About Us
Here, Every Rep Counts.
We always say every rep counts. Each rep is a chance to make progress; each rep gets you one step closer to reaching your fitness or performance goals.
Our entire staff is trained—and certified—to provide the best instruction on sports performance and exercise science.
Dean Bryan, Co-Owner / Sports Performance Coach
A true Pittsburgh native and former college football player, Dean has two decades of experience as a youth and collegiate athletic trainer. He'll push you hard. But with his humor and wit, there's no such thing as a boring session.
Favorite Exercise: Squat
Favorite Sport: Football
Chico Orlando, Co-Owner / Sports Performance Coach
As a tight end, Chico led Truman State University in touchdowns during his final season. Since Truman, Chico has leveraged his Exercise Science degree to become certified in physiology as well as strength and conditioning. When he's not at The Grind, Chico's definitely lounging at home with his little boy and girl.
Favorite Exercise: Bench Press
Favorite Sport: Football
Sam Bekemeier, Sports Performance Coach / Personal Trainer
Sam grew up as a multi-sport athlete in the Saint Louis area, playing sports
like baseball, basketball, golf, football and now is an endurance athlete competing in Ironmans. After receiving his bachelors in Health Sciences, he
wanted to become a personal trainer to help others better understand health and fitness.
Favorite Exercise: Pull-ups
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Kameron Brooks, Sports Performance Coach
Kameren graduated from Desoto Highschool where he was a 3 sport athlete. While he loved playing all sports, baseball was his passion. This passion lead him to play baseball for Fontbonne University while earning his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Outside of baseball, Kameren is no stranger to the gym, he has logged many hours strength training & honing his skills to be a multi sport athlete. Kameren is dedicated to helping younger athletes and general clients achieve their goals by sharing his skills & knowledge
Favorite Exercise: Squat
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Christiana Clark, Sports Performance Coach
Christiana is a passionate and driven personal trainer, who thrives on her love for weightlifting and bodybuilding. Her relentless pursuit of goals is not just a journey but a source of joy. Christiana is a nationally qualified bodybuilder, having placed top 3 in all of the classes she has competed in. Eager to share her passion, she inspires others to find fulfillment in their own achievements. Outside the gym, she finds peace in nature, often taking hikes and walks.
Favorite Exercise: RDL
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Paige Halliwill, Sports Performance Coach
Paige, a former Division 1 softball player from Southeast Missouri State University, offers personalized softball lessons in fielding and hitting for players of all ages. Outside of her passion for softball, Paige is dedicated to working with people and helping them reach their full potential. She values the relationships that she builds within The Grind and cannot wait to connect with and inspire more people to come.
Favorite Exercise: Chin-Ups
Favorite Sport: Softball
Andrew Kramer, Sports Performance Coach / Nutrition Coach
Drew’s background as a former competitive cyclist, now CrossFit level 1 Trainer and competitor has helped broaden his training experience and knowledge to best help his clients.
With a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and minor in Nutrition, and experience working with the Olympic BMX team, he will help guide you along your fitness journey having fun along the way.
Favorite Exercise: Crossfit
Favorite Sport: Cycling
Ashley Mann, Office Manager
Ashley has been an essential part of The Grind team for over six years, serving as the glue that keeps everything running smoothly. She ensures that our trainers, athletes, and clients feel comfortable in an environment where success is achievable. From managing social media to handling customer service, Ashley truly has it all covered.
Favorite Exercise: Goblet Squat
Favorite Sport: Hockey
Kristy Peter, Office Manager
Kristy has been an integral part of our team for over a year, bringing dedication and versatility to our Crystal City location. Assisting customers with care and efficiency, Kristy ensures everything runs smoothly. Her commitment to service and attention to detail make her a valued member of our staff and a familiar, friendly face for our clients.
Favorite Exercise: Squat
Favorite Sport: Softball
Dalton Ross, Sports Performance Coach
Dalton, a Hillsboro alumni, competes as a Division I hurdler at Saint Louis University and brings a multi-sport high school background to his coaching. His favorite place to be is either a weight room or a track, and thrives on the process of getting better every day. His coaching emphasizes consistency, mindset, and mastering the details—no shortcuts.
Favorite Exercise: Barbell Split Squat
Favorite Sport: Track and Field
Matt Sapienza, Sports Performance Coach
Matt grew up in the Saint Louis area and played basically every sport growing up. As he got older, tennis became his main sport but still played soccer every so often. He graduated from Lindenwood University with an Exercise Science degree and a minor in Nutrition. He has worked with young athletes since August 2022 and has been personal training since November
2019. His love and passion for helping younger athletes and general clients speaks for itself. When he is not in the gym, Matt is spending time with his wife and dog.
Favorite Exercise: Barbell RDL
Favorite Sport: Tennis
