Physical Therapist | Director of Performance

PT, DPT, ATC, LAT, VRS, ASTYM

A native of Olympia, Brandon has been involved in the sports medicine community and physical therapy field in the south sound region since 2004.

Trained as both an athletic trainer and physical therapist, Brandon has always had a passion for helping athletes and patients of all ages reach their full potential. Over his 20 years of experience, Brandon has worked with athletes involved with all aspects of sports injuries, post-op rehab, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. Brandon has gained knowledge and expertise in postural restoration and biomechanics of the human body which encompasses treatment of traditional pathologies, sports injuries, and more complicated cases such as TMD and scoliosis.

Brandon is a certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) having expertise in the treatment of vestibular issues such as dizziness and Post-concussion pathology. Brandon’s whole body approach combines manual therapy, on-the-field training, and clinical rehabilitation expertise to meet the patient’s goals and determine the root cause of the problem.

Chiropractor | Director of Education

DC, MS

Dr. Lam, a chiropractic sports physician, brings over 23 years of experience in soft tissue work. With a background in massage therapy and advanced certifications in techniques such as trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, pin and stretch, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and neurodynamic mobilization, Dr. Lam emphasizes a patient-centered approach. Believing that soft tissue work is the foundation of rehabilitation, he focuses on healing tissue, restoring range of motion, and re-establishing mobility before strength and conditioning. Dr. Lam has worked with athletes of all ages, treating both acute and chronic injuries, often helping patients regain functionality they feared was lost. After trade school for massage therapy, Dr. Lam earned his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. He then obtained a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and later completed a Master's in Exercise and Sport Science from Western States University. In addition to his clinical practice, he is an adjunct professor of sports medicine at St. Martin's University. Along with his passion for treating patients and teaching, Dr. Lam is an avid lifelong swimmer who competes in open-water swimming events and Ironman triathlons.

Director of Operations | General Manager | Performance Trainer | Soccer Specialist

NASM, CSCS, B.S.

Abbey has over 10+years in the athletic performance space. Her lifelong passion for athlete development, was fueled by her own athletic journey. As a former Division I soccer player, her experience overcoming a career-altering injury ignited her commitment to resilience, mental toughness, and performance—especially for female athletes. She blends mental and physical training to help athletes unlock their full potential on and off the field.

Abbey played at Portland State University from 2013–2016, where she was a 3-year starter, team captain, and earned all-conference honors including Freshman of the Year. A proud Tumwater native and top-15 national recruit, she competed in Youth National Championships, ODP/EDP at all levels, and ECNL with Washington Premier. She now gives back as Head Coach of the Tumwater Thunderbirds Girls Soccer Program—wearing the green proudly as both a former player and now coach.

In addition to her coaching background, Abbey brings over a decade of professional experience in leadership, operations, and strategic management. She has served as a Project Manager, Program Director, Grant Manager, and College Athletics Specialist, overseeing multimillion-dollar programs and cross-functional teams. Her expertise in budgeting, systems design, community partnerships, and team development uniquely position her to lead The Lab as General Manager, ensuring excellence across performance, operations, and client experience.

Outside of work, Abbey is an avid reader, self-proclaimed foodie and coffee connoisseur who enjoys staying active, spending time with her dog Rocky, and hosting dinner parties and game nights with friends and family.

Physical Therapist

PT, DPT

Sarah has been practicing physical therapy in the Olympia area for 15 years since receiving her doctoral degree from the University of Puget Sound in 2010. During undergraduate school, she worked as a student athletic trainer at Pacific Lutheran University. She gained experience in sports injury assessment, rehabilitation and taping/modalities to enhance the athlete’s ability to recover and return to sport.

She is the co-owner of PT Empowered and works in the hospital setting. She has knowledge of complex medical conditions, post-surgical protocols and assessing dizziness. She values one on one patient care and working with patients to maximize their physical function, reduce pain and promote wellness. When Sarah is not working, she enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, gardening and time with her family and animals.

Physical Therapist

PT, MPT

George brings 25 years of experience as a Physical Therapist to the LAB. He is a local, after graduating from Tumwater High School, George attended Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1994. He earned his Master in Physical Therapy at Eastern Washington University in 1998. George brings expertise in movement dysfunction, manual therapy treatment techniques and therapeutic and functional based exercise prescription.  George has a significant background in leadership and mentorship and works hard to bring a collaborative approach to the care of patients.

George has an extensive history of working with athletes throughout his 25 years- including postoperative care, preoperative diagnosis and treatment of injury and specific interest in working with shoulder and knee impairment. George has particular interest in the area of movement dysfunction and prescriptive treatments to facilitate return to normal function as well as maximizing performance. George has a passion for continuing education and growth and is inspired by the collaborative approach of the professionals at The LAB.

George’s personal interests include- Downhill Skiing, Fly fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Cycling, and Mountain Biking.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist

DC

Dr. Amanda Kugel is a chiropractic physician with 12 years of clinical experience. She offers joint manipulation, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and has completed advanced training in perinatal and pediatric care. Dr. Kugel draws from her experience as an anatomy and nutrition educator in the college health sciences to ensure her patients are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment plans. Her dedication to movement and nutrition stems from her passion for helping patients achieve their optimal health and performance.

Massage Therapist | Performance Trainer | Track + Field Specialist | Distance Running + Speed Specialist

B.S., LMT, USATF I + II

Coach Rich Brown has spent decades inspiring athletes and shaping the future of track and cross country in Thurston County. A 1991 graduate of Tumwater High School, Rich excelled in Track, Cross Country, Wrestling, Swimming, and Select/Premier Soccer. His athletic and academic pursuits led him to Montana State University (MSU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training and Health/Physical Education (K-12), competing as a four-year letterman in Track and Cross Country and post collegiately, qualifying for the 2000 US Men’s Olympic Marathon Trials.

Rich’s expertise in injury prevention and treatment made him an asset not only in athletics but also in education, where he taught at Baboquivari High School in Arizona and later in Ashmead College’s Fitness Trainer Program in Washington State. After completing additional specialization in sports and injury treatment, while attending Ashmead College of Massage, Rich began his career as a clinical and sports massage therapist by opening his own massage practice in 2001.

Rich’s coaching career began as a Volunteer Assistant Cross County Coach at MSU in 1996 and quickly expanded. He served as Head Track Coach at Bush Middle School, Head Cross Country and Track Coach at Baboquivari High School, and for more than two decades, as a key sprint and distance coach at Tumwater High School, through the 2024 season.

Certified as a USATF Level 1 and Level 2 (Youth Specialization), Rich’s influence extends beyond school teams. As a founding member of Club Oly Road Runners, he helped build a thriving local running community. His coaching philosophy blends technical expertise with heartfelt mentorship, empowering hundreds of youths and adult athletes to find success not only on the course and track but also in life.

Coach Brown’s legacy is defined by his passion, innovation, and deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of runners.

Performance Trainer | Basketball Specialist

NASM, B.S.

Brandell Evans is a local product of Timberline High School, graduating in 2015 before continuing his basketball career at Western Oregon University, where he competed at the collegiate level and graduated in 2019. Throughout his playing career, Brandell was known for his leadership, work ethic, and commitment to team success—qualities he now brings into his coaching and training.

Currently, Brandell serves as a player development coach and assistant coach at Centralia College, where he plays a key role in mentoring student-athletes both on and off the court. As a member of The Lab team, he combines his lived experience as a high-level athlete with a deep understanding of strength and performance training. Brandell is passionate about helping young athletes unlock their potential—meeting them where they’re at and guiding them toward where they want to go, whether in the weight room, on the court, or in life.

Performance Trainer

NASM, CSCS, B.S.

Barrett graduated in 2016 from Central Washington University with his bachelors degree in Clinical Physiology. Since then he has worked in various physical therapy clinics and gyms in the state of Washington learning as much as he can about rehabilitation and athletic performance. He has acquired additional certificates from National Academy of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association as a certified personal trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Being a PNW native, Barrett has lived in various parts of Washington state and loves both the climate of the east side and the green forests of the westside. He graduated from Timberline High School and has no plans to live anywhere else besides Washington.

Barrett's obsession with health and fitness started when he was a teenager, becoming an avid gym enthusiast from a young age. His interest continued and eventually lead him to go to college to further his knowledge in the exercise science field. In 2017, Barrett was involved in a near-fatal car accident, which led to many months of recovery and rehabilitation. This event led him to the conclusion that physical strength isn't just a necessity for athletes, but something that should be strived for by everyone for a healthy and long life.

Having already been entranced with barbell training and barbell sports, he opened a small gym in 2019 dedicated to strength training where he served different populations ranging from the elderly to ex-collegiate athletes. He taught foundational movement and spent hundreds of hours teaching the importance of knowing how to efficiently and effectively squat, press, and deadlift among many other movements.The knowledge and execution of these movements in combination with practical programming is a foundation of injury prevention as well as athletic performance. Barrett's true passion is to teach these principles and make it accessible to athletes and the general population to inspire health, wellness, and performance.

Barrett love to train athletes looking to improve their strength and conditioning, as well as ex-athletes looking for a new endeavor to get back in physical shape. Barrett has also spent a lot of time with individuals who have very little fitness experience and wish to begin a journey in general fitness and training.

If Barrett is not in the gym locking in on a deadlift PR, he is most likley out traveling with his wife, cooking the perfect steak, or being a recluse in his music studio trying to make heavy metal cool again.

Performance Trainer | Football Specialist

B.S.

Born in Biloxi, Mississippi and raised in the Lacey area, Kelle grew up playing every position on the football field—giving him a well-rounded understanding of the game from the inside out. He went on to play college football as an outside linebacker and defensive end, spending two years at the junior college level before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he competed at the Division I level for three seasons.

Kelle’s passion and talent for the game led to two years of professional football experience, including time with the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He now brings that elite-level knowledge, discipline, and competitive mindset into his role as a performance trainer—mentoring athletes to move better, play smarter, and prepare for the next level.

Performance Trainer | Soccer Specialist

B.S., M.S.

Rich Scott is a dedicated and experienced soccer trainer and coach, known for his ability to develop athletes both on and off the field. As the Technical Director for the Olympia High School Boys Varsity Team, Rich brings over 15 years of coaching experience and over a decade of private soccer training, working with athletes from all levels, including those from prestigious clubs such as Crossfire, PACNW, Washington Premier, Black Hills, Gig Harbor, TC United, Sounders Academy, OL Reign, EPD, and Surf. His reputation in the local area has grown due to his holistic approach to soccer training, combining technical skills, strength conditioning, mental resilience, and goal-setting to move athletes from good to great. Rich’s training philosophy emphasizes technical skill development, strength and conditioning, goal setting, character building, and fostering a competitive, winning mindset. Drawing from his experience in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, where he was a key contributor to the development of the Army Special Operations Human Performance Training Program,

Rich has refined his ability to instill both physical resilience and mental toughness in the athletes he trains. This background ensures athletes are not only prepared for high-performance competition but are also equipped with the character, work ethic, and warrior ethos needed to excel both on and off the field. Rich’s approach goes beyond soccer training, helping athletes develop the tools for success in life, fostering leadership, discipline, and perseverance. As a former collegiate soccer player at the University of Washington and Belhaven University, Rich brings a player’s perspective to his training, understanding the challenges and demands athletes face at every level.

Rich is passionate about developing well-rounded athletes who are mentally tough, competitive, and ready to take on challenges in their sport and life. With his personalized training methods and commitment to excellence, Rich creates an environment that challenges players, encourages growth, and fosters a mindset that transcends the game.

Performance Trainer | Basketball Specialist

NASM, ISSA, Sprint8 GX

Shawntae Kidd’s path to becoming a performance trainer is anything but ordinary. Born in Germany and raised as a military child across California, England, and South Korea—where she graduated high school—Shawntae developed adaptability, grit, and a passion for movement at a young age. That same passion would later become her lifeline and profession. A former athlete turned expert coach, Shawntae’s own body has been both her battleground and greatest teacher. After suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in high school and enduring a delayed diagnosis, her dreams of collegiate basketball were derailed. Later, she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, hip dysplasia, and degeneration in her mid-20s—conditions that gave her the physical limitations of someone decades older. Instead of giving up, Shawntae turned inward. Through rehab, research, certifications, and relentless resilience, she rebuilt her strength from the inside out. Today, Shawntae blends personal experience with evidence-based methods to help others move pain-free, unlock performance, and create lasting change—no matter their starting point. With a sharp eye for biomechanics and movement quality, she is especially passionate about developing athletes—whether it’s helping youth build foundational strength, sharpening game-readiness, or guiding injured players back to peak form. Her coaching style emphasizes injury prevention, mental toughness, and building a body that performs under pressure. Currently, she serves as the JV Girls Basketball Head Coach at Tumwater High School and Head Coach for the South Sound Roots AAU Girls Program. She’s finishing her degree in Kinesiology and continues to deepen her knowledge with multiple specialty certifications. Outside of the gym, Shawntae’s creativity and curiosity shine through. Whether she’s dissecting basketball strategy, rollerblading around the rink, gaming to recharge, or journaling ideas for her next big project—her life reflects the same balance and energy she brings to every training session. Her mission is simple: to help you build a body and mindset that will help excel you forward and work for your life —not against it!

Volleyball Specialist

A product of Tumwater Volleyball and a Division I standout at Gonzaga, Kennedy Croft brings elite playing experience, competitive fire, and a deep love for the game to every session. Her journey from athlete to coach gives her a unique ability to relate, inspire, and lead.

At The Lab, Kennedy creates a high-energy, high-accountability environment where athletes are pushed to grow—not just in skill, but in confidence, mindset, and leadership. She coaches with intention, demands excellence, and believes in doing things the right way—with discipline, connection, and belief.

Volleyball Specialist

With decades of coaching experience and a legacy of competitive success, Tana Otton brings unmatched wisdom, clarity, and heart to every athlete she works with. As one of Washington’s most respected high school volleyball coaches, she’s led teams to state titles and helped shape generations of leaders - on and off the court.

At The Lab, Tana blends technical precision with real-life mentorship. Her ability to connect, challenge, and elevate athletes sets a powerful standard. She teaches the game the right way - with fundamentals, intensity, and joy.

Baseball Specialist

Donnie Marbut is a nationally recognized leader in baseball and performance mindset with over two decades of experience as a coach, mentor, and motivator. A former collegiate and professional player, Donnie’s coaching journey includes a standout tenure as Head Baseball Coach at Washington State University, where he became one of the winningest coaches in program history and was known for building high-character teams with a relentless competitive edge.

A Portland State University alum and former professional infielder, Donnie transitioned seamlessly into coaching, earning accolades for his ability to develop both elite athletes and strong team cultures. His approach blends traditional grit with modern leadership—emphasizing discipline, self-awareness, and mental toughness as cornerstones of success on and off the field.

Now a full-time mindset coach and speaker, Donnie works with athletes, coaches, and organizations to build clarity, confidence, and composure under pressure. Whether he's developing young talent, consulting with programs, or leading workshops on leadership and resilience, Donnie is committed to helping people perform at their highest level—with purpose, passion, and presence.

Basketball Specialist

Dom Hunter is a nationally respected player development coach, leadership mentor, and culture-builder with a passion for elevating student-athletes both on and off the court. A former professional and NCAA athlete turned full-time performance coach, Dom brings over a decade of experience developing elite talent, building winning programs, and guiding athletes to the next level.

As the Founder and CEO of RIS3 Athletic Academy, Dom has trained hundreds of athletes across the country—many of whom have gone on to compete at NCAA Division I and II programs. His resume includes a Washington 2A State Championship with Ellensburg High School Girls (26–0), development director roles for top high school programs, and international pro playing experience in Spain and Armenia.

Currently serving as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Tumwater High School, Dom specializes in technical development, basketball IQ, shooting systems, leadership training, and recruiting mentorship. His method blends precision skill work with strength, speed, and mindset integration—making him a trusted resource for athletes, coaches, and families across the region.

At The LAB, Dom leads basketball development with intention, energy, and a results-driven mindset—helping players transform potential into performance while building confidence that lasts well beyond the game.