I lived the first few years of my life in Homestead, FL but because my father was in the Air Force, I had the opportunity to live four years in Germany. My family eventually settled back in Northwest, Fl. I attended the University of West Florida where I obtained a master’s degree in psychology and then, my license as a Mental Health Counselor. I have always been an exercise enthusiast and avid runner. Exercising is a natural part of my daily routine. I’ve competed in 5Ks, marathons, half-marathons, and ultra-endurance races. Overall exercise helps me: start the day with a positive outlook; get a good night’s rest; better manage life stressors and challenges; and remain energetic throughout the day. Because of my education, I have always taken a holistic approach to health and wellness.
In 2014, I integrated 25 years of experience as a mental health professional with my passion for exercise & wellness and obtained my certification as a personal trainer. I established Statera Fitness, LLC in 2014. A personal training service that helps individuals find that elusive time to make their health and wellness a priority, whether it’s virtual, in their home, outside, or at a local gym. I also started working at Premier Health & Fitness Center in Tallahassee, FL in 2014 as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I was introduced to AIS (Active Isolated Stretching) when Kim came to Premier to provide a continuing education workshop to trainers and instructors. I knew then that it was something I wanted to learn more about and offer to my clients. I am excited to have this opportunity with Kim and the SYL team to assist others with effective stretching and strength training which will provide improved mobility, flexibility, sports and exercise performance, and recovery. One of my favorite quotes is, “Fit is not a destination, it is a way of life”.
David grew up in the Tampa Bay area and was an avid cyclist during his adolescent years. In college, he studied dance and chemistry. Upon graduation, he performed with ballet companies for three years. He also became a massage therapist, specializing in Structural Integration and Myofascial Therapy for 10 years. His clients were mostly athletes from various sports, As his clientele grew and began to include specialized populations such as hospice, he became interested in the treatment of long term conditions. He learned Manual Lymphatic Drainage and added it to his practice for this purpose.
Ironically, he practices both the deepest (Myofascial) and the lightest (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) of massage techniques. Each is a valid and effective treatment for the appropriate client. While one has an anatomical approach, affecting the deep fascial structures that provide stability and support to the body, the other has a physiological emphasis, addressing the fluids within the skin and bloodstream and lymph structures.
He believes each session should produce a positive change or shift, in terms that make sense to the client on both a personal and physical level.
