WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2011, Sand Dunes Strength & Conditioning has pursued legitimacy and excellence
in all aspects of training and fitness. With the motto of “Healthy, Happy, Strong”, the staff of
Sand Dunes seek to connect with, and help with the development of all clients in their care.
Skill sets ranging from basic fitness to expressions of competition, no goal is out of reach.
OWNERS
Evan & Rachael Chelini
Rachael and Evan Chelini are coaches that have been involved in the fitness industry since 2009.
Coming from a diverse background including martial arts, dance, CrossFit, and Olympic weightlifting they carry a robust understanding of training, nutrition, and fitness rarely seen in the industry.
Their experience in the field lets them better understand, connect, and lead people to the
highest levels of fitness.
MEET OUR COACHES
AMANDA CHERRY
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN THE FIELD?
I’ve also had a passion for movement and fitness. I started dancing at the age of three, and fell in love with learning new movement patterns and the result of walking out of my classes feeling energized and excited for my next opportunity in the studio. This was an easy transition for me in my teenage years when I first stepped foot in a gym. I always loved challenging my body in new way, whether it be a good ol’ Tae Bo class in my living room, or hitting a body pump class at my local gym. After working close to the fitness industry for the last seven years at lululemon, I finally decided in the fall of 2020 it was time to go all in with my career in the fitness industry… and here I am! I’m very passionate about watching others push themselves mentally and physically to accomplish goals both in and outside of the gym.
A BIT ABOUT ME:
- I’m born and raised in Detroit, MI
- I have a phobia of mustard. Seriously. It’s gross.
- I live to travel and immerse myself in the local culture.
- I could eat pizza and tacos everyday. Moderation is the name of the game 😎
CERTIFICATIONS:
CrossFit Level 1
Pain Free Performance Specialist
FUN FACT:
I’m an aspiring DJ. I have a playlist for every occasion. DJ name: DJ Cherries
CLARISSA SEALES
Coach Clarissa's passion for helping others to not only reach their full potential with the way they look, but also the way they feel, is what drives her to be the best she can be! She’s been in the fitness industry for 15 years and counting. Clarissa has worked with high level athletes and your everyday athlete in life!
She truly enjoys that fitness that comes from the gym, and also outdoors in our everyday lives and the goals set! One of her mottos Is “Fitness is for everyone”!
JIM LAIRD
www.gymlaird.com
MADDY McCONNON
Maddy is a recent graduate of Ithaca College, where she ran Cross Country and studied Clinical Exercise Science. She has a huge passion for longevity and wellness, and plans to pursue her doctorate in Physical Therapy this fall. She is excited to continue to grow and learn as a part-time coach here at SDSC.
Jim Laird has been working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach helping clients achieve their goals since 1997. He has 4 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience and over a decade of working with clients in the private sector. He has worked with everyone from housewives who just want to look good and feel good, to professional athletes in the NFL, CFL, LPGA, and MLB. Jim has helped dozens of young athletes achieve athletic scholarships to Division I schools and also trains a team of female Powerlifters, (GYM Laird lifting team).
As an elite-level Powerlifter, Jim pushed his body to the limit for years. He now understands the difference between working out to be healthy and working out to achieve a high-level performance goal, and he wants to help others understand the difference as well. He has a reputation for two things: getting more results from less work and getting his clients both strong and healthy. Jim’s motto of “Training Smarter, Not Harder” has earned him the respect and recommendation of numerous orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists.
Jim’s most notable client was MLB pitcher Scott Downs whom he worked with for 11 seasons.