Exercise Specialists

Susan Block

Director of Fitness

Susan Block began her career in the fitness industry in 1982 at the Sports Club/LA, where she was an aerobics instructor, facility manager, and director of activities over ten years.  In 1993, she managed Warner Brother’s fitness center and later became a fitness consultant for the Motion Picture and Television Industry’s Wellness Program.  By 1998, Susan developed a national fitness coaching program called “Fitness by Phone”.  She has been featured as an expert on exercise adherence in various publications and television shows, including The LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  Susan holds a degree from UCLA in Kinesiology and Business Administration, and has been a faculty member for the American Council on Exercise since 2000.

Vaughan Kastor, M.A.

Exercise Physiologist

Vaughan Kastor has a M.A. from CSUN in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology and is an Advanced Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In 1994, he started his own in-home personal training business and built a solid client base of executive professionals and athletes. Prior to that, he worked at a premier Los Angeles based health club as the Education Coordinator and Personal Trainer. Vaughan was a 1988 NCAA All-American in Track and Field at 800 meters and is a seven-time Masters National Champion.

Scott Silveira

Exercise Specialist

Scott Silveira has been providing Southern California with first-class workouts, exercise programs and health education for over seven years.  His philosophy is that fitness should be enjoyable and part of a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.  Prior to working in the fitness industry, he was a competitive cyclist and holds the 2000 California State Championship in Mountain Biking as well as the 2001 Western Collegiate Conference Championship in Road Cycling.  Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with an emphasis in Clinical Health-Site Work Promotion and is also certified with the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

James Kohler, M.S., CSCS

Exercise Physiologist

James Kohler became a certified trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 1997. James comes from a professional bodybuilding background, and in 2007 he competed in the “Mr. Natural California” contest and won the overall title. His focus is to successfully help clients achieve their individual potential and goals through customized fitness programs and personal training sessions. James holds an M.S. from California State University Northridge in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology.  His master’s thesis about core muscle activation patterns using electromyography was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.  James has taught health and fitness courses at CSUN and UCLA, and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Laurie Streff

Exercise Specialist

Laurie Streff entered the fitness profession in 1990. Offering innovative, enthusiastic and cutting edge training techniques, her wide range of experience in the greater Los Angeles area include group exercise development, instructor training and management, corporate wellness management, and fitness event planning. Her unique fitness concepts and exercises have also been featured in various health magazines such as “New Woman,” “Shape” and “Men’s Fitness.” Laurie holds a certificate in Fitness Instruction from UCLA and is certified as a Health and Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

Deena Friedlander, M.S.

Exercise Physiologist

Deena Friedlander is passionate about helping others achieve their health, fitness, and wellness goals. She has experience working with corporations, hospital based cardiac rehabilitation programs, and clinical trials. She currently teaches classes at Moorpark College (since 2002) and Los Angeles Valley College in the Health Education and Kinesiology Departments. She served on the Curriculum Committee at Moorpark College this past year. Prior to teaching, Deena was the Exercise Physiologist for the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, California. Deena has a B.S. in Kinesiology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University. She is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and IDEA Health and Fitness Association.

Linda Shelton, M.A.

Exercise Physiologist

Linda Shelton is a certified trainer, speaker, and health writer with extensive experience in the fitness industry.  She was the Fitness Director for Weider/AMI fitness publications, including SHAPE, for 23 years.  Linda has authored eight books and is currently the Fitness Director for VIVmag, a digital women’s lifestyle and fitness magazine.  She is also an Executive Advisory Board Member, Elite Trainer, and Communications Director for Beamfit™, a multi-faceted fitness program and online store.  Additionally, Linda is a full partner of Worksite Wellness™, a corporate wellness company.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in March, 2007.