{"id":48,"date":"2015-12-23T10:17:29","date_gmt":"2015-12-23T18:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premierfitnesscamp.com\/?page_id=48"},"modified":"2023-11-16T13:48:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T21:48:00","slug":"expert-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.premierfitnesscamp.com\/expert-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Meet Our World Class Team<\/h2>\r\n

Boasting a team of world-class experts from the nation\u2019s best in behavior, nutrition and fitness, you will be in the hands of \u00a0industry elite, all dedicated to your personal success. PFC\u00a0physicians and psychologists are internationally recognized for their practice, our nutritionists, certified in sport nutrition, and each of our trainers\u00a0hold the highest level of certifications from nationally recognized fitness organizations.<\/p>\r\n

\"Dr.<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Lee Rice, PFC’s Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

Dr. Lee Rice is an internationally known authority in sports medicine, wellness and preventative medicine. In 1980 he founded the San Diego Sports Medicine and Family Health Center, which at the time was a revolutionary concept focusing on cutting-edge prevention and high level performance. In 2002, Dr. Rice founded the Lifewellness Institute, specializing in health risk evaluation, wellness and health promotion. Two innovative programs, Project L.I.F.E. (Lifestyle Interventions for Executives) and Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) helped the Lifewellness Institute win the national 2004 AstraZeneca Healthy Heart Award in recognition of initiating a \u201cdramatic improvement in the health care environment focusing on the global fight against coronary heart disease\u201d.<\/p>\r\n

\"Dara<\/p>\r\n

Dara Gorgas, Program Director <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

A San Diego native, Dara has participated in competitive sports for a large part of her life. She holds a BS in Human Development and many fitness, wellness, and nutrition certifications. Since 2001, Dara has been working in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, Fitness Director, and Wellness Coordinator. She has worked with children through older adults, including those with chronic diseases and joint replacements. Prior to working in fitness, Dara was a registered dental assistant for over 10 years. Assisting others to achieve their optimal life is one of her greatest passions and she is honored to be a part of the PFC team who share the same passion. \"katie\"<\/p>\r\n

Katie Di Lauro, Nutrition Director<\/h4>\r\n

Katie Di Lauro has been a part of the Wellness industry for over 15 years. She attended California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo, majoring in Applied Clinical Nutrition. She then earned her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentials while completing her clinical and community rotations with expert dietitians, physicians, naturopaths and community health advocates, such as The Life Wellness Institute, Presbysterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier, WIC and Hemmet Unified School District.<\/p>\r\n

Katie has rounded out her wellness experience while working as a personal trainer, and then moved on the create coordinated school health initiatives nationwide. She worked as a corporate wellness consultant for fortune 500 companies and then decided to follow her passion and solely focus on nutrition education and counseling with an emphasis on functional and integrative nutrition, which helps you explore the root of you issues, and heal through nutrition and lifestyle.<\/p>\r\n

\"Sarah<\/p>\r\n

Sarah Speers, Director of Behavioral Health<\/h4>\r\n

Sarah Speers has a M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from The University of San Diego and a B.A. in psychology from Syracuse University. She is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, certified life coach and personal trainer who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, weight loss, obesity, mental health and relationship issues. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the PFC team in the realm of eating and weight psychology. She developed and directed an intensive day treatment program for binge eating disorder at UCSD\u2019s Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR), worked with individuals struggling with eating disorders at a private practice in San Diego, and was a researcher at Yale University\u2019s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. \u00a0Additionally, Sarah has over 8 years experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, fitness instructor and health coach. Because of her unique cross training in psychology, fitness and nutrition, Sarah will take your camp experience to new heights with group lectures, optional one-on-one sessions, and tele-coaching when you return home. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys doing yoga, kickboxing and rollerblading.<\/p>\r\n

\"Megan<\/p>\r\n

Megan Brandt, Fitness Director<\/h4>\r\n

Megan is a highly educated health and fitness enthusiast that has been helping people of all ages and abilities reach their health and fitness goals since 1999. A Midwest native, Megan lived in Illinois and Wisconsin before moving to beautiful San Diego with her husband and two daughters. In 2013, Megan was awarded the Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award, which included a scholarship for her to receive her Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from CALU of Pennsylvania. Prior to PFC, Megan was the Director of Fitness and Clinical Content Development for a health and wellness management company. She has also partnered with physicians who referred their patients with chronic diseases to her for exercise and nutrition prescription. Prior to that, she worked in a variety of settings, such as physical therapy clinics, colleges, high schools, and health clubs. Megan is a certified athletic trainer (NATA), certified personal trainer (NASM), and certified corrective exercise specialist (NASM) who is truly passionate about teaching you how to enjoy proper movement, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.<\/p>\r\n

\"Anthony\"<\/p>\r\n

Anthony Rodriguez, Executive Wellness Chef <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

\"Rachel-HeadShot\"<\/p>\r\n

Rachel Freeman, LCSW, NTC <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

Rachel Freeman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Nutritional Therapy Consultant with over 10 years of experience supporting clients through various life challenges. Born and raised in Florida, Rachel holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of South Florida and a B.S. in Family and Child Science from Florida State University with a minor in Psychology. \u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/u>Her passion to promote mental and physical wellness has allowed Rachel the opportunities to co-develop and facilitate groups for women that address the emotional components of eating and the relationship with food, speak at professional conferences about integrating mental health and nutrition, write curriculum for the Nutritional Therapy Association, and cohost and produce a podcast that focuses on living a balanced life.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\r\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u>Rachel has always been an athlete and enjoys any opportunity to stay active, from hiking with her husband and walking their dogs to exploring new exercise routines.\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/u>Rachel\u2019s passion and enthusiasm for mind-body health will take your camp experience to the next level. Through lectures, one on one sessions (at camp or once you return home) and her mindful eating exercises, Rachel will provide you with the tools you need to build a positive and sustainable relationship with food, self and others.<\/p>\r\n

\"Elliot_Canter\"<\/p>\r\n

Elliot Canter, Chiropractor<\/h4>\r\n

Dr. Elliot Canter, of Canter Chiropractic has been helping people in San Diego optimize their health since 1996. Based in Encinitas, Dr. Canter\u2019s goal is to be your partner in health with customized plans to help everyone in the family. Dr. Canter is an alumni of UCLA and did his Chiropractic studies at Southern California University of Health Sciences at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Elliot Canter believes in making total health fully accessible to his clients\u2014not only through his spine-stabilizing skills, but also through education and personal empowerment. Whether you\u2019re sick or well, Dr. Elliot Canter can help you find the healthier state of being, through his personal attention and high-quality service.<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Elliot Canter when not at his practice can be found doing wellness seminars, hiking, walking his dogs, & volunteering with his wife out in the community. Dr. Canter looks forward to being your partner in health.<\/p>\r\n

\"Jeff<\/p>\r\n

Jeff Price, Program Specialist<\/h4>\r\n

Jeff\u2019s passion for fitness was spawned as a boy in Arizona when he was determined to participate in every competitive sport even beyond the popular, traditional sports. He recognized a correlation between physical fitness and discipline in other areas of life and sought to share this with others. This passion lead to coaching opportunities with elementary, high school and college age kids in basketball, baseball, football and his favorite \u2013 gymnastics. Through the years, Jeff has become an ardent hiker and trail runner, which love developed as a result of an accelerated training regimen for a high elevation hike in South America. After many years in various business disciplines, Jeff returned to his love of fitness and caring for the human body when he joined Premier Fitness Camp. He recently stated, \u201cOf all the interesting experiences I\u2019ve had in my business career, nothing has brought me as much personal satisfaction as helping our PFC guests in their pursuit for wellness. A healthy human body enhances a healthy mind and spirit, leading to greater happiness in life\u2019s pursuits.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

\"Eric<\/p>\r\n

Eric Butt, Program Specialist<\/h4>\r\n

Eric has been apart of ‘Team PFC’ since 2012. Eric has a deep passion for health, wellness, and helping people live a healthier lifestyle. You catch a sense of his passion for PFC within the first few minutes of speaking with him. When you call with questions and\/or concerns, Eric is part of the team on the other end of the phone. Eric is a proud father of 5 kids and a bulldog. When he\u2019s not helping people get healthy, you can find him camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, hiking, or anything in the outdoors. Eric brings an honorable and honest approach to help you get to camp and have the amazing experience you’re looking for.<\/p>\r\n

\"Andy<\/p>\r\n

Andy Velasco, Sous Chef<\/h4>\r\n

Andy was born and raised right here in Encinitas California. He is trained in classical French technique, grew up in an Asian household, is fascinated with Mexican\/Latin flavors, and in love with food worldwide. His main focus is hands on “from scratch” cooking with emphasis on local and sustainable products in regards to food cost, labor and appropriate execution. Andy has been in the culinary field for over a decade cooking brunch to fine dining, bistro fare, gastro-pub and bar food, private and large scale catering. He is very familiar with special diets and nutritional diets. He has his current ServeSafe and HACCP certifications and is fluent in Spanish. Andy is always furthering his culinary education and cultivating his personal style as a professional chef. When not at PFC, he is a multi medium artist and Dad.<\/p>\r\n

\"Kaileigh<\/p>\r\n

Kaleigh Douglas, Operations Manager <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

Kaleigh was born and raised in Southern California and has always had a passion for health & fitness. Before joining the PFC team, Kaleigh spearheaded the body transformation challenge for Fitness Mega brand, BODE, Chris Powell\u2019s national fitness and weight loss program. From then on she knew she wanted to help other people pursue their health goals, which lead her to PFC Fitness Camp. Now, on a daily basis, Kaleigh plays a major role in helping clients from around the globe reach remarkable, life transformations. \"diane_team\"<\/p>\r\n

Diane Aiken, Program Specialist<\/h4>\r\n

A San Diego native, Diane grew up playing sports and competed in college athletics. \u00a0She has a BA in Liberal Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara with an emphasis in Psychology. \u00a0Prior to joining Premier Fitness Camp, Diane worked for American Airlines and The Chopra Center. She has a passion for helping others and is thrilled to be part of such a dynamic team!<\/p>\r\n

\"Brittney<\/p>\r\n

Brittney Motzkus, Certified Personal Trainer<\/h4>\r\n

Brittney grew up among the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah. She moved to San Diego in January 2018 with her husband. She loves taking her functional training in the gym to explore the great outdoors; hiking, biking, skiing, running, yoga, tennis, and surfing. Brittney has over 6 years of experience personal training and teaching group fitness. When she\u2019s not training, she loves traveling and cooking. Britt has a Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Sports Science and Nutrition from the University of Utah, Exercise Physiologist Certification (ACSM), TRX trainer & Schwinn Spin Certified.<\/p>\r\n

\"Brian<\/p>\r\n

Brian Tipton, Certified Personal Trainer, FRCMs (functional range conditioning mobility specialist)<\/h4>\r\n

Brian is a native of Knoxville, TN where he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Kinesiology. He comes from a background in Exercise Physiology, Personal Training, and Digital Healthcare. As a Chronic Care Professional Health Coach and lifelong student of movement, Brian aims to illuminate the various paths to a healthful future. He has a passion for learning, practicing, and sharing knowledge around optimal, individualized wellness. He encourages clients to cultivate a relationship with their body, reminding them to slow down and learn how to move mindfully. Brian believes that truly living occurs not at the destination, but in the journey.<\/p>\r\n

\"WebsiteDomeShot\"<\/p>\r\n

Samantha Crosland, Marketing Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

Outdoor enthusiast and experienced marketer, Samantha pairs industry know-how with her passion for health and fitness as the Marketing Specialist for PFC Fitness Camp. From brand messaging to campaign management, Samantha has brought food and lifestyle brands to life through a variety of offline and online channels including websites, email marketing, social media, packaging, print, public relations, and advertising. Besides calling La Costa Resort & Spa home, and her colleagues, practically family, Samantha loves the opportunity to make meaningful connections daily with PFC guests from all over the world. Samantha grew up competitively dancing since the age of three across the nation and touring throughout Europe with her dance troupe. She loves to backpack and hike with her boyfriend, her most recent summit was Half Dome in Yosemite and she plans on preparing for a 10-day backpacking trip in Washington next year! Samantha has an Australian Shepphard who she adores and loves to play fetch with. \"Zach<\/p>\r\n

Zach Cutler, Managing Director <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

Zach is a strong believer that fitness and nutrition are vital components to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Growing up, Zach competed in many traditional sports. As an adult, Zach has shifted his passion for pushing himself from traditional sports to cycling, running, skiing and fitness! Hobbies which are physically demanding keep him motivated to eat right and train regularly. Zach loves to share his passion for health and fitness and love to get involved in worthy community service projects. He is currently volunteering to help coach the largest high school mountain bike team in the country in hopes of inspiring the next generation to stay healthy and active! Zach loves PFC because it allows him to work with amazing people form all over the world and help them get back on track in the road of life! Of all of his endeavors, the one that brings him the greatest joy is his family; his wife Jen and 4 daughters, all of which inspire him to be better! \"Chris_team_pfc\"<\/p>\r\n

Chris Butt, Board of Directors <\/a><\/h4>\r\n

Chris\u2019 passion for health and fitness came through playing competitive sports throughout his life. Helping people with weight loss and reaching goals has been a part of his life for the past decade. Chris earned his NGA Pro Card in 2002 as a result of winning the Mountain States All Natural Body Building Competition. Chris graduated with a BS from Weber State University in 1999 and has been assisting his clients in weight loss ever since. He aims to bring balance with proper nutrition and exercise so every life he touches will be changed forever. Chris has an enormous passion for his work and deeply cares about the success of each and every program participant. He dedicates his time and talent so that all guests can see their fitness goals become a reality!<\/p>\r\n

As seen on<\/p>\r\n

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What Makes PFC So Special?
It’s All About the People.<\/h2>\r\n

From London to Los Angeles and all over the world, PFC has a special way of uniting various cultures, personalities, ages, fitness levels and goals into one very connected family, forming bonds that last far beyond their journey at PFC. Stay connected and follow along.<\/p>\r\n