Personal Trainer Bios
Personal Training is not currently accepting any NEW clients as our training staff is at capacity. Please check back regularly for updates!
- Brenda Alexander : View Availability
- Tenalyn Fontaine : View Availability
- Mackenna Mastrud : View Availability
- Caitlin Sommers : View Availability
- Matt Phipps : View Availability
- AnaSofía Villanueva : View Availability
- Tracey Florence : View Availability
Brenda Alexander
"What can I do to help you do what it takes to get what you want?"
It only takes desire, determination, consistent effort and time. What is it that you desire? How strong is that desire? What are you willing to do to get it? What is really stopping you?
#1 - Designing exercise programs can be challenging when faced with limiting factors. I learn something from each and every client I work with. First I demonstrate the exercises in a particular sequence, discussing the rationale behind each. Then I allow you to practice mastery independently or with my supervision. I follow up with a review and modifications. Sometimes a completely new program is warranted if you bore easily, plateau or set new goals. Repeat this process again until your goals are met. Sounds simple, yes?
#2 - Motivating is a far more difficult task, for it involves the mind more than the body. Attitude is everything. If you hate exercise, I can make it more fun. However, it is still hard work and only hard work (or prolonged easier work) will produce results. Depending on your genetic factors, this progress may be faster or slower. There are drugs and surgeries available, but they are expensive and carry risks. You can NOT change the fact that your body requires movement to sustain health; you can however change the methods of movement as well as your attitude towards movement.
#3 - Consistency is crucial, for no plan in the world will succeed if you are not consistently following it. Most people need some support. I can only hold you accountable when you are physically with me or by an available attendance binder. I can “check in” on you from time to time, but I can’t MAKE you exercise when you’re determined not to. Hold on to your strong desire and refer back to #2.
#1 - Designing exercise programs can be challenging when faced with limiting factors. I learn something from each and every client I work with. First I demonstrate the exercises in a particular sequence, discussing the rationale behind each. Then I allow you to practice mastery independently or with my supervision. I follow up with a review and modifications. Sometimes a completely new program is warranted if you bore easily, plateau or set new goals. Repeat this process again until your goals are met. Sounds simple, yes?
#2 - Motivating is a far more difficult task, for it involves the mind more than the body. Attitude is everything. If you hate exercise, I can make it more fun. However, it is still hard work and only hard work (or prolonged easier work) will produce results. Depending on your genetic factors, this progress may be faster or slower. There are drugs and surgeries available, but they are expensive and carry risks. You can NOT change the fact that your body requires movement to sustain health; you can however change the methods of movement as well as your attitude towards movement.
#3 - Consistency is crucial, for no plan in the world will succeed if you are not consistently following it. Most people need some support. I can only hold you accountable when you are physically with me or by an available attendance binder. I can “check in” on you from time to time, but I can’t MAKE you exercise when you’re determined not to. Hold on to your strong desire and refer back to #2.
This is what I love to do:
I have knowledge and I have experience. I’ve been “addicted” to weight training and sports and I’ve been more relaxed and casual too. I’ve been able to maintain an active lifestyle regardless of my changing attitudes and circumstances. I’ve had my own small gym and I’ve had nothing but a broom stick and milk jugs. I’ve worked at 24-Hour, YWCA, YMCA and here at PSU.
I love this stuff! I want you to learn to love it too. My ultimate goal is to empower you to take ownership of your health.
Please allow me to offer you my professional services, share my experiences, have some fun and get you moving in the right direction.
EXPERIENCE:I have knowledge and I have experience. I’ve been “addicted” to weight training and sports and I’ve been more relaxed and casual too. I’ve been able to maintain an active lifestyle regardless of my changing attitudes and circumstances. I’ve had my own small gym and I’ve had nothing but a broom stick and milk jugs. I’ve worked at 24-Hour, YWCA, YMCA and here at PSU.
I love this stuff! I want you to learn to love it too. My ultimate goal is to empower you to take ownership of your health.
Please allow me to offer you my professional services, share my experiences, have some fun and get you moving in the right direction.
- 7 years as a professional trainer
- Various ages and populations
- Lumbo-pelvic stabilization
- Shoulder and knee rehabilitation
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- YMCA Fitness Testing Specialist
PHONE : 503-539-2221
EMAIL : Brenda.alexander@pdx.edu
Tenalyn Fontaine
*Tenalyn is NOT currently accepting new clients. When her schedule allows she will begin accepting new clients again.
“Fitness can, and should, be fun!”
BIO:
Do you need help getting started on a work-out plan?
Are you unsure of how to use equipment properly, how many sets, and how many reps?
Would you like someone to help motivate you?
Do you find exercise boring?
Hello, my name is Tenalyn. I am here to help you make fitness fun. I’m not going to say it is easy, because it is not. Fitness can be hard work but that does not mean it can’t be fun. In fact I firmly believe it should be fun. I am an American College of Sports Medicine certified Personal Trainer and I am here to help. Fitness is a lifelong goal that I can help you get started achieving. I’ll see you at the gym!
INTERESTS:
I am interested in almost anything fitness related. Some of my favorite activities are: Ultimate Frisbee, Ice skating, Team sports, Tae Kwon Do, running and swimming. I am also interested in Nutrition and Anatomy and Physiology and have taken courses on both subjects. I enjoy reading, watching movies and listening to music. I am also a part of a Medieval Combat group.
CERTIFICATES:
- American College of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
- American Red Cross – Standard First Aid, CPR/AED for the professional rescuer
EXPERIENCE:
PE classes: Weight lifting, Tae Kwon Do, Basketball, Fitness Conditioning, Team Sports, Swimming, Tai Chi.
PE classes: Weight lifting, Tae Kwon Do, Basketball, Fitness Conditioning, Team Sports, Swimming, Tai Chi.
WORK:
November 2003 – July 2004: Sherwood Family YMCA – Lifeguard
July 2004 – July 2005: Griffith Park Family YMCA – Lifeguard
August 2005 – November 2007: Mt. Park Homeowner’s Association – Recreation Aid
December 2009 – Current: PSU Campus Rec - Fitness Center Staff & Personal Trainer
I have experience working with many different types of equipment ranging from weight machines to free weights to calisthenics to stability and BOSU balls, resistance bands and medicine balls.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
November 2003 – July 2004: Sherwood Family YMCA – Lifeguard
July 2004 – July 2005: Griffith Park Family YMCA – Lifeguard
August 2005 – November 2007: Mt. Park Homeowner’s Association – Recreation Aid
December 2009 – Current: PSU Campus Rec - Fitness Center Staff & Personal Trainer
I have experience working with many different types of equipment ranging from weight machines to free weights to calisthenics to stability and BOSU balls, resistance bands and medicine balls.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
PHONE: (503) 784-9867
EMAIL : tenalyn@pdx.edu
Mackenna Mastrud
*Mackenna is NOT currently accepting new clients. When her schedule allows she will begin accepting new clients again.
“Our purpose in life is to become the best version of ourselves.”
Education and Certifications
I graduated from PCC (Portland Community College) with an AAS degree in fitness technology (exercise science) in 2011. I transferred to PSU right away and will be here until the end of summer 2014. I am certified through ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) as a HFS (Health Fitness Specialist). I am double majoring. The first is health
studies: physical education/exercise and the second degree is health sciences for pre-occupational therapy. I plan to transfer to Pacific University in fall of 2014 where I will do my graduate work for OTD which is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
As a trainer
studies: physical education/exercise and the second degree is health sciences for pre-occupational therapy. I plan to transfer to Pacific University in fall of 2014 where I will do my graduate work for OTD which is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
As a trainer
My goal in life is to inspire and help others to become the best version of themselves. I have experience and a passion for both individualized training and group instruction with an emphasis on mind-body practices. I have worked with a variety of mock and real clients each with different goals and needs, including seniors and those new to fitness. I am willing and prepared to work with any age, gender, race, fitness level, and I am looking forward to the possibility of taking on clients with varied levels of physical functionality. I love that I can help others improve their lives! Come give me a challenge!
Inclusive Friendly
I also work through the Disability Resource Center. I started as a guide runner for a student with a vision impairment spring term 2012 and will start again fall term 2012. I am also learning American Sign Language (ASL), I have made it through the first year (to a “novice high” level).
I also work through the Disability Resource Center. I started as a guide runner for a student with a vision impairment spring term 2012 and will start again fall term 2012. I am also learning American Sign Language (ASL), I have made it through the first year (to a “novice high” level).
My Rec
I like the fun activities that trick me into working out. I have always loved riding my bike and sometimes choose to commute that way. I pole danced at a local studio for about a year and even did an internship there where I discovered the magic of a hula hoop! I love to hoop dance, it’s so simple and is a good workout. (I am going to start a hula hoopers rec club for the 2012-13 school year, let me know if you are interested.) I have recently taken up running but have not decided if I like it yet. I also love hiking, backpacking, camping, yoga, Pilates, physio balls, speed walking, dancing, sit volleyball (yes, I said sit), and NIA.
Home and History
Home and History
I was born in Bend, Oregon. I have spent about half my life in Portland and about half there. I have one little boy named Caileb; he just turned 4 in September. I am not married to his dad, yet. We are waiting so that we can make it very special. We currently live in Beaverton and I take the max sometimes with my bike, but mostly with my sneakers! I have lost 80 pounds since giving birth and I am still losing.
Contact Information
(503) 583-9037
mmastrud@pdx.edu
Caitlin Sommers
“If you always did what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.”
INTRODUCTION:
I first became interested in being a personal trainer when my basketball team in high school got a trainer. I was so interested in learning how to increase my muscle size and explosive power for basketball that I became that athlete who is constantly asking questions. Why are we doing this? What muscles are being worked? What results should we see? I entered college as a varsity athlete and got even more experience in the weight room and loved seeing the improvements that could be made with daily training. Finally, I moved to a new college to finish my degree where my boss at the rec center offered me a position as a trainer because of my background. With the courses I was taking in school and the love I had for the gym, I figured why not! I have two years of previous Personal Training experience, and what I love most about this job, is helping people to better their lives and reach their goals. Be it strength goals, weight loss goals, or just general fitness to improve health goals, I am ready to help.
ABOUT ME:
For myself, physical activity always came naturally. I played sports from the age of 3, starting with gymnastics. By the time I was 14 I was involved in Dance 5 hours a week, gymnastics 3 hours a week, and depending on the time of year, basketball, fastball, volleyball, and soccer. I always loved activity. However, I always loved food as well. I never realized my true fitness potential until my 5’7 frame was carrying 175 pounds. I was very unhappy to go from an athletic physique, to something a little … softer. So I worked hard on my nutrition and added a lot more activity to my daily life with the goal of losing 20 pounds. I did it! And I was so proud of myself. It made me realize how important being fit and healthy was to my lifestyle. After going through this myself, as well as watching family, friends, and old clients work their way to achieving their weight loss goals, I am excited to help more clients achieve similar results.
I first became interested in being a personal trainer when my basketball team in high school got a trainer. I was so interested in learning how to increase my muscle size and explosive power for basketball that I became that athlete who is constantly asking questions. Why are we doing this? What muscles are being worked? What results should we see? I entered college as a varsity athlete and got even more experience in the weight room and loved seeing the improvements that could be made with daily training. Finally, I moved to a new college to finish my degree where my boss at the rec center offered me a position as a trainer because of my background. With the courses I was taking in school and the love I had for the gym, I figured why not! I have two years of previous Personal Training experience, and what I love most about this job, is helping people to better their lives and reach their goals. Be it strength goals, weight loss goals, or just general fitness to improve health goals, I am ready to help.
ABOUT ME:
For myself, physical activity always came naturally. I played sports from the age of 3, starting with gymnastics. By the time I was 14 I was involved in Dance 5 hours a week, gymnastics 3 hours a week, and depending on the time of year, basketball, fastball, volleyball, and soccer. I always loved activity. However, I always loved food as well. I never realized my true fitness potential until my 5’7 frame was carrying 175 pounds. I was very unhappy to go from an athletic physique, to something a little … softer. So I worked hard on my nutrition and added a lot more activity to my daily life with the goal of losing 20 pounds. I did it! And I was so proud of myself. It made me realize how important being fit and healthy was to my lifestyle. After going through this myself, as well as watching family, friends, and old clients work their way to achieving their weight loss goals, I am excited to help more clients achieve similar results.
CERTIFICATIONS:
- ACSM Personal Training
- American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED
- Bachelor of Human Kinetics with Honors in Movement Science
- AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
- Canada Fitness Kickboxing
- Turbo Kick
- Currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Health Studies
CONTACT INFORMATION:
PHONE : 503-858-3730
EMAIL : cand2@pdx.edu
Matt Phipps
*Matt is NOT currently accepting new clients. When his schedule allows he will begin accepting new clients again.
“Living a healthy lifestyle will only deprive you of poor health, lethargy, and fat.”- Jill Johnson
INTRODUCTION:
I love exercise. For over 15 years I have researched and studied the different aspects of exercise, including fitness assessment and testing, cardiovascular health and losing body fat, exercise techniques and safety, and flexibility. I love to help people improve their health and fitness, and it is my desire to help each person I train to achieve their goals. Exercise is fun and I strive to make it fun for everyone else. If you are hitting a sticking point, train with me and before you know it you will not be able to wait to get to the gym.
ABOUT ME
The male side of my family has always been on the obese side, and on my mom’s side there is a lot of hypertension and risk of stroke. Because of that I have always devoted myself to staying fit and healthy. I have never been in to drinking pop and will only take an occasional drink from a family member or friend. During my internship at Tri-D Fitness for Fitness Technology, I trained people on speed and agility, plyometrics, and power drills. I also trained an elderly woman who wanted to lose weight, and she was successful in losing 5 pounds during our training together. I also worked with an elderly gentleman with back and shoulder problems, helping him gain and maintain mobility and function. I have practiced martial arts for three years, focusing primarily on muay thai kickboxing and judo, and martial arts can be a great addition to anyone’s workout if you want to incorporate that in to our workout together. I lift weights 3-5 days/week and practice martial arts a few days/week as well. I also like just relaxing with my fiancé and watching something funny like Scrubs or Bruce Almighty.
CERTIFICATIONS AND DEGREES:
- National Strength and Conditioning Association – Certified Personal Trainer
- AAS in Fitness Technology
- American Red Cross CPR/AED
- American Red Cross First Aid
- Pending Bachelors of Science in Physical Activity and Exercise
- Seeking PhD of Physical Therapy
CONTACT INFORMATION:
503-830-1841
mphipps@pdx.edu
View Availability
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali
ABOUT ME
I learned weight training as a teen by lifting with my dad and watching Pumping Iron and the Rocky movies. I absolutely love lifting, but I lost touch with it as I became an adult. Several years ago I was shocked to discover that I was morbidly obese. I knew that I needed to make a change, and inspired by watching contestants from the Biggest Loser run a marathon, I declared to my fiancé that I too would run a marathon. In the course of nine months, I went from only being able to run for five minutes without stopping to completing the 2011 Portland Marathon with ease. There was no stopping me after this. I began doing more complicated styles of resistance training such as Olympic lifting and Crossfit. I had lost a good deal of weight, but also found that I was more confident and self-empowered. I wanted others to discover this untouchable feeling that exercise brought me, which is why I started personal training.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Through my own fitness journey, I am able to understand and empathize with what someone is going through. I am able to motivate and push someone beyond what they thought capable. I will spend as much time as needed to design a program that is customized for an individual to reach their goal. I will give my full attention in every workout and make all of my clients impressed with what they can accomplish.
Let’s start on the path today towards the new and improved you to find out just how great you can feel overall. Remember you have only one body, make it as fit as possible to live life to the fullest!
CERTIFICATIONS
- American College of Sports Medicine Certification (ACSM-PT)
- Diploma from National Personal Training Institute (NPTI)
- Osteoblast Training™ Certification of Completion (strength conditioning for bone health)
- Speedblast Training™ Certification of Completion (linear speed development)
- CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified-American Red Cross
EXPERIENCE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
PHONE: (503) 828-5205
EMAIL : anasofia@pdx.edu
When I joined my first gym over a decade ago, I thought personal trainers were only for people who were already physically fit, and that I wasn't athletic enough or strong enough to work with a trainer. Somehow I got past that and was amazed at how much I enjoyed working with a knowledgeable professional, and how much more I got out of my workouts. That trainer is still a great friend and mentor, and was my inspiration to become a trainer myself - I want to help others the way he helped me.
About Me:
As someone who has been overweight and struggled to get going on a fitness program, I know how hard it can be to get started. And if it's been a while since you've been in a gym, or maybe you've never been in a gym, it can seem overwhelming and intimidating. I'm here to help you get past those hurdles and get down to the work of finding out what you're truly capable of, because I believe we're all capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for.
I am a firm believer in the idea of health at every size, and think everyone deserves a chance to experience all the physical and mental health benefits exercise and physical activity have to offer. I believe in taking a holistic approach to health and wellness and will work hard to challenge, motivate, and encourage you through your fitness journey while maintaining an element of fun. I want to help you achieve your goals and live your best possible life.
I enjoy strength training, yoga, Pilates, cycling, walking, hula-hooping, rock climbing, hiking, and recently took up running. I love to try new things and regularly incorporate this adventurous attitude into my workouts.
Education & Experience:
A.S. General Studies
Certificate of Completion Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Experiential Education
Currently working toward a B.S. in Physical Activity and Exercise
Muscular Endurance Training
Muscular Power Training
Core and Balance Work
Stability and Medicine Balls
BOSUs
American Council on Exercise – Certified Personal Trainer
American Red Cross – Standard First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Contact Information:
Call or Text: 971-212-9702
E-Mail: trac@pdx.edu
