MEET THE TEAM

We are a team of specialists in exercise, science and nutrition
who are dedicated to helping you on your fitness journey.

Our team is passionate about improving the lives of older adults
and changing the narrative around what aging looks like.

eric levitan

Founder, CEO

As the founder and CEO of Vivo, I left corporate America after more than 25 years of working in technology and running software companies to try to positively impact people’s lives and make a difference in the world. As I witnessed the decline in quality of life of my own parents as they were getting older, I realized I wanted to better understand the aging process and help them.

I discovered that as we age, we naturally lose muscle mass which is a primary contributor to a reduced quality of life and loss of independence, as well as leading to numerous age-related maladies such as falls, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. However, consistently engaging in a strength training program reverses age-related muscle loss and is the number one factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence as we age.

This knowledge is at the heart of why I started Vivo – to create awareness and a safe, engaging, and impactful program to guide older adults to a better life.

kevin snodgrass

Head Trainer, NASM – CPT, CES, FNS, SFS, ACE – CES

My goal is to profoundly change the lives of my clients and I see the transformations happening every day. I have been a personal trainer for more than 10 years after I discovered how fitness benefitted both my physical and mental wellbeing. My passion for training led me to achieve multiple certifications and specializations in physical training and corrective exercise.

My belief is that fitness is so much more than just feeling good or being physically strong – it is the key to living an enriched life with greater happiness.

As we age, we become more prone to muscle loss and injury, but it is never too late in life to achieve greater degrees of health, mobility, and energy. I use my expertise in corrective exercise and rehabilitation to help Vivo clients regain their independence, recover from injuries, and build their strength using exercise plans that are customizable to every individual.

Jamie Rincker

Head Nutritionist, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Nutrition is a union of all the things I love and care about, from my longtime interest in science to helping older adults identify their nutrition barriers and managing this important aspect of their lives. I have always had an enthusiasm for learning how the body works and how food can impact our health and wellbeing. That enthusiasm led me to earning a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and serving as a Research Dietitian Clinician at Duke University Medical Center, where I specialize in senior health.

I feel very fortunate to be able to apply my expertise through the Vivo program. I believe older adults deserve access to high-level, quality advice and information to help them establish and maintain healthy food and exercise habits. In my assessments and ongoing nutrition support for Team Vivo members, together we address questions, meal planning assistance, and more. I like to consider myself an accountability partner to Vivo clients, working side-by-side to achieve a higher quality of life at any age.

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS

Dr. Kathryn (katie) Nicole Starr

Scientific Advisor

PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Duke University

I have always had a passion and interest in exercise and working with older adults, even from a very young age. As a little girl, I would accompany my mom as she led older adults in aerobics and strength training, and it ingrained in me the value of movement with age. That passion drove me to pursue a career in gerontology, achieving a BA in exercise science, a master’s in nutrition, and serving as a postdoctoral scholar at Duke University’s Aging Center.

As part of my career path, I had the unique opportunity to work with older adults at the world-renowned Cooper Wellness Center, founded by the “father” of aerobics, Kenneth H. Cooper. In that experience, I developed fitness programs tailored to adults with a range of conditions, including osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, and fibromyalgia. All of this experience has led me to join Vivo, a program that I believe in so strongly. In my role and through ongoing assessments, I see first-hand the vast improvements in our clients’ mobility, strength, and quality of life. As a medical professional, I know the science behind our program works, and as a human being, I see the difference it is making in our client’s lives.

Dr. Joe Nocera

PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Emory University

I always had a passion for learning and understanding as much as I could about human movement science and exercise physiology. In college studied Sports Medicine and eventually worked as an Athletic Trainer in the NFL. These initial experiences allowed me to develop a holistic understanding of the exercise and rehabilitation sciences, as well as strength and conditioning fundamentals.

While these experiences were both challenging and gratifying, I eagerly wanted to translate the skills and knowledge gained during my academic and professional experiences to populations with disability. As such, for the last decade, I been applying skill set to improving physical function in older adults with mobility disability and/or neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

In line with my continued passion for exercise as THE best medicine, I currently serve as the Director of exercise programs that oversee and collaborates on projects aimed to understand mechanisms of exercise on improved brain health and physical function. Our work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am honored that this and similar work has resulted in noteworthy publications being featured in top journals including Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Experimental Gerontology, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brain Imaging and Behavior, and the Journal of American Heart Association. My work has also been recognized by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Georgia Radio Reading Service, Public Broadcasting Service, and FOX5 news.

Dr. Christian Thompson

PhD, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, University of San Francisco Affiliate Researcher in Neurology, UCSF

Owner, Thompson Fitness Solutions

I am passionate about fitness and older adults. I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of San Francisco, an affiliate researcher in Neurology at UCSF Medical Center, and the owner of Thompson Fitness Solutions, LLC. I have published scientific articles on exercise programming for older adults in peer-reviewed journals such as Translational Journal of the ACSM, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, and Journal of Applied Research.

I have been delivering balance training and fall risk reduction exercise programs to thousands of older San Franciscans since 2007 in the city-wide Always Active program (www.alwaysactive.org). My professional service includes sitting on the advisory board of Vivo, the Medical Fitness Education Foundation and the Functional Aging Institute. I also serve as editor for the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine and the ACSM Health Fitness Journal. I have also been the Chair of ACSM’s Interest Group on Aging, and a member of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Summit Planning Committee.

I am a member of the newly formed AgeWell Collective as well as a featured author of continuing education courses hosted by PTontheNet, the Medical Fitness Network and the PTA Global certification program. I also developed educational content for IDEA, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, TRX Training, and the American College of Sports Medicine and have written for numerous lay and industry publications such as the ACSM Health Fitness Journal, IDEA Fitness Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Cleveland Clinic Health Newsletter, Arthritis Advisor, and GOLF Magazine.

TRAINERS

Shari BristoBaker

I have over twelve year’s experience as a certified Group Exercise Instructor. While working with 24 Hour Fitness, I was honored to be Instructor of the Month twice, in addition to receiving the High Five award. I’ve previously taught Silver Sneakers – Classic, Tai Chi, Yoga and BOOM, Senior Fitness, Zumba Gold, Cardio Dance and Pop Pilates. I like training at Vivo because it provides an opportunity to meet members where they’re at and help them achieve fitness goals. Hearing “I wasn’t able to do that before I began working out!” is my greatest reward.

Rob Haddocks

I bring more than 15 years of personal training experience to Vivo. I have worked with all populations, including kids, professional athletes and Olympians. I overcame a serious back injury and specialize in hip and back issues, from corrective exercise to sports performance. The best part about the Vivo experience is being part of a program that produces results and improves members’ quality of life both physically and mentally. There’s a great sense of community and the members enjoy and value the Vivo workout.

Maura McCurdy

I am an ACE certified fitness professional and have been working in the industry for over 25 years. I have specializations in Strength and Conditioning, Corrective Movement, as well as many group fitness formats such as Pilates, Yoga and Boot Camp. I am originally from San Diego, but now live in Atlanta, GA with my husband and four children. Our Vivo members say they feel better, are completing daily tasks easier, and have more stamina for leisure activities. But I like knowing that they are also experiencing improved immunity, better blood pressure and bone density AND lowering their risk of disease! Win, Win! It feels great to be a part of such a positive component of people’s life!

Roberto Melani

I have been a leading presence in the fitness industry for over 3 decades. My career started in New York City working for major national fitness companies. During this time, I traveled the world presenting my work at international fitness conventions in Australia, Europe, Middle East and South America. In 2007, I moved to San Francisco where I expanded my career into personal training specializing in active aging, as well as becoming an expert in Barefoot Training and Balance. I have an MBA in Sports & Fitness Management and hold certifications in personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Functional Aging Group Exercise Specialist, Master Trainer and Barefoot Specialist, and VIPR Group Fitness Trainer. My hope for anyone joining one of my sessions is that every member learns something new about their body or shares an exercise with a loved one and friend—perhaps a friend met in their own special journey! What I love about being a VIVO trainer is seeing the individual successes that each of our clients achieve every day, small or big!

Roxie Perregaux

I have been a Certified Personal Trainer for 27 years. I have also enjoyed teaching as a Certified Pilates and SilverSneakers Instructor. I have worked in YMCAs, the Boca Raton Athletic Club, in various Independent Living Retirement Communities and in my own businesses: FITBodz by Roxanne and Healthy Moves. I am also a National Board- Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Being a Vivo Trainer allows me to help people reach not just their fitness goals, but also increase their balance and brain agility.

Kathy Porter

With over 35 years’ experience developing programs, teaching classes, and working with a wide range of clientele, my passion working in the wellness industry has only continued to grow. I’m excited to share my passion, skills, and knowledge for fitness, all while promoting an overall healthy lifestyle. I strive to have fun and ensure successful and lasting results. I am a personal trainer, WellCoach Certified health coach, and certified group exercise leader through the American College of Sports Medicine. I have a great appreciation for our amazing members who have opened their homes and trust us to provide a safe program. I want everyone in class to feel welcomed and know that Vivo personally cares about them.

Kelly A. Stranburg

With a masters in Exercise Science and certification as an exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning coach, I have worked in fitness and aging services for over 20 years. I am a certified exercise physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine. I have also created award-winning wellness programs, been a featured author in the Journal on Active Aging, and lectured at various senior living and active aging conferences. My favorite part of Vivo is the sense of community and friendship we create during recurring classes. We become a family in a way and support one another in all pursuits!

Kristin Vanderpool

I have been a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness trainer for eight years. I previously worked in Atlanta at Urban Body Fitness leading group classes and one-on-one personal sessions. I am certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and holds additional certificates in Corrective Exercise, Performance Enhancement, Behavior Change, Fitness Nutrition, Senior Exercise, Youth Exercise and Pre and Postnatal Fitness. I enjoy the opportunity to meet and work with amazing individuals that are looking to gain a more positive, healthy and active lifestyle through Vivo. The best part about Vivo is watching each team member become stronger and healthier as they work hard through the weekly workouts.

678-701-VIVO (8486)