Meet Coach Clarissa
Clarissa Gannon is the owner of the online coaching company, Vegan Fit For Life and is a multiple-times certified fitness and nutrition coach.
Clarissa founded Vegan Fit for Life in 2014 and has over a decade of experience in the fitness industry. Clarissa founded Vegan Fit for Life as a result of her experience in the fitness industry and the observation of just how broken it is. After Clarissa made the decision to incorporate a vegan lifestyle to help some health and digestive issues in 2017, it became quite apparent that this - the vegan community - needed real information and real nutritional strategies.
As a result, Vegan Fit for Life has become a main source of nutritional information for not only the general population, but also for the vegan competitive athlete. Clarissa holds several specialist certifications and she implements full integration of health in all nutritional protocols.
Clarissa herself is an avid competitor in the NPC as well as mother to four amazing children (young adults) and wife to an entrepreneur. Residing in sunny New Mexico, she helps women around the world achieve lasting success.
Meet Coach Luisa
Hello! My name is Luisa, though most call me Lulu, and I have been with this team since 2021. I am a Navy Veteran and currently an online health coach. I am originally from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, but am currently living in High Point, North Carolina, saving up to move to the mountains and create a homestead in the next few years. My favorite part about coaching is watching my clients recognize their potential and step into their confidence. A fitness transformation is rooted in changes in behaviors and patterns- you learn so much about yourself!
I hold a masters degree in Nutrition and Human Performance from Logan University. I am currently working towards sitting to become a Registered Dietician by taking extra courses at UNC and completing an internship.
I am also our teams gut health guru as I have completed a lot of coursework and a 12 week mentorship with a R.D. on this topic.
I went through the FITOPS Foundation to get my CPT, am Precision Nutrition certified, and also hold additional certifications through the Nutrition Coaching Institute so I can be the best coach for my clients.
In any free time I get, I love to spend time with my fur babies, train to compete in bodybuilding (Wellness Division), work on my rental properties, find ways to improve myself, and explore deeper level topics.
I am SO excited to be a part of the team and able to learn more about everyone.
Meet Coach Deandra
My name is Deandra, but call me Coach D! I specialize in the self-care, mindset, and stress management aspects of health! As you may already know, our mental health is just as important as our physical health and when they both meet and achieve synchronization, that’s when the magic happens!! We are each unique in our individuality and life experiences and our health journey should be no different! I want to individualize and support YOUR journey, so you can live YOUR best life!!
Besides I was once in your very shoes. I struggled my entire life with my body image issues and weight loss journey trying ALL the things. I chose to learn and receive my degree in nutrition and health desperate to find a better way! Life happened of course and a series of unfortunate events and experiences forced me to nose dive into focusing on my mental and emotional health immediately! Once I DID the work and chose this ever-evolving path for myself, I was able to apply this focus toward my physical health.
Why am I telling you all this?! I UNDERSTAND the journey. I’m no body builder or competitor - HUGE shout out to each of those rockstar individuals - I’m just a mom, wife, average gal who DESERVES to live out my best life while FEELING good!! I want each of you to experience this! You DESERVE it and are more than WORTH it!
Meet Coach Maria
Maria Rose first discovered yoga in college. She practiced off and on for years while finishing her undergraduate and graduate degrees, becoming a mother, and pursuing a career in the arts. In 2018 Maria Rose was in a car accident that left her with a back injury and a fear for her long-term mobility. Initially practicing yoga at home as a part of her recovery, Maria Rose eventually wanted to take it to the next level.
In 2021, she started Yoga Teacher Training at the New Mexico School of Yoga under the direction of Maria Garré. Maria completed her 200-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training and immediately continued her education. She is set to complete her 500 Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training in the fall of 2022. Maria teaches private, online, and group classes while continuing her yogic education.
Maria’s approach to yoga remains ever focused on connecting the mind, body, and spirit. Her Ayurvedic classes are created to suit the individual and the season. You can expect to find a balance between hard work and gentle connection to self.
Meet Coach Christina
My name is Christina Gomes, but I go by Stina. A childhood nickname that just stuck to me!
I decided to pursue a career in health and wellness when I realized just how much exercise changed my life. Finding my own self-care, peace, and passion in fitness brought me such a higher quality of life, and I knew I had to share this with others.
I have been plant based (vegan 6 years now) and a competitive CrossFit Athlete and Olympic lifter for the past 3 years. I remember when I first started competing; there was so much doubt around me being a successful vegan athlete, so I knew I needed to get educated and optimize my health on this forever new lifestyle. I am always testing and researching new ways to enhance sports performance through proper nutrition and training. From working with high-level athletes who need fine-tuning to beginners just looking to start their journey and be healthier, I love to do it all!
I have a true passion for food and an extensive culinary background, and I also double as a professional chef. I love blending my culinary experience beautifully with nutrition coaching. Which really allows clients to learn and apply the practical skills necessary to be successful in the kitchen.
I truly enjoy using a holistic approach to coaching, optimizing the 3 pillars of individuals’ lives to help improve their mind, body, and soul. That’s how I knew I was in the right place with Vegan Fit 4 Life; they use an incredible protocol that I am so excited to utilize to help more people.
I speak fluent Spanish and English and have a college degree in Psychology as wells as extensive training in the psychological aspect of coaching. I truly believe we need to take a thorough approach to helping those reach their goals. *One step at a time, one small habit at a time* I enjoy spending my free time with my two pups, my 6-year-old vegan-from-birth son, Vincent, and also vegan wife, Natasha. (VEGAN FAM FOR LIFE!)
Can’t wait to meet you all and help add more value to your journey!
