Meet the Trainers
Z Anderson - Level 1 Trainer
I'm friendly, energetic, and a good friend. I'm in school for pre-professional biology, and my studies include many courses on human anatomy and a living body. I can put my education and good energy to use by helping people achieve a healthier, happier life. I believe that a person's mental health and attitude have an important influence over our physical state, and that health implies many more levels than just physical fitness. I'm full of random interesting facts, I have a great sense of humor, and I think way outside of the box. I like to keep things exciting and interesting. Life is too short to waste our time being bored.
Ryan Molina - Level 1 Trainer
Hi my name is Ryan I am a kinesiology major here at UNLV and love all aspects of working out. I’m very easy to get along with and very good at motivating people. I’m always down to work with dedicated people willing to work hard. In my free time I enjoy hiking, bike riding or hanging out with friends.
Matt Cherry - Level 1 Trainer
Hi my name is Matt Cherry and I am from Encino, California. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends, see movies, and go to the beach. At the beach, I like to play football and Frisbee and enjoy body surfing, skim boarding, and surfing. I am a fan of the Dodgers, Lakers, and Chargers. Although I love playing all sports, my favorite is baseball. I have been playing baseball since I was four years old playing on a little league, club and high school team. I have lifted weights for three years now, and that is why I’m working here now. I spend so much time in the SRWC that I would be crazy not to work here!
Facts about me:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: Entourage
Rachel Pahlmann - Level 1 Trainer
My name is Rachel Pahlmann and I am currently a senior at UNLV, studying Business Marketing. I enjoy traveling, scuba diving, surfing, sand volleyball, softball, and swimming. I have played competitive sports all of my life and love the adrenaline rush you get while competing. I am very outgoing and love to surround myself with good friends and family.
“Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress.”
Mohandas Gandhi
Gideon Huggins - Level 1 Trainer
I am currently a Physical education major here at UNLV. I am originally from New York, Long Island and during the summers, I direct a youth summer sports camp in NY. My counselors and I teach the fundamentals of all sports and the importance of physical activity. I am currently affiliated with professional teams throughout the nation, which has given me the opportunity to experience the latest training routines and information that trainers have to offer. At a young age I became very interested in sports and continue to research the industry to make sure that I always stay on top of the ever changing field of Physical Fitness.
Riley Iyo - Level 1 Trainer
I am a Kinesiology major here at UNLV and hope to one day be a physical therapist. I am a physically active person who enjoys to eat healthy and any type of sports. I have been involved in weight training since high school and have taken courses to improve my knowledge such sports nutrition, human anatomy & physiology, and fitness & exercise science. I am positive and enthusiastic to help individuals obtain their fitness goals. As long as you are willing to do your best, I will give you my 100% effort and knowledge with a smile!
Barclay Callender - Level 1 Trainer
Hi, my name is Barclay Callender. I am majoring in finance. I enjoy challenging myself in the gym as well as outside of the gym and in the classroom. I think that it is good to be physically strong and mentally strong. I have played sports all of my life. The major sports I played were tennis and volleyball, but I have played a wide variety of others. I really got into working out about 2 years ago and since then I have learned a lot and I’m still learning. Bodybuilding and strongman competitions have always intrigued me and hopefully one day I will compete in one.
Mike Vara - Level 1 Trainer
My name is Michael Vara, pronounced “Vera,” and I am currently a senior here at UNLV with an energetic and motivating personality. As a former NCAA athlete I understand all aspects of training. I am a Film Production major and currently teach “Boot Camp” and “Tru Fitt” here at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. I believe mental, physical and nutritional training is the key to a healthier, happier lifestyle. I like to keep things fresh and new and am looking forward to working with all of you.
Cort Payne - Level 1 Trainer
I am originally from a town outside of Dallas, Texas. I am currently majoring in Kinesiology with a sport and training emphasis. My whole life I have competed in some sort of sport or activity. I have been fortunate to learned the importance of fitness and working out. I personally have seen and felt the positive effects of physical fitness. In my free time I enjoy working out, martial arts, and hanging out with friends. I look forward to working with you.
Carl Sanders - Level 1 Trainer
I am a marketing major at UNLV. I have always had a high interest in all aspects of training from cardio to strength training. I am here to help people to push themselves beyond their limits to achieve their personal goals. I’ve been training since 7th grade to get in shape for sports. From there I went to Coastal Carolina for a year for football and Lacrosse. I am a great motivator who is willing to push anyone who trains with me beyond their limits to get the most of their workout. In my training programs I will try and incorporate all the different types of training I went through for football and lacrosse to help others reach their goals.
Derick Brown - Level 1 Trainer
I am a sophomore at UNLV majoring in Biology. I grew up in the Las Vegas area but I am originally from Encinitas, California. In high school I began lifting weights to improve in the sports of Football and Boxing. I enjoy playing basically all sports and I am extremely competitive. I have an identical twin brother who is also a sophomore at UNLV. I enjoy helping people accomplish their goals, and improving their lives. I think that it is important to promote overall health and wellness with all of my clients.
Jamie Kapahu - Level 1 Trainer
I’ve been working at the SRWC since Spring of 2008. I feel that exercise is an important factor in someone’s life not only to look good, but more importantly to be healthy and feel confident. I am very enthusiastic and I love helping people workout. Growing up in Hawaii I’ve participated in many unique sports such as paddling and water polo. Being exposed to these sports has taught me many skills for keeping fit. No matter what your goals are, from losing weight or gaining muscle, I can help you succeed. I’ve learned the importance of motivation and pushing yourself to get what you want. As a trainer, I am more than willing to assist you in achieving any fitness goal. I look forward to helping you become who you want to be!
Paolo Castro - Level 1 Trainer
This is my 3rd year of being a student at UNLV majoring in Sports Nutrition. I believe the most important thing a personal trainer can do for their client is help them realize just how enjoyable working out can be. It’s hard not to love looking better, but even harder not to love FEELING better about yourself. As your trainer, it will be my goal to help you achieve these things, all while having a blast! When it comes to playing and watching sports, I am a true fanatic. From that, I learn every day how and what movements can help improve your athletic abilities. I also enjoy reading up on the latest muscle-building techniques, and practicing proper form for all exercises. If hired, I will do my best to instill my knowledge upon you, and incorporate it into your own personalized routine. Lastly, I will make sure we have lots of fun every session! I look forward to working with you.
Mike Carlson - Level 1 Trainer
I like to be funny and I am full of energy. I am attending UNLV, my major is kinesiology with emphasis in athletic training. I’ve been raised in Las Vegas for most of my life. During high school I was the captain of my football, basketball, and baseball teams. As an athlete, I spent a lot of time becoming familiar with gyms. I enjoy all sports, and I am currently training in mixed martial arts. During my down time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and I like to play the guitar. I believe that exercise and fitness are fundamental parts of a healthy life. I enjoy motivating people and encouraging them to push themselves and give their best effort in all that they do.
Danalee Brehman - Level 2 Trainer
My Mission:
I am passionate about giving people the knowledge and power to take control of their lives to change it for the better. Getting people to their goals and beyond takes a lot of hard work and dedication on my part, and I expect no less from all my clients. You must be ready to work hard, make sacrifices, and really want to change your life. And I don't just mean change for this week, month, or year, but to really change your life forever. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, hills and valleys, and I'm here to help you take that journey with good health, confidence, and humor.
About Me: I am majoring in Psychology and hope to continue past my undergraduate into a Clinical Psychology PhD program. And although as a client you'll see my serious and determined side a lot, I'm really just a fun loving, adventurous chicken (you'll have to ask me about the chicken part). I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and ferrets. I love living life to the fullest, but not forgetting to take time out to appreciate all the little things.
Andrew Hooyman - Level 2 Trainer
My name is Andrew Hooyman and I am originally from Denver, Colorado. I am currently a sophomore at UNLV, majoring in Kinesiology. After I graduate, I want to be a strength and conditioning coach and work with athletes. I am a certified personal trainer under the IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association), and also a student member of the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). My hobbies are power lifting, weightlifting, basketball, travel, and at times, reading a good book. I like working with anybody who is enthusiastic about getting fit and reaping the benefits of a good workout.
Carlos Solis - Level 2 Trainer
My name is Carlos Solis and I’m from Los Angeles, California. Currently, I’m a junior at UNLV, majoring in Kinesiology. While attending Pierce Community College in Woodland Hills, Ca, I played volleyball on a team that won 2 State volleyball championships. Here at UNLV, I enjoy being a member of our school’s boxing club. Some of my hobbies include cooking, learning any sport, traveling, and the Ultimate Fighting Championships. I am nationally certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and I believe that fitness should be fun and challenging. You should push yourself to the limit and always seek knowledge about what you do in the gym or the sport you play. I enjoy being a personal trainer because I’m able to be a part of a life changing experience that will hopefully extend beyond the time I share with my client.
A great moment for me would be to one day run into a former client and see that the have adopted a healthy lifestyle and have also encouraged someone they know to begin a fitness and nutrition program that will change their life. (Domino effect of healthy decisions)
Kurt Nishi
- Level 2 Trainer
Hello, my name is Kurt Nishi and I am from Aiea, Hawaii. I am currently a junior here at UNLV, double-majoring in Radiography and Kinesiology. My hobbies include staying active, playing sports, lifting weights, and eating…healthy of course! I have been physically active since I was very little playing sports such as baseball, basketball, football, and soccer. I also have an in-depth knowledge in anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as over 3 years of experience in weight lifting. I enjoy living a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating well and hope you will too!
Jen Hayes - Level 2 Trainer
My name is Jen Hayes and I am originally from San Clemente, California, but have only lived in Las Vegas for two years. This is my second year at UNLV where I am currently finishing up my BS in Computer Science. I am currently certified through AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), for personal training and expect to pursue even more certifications in the future. After becoming overweight from college, food, and stress, I have successfully lost 27 pounds in 4 months. I played ice hockey for 6 years and I am also an avid Star Wars fan and geek generally. I love working with people and seeing the improvement become more obvious. I know what it takes to keep the most unmotivated people going.
RJ Williams - Level 2 Trainer
I am currently a Kinesiology Student here at UNLV. Fitness has been an integral part of my life for many years. As a child, I played several different sports at the youth level, and as I entered into High School, I participated in both Varsity Football and Lacrosse organized sports. Coming into college at UNLV, I continued to participate in Lacrosse through a local summer league. My passion for fitness extends past sports. Over the last year, I have gained experience and training in the areas of personal fitness and group exercise instruction. I feel confident that my expertise and experience allows me to work with individuals of all fitness levels and abilities, which include even the savviest of gym rats. I would be more than happy to help you take the right steps to achieving your health and fitness goals. Carpe Diem!
Ciro Agnello - Level 3 Trainer
I am a Certified Personal Trainer and very passionate about helping people. After 14 years of Varsity Swimming and wear and tear of my shoulders, I had to learn how to improve my own body for optimum performance. It was the start of my love for this perfect machine called the Human Body. I have since studied and applied all types of techniques that have proven to help my clients improve their quality of life like nothing else. From weight management to sports performance, I have coached, educated and taught people of all levels to overcome their physical and mental obstacles to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.