Welcome to Stretchlab Upper East Side

I'm a Filipino-American and I finished my Bachelor of Science in the Philippines. My background is that I worked as a Physical Therapist Aide for 10 years in multiple physical therapy offices in NYC, assisting the Physical Therapist, sometimes doing manual therapy, setting up patients in the treatment room or helping patients with their exercises. Working in a physical therapy office taught me a lot about how to take care of your body through stretching, strengthening exercises, and hydration to prevent any injuries. I enjoy playing basketball, sometimes doing boxing, and also traveling in my free time.

Estella is a Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Pre and Post Natal Certified and Bikini Body Builder. Estella, has been involved in the fitness industry for 20 years. Her passion is to help others look and feel their best. She has a University degree in Theater/Music and Psychology. She believes that health is the best wealth and that flexibility is key to having a balanced body. Fun Fact: Estella is a recognized community actor and Latin recording artist. She was also a former Ballroom Dance Instructor and her favorite sport is Beach Volleyball.

Lena earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney Australia. While at UNSW Lena’s clinical rotations included cardiac rehab, inpatient and outpatient mental health and outpatient orthopaedic rehab. She has also attended special courses on exercise prescription for the prevention of falls (Otago Exercise Programme), Managing Diabetes and Exercise, and Fascia and Foam Rolling. Since graduating in Australia, Lena has clinical experience in exercise prescription for personal injury rehabilitation. She also spent 3 years living in Ireland working as an on-ward Physiotherapy Assistant within the Bon Secours Private Hospital, as well as performing exercise classes for the aging population. Lena feels strongly about developing individualized stretching plans to help clients of all ages get more out of their life. Lena moved to Manhattan in 2022 and in her free time enjoys exploring NYC, attending live music, swimming, walking her dog in the beautiful parks of New York and of course - stretching!

While in college attaining a degree in Exercise Science, Laione worked as a home health aide! Her "Fab over 50" got stronger with Laione's daily routines. Laione has a Pre-Post Natal certification has years of teaching group exercise classes. She is also a certified Personal trainer with a wealth of strength and conditioning knowledge. In her spare time Laione enjoys yoga, swimming, lifting. Laione has a love for arts and crafts, particularly hat and candle making!

Originally from upstate New York, Timothy is a professional dancer holding a BFA in dance from the University at Buffalo. He is also a certified level 2 instructor in the Essentrics workout technique. His passion for fitness and injury prevention come from his decade long and ever continuing journey with dance. His professional credits include the Greater Niagara Ballet Company, Norwegian Cruise Lines, New York State Dance Force, and Qu Yang Dance Company (QYDC). Timothy is excited to help clients achieve their ideal selves and celebrate the gift that is movement through the power of stretching! Fun fact: Timothy shares a birthday with Nicki Minaj

My name is Edwin Rivera I am Puerto Rican resident of Harlem, NY and I use He/Him pronouns. I have a background in Physical Therapy as well as personal training working as a Physical Therapist Aide. I have over a year's worth of experience in the clinical setting, working with patients of all sizes, shapes, and diagnoses. Working in field has taught me the importance of proper body mechanics, and the benefits of proper stretching and exercise. I also love to work around one rule and that is; motion is lotion. A fun fact about me is that I am a working advocate for Puerto Rican and Pacific Islander youth educational equity, Climate and environmental sovereignty and justice, as well as a Youth Mental Health champion/ Civic Engagement Ambassador for the non-profit 18byVote.

William is a NSCA certified personal trainer, with a Bachelors in Exercise Science from Manhattan College, and a Student Physical Therapist. With over five years of experience in the healthcare sector and closing on earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, William takes his strength & conditioning expertise to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and athleticism—ultimately, offering you one-on-one premium care. As a New York City native and alum of the Upper East Side’s prestigious Regis High School, he takes pride in serving this community through movement, education and empowerment. Having the freedom to move efficiently as well as the tools to maintain it are the cornerstones for a heightened quality of life. Whether you are the mom/dad of the year, a disciplined athlete, a weekend warrior, a seasoned desk jockey, or somewhere in between, William will provide you with an evidence-based, customized roadmap to arrive at, maintain, and improve your physical wellbeing. In addition to his proclivity for health and wellness, William is a decades-long skateboarder, snowboarder, and bike rider—always eager to find new bike trails and pockets of nature to explore. At home, William peruses his personal library of historical nonfiction, science fiction, and world history novels to pass the time. William is thrilled to be an invaluable part of your health & wellness journey. Feel free to come on by and be the BEST version of yourself."

Michael became a part of the Fitness world from a young age as a competitive Boxer Training under Darryl Pierre at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Boxing attuned Michael to his body, and Darryl opened the door to trust his instincts in and out of the ring. Those lessons lead him down the path to helping people through Health & Wellness working as a Chiropractic Therapy Assistant, Specialized Personal Trainer and now a Stretch-Lab Flex! There’s never too much to learn, and sharing that knowledge is a personal goal he holds true to in sessions. He learned hands-on Trigger Point Mapping & Release to aid patients experiencing common conditions such as Sciatica, Degenerative Disk Disease, Severe Muscle Strains & Tears. With this first hand experience, Michael developed a deep understanding of the body’s Kinetic Chain and applied that knowledge in his Personal Training Programs to meet any individual's goals. Teaching primarily in community centers such as Asphalt Green and The 92Y May Center, Michael has worked with a diverse demographic of all ages aiming to educate through Group Classes such as Youth Sports & Fitness (ages 5-16), Technical Boxing, Functional HIIT and Senior Cognitive Strength & Posture. Michael will develop a Program Personalized to your likes, needs and goals that will ensure you are taken care of at Stretch-Lab. The hardest part is getting through the door in many aspects, however even the smallest steps can lead to the greatest change. Let’s discover what’s best for you, and take the first step together!

Born and raised in Brooklyn New York. Ernest embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become a dedicated personal trainer. Ernest discovered his love for physical activity at an early age, honing his discipline and determination as he grew up training in the art of boxing. From the moment he put on his gloves, he was captivated by the art of mastering his body's movements and pushing his limits. In high school, Ernest shifted his focus from the ring to the gridiron. Excelling in football, he displayed leadership on and off the field, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance.His exceptional skills and dedication earned him a spot on a college football team. Where he graduated with a Master's degree in Sports Medicine. His academic achievements not only reflected his dedication but also expanded his knowledge base, allowing him to blend his practical experience with a strong foundation in sports science. His journey from the ring to the field, and then to the classroom, gave him a unique perspective on the holistic nature of fitness and the importance of a balanced approach to training.

Originally from Texas, Samantha Noto is currently a student at Marymount Manhattan College working towards a BFA in dance and a minor in business. She began dancing at 2 years old and has since won notable titles at national competitions. Her training is extensive and includes knowledge and expertise in all areas of dance and body movement, such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, modern, and hip hop. Samantha has five years of experience teaching and assisting dance classes at Ann’s Performing Arts Centre. Additionally, Samantha has worked as a lifeguard and an onsite manager for Blue Water lifeguarding company. She is CPR and AED certified. A fun fact about Samantha is that she has a big sweet tooth for any and all desserts. She is very excited to bring her passion for movement to her clients!

Alvin is a Dominican-American born and raised New Yorker from the Bronx. His passion for health and wellness started when he pursued weightlifting and track in high school. The drive for helping others led Alvin to revisit his old high school track team as an assistant coach. Taking that passion of helping others a step further, he is currently studying to become a healthcare professional as an occupational therapy student at Pace University. Alvin's professional background comes from his physical and occupational therapy experience as an aide. This, in addition to his active lifestyle leaves Alvin ecstatic to work with clients as a Flexologist. Fun fact about Alvin: Japanese food is his favorite cuisine and MMA is his favorite sport!

Matt is a proud native of Middlesex, New Jersey, now navigating the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. With a background deeply rooted in baseball, Matt honed both athletic and academic skills at Ramapo College, graduating with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology. Transitioning from a role as a physical therapy aide to a certified personal trainer, Matt embodies the belief in the profound impact of physical well-being on overall happiness. Currently flourishing at Stretch Lab, Matt is committed to guiding others toward a path of holistic wellness, ensuring they look and feel their absolute best every step of the way.