Personal Trainer Bios
- Brenda Alexander
- Tenalyn Fontaine
- Mackenna Mastrud
- Ben Barber
- Dan Lauth
- Shawn McCann
- Caitlin Anderson
- Matt Phipps
- Jason Morris
Brenda Alexander
"What can I do to help you do what it takes to get what you want?"

#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.
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
CREDENTIALS:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- YMCA Fitness Testing Specialist
Tenalyn Fontaine

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
PE classes: Weight lifting, Tae Kwon Do, Basketball, Fitness Conditioning, Team Sports, Swimming, Tai Chi.
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:
Mackenna Mastrud
As a trainer
My Rec
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
Dan Lauth
“No gimmicks, just hard work.”
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:
I get results.
If you’re willing to put in the work, I can help you achieve your fitness goals of weight loss, muscle and strength gain, or just looking great for the beach. I employ a range of techniques in my programs including functional movement and bodyweight training, and methods taken from yoga, martial arts, powerlifting, and kettlebell training.
Whether you’re an experienced athlete or have never stepped in a gym before, I can help teach you fun and effective exercise techniques that you can use for the rest of your life.
BIO:
I am a former high school and collegiate track and field distance runner, and in my spare time when not developing groundbreaking exercise methodologies and training protocols, I spend my time training as an amateur powerlifter and kettlebell practitioner. I also enjoy crossword puzzles, trivia games, and spending time with those near and dear to my heart.
CERTIFICATIONS:
• NASM Certified Personal Training
• NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Certified Hardstyle Kettlebell Specialist
CONTACT INFO:
• 503-516-8720
• dlauth@pdx.edu
Shawn McCann
“You have no idea what you’re capable of until you try.”
-Jillian Michaels

About Me:
In high school I was a four sport athlete who was always exercising to stay in shape. When I graduated and stopped playing sports as much I gained the freshman 15 (plus some). In the summer of 2009, 3 years after I got married, my wife and I moved to the Portland area. We were both unhappy with our fitness levels and decided to get fit! We joined a gym and started diligently working out and eating properly. It was amazing to feel the transformation over the following months as we found healthy food choices that we actually looked forward to eating and getting into an exercise routine that was giving us the results we were looking for. For me, I lost 50 pounds as I worked to get back into shape and feel happy about myself again. I knew at that point that I wanted to help others to get the most out of their lives as both I and my wife did. Everyone is at a different fitness level - I can meet you where you are and guide you toward your goals. I can help tailor a fitness program to your particular needs and goals. The fitness journey never ends, but given the right tools, it can remain an enjoyable experience. I look forward to working with you on your journey to achieve the fitness goals you have set for yourself.
Certifications:
• National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
• American Red Cross CPR/AED
• Pending Bachelors of Science in Physical Activity and Exercise
Contact:
Phone/Text: (707) 616-6047
Email: smccann@pdx.edu
Ben Barber
“Satisfy the urging need to improve your current fitness level”

INTRODUCTION:
My personal success in physical fitness has always come from my ability to find motivation, and hold on to that motivation. For me, the biggest source of motivation comes from results that are visible. There is no better feeling than to see for yourself how all of your hard work is paying off. Seeing results can range anywhere from increased muscle size or less fat in stubborn areas to feeling better oxygen flow throughout the body and less stress throughout the day. Having larger muscles increases metabolism, which decreases the effort you need to put in to burn extra calories, giving you a lower body fat percentage and a more sleek look.
ABOUT ME:
I come from a background of a diversified athlete, who has participated in a wide range of sports and physical activities for the past several years. Between my freshman year in high school in 2001 up through my graduating year at PSU in 2009 I participated in basketball, football, cross country, track and field, rock climbing and most importantly, weight lifting- for developing muscle and burning excess fat. The majority of my training and personal workout routines have consisted of quick/ intense movements, for the improvement of larger, fast-twitch muscles. However, having experience in cross country, I also know how to train for long distance, and realize that slow twitch muscles are also important to keep in shape. In college, I was involved in the jumping track and field events at George Fox University where I developed my knowledge and efficiency in full workout routines, proper lifting forms, preventing injuries, and changing workout routines over time.
I have taken a wide interest in physical fitness and have been spending hours upon hours each week studying the different aspects of exercise. I am currently enrolled in several post bac health studies classes to further my education in personal training. Having passed the ACE personal trainer exam, I am ready to train any client and help them reach new heights in their fitness lives. Exercise is the biggest hobby I have, and nothing pleases me more than to be able to excite others and watch them grow as they succeed in meeting their fitness goals.
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Ace Personal Training
- American Red Cross CPR/AED
- American Red Cross First Aid
- PSU Bachelor’s of Science in Business
CONTACT INFORMATION
PHONE : (503) 550-5971
EMAIL : barberbp@pdx.edu
Caitlin Anderson
“If you always did what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.”
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.
- 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
Matt Phipps
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:
503-553-9638
mphipps@pdx.edu
Jason Morris
INTRODUCTION
Quality of life and health, above everything else is why I choose to be active in my life. While currently a personal trainer, I am also going to school to apply for physical therapy programs. I want to help you improve your quality of life & health. This takes time, effort, and support; together we can be a team for your success!
ABOUT ME
I was very unhealthy in my young 20’s. I always did the extra bacon, extra cheese, sometimes a pint of ice cream for dessert. Thankfully a light turned on. I began eating more whole foods, plant based nutrition, started back on a cardio program, kept up my resistance training program, and incorporated mental exercises. In just over a year I lost 80 lbs., gained a better knowledge of self, and a greater outlook on life.
FORMER CLIENT FEEDBACK
-Amy A. “Jason Morris is a phenomenal motivator and I appreciate that he pays special attention to proper body mechanics during every session. As a person recovering from injuries, he targeted exercises to rebuild my strength and confidence simultaneously. He’s an upbeat, results-based trainer who knows how to keep his sessions fresh and fun. You’ll never be bored with Jason, and his holistic approach to overall body wellness clearly doesn’t end at the gym. He’s a trainer who cares and works hard to see that his clients reach their health and fitness goals.”
–Dana A. “Favorite things about working with Jason -- 1) he met me at my fitness level (8 weeks post pregnancy) and challenged me from there, 2) he put time and thought into tailoring my workouts to my needs, and 3) he got me to laugh while exercising and focus on the positives.”
-Jeremy E. “[Jason was] always patient and responsive, he even went out of the way to write up an exercise routine for me while I was traveling (4-6 weeks at a time)- which basically mirrored the routine that he had developed in the gym for me. Most importantly, the results speak for themselves. Not only do I look great - defined muscles and about 15 lbs lighter - but I feel great. I have a much higher energy level and my legs are strong enough to allow me to run (I am running my first half-marathon Belgrade). The improvements have not only been in terms of physical well- being, but also psychological.”
EDUCATION
NAFC (National Personal Training Cert.)
Kinetic Integrations: Postural, Upper & Lower Extremity (post injury & 1st time population)
1 year Anatomy and Physiology
EXPERIENCE
Personal Training Manager Me Fitness Center- Portland, OR
Former Gym Director of Boys and Girls Club of Park County Wyoming
CONTATCT INFORMATION
Jason22@pdx.edu
(503) 758-8399
