Welcome to StretchLab Midtown East

Natalia Arauz aka “Nati” has been training in dance since the age of 3 in her hometown of Miami, Fl. She has over 17 years of studio and performance training in Classical Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap and Musical Theater. At her hometown studio, TAME Dance Academy, she began teaching dance classes and strength and conditioning classes to help educate and prevent injuries for dancers. Nati moved to New York City in 2021 and is currently attending Marymount Manhattan College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Body, Science, and Motion, with a double major in Human Biology with a movement concentration. Her passion is in the unique anatomy of the performer to become a Physical Therapist specialized for Dancers and other performers. Nati’s goal is to bring her knowledge of movement science to StretchLab and ensure that stretching is part of your daily routine. Nati loves exploring the city, going for walks, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends!

Will, throughout the years, has committed himself to the lifestyle of fitness and nutrition. Adapting to the change, Will seeked more knowledge of physical fitness and came upon FOCUS - Personal Training Institute. Through FOCUS, Will graduated at the top of his class with a Personal Training Certification. Upon graduation, he was given the title of "Most Consistent" because he believes "Consistency Is The Key, But Longevity Is The Purpose." Will brings his passion to Stretch Lab in assisting others achieve their fitness goals by providing programs with combining the latest exercise and stretching techniques based on the clients' needs. Fun fact, Will is a retired professional wrestler and East Coast Champion who trained under WWE Hall Of Famer, "The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz. Will, also with a culinary background, enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and his dog Koko.

Valentina, graduated in 2023 as a PT from Rosario University in Colombia, with an emphasis in clinical rehabilitation, with a special interest in cardiopulmonary, critical care, sports rehabilitation, and orthopedics. She is bilingual and is fluent in English and Spanish. She gained experience as an intern in some of Bogotá’s biggest hospitals, as well as in Sports teams such as track and field, tennis, and ultimate frisbee where she had the opportunity to perform sports rehab. At the end of her career she was part of a study "Clinical management of patients with COVID-19 and Rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19” where she was able to see how rehabilitation can improve the health of post-COVID patients. Valentina worked as a Physical Therapy Aide in NYC treating patients who suffered from sports-related injuries to prevent loss of sensitivity as well as mobility and educate patients on proper exercise techniques. Valentina is working to get her license as a Physical Therapist in NYC. Valentina's suffering from some injuries in her past have allowed her to empathize with people and create a love for her career. She loves seeing patients improve and get better. A fun fact about Valentina is that she is passionate about sports. She was a cheerleader and soccer player for 5 years and has been an Ultimate Frisbee player for 9 years. She loves to run, dance, and spend time with her friends and family.

Elly is a full-time student at ASU Online studying psychology and previously attended Marymount Manhattan College for Teaching Dance Arts. She is a certified Corepower Yoga instructor. Elly loves to dance and also enjoys taking various fitness classes throughout the city from pilates to cycling and boxing. In her free time, Elly likes to explore the restaurants and food festivals in the city. At StretchLab, she can connect her love of movement to her interests in fitness and share her knowledge with others. Elly’s mission is to inspire others to improve their overall well-being. A fun fact about Elly is she has a fluffy tuxedo cat named Alfie who was rescued with his orange brother Jovie in her hometown in New Jersey.

Raised in Medellín, Colombia, Angie Carrillo discovered her love for movement at a young age through five years of ballet before moving to the U.S. at age ten, where she then took taekwondo. This early exposure to disciplined physical activities greatly enhanced her flexibility. She earned her science degree from Queensborough Community College in New York and is currently a senior at Hunter College, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Chemistry. Angie's interest in physical therapy blossomed while working as a PT aide, a role that deepened her desire to pursue a career in this field. She aims to attend PT school after completing her undergraduate studies. Presently, Angie is excited about her position at StretchLab, where she is committed to helping clients enhance their mobility, flexibility and general wellness. A fun fact about Angie is her love for sudoku, which she plays in her free time. She stays active by playing soccer and enjoys traditional Colombian hot chocolate with melted cheese, alongside her favorite teas.

Symone is a versatile dancer from Chicago, IL, who recently moved to NYC. Symone graduated from SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance in May 2024, earning my BFA in Dance and Choreography and also receiving certification in First Aid/CPR/AED. Throughout my training, she has seen first-hand the many effects that persistent stretching has on not only athlete's bodies, but on every human body. As someone who always strives for body positivity, health, and confidence, she aims to inspire everyone to not give up on your desired goals and she finds joy in being a part of their journey to a healthier and more confident version of themselves in their everyday lives.

Roswell Edwards holds an Associate's degree in Exercise Science and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Recreation, with a focus on Sports and Exercise. He has experience as a personal trainer, where he has successfully guided numerous clients to achieve their fitness goals. Roswell is eager to contribute his skills at the Stretch Lab, helping clients meet their flexibility objectives.

Abraham Shihadeh is a dedicated second-year student at Lehman College, pursuing a double major in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. With a deep passion for fitness and well-being, Abraham actively participates in the men's basketball and swimming & diving teams, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and athletic excellence. His enthusiasm, determination, and expertise empower individuals to reach their full physical potential—whether recovering from an injury or striving to enhance flexibility and performance. Abraham is driven by a mission to make a meaningful impact on his clients' lives, using his knowledge and passion for health and wellness to guide them toward their goals. A fun fact about Abraham's journey is his resilience; having overcome a life-changing spinal cord surgery, he is motivated to inspire others.