About Us

Scott Gaines, Ph.D.
Co-CEO

Dr. Gaines brings over 25 years of fitness industry experience to his advisory role. As Co-CEO and professor of Anatomy & Physiology at Concordia University, Irvine, he oversees NESTA’s continuing education program development. His expertise spans biomechanics, cardiovascular program design, and corrective exercise, with a Doctor of Philosophy from Curtin University and a Master’s in Human Movement from A.T. Still University.

Michelle Adams
Co-CEO

With over two decades combining innovation, technology, and leadership, Michelle advises NESTA on systems development and organizational growth. Her background includes Fortune 100 systems coding and project management in the 1990s, followed by launching a successful web services consulting agency. As NESTA’s second team member, she shaped the organization’s foundational systems—from customer service automation to online content delivery platforms. As Co-CEO alongside Scott Gaines, Michelle guides NESTA’s technological evolution, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of digital innovation in fitness education.

Dr. Brad Hughes, Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer 

As a University Professor, Educational Technology Learner Experience Design Researcher, and Evolutionary Physiologist/Psychologist, our consulting Chief Science Officer and Executive Vice President, Dr. Hughes, applies rigorous science with innovative methods to continuously enhance emerging program integration across wellness, health span, and fitness for NESTA programs.

Eric Durak, MS
Chief Exercise Physiologist & Subject Matter Expert

With over 35 years in medical fitness and healthcare, Eric advises NESTA on the integration of clinical research with fitness programming. His Master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan launched pioneering work in diabetes care, cancer rehabilitation, and longevity research. As creator of the Cancer Well-fit Program and recipient of the first IHRSA Institute award, Eric brings groundbreaking expertise in transforming health clubs into wellness centers. His partnerships with Life Core Group and development of certifications, including the GLP-1 Exercise Specialist course, position NESTA at the forefront of medical fitness innovation.

Jeff Dilts
Senior Consultant

Jeff is a 40-year veteran of the fitness industry with extensive experience spanning facility management, operations, education, marketing, and product development. His BS in Exercise Science from CSULB and decades of hands-on industry expertise inform his advisory work with NESTA in curriculum design, marketing strategy, and business development. Jeff’s strategic insights are particularly valuable in helping NESTA navigate market entry strategies and industry partnerships.

Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, LD
Nutrition Science Advisor

Dr. Mohr is an internationally recognized nutrition expert and consulting Sports Nutritionist for the Cincinnati Bengals. As advisor to major brands including Gatorade, Clif Bar, and Under Armour, he brings elite-level nutrition expertise to NESTA’s programming. His work with celebrity trainers and bestselling fitness books, combined with his PhD in exercise physiology, positions NESTA at the forefront of performance nutrition education.

Mark Teahan
Wellness Consulting Advisor

Mark brings 20 years of wellness industry experience, having pioneered corporate wellness programs during the field’s infancy. His advisory work with Fortune 500 companies including Coca-Cola Enterprises and major freight corporations consults on corporate wellness coaching programs.

Chuck Liddell
UFC Hall of Fame & MMACC Design Lead

UFC Hall of Fame inductee and former Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck advises NESTA on mixed martial arts conditioning and combat sports training programs. His legendary career from 1998-2010 brought MMA into mainstream American sports, achieving a 21-9 professional record with 13 knockout victories. As “The Iceman,” Chuck pioneered the “sprawl and brawl” fighting style and holds an 8th Dan black belt in Kajukenbo. His expertise in high-intensity combat conditioning and athletic performance optimization informs NESTA’s MMACC (Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Coach) certification program design, bringing elite-level combat sports training methodology to fitness professionals.

Jason Karp, Ph.D., MBA
Running & Endurance Sports Advisor

Dr. Karp is creator of the REVO₂LUTION RUNNING™ certification program and the 2011 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year. As an accomplished coach, exercise physiologist, and author of 10 books on running and fitness, he advises NESTA on endurance training programming. His work with elite developmental athletes and extensive speaking at international fitness conferences brings world-class endurance expertise to NESTA’s curriculum.

Norma Shechtman, MS, MA
Group Exercise Programming Advisor

As the 2003 ACE Fitness Professional of the Year, Norma advises NESTA on group fitness programming excellence. Her expertise across multiple modalities—Pilates, kickboxing, indoor cycling, water fitness—and her global presentation experience inform NESTA’s comprehensive group exercise certification programs.

Janet Olsen, ATC
Athletic Training & Sports Medicine Advisor

Janet serves as Head Certified Athletic Trainer at Irvine Valley College and faculty member in Sports Medicine programs since 1990. Her advisory role brings 12 years of clinical orthopedic experience and expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and sports performance to NESTA’s athletic training curriculum. As Staff Athletic Trainer for international gymnastics competitions, she provides elite-level sports medicine perspective.

Jack H. Bauerle, MS, ATC, CSCS
Athletic Training Curriculum Advisor

Jack advises NESTA on athletic training education, drawing from his experience as Program Director securing NATA Accreditation at Chapman University. His combined expertise as Head Athletic Trainer, Strength Coach, and academic program director ensures NESTA’s athletic training programs meet the highest professional standards.

Phil Black, MBA
Aquatic Fitness & Business Development Advisor

Former Navy SEAL officer Phil Black brings unconventional training expertise and business acumen from Yale University and Harvard Business School. His advisory work focuses on innovative water-based training programs and fitness business development, co-developing NESTA’s Aqualogix Water Fitness Certification & Business Program.

Dr. Rick Kattouf II
Sport-Specific Training & Nutrition Advisor

Dr. Rick, CEO/Founder of TeamKattouf and Best-Selling Author, advises on triathlon, duathlon, and multi-sport training programs. As coach to national and world champion athletes, his expertise in sport-specific nutrition and performance optimization enhances NESTA’s endurance and multi-sport certifications. His 3 Duathlon Age Group National Championships demonstrate his applied performance knowledge.

Gail Kattouf
Multi-Sport Coaching Advisor

2-time ITU Duathlon World Champion Runner-Up and USAT National Champion, Gail advises NESTA on elite-level multi-sport training programming. Her background as Division I collegiate distance runner, Exercise Physiologist, and TeamUSA member brings both scientific rigor and competitive excellence to NESTA’s triathlon and duathlon education programs.

Julie Swail (Ertel)
Olympic Performance Advisor

Olympic Silver Medalist and 2-time Olympian Julie Swail advises on elite performance training. As 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials Champion and 2007 Pan Am Games Gold Medalist, she provides NESTA with insights from the highest levels of competitive triathlon, informing programs for trainers working with competitive and aspiring elite athletes.

Kelley Peviani, MA
Yoga Programming Advisor

Kelley advises NESTA’s Sport Yoga™ program, bringing 20+ years of yoga instruction experience across diverse settings. Her master’s degree in education and continued yoga studies at UC Irvine, combined with her compassionate teaching approach, ensure NESTA’s yoga programming is both technically excellent and broadly accessible.

Paul V. Carter
Swimming & Masters Programs Advisor

With over 30 years of coaching experience and All-American honors from the University of Tennessee’s 1978 NCAA National Championship Team, Paul advises on swimming and aquatic training programs. His current work with Novaquatics Masters Program and record-breaking Masters swimming career inform NESTA’s aquatic fitness and triathlon swimming curriculum.

Dolly Ginter, MS, PT
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Advisor

World Champion in duathlon and physical therapist, Dolly brings clinical rehabilitation expertise combined with elite competitive experience. Her Master’s in physical therapy from Chapman University and extensive triathlon/duathlon success (including 1997 Amateur Duathlon World Champion) provide NESTA with unique perspective on injury prevention and performance optimization.

Jonathan Pauly, MA
Event Management & Training Clinic Advisor

Jonathan advises NESTA on practical training program delivery through his leadership of Renegade Racing and Make-U-Fit Productions. His Master’s in Sports & Fitness Management from University of San Francisco and extensive event management experience help ensure NESTA programs translate effectively to real-world coaching and training scenarios.

Ian Pyott
Professional Triathlon Performance Advisor

Professional triathlete and former Swiss National Team member, Ian brings international competitive experience to NESTA’s triathlon programming. His victories across U.S. and European competitions, including Swiss National Champion titles in both triathlon and duathlon, inform NESTA’s approach to competitive multi-sport training.