretching and taking care of your own body. Any one and everyone is always welcome on my bench I hope to see you there!

Hello, my name is Kara and I am a certified yoga instructor. I received completion in the 200hr and 500hr training at the Himalayan Institute located here in Buffalo. I understand the importance of mind and body and how daily task at hand can hinder and contribute to limited range of motion and mobility. As we get older it is even more important that we focus on achieving optimal health - through movement and nutrition. Working with both the breath and body awareness together we can achieve optimal results while at the stretch lab! I look forward to meeting you and working together to achieve your personal goals through a program designed specific to YOU and your needs!

Josh was born and raised in Hamburg, NY. Josh has always had a passion to help others. He served in the United States Navy for 10 years and was an Erie County Sheriff for 9 years. He is a NASM certified trainer with a Bachelor's degree in nutrition science and is currently working towards becoming a physical therapist assistant. In his free time he is either in the gym lifting, making mead in support of his wife’s business (honey wine) or spending time making memories with his wife and three boys.

Devyn is a Doctor of Chiropractic and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. He’s been strength training for over a decade, and knows what it’s like to be frustrated with aches and pains while trying to stay active. He takes pride in helping others simplify an approach to fitness, to make it an enjoyable and lifelong endeavor.

I am a Flexologist with a passion for promoting overall well-being through the power of stretching . With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my sessions. Having spent several years as a dedicated athlete myself, I understand firsthand the crucial role that proper stretching plays in optimizing performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing recovery.

Jean is a licensed massage therapist and certified flexologist. She enjoys spending time with her dog and finding new places to explore in Buffalo. She's passionate about helping people feel their best through stretch and bodywork.

Hey! My name is Shaquille (Shaq for short, like the basketball player) and I’m a 200hr certified yoga teacher through Yogi’s In Service Inc. I‘ve always had a passion for discovering ways to provide assistance for others. This passion has led me down a career path of education, health and wellness. Combined with a BA in Community Mental Health, my goal is to aid individuals and communities in fostering a connection of better mind better body and better being.

Hi, my name is Kerry and I am excited to be working for stretch lab! I have my degree in Kinesiology from SUNY Brockport. As an athlete my entire life who has endured many injuries, stretching and body recovery is very important to me. As a high school basketball coach I am always reminding my athletes of how important it is to start taking care of their bodies now when they are young to help prevent injury as they age. When I’m not working I enjoy traveling, spending time with my dog, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills!

Hello, my name is Dempsey and I am a certified strength and conditioning specialist with the NSCA. I graduated from University at Buffalo with a Bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2022. I have always been passionate about being active, challenging myself, and trying to improve each day. As a personal trainer I know that being fit and healthy is a lot more than just the hour of work you put in the gym. My goal is to help the people I work with move better, feel better, and live a healthier lifestyle. Outside of work, I enjoy lifting weights, hiking, and playing chess.

Hi I am Alice and have worked rehabilitating people in healthcare for over a decade as an Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have prioritized having a holistic approach with my clients to improve their overall physical and mental well-being. I take pride in helping people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels achieve their goals. Working for StretchLab seemed a great way for me to further that goal. Maintaining good flexibility and spinal mobility are the keys to having a good quality of life as we grow and age to keep being able to do the things we love to do.