Welcome to StretchLab Mercer Island

Jesse has recently made the move from California and enjoys the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Jesse's lifelong fitness journey has seen involvement in a range of sports, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, and track. Currently, Jesse is deeply committed to calisthenics training and holds certification as a personal trainer. Jesse's fascination with the mechanics of body movement traces back to his early years and served as the driving force behind earning a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, with a specialization in movement and exercise science, from San Francisco State University. In leisure hours, Jesse derives immense satisfaction from expressing creativity through various art forms, including painting, drawing, and sculpting. Additionally, a profound love for the outdoors leads him to engage in activities such as hiking and camping. Sporting pursuits also hold a special place in Jesse's heart, with a particular passion for football and basketball (Go Niners!). Thrilled to be a part of the StretchLab Mercer Island team, Jesse derives great joy from assisting individuals in their pursuit of achieving personal goals, particularly in the realms of enhancing flexibility, comprehending the intricacies of body movement, and preventing injuries. Jesse's overarching aim is to provide unwavering support to everyone, whether they be clients or colleagues, in their voyage towards realizing their aspirations and dreams.

Tuba Shaikh, a committed Physical Therapist with three years of experience in clinical and hospital settings. Tuba's focus is on pinpointing the root cause of patients' injuries to prevent potential reoccurrences in the future. Beyond her professional role, she finds joy in playing cricket and was honored as the 'Best Batsman' during her university days. Tuba also has a soft spot for cats and is an avid fan of Bollywood music. Excited to be part of StretchLab, Tuba looks forward to helping clients move better and achieve their wellness goals.

Angelo is an ISSA certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience in weight training, specializing in powerlifting and hypertrophy. His dedication to the sport has earned him multiple awards in powerlifting competitions. A former high school state swim captain, Angelo’s athletic background is diverse and robust. In his spare time, Angelo enjoys engaging in various activities that keep his mind and body active, such as spending quality time with his family outdoors, playing chess, solving puzzles, and exploring philosophical readings. Angelo believes that "nothing changes if nothing changes." He recognizes that many people are still unfamiliar with the benefits of assisted stretching and is enthusiastic about helping others discover new opportunities for health and wellness. Angelo's approach focuses on expanding one's comfort zone to foster positive change, making him a valuable asset to the StretchLab community.

Olena is a Certified Yoga Coach and Fitness Instructor with over 9 years of experience in group programs and health practices. She is a qualified trainer in yoga, Pilates, and stretching sessions for both private clients and groups. Olena specializes in yoga and breathing techniques for pregnant women. She is passionate about the impact of emotional well-being on physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional balance in life. At Stretchlab, she believes in helping clients build a strong connection between mind and body in each practice, enhancing overall health and sensitivity. Olena's husband is a weightlifter, and she is a proud mom of a dancer daughter and swimmer son, focusing on family health and wellness. She values spending quality time with her family as the cornerstone of well-being.

Rehmat completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington. He has a wealth of experience working with a diverse range of populations, from children to the elderly, as well as high-level athletes and those in hospital-based care. His broad expertise makes him a highly skilled flexologist with deep knowledge across all age groups and fitness levels. He’s passionate about educating his clients, focusing not only on restoring function and reducing pain but also on teaching them about the internal mechanics of the body. His goal is to empower clients with the knowledge to manage their health independently and improve their quality of life. Rehmat views 1-on-1 stretching as a collaborative process, where clear communication between the client and flexologist is key. His compassion and curiosity drive him to constantly expand his expertise, ensuring the best care for his clients. Outside Stretchlab, Rehmat enjoys competing in recreational sports like soccer, basketball, and football, supporting his community through movement, traveling, catching sunsets, and enthusiastically cheering on his nieces and nephews.

Deanna is a certified yoga and fitness instructor who embraces a holistic approach to movement, recognizing the body as a connected and dynamic system. She is passionate about helping clients enhance mobility, relieve tension, and feel their best. With a warm and welcoming presence, Deanna creates a relaxing environment where clients can unwind and focus on their well-being at StretchLab. Outside of work, she prioritizes her own health, enjoys music, cherishes time with loved ones, and values building meaningful connections that foster a strong sense of community.

Bianca is passionate about holistic wellness and has been dedicated to promoting physical and emotional health since 2014. With a degree in Yoga and Somatic Psychology from Western Washington University, she blends science and mindfulness to support overall well-being. Bianca recently completed a two-year training at the Ayurvedic Institute, becoming a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. As a Flexologist at StretchLab, Bianca integrates her expertise in yoga, breathing techniques, and Ayurveda to deliver personalized care. Her deep understanding of anatomy and body mechanics enables her to guide clients through assisted stretching with empathy, compassion, and clear communication. She approaches each individual as unique, tailoring her methods to suit their specific needs. In her free time, Bianca enjoys reading, hiking with her dog, and exploring the outdoors, nurturing her own mind-body connection and love for nature.

Sundeep earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Washington and will be starting Physical Therapy school this fall. With a deep passion for human movement and performance, he enjoys exploring anatomy and physiology from various professional perspectives. As a Flexologist at StretchLab, he is dedicated to helping clients enhance their mobility, flexibility, and overall well-being. Whether assisting with injury recovery, improving athletic performance, or promoting pain-free movement, Sundeep is committed to providing personalized care and support to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.

Hrishikesh holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA. With a solid research background and extensive experience working with both athletes and the general population, he specializes in body physiology, biomechanics, and exercise science. Driven by a passion for flexibility as a crucial aspect of active recovery, he was drawn to StretchLab’s innovative approach. After experiencing the MAPS assessment firsthand, he recognized its cutting-edge 3D technology as a game-changer for personalized movement analysis and performance optimization. Beyond StretchLab, Hrishikesh dedicates his time to animal welfare initiatives and stays immersed in the latest research on health, fitness, and rehabilitation.

Valencia takes a holistic approach to movement, recognizing the deep connection between mind, body, and soul. As a former gymnast and cheerleader, she understands the art of fluidity, flexibility, and strength, guiding clients toward deeper body awareness and relaxation. At StretchLab, she creates an inviting and soothing space where clients can release tension, enhance mobility, and fully immerse themselves in the pleasure of movement. Outside of work, she enjoys grounding in nature through exploring, yoga, and water sports—finding joy in the rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the freedom of movement in all its forms.