Our Team

A smiling man with crossed arms stands in a gym with fitness equipment in the background. There is a neon sign above him that reads 'S-Tar Strength'.

Josh Rodrigues, Owner & Trainer

Taking my first step into a gym at seventeen, I knew I’d found where I belonged. After earning my B.S. in Kinesiology from Cal State Monterey Bay, I began working as a personal trainer, learning how to build strength, improve movement, and design individualized programs that help people thrive.

With over five years of training experience and my own recovery from serious back and shoulder injuries, I understand how challenging pain can be, and how rewarding it feels to move past it. My philosophy is simple: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” in fitness. Every client deserves a program built around their goals, needs, and abilities. Working with me will guarantee 100% attention, focus, care, and discovery of your needs to build a healthier, happier version of yourself. 

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. Kinesiology, Cal State Monterey Bay

  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

  • CPR/AED

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care".

Woman with long wavy brown hair wearing a white tank top and smartwatch standing inside a gym with resistance machines, large windows, and a neon sign that says 'S:Tor Strength'.

Valeria Rodrigues, Owner & Trainer

My passion for fitness began in high school sports, but it truly grew when I realized I wanted to create a space that helps others feel stronger, physically and mentally. After earning my B.S. in Business Administration from Cal State Monterey Bay, I combined my background in business and my love for fitness to co-found S-Tier Strength with my husband, Josh.

I currently manage day-to-day operations and coach part-time while pursuing a Master’s in Kinesiology with a focus in Sports Management. This advanced study allows me to blend evidence-based training, leadership, and business strategy to create a space that empowers individuals of all backgrounds to become stronger and more confident. My approach to training is personal and inclusive helping clients find joy in movement while building strength and confidence that extends beyond the gym.

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. Business Administration, Cal State Monterey Bay

  • M.S. Kinesiology- Sport Management (in progress), San Jose State

  • ACSM

  • CPR/AED

*Hablo Español

Young man in a blue hoodie and black cap standing with arms crossed in a gym, with a neon sign reading 'Stronger' above him.

Manuel Estrada, Trainer

Fitness changed my life. As a child, I battled stage-3 bone cancer (Ewing’s sarcoma) that left me in a wheelchair for years and led to weight struggles. Overcoming that experience inspired my passion for health and movement, and eventually a career in helping others reclaim their strength.

Today, I’m a certified personal trainer with over three years of 1-on-1 and small-group coaching experience. I’m currently pursuing my B.S. in Exercise Science at Cal State Monterey Bay, where I continue to deepen my knowledge of performance and human movement. My goal is to help every client build muscle, lose weight, and move confidently in their body. 

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

  • B.S. Exercise Science (in progress), Cal State Monterey Bay

*Hablo Español

A woman smiling and flexing her arm in a gym with a neon sign above her that reads 'S. Tier Strength'.

Sahana Slack, Trainer

As a former collegiate soccer player with a background in molecular biology and chemistry, I’ve always been fascinated by how the body moves, and how science can make training smarter. My evidence-based approach focuses on movement quality, injury prevention, and strength that lasts.

I am the only ATG-certified coach in Monterey County who specializes in lower- and upper-body rehab, including knee, ankle, shoulder, and elbow health. My mission is to help every client move pain-free, build real strength from the ground up, and stay active for life, whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or someone just beginning your fitness journey.

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. Molecular Biology, Chemistry Minor, Cal State Monterey Bay

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer 

  • ATG L1

  • PSCC LPSC 

A smiling man with dark hair and beard standing in a gym with arms crossed. The gym has black walls, fitness equipment, and a neon sign that says 'S-Tar Strength' above him.

Zach Thomas, Trainer

I believe fitness should be accessible, empowering, and adaptable for everyone. With a focus on inclusive training, I design programs that help clients of all backgrounds and abilities improve strength, mobility, and confidence.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to elevate your performance, I’m here to guide you through every step. My coaching style blends empathy, education, and accountability, because real progress happens when you feel supported. 

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. Exercise Science, Cal State Monterey Bay

  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer