Nathan Brammeier
Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner
CrossFit Instructor
- M.S. Human Nutrition
- M.S. Organic Chemistry
- Certified Metabolic Typing® Advisor
- Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist
- CrossFit Level 1 Instructor
- CrossFit Endurance Instructor
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- Holistic Lifestyle Coach
- Wellness Coach for Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Nathan’s mission is to provide lifestyle education en route to empowerment. Learning from Nathan, you can take back control of your life.
Nathan has extensive medicinal chemistry experience working in the research departments of Chiron and later, Novartis Biopharmaceuticals. With this knowledge, he understands the intricate processes of the human body. In order to pursue a career in health, fitness, and nutrition, Nathan retired from the Biotech industry in 2007.
Nathan has a scientific background, but a holistic approach to wellness. His experience has shown that the conventional approach to health, disease, exercise and nutrition do not sufficiently satisfy the needs of the general public. His approach differs from that of most doctors and nutritionists because it is tailor-made to the individual. Understanding subtle differences in people’s biochemical makeup is critical to obtaining optimal health. Nathan’s passion lies in giving people the education they need to reach self-actualization.
Nathan was introduced to CrossFit in April of 2009. Within the first three months of doing CrossFit for himself, Nathan noticed gains faster than any other program he had tried. In October of the same year, he became a CrossFit Level 1 certified instructor. Shortly after that in early 2010, he also earned the CrossFit Endurance certification. Nathan’s belief in the CrossFit philosophy led to the opening of CrossFit Adventure in January of 2010.
At CrossFit Adventure, Nathan combines the best of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and Metabolic Typing® with a proven exercise and recovery protocol. He works with the individual to identify and correct imbalances that lead to injury and disease. The end result of this individualized approach is a fulfilling, energetic, and balanced life full of vitality.
Carolyn Scalia
CrossFit Instructor
CrossFit Kids Instructor
- CrossFit Level 1 Instructor
- CrossFit Kids Instructor
- NASM CPT/CES
- Paul Chek Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 1 (6/08 – 12/10)
- TaeBo Certified (2008-2010)
Being involved in sports and fitness has been a part of my life since grade school. I can remember running several miles with my older brothers as they trained for track and wrestling as early as the 1st grade. My oldest brother was always into body building, martial arts, running and hiking (he passed away almost 16 years ago, before he turned 30, and today I dedicate my adventures to him). He always kept me close by when taking on new adventures. When I was in the 2nd grade he enrolled me in my first 3k. I placed 2nd and to this day I remember vividly how special that moment felt. He was so proud of me and I felt a sense of true accomplishment, though I was flat out exhausted. I also enjoyed being on the podium!
Since middle school, running and volleyball have remained a constant in my life. I remember the painful practices and relentless hours of drills, sweat, matches/meets… all the coaching that was programmed into my brain… and still I hear the voice inside: work through the pain, you’ll improve! This determination resonates into what has become my life thus far.
My path after college led me through great opportunities in the consumer products world which ultimately led me to California. My parents are happy that I utilized 11 years of my BS in Industrial Technology, as I progressed through the corporate world from a Graphic Designer to a Production Manager. Along the way, I became actively involved in running, cycling, mountain biking and adventure racing. After the birth of my daughter in 2006, I was given the opportunity to fulfill a career in the Fitness world as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). I like to think it was my calling since I was laid off and positions in my creative services field were few and far between. I wanted to find something that would work around my family’s schedule and enable me to pursue a career that I fully enjoyed.
In October 2007, I gained the opportunity to fulfill my passion. I received my National Academy of Sports Medicine CPT and was hired immediately. During my initial week of training, I was introduced to CrossFit. I remember one ‘simple’ little 90 second workout: 3 rounds – 20 air squats, 20 jumping lunges, 20 jump squats… my legs and lungs were BURNING! I was hooked and continued to incorporate CrossFit into my weekly routine. I get a rush from the quick, intense workouts.
A month after completing the weekend certification to be a CrossFit Level 1 Coach in October 2009, Nathan and I found ourselves applying for affiliate status. By January 2010, we were officially bestowed the name, CrossFit Adventure. For 6 months, we crammed classes into my tiny 300 square foot garage with a handful of dedicated members. Our new 3000 square foot facility on Shary Circle has been a welcome progression! And now I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of athletes, since I completed CrossFit Kids in November 2010. I believe I can inspire others by sharing my positive experiences in sports & fitness and in-turn, our members keep me motivated with their CrossFitting achievements.
The CrossFit community is unique, edgy, focused and receiving. Any gym you walk into welcomes you with open arms and you immediately find a common bond within it. It has had a positive impact on my life and changed the way I train. It is an even greater reward to see positive life changes in those whom I have been able to train.
Dave Gonzalez
Head Trainer
- Crossfit Level 1 Certified
- Crossfit Olympic Lifitng Certified
- Kids Crossfit Certified
I have been an avid sports nut my whole life, playing everything from Soccer, Football, Basketball, and finally settling on Volleyball. I have always been into working out and was “that guy” at the gym spending 2 hours probably working my jaw more than anything. My younger brother and I decided to try and play semi pro volleyball in Santa Cruz but quickly got put in our place. Carrying around nothing but muscle with no flexibility and no cardio doesn’t really equate into an efficient beach volleyball player. We were told about this thing called crossfit but never really looked into what it was all about we just knew that some of the guys who were beating us were talking about it.
I had been in the beverage industry for about 13 years and was getting burned out and decided to take my level 1 cert in 2009 to see what crossfit was all about. In the first 2 min of the cert the energy and passion coming from the staff was enough to hook me and I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Coach Crossfit! Crossfit has the ability to change people’s lives and that weekend stands out as the start of the path I am supposed to be on.
I have been truly blessed with the ability to be able to do what I love most in life. The first 2 years of my crossfit career has definitely had its ups and downs but the 1 thing that has stayed the most consistent is my genuine love and passion for crossfit. Being at Crossfit Adventure has been the best experience and it gets better each day! I love having an impact on changing people’s lives. I’m a big believer in practicing what you preach! I started at the same level as everyone else with a ton of issues and questions of “Why am I doing this?” But just like everything if you stay dedicated, it gets better and since crossfit is all about making us stronger in life. Life has no choice but to get better!
Michelle Caras
Massage Therapist
- M.S. Human Factors and Ergonomics
- B.S. Psychology with minors in Nutrition Science and Human Development
- Physical Therapist Assistant, Muir Orthopaedic Specialists
- National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB)
- Owner/Founder, Vitale Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
My path to therapeutic massage and bodywork began over fifteen years ago when I worked as a physical therapy aide at the Veterans Home in Yountville. It was such an enriching experience to work with our nation’s soldiers, hear their life stories, and witness how much better they felt after therapy sessions. While applying to physical therapy programs, a mentor recommended taking massage therapy classes to improve my hands-on skills.
I was fascinated by the extraordinary healing powers of massage and its popularity with all walks of life. I completed my basic and advanced massage certification at LifeStream Massage School in Napa, McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland, Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, and Massage Therapy Institute in Davis.
I have worked at local spas, resorts, corporations, and special events in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have also worked with special groups such as professional athletes, organized sporting events, orthopedic clinics, and oncology clinics.
Outside of massage therapy, I have worked at large corporations where I performed ergonomic evaluations, designed safe and efficient workstations, and completed usability tests on websites and products. I have worked as a Clinical Instructor for both physical therapist assistant and massage therapy students where I taught the practical and professional aspects of providing treatments to clients. I have over thirteen years of experience in physical therapy and am currently working at an outpatient orthopedic clinic providing treatments to patients with joint replacements, work-related and sports injuries.
I started training in Oncology Massage because of my desire to help those who have a healing disability. My passion for this specialty comes from my family members and close friends who were either unable to overcome cancer or are in the midst of radiation or chemotherapy treatments. I am still in awe when I witness even the lightest touch evokes the most potent, positive healing effect on the body.
My passion for therapeutic massage and bodywork remains strong even today as I work concurrently in physical therapy and industrial safety. This combination of disciplines allows me to provide more unique, focused massage sessions. As an avid dancer, hiker, and cyclist, I also recognize the importance of maintaining and enhancing physical performance.
Therapeutic massage has existed for centuries in various cultures and countries.
It is that one vital piece of the puzzle that impacts one’s overall well-being. There is no substitute for the human touch. It is natural healing in its most basic form, requiring no machines or medications to be effective. I believe the relationship between Eastern and Western medicine brings balance and strength to our physical and spiritual energy. It is a tremendous honor for me to help those who want to achieve peace of mind and body.
Rob Medsger
Cross-Training for Runners
- M.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Physiology
- Crossfit Level 1 Trainer
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach
Rob has over 7 years of coaching experience and over 15 years of athletic experience. It was apparent he was not going to be a sedentary person when he started to climb trees and fences at the age of 3 (his mother can confirm this). This energy forced his parents to pick physically demanding sports, such as soccer. He would continue to be involved in the sport for over 15 years, as a competitive athlete and coach.
After he stopped playing soccer he decided to focus on his education, which led him to earn a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology focusing on Exercise Physiology. With this knowledge of human performance, he wanted to return to coaching to help athletes improve their speed and strength. He was able to do this as a Sports Performance Coach at Velocity Sports Performance, a training center for young athletes, as a Run Ambassador for the fitness apparel company Lululemon Athletica, and as an independent personal trainer. His education background and experience have provided extensive knowledge on topics such as sprinting and running mechanics, barefoot running, nutrition, Olympic Weightlifting, strength training, plyometrics, endurance training, agility training, and rehabilitation.
As a result of his work with runners he has designed a class called Cross-Training for Runners. Most runners have endured some type of injury as a result of their training. However, many of these ailments could have been avoided if the athlete had better flexibility, strength, agility, power, technique, and balance. Cross-Training for Runners uses the CrossFit method to help develop each of these areas making you a stronger and healthier runner.
Lorene Clark Lacayo
Zumba Instructor
- Certified Zumba Instructor
- Zumba Gold Instructor
- ZIN member
- M.S. candidate in Holistic Health Education
- Health Educator for Alta Bates Summit Perinatal Center
In my current work and studies in Health Education, I feel Zumba is a great door opener to reawaken health in so many diverse individuals and communities. The Zumba philosophy is literally a fitness party, but I see it as a tool for so much more. I fell in love with Zumba at my first class 2 years ago, when both my 6 year old (at the time) daughter and I had a great time moving our bodies. We both left the class feeling amazing and excited for the next class. Now that I am an instructor my goal is the same for my clients. When you go to a Zumba class, you should leave feeling less stressed, more vibrant, and have a big smile on your face. It is a chance to get a fun workout while dancing, singing, and sweating to Latin and World rhythms. My vision for Zumba is to offer a space for anyone, regardless of skill, to come and have fun while moving our bodies. I desire a non-competitive environment and positive energy for my classes, and the space at CrossFit Adventure has a great feel for Zumba-ing! My fluency in Spanish extends my vision to the Spanish speaking community as I also have begun volunteer Zumba classes for low-income women and children who often have little access to group fitness opportunities. I hope to allow my passion for Zumba to flow into promoting a greater sense of health and restore an awareness of optimal life vitality for communities simply by opening the door to come and join in the Zumba party!
Mira Cairns
CrossFit Instructor
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
My background was in Risk Management where I spent 5 years at the leading utility in Oregon before I decided to stay home when my first child, Emma, was born. Shorty after, my husband, Stephen, and I moved down to Walnut Creek for his job. Not long after that, I had my second child, Aidan.
As far as my athletic background, I don’t have much of one. I didn’t really play organized sports in school and always complained in PE if they expected me to run or do anything that required any effort. I did find a love for the sport of running and did complete some half marathons and the famous Hood to Coast relay in Oregon. I never lifted any weights to speak of, but I was thin and at the time I thought that was good enough.
Magically, I found CrossFit in April 2010, right before I had a lower leg injury. Even with that, I was able to work around it and would do CrossFit 4-5 times per week. I was in love. I knew almost immediately that I never wanted to go back to commuting or a desk job, my passion was CrossFit and I wanted to share it with everybody. So, I joined CrossFit Burn in July 2010. I remember getting my 1st unassisted pullup that week doing “Angie” a couple weeks later. CrossFit is so fulfilling for me because I not only get to see myself grow as an athlete, but I get to help and support others around me to reach their goals too. I love that one week you will perform a workout in a time or at a load that felt impossible and then a month later you will improve somehow. That is proof that the methodology works, which is why I became a Level 1 Coach in Novemeber 2010. Anyone who has been around me, knows that I am extremely passionate about the sport and a little bit of a stickler for proper form. I’ve seen grandmas, teenagers, rugby players, average joe’s and moms of all ages do this. And one thing is the same, if you put in the effort, you WILL make progress!
I love competing in CrossFit competitions and hope some of you will join me sometime!
Some notable events:
FemmeFit February 2011 – 20th Place
Fittest of The Sierras April 2011 – 11th Place
CrossFit Open NorCal Sectionals – 96th Place
