STAFF
The staff at Upper Echelon is the heart of our business. We have a group of educated and experienced coaches and professionals to serve our clients. Our staff is prepared to provide the highest quality services by academic education, continuing education and certifications, and practical athletic experience. Click on each to read more.
RUSSELL CREE, DPT: PHYSICAL THERAPIST, BIKE FIT SPECIALIST, CYCLING COACH
Russell's Coaching Philosophy: “I believe all my clients have a similar goal – to be the best they can be. This holds true for a professional athlete preparing for the Olympics or a recreational cyclist preparing for their first century. Experiencing the upper limits of your potential is an amazing accomplishment. To do this, I focus on physical training, mental preparation, and maintaining optimal health. With these pillars in place, one has a chance to reach their full potential. It’s not about being the best, but about being your best.”
Education
• Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Temple University
• Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin
• B.S. in Exercise Science and Chemistry, Northern Arizona University
• Undergraduate Research at the High Altitude Olympic Training Center
• A.S. in Health and Human Performance, Central Oregon Community College
Competitive Experience
• Began competitive cycling in 1994
• Category 1 Road
• Category 1 Cyclocross
• PRO XC Mountain Bike
• Category 2 Track Cyclist
Coaching Experience
• Professional coaching since 1998
• Team Director for the Broadmark Capital & Hagens Berman Elite Cycling Team
• Provider of services to Olympic and World Champion cyclists and triathletes
• Founder and owner of Upper Echelon Fitness, LLC
• Coach at the 2009 USA Cycling NW Junior Camp
Continuing Education and Certifications
• Licensed Physical Therapist
• Slowtwitch F.I.S.T. Bike Fit Certified
• BikeFit.com Bike Fitter
• John Cobb Aerodynamics of Cycling Workshop
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the NCSA
• FaCT Canada Lactate Testing Certified
• Dartfish Motion Analysis Trained
• Member of the Serotta International Cycling Institute
• NAIOMT Level I & II Manual Therapy Courses
MOLLY CAMERON: CYCLING COACH -CYCLOCROSS SPECIALIST
Molly's Coaching Philosophy: “Cyclocross ruined my life”
Competitive Experience
• Began competitive cycling in 2000 with track racing, followed by cyclocross racing.
• Elite CX experience in USA, and Europe.
Coaching Experience
• Cyclocross training and clinics since 2008.
CHRIS SWAN: CYCLING COACH
Chris' Coaching Philosophy: “I believe it is important to develop a rider in ways that not only increase their performance on the bike, but which also translate into a healthier lifestyle. In addition to improving physical and mental fitness, I feel many riders can benefit from learning more about their form, and by focusing on the small details of cycling skills that are often missed. It is my goal to develop riders fully, so that the athlete discovers their entire potential.”
Education
• B.S. in Economics, University of Oregon
• Study in music performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Competitive Experience
• Category 1 Road and Cyclocross
• Category 2 Track Cycling
• Competitive Sailing since 1991
Coaching Experience
• University of Oregon Cycling Team, 2007-present
OMER KEM: CYCLING COACH
Omer's Coaching Philosophy: "Success is a product of self-belief."
Education
• North Salem High School 2000
• Oregon State University 2001-2003
Competitive Experience
• 6 years as a professional cyclist
• Raced on 5 continents
Coaching Experience
• 3 years coaching men and women
• Team coach for Willamette University Cycling Team
Continuing Education and Certifications
• Worked with Max Testa
• Certified in Cyclops Power Software
TINA BRUBAKER: CYCLING COACH
Tina's Coaching Philosophy: “Fundamentals and happiness. Focusing on entry-level riders, I believe the focus of development is through enjoyment of the sport. A happy rider is a fast rider. Put your mind at ease, be comfortable in the sport, and progress as a cyclist and a person.”
Education
• Portland State University
• World Travel
• Lover of life
Competitive Experience
• Category 1 Road
• Category 1 Cyclocross
• Pro XC MTB
• Best All-Around Rider (BARR) Champion 1999 and 2008
• Oregon State Criterium Champion
Coaching Experience
• Professional coaching for 5+ years
• Women's-only clinics for road, mountain bike, and cyclocross
• Focusing on novice women for road, cyclocross and mountain biking
JULIE WESTLIN-NAIGUS RYT 200: YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Julie's Coaching Philosophy: "Julie's Coaching Philosophy: Julie believes that a yoga program will not only build a cyclist's strength and endurance but it will introduce a flexibility to the chronic tightness of a cyclists body. With the universal issues such as low-back pain, weak upper body, limited flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexion, amongst many others, it can be difficult for any cyclist to perform at their peak abilities. Yoga will help combine physiological, muscular and/or skeletal benefits and assist anyone, at any level, with attaining their goals."
Education
• University of Puget Sound
• RYT 200 Kripalu Yoga Center
• Additional training in Vinyasa, Hatha, Meditation, and Pranyama
Coaching Experience
• Professional yoga instructor for 4+ years
• Teaching individuals as well as group classes
• Focus is on body alignment, core, breath, and upper body awareness
• Cycling and Yoga dynamic practice
Competative Experience
• Cat 4 Road
• Beginner Cyclocross
• Enjoys her Mountain Bike

JEREMY HYATT: PERSONAL TRAINER, TRIATHLON COACH
Jeremy's Coaching Philosophy: "Balance. Between work, family, sport. Between strength, cardio, nutrition. Between training and rest. Between fun and hard work. Striving for strong balance helps you achieve short-term and long-term goals and stay motivated and healthy to set new challenges"
Education
• Degrees in both Education and Kinesiology from Humboldt State University
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through NSCA
• USA Triathlon and USA Swimming Level 1 coaching programs
Professional Experience
• Personal Trainer and Triathlon Coach since 1998
• Director of LiveFit program through FitRight NW
• Head Coach for Tsunami Athletics and AllStar Tri Club between 2002-2011
Competitive Experience
• Two-time Ironman finisher
• Handful of local sprint distance triathlon overall victories
• Qualifier US Nationals, Olympic Distance

JEFF SMITH, TRIATHLON COACH
Jeff's Coaching Philosophy: "With A balance of steady exercise and the right nutrition plan combined with heart and commitment, anyone can reach the best shape of their life."
Education
• BS in Exercise Physiology
• Nursing Degree
Coaching Experience
• Professional coaching since 2005
Athletic Experience
• 2010 Ironman CDA Age Group Winner/World Champion Qualifier
• Pro Level Xterra Off Road Triathlete
• 2007 National Champion –Xterra Triathlon Series
• 2006 & 2007 USAT All American Athlete
• Multiple Qualifier, Olympic Distance World Championships

LAURA GREEN, LMT: MASSAGE THERAPIST
Laura's Philosophy: "People should not accept pain as a condition of life. I specialize in therapy aimed at treating underlying fascial and structural issues that often initiate injuries and cause them to recur. I work to undo restrictions and adhesions and re-establish my clients' innate balance, allowing them to move and live more effortlessly."
Education
• Certificate in Massage Therapy, Muscular Therapy Institute/Cortiva
• BS in English and Education, Vassar College
Experience
• 6+ years in private and clinical settings
• Clients include Olympic Athletes, all levels of participants in road, cyclocross, mt bike, and track cycling, University of Portland men's and women's soccer and basketball team, cancer survivors, survivors of spinal fractures, disk herniation and fusions, more survivors of broken clavicles than I can count, rock climbers, marathon runners, nurses, parents, and other athletes and heroes
Continuing Education, Licenses and Certifications
• Certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
• Licensed by the state of Oregon (lic #14167)
• Member, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional
• Certified in Advanced Myofascial Techniques
• Completed level 1 and level 2 training in Thai Massage
• Certified Chiropractic Assistant
• Completed Yin Yoga instructor training

ALEXANDRA BURTON, LMT: MASSAGE THERAPIST
Alexandra's Philosophy: "GO HARD. GET MASSAGE. REPEAT. Athletes train as hard as they can and recovery is a crucial part of training. Massage is an effective therapeutic tool that will allow you to recover faster, prevent injuries and train harder. My goal as a massage therapist is to facilitate a greater balance of health and function within my clients. I believe massage is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. In our sessions, client and therapist work together to design the best massage that suites the athlete's needs. My experience as both a competitive athlete and massage therapist provides me with a strong foundation and deep understanding of the athlete's body and the muscles specific to an athletic lifestyle."
Education
• Portland State University - Anatomy and Physiology series I-III
• Oregon School of Massage - Massage Therapy License, Sports Massage Certification
• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork - Nationally Certified
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Experience
• Private Practice 2006-present
• Provided massage to Track & Field Athletes at Olympic Trials
• Event Massage - cyclists at OBRA stage races and track events
• Chiropractic Massage 2005-2006
Competitive Experience
• Category 1 Cyclocross
• Category 3 Road
• Finisher, Olympic Distance Triathlon

MELISSA SHAYS, ND: NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN, ORIENTAL MEDICINE, ACUPUNCTURE
Melissa's Philosophy: "Happiness, performance and health come from the cumulative things we do every day. Understanding how our day-to-day activities and choices impact our overall vitality is the key to finding optimal health. By blending ancient wisdom, natural medicine and modern science I give you the tools and treatments to help you feel your best, so that you can be your best. You'll feel better, and most importantly you'll gain a better understanding of your body and your health so you can reach your full potential."
Education
• Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine
• Masters in Classical Chinese Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine
• B.S. in Biology, Utah State University
Experience
• Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, member
• American Medical Writers Association, member
• Private practice for 7 years
• Practiced in a Gynecology clinic specializing in pelvic pain and bio-identical hormones
• Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) training
• Naturopathic Academy of Therapeutic Injection training
• AmeriCorps member serving the dental needs of people living in poverty
Complete Care Offered
• Review and order conventional laboratory testing
• Physical exams
• Prescribe medications and hormones
• Hands on bodywork
• Acupuncture treatments
• Suggest a personalized combination of western and Chinese herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet and lifestyle changes
• Insurance Billing. We are happy to verify your insurance benefits.