Meet Our Team

Scott Norton

Founder of AXIS | Since 1996

Scott founded AXIS in 1996 with a vision to create an exceptional personal training environment where clients receive individualized care and trainers can build meaningful, long-term careers. Thirty years later, he continues to guide AXIS with a focus on education, teamwork, service, health, and longevity.

Experience & Highlights

• Founder of AXIS Personal Trainers
• Thirty years leading and evolving the AXIS community
• Over 10 years of extensive continuing research and education in longevity and health optimization
• Long-standing career as a personal trainer
• Committed to trainer education and professional development
• Focused on exceptional service and lasting client relationships

What Clients Appreciate

Clients and team members appreciate Scott’s energy, persistence, and unwavering commitment to the people who make AXIS what it is. His vision continues to shape a community built around care, growth, and helping people live stronger lives.

Allison Allen

At AXIS since 2000

Alli has helped shape AXIS for more than two decades as a trainer, leader, and owner. Her coaching combines a strong sports medicine foundation with thoughtful, individualized programming that helps clients build strength, improve movement, and stay capable through every stage of life.

Highlights & Credentials

• Over 20 years experience in business operations and leading successful teams
• 10+ years of extensive continuing research and education in longevity and health optimization
• B.S., Athletic Training — Northeastern University
• M.A., Athletic Training — Western Michigan University
• Certified Athletic Trainer — NATA BOC
• NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
• ACE Pre/Post Natal Certificate
• Certified Mat Pilates Instructor — PhysicalMind Institute
• Balanced Body Pilates Reformer Certificate
• Power Plate Levels 1 & 2

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Alli’s ability to make training both highly effective and genuinely enjoyable. She brings warmth, accountability, and decades of experience to every session, helping clients feel supported while continuing to progress.

Adrian Lara

At AXIS since 2024

Adrian has worked as a personal trainer since 2013 and specializes in strength, functional movement, and Olympic lifting. His precise coaching and careful attention to form help clients train with confidence, build lasting strength, and make steady progress toward meaningful goals.

Education & Credentials

• A.A., Physical Education
• Certified Olympic Trainer
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Functional Range Conditioning (FRC)
• Pain-Free Performance Training
• Lifelong Performance (LP)
• Pre- and Postnatal Training

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Adrian’s preparation, consistency, and eye for detail. He makes complex movements easy to understand and adapts each session so clients can work hard without sacrificing quality or safety.

Alysa Madrigal

At AXIS since 2024

Alysa helps create the welcoming, attentive environment clients expect at AXIS. A Palo Alto native studying Business Administration, she brings a naturally helpful approach and genuine care to each interaction.

Experience & Highlights

• Business Administration studies — Foothill College
• Front desk and client support
• Facility hospitality
• Client communication
• Creating a warm, welcoming experience

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Alysa’s friendliness, positive energy, and willingness to help. She understands that thoughtful details and a sincere welcome can shape the entire client experience.

April Shea

At AXIS since 2020

April is a licensed esthetician with more than 35 years of experience and over 10,000 treatments performed. She provides individualized support for concerns including hyperpigmentation and visible aging through in-clinic care, home-care planning, virtual consultation, and appropriate provider referrals.

Experience & Highlights

• Licensed esthetician with 35+ years of experience
• 10,000+ treatments performed
• Owner, Shea Clinical Skin Care
• Hyperpigmentation care
• Healthy-aging skin care
• In-clinic and virtual consultation

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate April’s depth of experience, educational approach, and ability to simplify complex skin concerns. She helps clients understand their skin and create a realistic, personalized path toward healthier-looking results.

Learn more about April by visiting her website at https://yourskinmatters.com.

Courtnie Steeves

At AXIS since 2005

Courtnie brings an advanced sports medicine and athletic training background to highly individualized coaching. She works especially well with clients who want to stay active through injury history, prepare for or return from surgery, improve performance, or maintain strength through pregnancy and beyond.

Education & Credentials

• M.S., Sports Medicine/Athletic Training — Humboldt State University
• NATA Certified Athletic Trainer
• USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach
• Certified Functional Movement Screener
• ACE Pre/Post Natal
• CranioSacral Level 1
• Certified CPR and First Aid Instructor

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Courtnie’s depth of knowledge, long-term perspective, and ability to keep training challenging while respecting the body’s needs. Her thoughtful guidance helps clients pursue ambitious goals with confidence.

Dakota Hawkins

At AXIS since 2026

Dakota helps clients develop resilient strength, mobility, and body awareness through full-range, purposeful movement. His approach is especially suited to people who want to move better, address the effects of sedentary modern life, and build sustainable habits that support long-term health.

Education & Credentials

• B.A., Psychology — University of Michigan
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Six years of focused study in barefoot and natural movement
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Dakota’s calm, thoughtful coaching and his ability to explain why each movement matters. He creates an approachable training experience that helps clients feel more connected to their bodies and confident in what they can do.

Dana Johnson

At AXIS since 2026

Dana supports the daily client experience at AXIS with energy, professionalism, and creativity. Her background in competitive sports, music education, and dance gives her a strong appreciation for discipline, movement, and connecting with people.

Experience & Highlights

• B.A., Music Education — San Jose State University
• Front desk and client support
• Facility hospitality
• Competitive athletics background
• Ballroom, Latin, and nightclub dance instructor

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Dana’s upbeat presence, versatility, and ability to make people feel comfortable. She brings focus and personality to the front desk while helping the facility run smoothly.

David Shan

At AXIS since 2023

David combines strength training with a deep interest in biomechanics, posture, and athletic movement. He designs precise, progressive programs for clients who want to move more efficiently, build strength, improve performance, or develop a stronger physical foundation.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology with emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy — San Diego State University
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Biomechanics Specialist
• EVOLVE Biomechanics Mentorship Certification
• Introduction to Coaching Plyometrics — PlusPlyos
• Advanced Postural & Movement Management Course
• Lower Limb & Foot Course 2.0

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate David’s technical knowledge, focused attention, and commitment to continuing education. He notices the small details that improve movement quality and builds programs that feel purposeful from start to finish.

Doug Michael

At AXIS since 2007

Doug specializes in intelligent strength, mobility, and longevity-focused training. His work centers on joint health and physical independence, helping clients become stronger and more resilient while respecting pain, limitations, and the demands of real life.

Education & Credentials

• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• B.A., Sports Medicine — Dakota Wesleyan University
• B.A., Psychology — Dakota Wesleyan University
• Cancer Exercise Specialist
• Functional Release — Lower Body and Spine
• Training for Warriors Levels 1 & 2
• ACE Pre/Post Natal
• Onnit Steel Mace Certified

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Doug’s intuition, creativity, and ability to meet them exactly where they are. He makes training enjoyable while helping clients reduce limitations, restore confidence, and continue making progress over the long term.

Drew Doan

At AXIS since 2013

Drew helps clients improve strength, fitness, and movement through sessions that are both effective and enjoyable. His broad training background allows him to support general fitness, fat loss, athletic development, golf performance, and the transition back to strength following rehabilitation.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology
• USA Weightlifting Levels 1 & 2 Sports Performance Coach
• Functional Movement Screen Certified
• Functional Range Conditioning (FRC)
• Precision Nutrition Level 1
• Titleist Performance Institute Level 1
• ACE Pre/Post Natal Certificate
• Training for Warriors Levels 1 & 2

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Drew’s attentiveness, patience, and steady encouragement. He knows how to challenge clients beyond what they thought possible while keeping the experience comfortable, positive, and grounded in good movement.

Jackie Moran

At AXIS since 2014

For over 20 years as a personal trainer, Jackie has been making fitness a realistic, sustainable part of everyday life. Her coaching blends functional strength, core training, cardiovascular fitness, nutrition, and behavior change to support clients across a wide range of ages and experience levels.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Health Sciences
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Precision Nutrition Certified Practitioner
• Certified Health Coach
• ACE Behavior Change Specialist
• ACE Youth Fitness Specialist
• ACE Pre/Post Natal Certificate
• Foothill College Personal Training Internship Program

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Jackie’s ability to understand the whole person—not just the workout. She builds strong relationships, provides practical guidance, and makes fitness feel approachable, personal, and sustainable.

James Ladden

At AXIS since 2004 

James has spent more than two decades at AXIS helping clients build strength, regain function, and return to activities they value. His movement-science background and patient coaching style make him an excellent fit for clients who want thoughtful progression, especially after injury or surgery.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology with emphasis in Movement Science — San Jose State University
• Functional Movement Screen Certified
• ACE Pre/Post Natal Certificate
• Training for Warriors Level 1
• Leadership Training Muster 003 & 006

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate James’s patience, professionalism, and encouraging nature. He makes exercise feel comfortable and enjoyable while helping clients accomplish things they may not have believed were possible.

Jeremy Fernandez

At AXIS since 2005

Jeremy brings more than two decades at AXIS and a strong athletic training foundation to highly personalized coaching. He begins with a detailed assessment and builds goal-oriented programs for strength, injury prevention, post-rehabilitation, weight management, and golf performance.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology/Athletic Training — San Jose State University
• Certified Athletic Trainer — NATA
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• TPI Level 3 Golf Fitness Professional
• TPI Level 2 Power
• SuperSpeed Golf Level 3
• Myofascial Decompression Therapy Practitioner
• Functional Range Conditioning Certified

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Jeremy’s expertise, humor, and ability to push them appropriately without exceeding their limits. His sessions are structured, individualized, and designed to create progress clients can see and feel.

Jodie Aguilar

At AXIS since 2018

Jodie leads the client and team experience at AXIS, helping each person feel welcomed, understood, and connected to the right support. With a background in psychology and operations, she brings organization, empathy, and a high standard of care to every stage of the AXIS experience.

Experience & Highlights

• B.S., Psychology — University of Oregon
• Client intake and trainer matching
• Team experience and onboarding
• Service standards and facility operations
• Client communication and relationship support

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Jodie’s responsiveness, warmth, and ability to make the process feel easy and personal. She listens carefully, anticipates needs, and helps clients feel confident that they are in the right place from their very first interaction.

Jose Lara

At AXIS since 2026

Jose supports clients and the AXIS team with a strong work ethic, genuine care, and a lifelong connection to fitness. He is currently studying to become a certified personal trainer and nutrition professional, bringing growing health and fitness knowledge to his concierge role.

Experience & Highlights

• Front desk and client support
• Facility hospitality
• Personal training studies — In progress
• Nutrition studies — In progress
• Background in VFX and animation

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Jose’s kindness, attentiveness, and encouraging presence. He approaches every interaction with the belief that people do their best when they know someone is genuinely in their corner.

Lania Harris

At AXIS since 2021

Lania helps clients feel cared for, supported, and seen throughout their experience at AXIS. Her background in sociology and psychology strengthens her ability to understand people, build meaningful connections, and create a consistently welcoming environment.

Experience & Highlights

• B.A., Sociology — San Jose State University
• A.A., Sociology and Psychology — Cañada College
• Client experience and relationship support
• Thoughtful communication
• Hospitality and community building

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Lania’s warmth, empathy, and sincere interest in their experience. She makes people feel remembered and valued, reinforcing the personal level of care at the heart of AXIS.

Melodie Gutierrez

At AXIS since 2023

Melodie brings strength and conditioning experience with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes to clients of all ages and backgrounds. She applies science-based training to help clients become stronger, improve body composition, recover well, and perform at a higher level in sport and daily life.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology/Exercise Science; Minor in Global Studies
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• CrossFit Level 1
• CPR/AED Certified

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Melodie’s athletic energy, strong technical foundation, and ability to make advanced training approachable. She creates focused, progressive sessions that help clients work hard and understand the purpose behind the program.

Michael Erkiletian

At AXIS since 2001

Michael focuses on helping clients understand how their bodies move so they can build strength, improve flexibility, and train more confidently both inside and outside the gym. His coaching emphasizes education, careful exercise selection, and long-term movement quality.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology — San Jose State University (2000)

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Michael’s careful attention, humor, and ability to make early-morning training genuinely enjoyable. He balances challenges with good judgment and helps clients understand how to move well for the long term.

Nelson Manglinong

At AXIS since 2016

Nelson combines personal training experience with a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant background to help clients build strength, improve mobility, and return to fuller function. He works especially well with clients managing injuries, post-rehabilitation needs, or goals related to healthy aging and overall wellness.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology — University of San Francisco
• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant — Physical Therapy Board of California
• NCSF Certified Personal Trainer
• Myofascial Decompression Certified Provider
• Graston Technique Provider
• Blood Flow Restriction Certified Practitioner
• Functional Movement Screen Level 1
• BlazePod Flash Reflex Trainer

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Nelson’s big heart, careful listening, and ability to make challenging work feel supportive and fun. His rehabilitation-informed perspective gives clients confidence that their program is both purposeful and appropriately progressed.

Sal Gomez

At AXIS since 2017

Sal specializes in biomechanics and strength and conditioning, using detailed assessment and calculated programming to improve how clients move and perform. He identifies limiting areas, develops them with intention, and reintegrates them into stronger, more efficient whole-body movement.

Education & Credentials

• Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
• EBFA Global Neurosensory Specialist
• BioForce Certified Conditioning Coach
• Pinnacle Performance 12-Week Biomechanics Course
• Prescript PSL1
• Prescript PSL2

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Sal’s analytical eye, individualized programming, and commitment to helping them move beyond perceived limitations. His coaching is intentional, challenging, and focused on meaningful change—not simply completing a workout.

Sarah Miller

At AXIS since 2009 

Sarah brings a kinesiology background, strength and conditioning experience, and eight years in a physical therapy setting to energetic, results-driven training. She helps clients of all ages improve posture, movement quality, strength, and confidence through workouts that are challenging, efficient, and carefully adapted.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Kinesiology — Notre Dame de Namur University
• NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
• Precision Nutrition Level 1
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment
• USA Weightlifting Level 1
• ACE Pre/Post Natal

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Sarah’s high energy, expertise, and ability to make hard work feel positive. She combines clear accountability with genuine encouragement, helping clients become more capable in the gym and more confident outside it.

Sergio Maldonado

At AXIS since 2008

Sergio delivers highly individualized coaching for strength, fat loss, youth athletic development, and long-term performance. His approach integrates movement quality, injury prevention, nutrition, lifestyle habits, and accountability so clients can achieve measurable results that continue beyond the gym.

Education & Credentials

• M.S., Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology — Strength and Conditioning
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist
• Mayo Clinic Health Coach
• Precision Nutrition Level 2
• StrongFirst Kettlebell and Bodyweight Certified
• EXOS Rehabilitation Specialist
• Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
• Titleist Performance Institute Certified

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Sergio’s ability to listen, adapt, and provide exactly the right level of challenge. He makes training educational and enjoyable while building the consistency and confidence that create lasting results.

Stefan Schilder

At AXIS since 2021

Stefan builds a foundation of strength and skill that supports each client’s individual goals. With a background in martial arts, powerlifting, and general fitness, he helps clients train with discipline, improve technical execution, and develop confidence through progressive challenge.

Education & Credentials

• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• A.A.S., Fitness Technician — Salt Lake Community College
• Second-Degree Black Sash — Wing Chun Kung Fu
• CPR/AED Certified

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Stefan’s calm focus, technical precision, and clear instruction. He creates a disciplined but approachable environment where clients can safely challenge themselves and recognize their growing strength.

Will Marts

At AXIS since 2008

Will brings broad experience training amateur and professional athletes as well as clients ranging from teenagers to older adults. His dynamic sessions draw from sport performance, strength, metabolic conditioning, flexibility, and rehabilitation-focused training to create workouts that are challenging, varied, and highly personal.

Education & Credentials

• B.S., Education with focus in Sport Performance and Fitness — The Ohio State University
• NASM Certified 
• ISSA Certified
• PNF Stretch Certified
• CPR/AED Certified

What Clients Appreciate

Clients appreciate Will’s creativity, intensity, and ability to keep every session engaging. He knows how to find the edge of a client’s capabilities while making the work fun, motivating, and deeply personalized.