Headquarters

Chief Executive Officer, Pavel Tsatsouline
A former Soviet Special Forces physical training instructor, later a Subject Matter Expert to elite US military and law enforcement special operations units, Pavel introduced the Russian kettlebell to the West in 1998 and started the kettlebell revolution. (More about Pavel)

Director of Education, Brett Jones
Brett has been teaching with Pavel since April of 2003 and certified by Pavel in February of 2002. As an Athletic Trainer and Fitness Professional for 25 years, he brings a well-rounded experience and education to the Director Education position. The 11th person in the world to bend the IronMind Red Nail and a Beast Tamer, Brett walks the walk as Master SFG Instructor.

Chief Operations Officer, Amanda Kennedy
Amanda holds a BS in Exercise Science and a BA in Theater. She ran her own fitness training studio and taught improv sketch comedy before joining StrongFirst. Reach out to Amanda if you’re ever in Denver for a chai tea meet-up.

Director of Community Engagement, Steve Freides
A career music academic, multi-instrumentalist Steve holds a doctoral degree in choral conducting and has taught a wide variety of music-related subjects at New York City’s Mannes College of Music and elsewhere. Steve discovered strength training while recovering from a debilitating back injury and went on to set multiple state, national, and world records in his age and weight class in the deadlift. He continues to compete and set records in his 60’s. An early adopter of the Internet as a vehicle for communication, Steve administers the StrongFirst forum, answers inquiries on our social media pages, and works to make the world a stronger place. Steve is a Senior StrongFirst Instructor.

Operations Assistant, Yoana Teran
Yoana is a Senior StrongFirst certified instructor. She is a native Venezuelan with an evident passion for helping people with her up tempo, dynamic, fun and Latin teaching style. She has been certified by Pavel since 2005. Her career involves years of radio and television production, organization of sporting events, and seminars. She has a Physical Therapy degree from the University of Caracas in Venezuela. Won The National Tactical Strength Challenge 2005 and 2006 Women’s Division. Professor in the Department of Physical Conditioning for Venezuelan Army. Author of several books and DVD’s including the “Kettlebell Mommy™” Manual designed to guide, encourage and teach pregnant women how to stay fit & healthy while pregnant.