Our Trainers

• Matthew (Matt) Barber, B.S. ARC Lifeguard, NASM

  • After moving to the United States my love for physical activity and sports transformed into a passion for maintaining health and fitness through exercise and plant-based nutrition. And upon learning about the growing pervasiveness of “lifestyle diseases” this passion has now become a calling. A calling that I hope to pursue here at the Timpany center. Since I started working here, I have found a great community where I can share the knowledge I have accrued in my studies, as well as my experiences throughout my own fitness journey. Because of this focus, my ultimate goal as a trainer is to translate the work we do in the gym to all areas of your life. I want our work together to give you the physical capacity to be the best version of yourself for whatever goals you are pursuing in life, and to do it in a way that prioritizes quality of life.

Gold Trainers

• Stephen Richardson, B.S. / AEA Arthritis Program Leader, AEA Autism, BLS, ARC Lifeguard

  • My love for physical activity started at a young age. I was a kid that spent most of his time outside, playing sports or riding my bike. Sports was an outlet for me, physically and mentally. As I grew older and competitive sports became less of a prominent factor in my life, I realized that physical activity was still required for my health and wellness, even if my goals had changed. I pursued my education in Kinesiology to help understand all of the components in which exercise and fitness can improve our health and wellness. Now, I have the ability to share my passion with others, helping their health and fitness goals.

    I started my internship at the Timpany Center during the final year of my undergraduate degree at San Jose State University. I accepted the job offer to work at the Timpany Center upon the completion of my internship, in which I began teaching land and aqua fitness classes as well as working with individuals in personal training. I have volunteered working with San Jose State Athletic Performance as well, so my background of working with various populations is quite broad. I began my Master's Program at San Jose State University in the Fall of 2023.

• Dr. Nathan Perkins,  Ed.D.

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    Hello! My name is Nathan.

    I’m an adapted physical education instructor at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. I’ve taught several exercise classes involving cardiovascular and resistance training for individuals with physical disabilities of all ages and physical disabilities for the past 25 years. Also, I’m an online fitness instructor for the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP). My educational background includes receiving a master’s degree in Kinesiology, where I specialized in Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition from California State East Bay in 2001. In 2008, I received a doctoral degree in Education with an emphasis in Learning and Instruction from the University of San Francisco. In 2017, I received an inclusive fitness trainer certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Before beginning my career as an adapted fitness professional, I competed as a wheelchair athlete representing the United States in the discus and shot-put event(s) at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Also, I represented the United States in the discus and shot put at the 1994 IPC Athletics World Championships, now known as The World Para Athletics Championships, in Berlin, Germany. When I’m not working, I enjoy going to the beach, working out, listening to music, watching movies, and reading books.

    Throughout my career as an adapted physical education instructor, I've had the opportunity to teach several adapted physical activity classes for individuals with physical disabilities. One of my favorite specializations and interests is leading seated group physical activities. I emphasize increasing endurance, strength, and flexibility in my routine through seated upper-body exercises and stretching. I choose specific exercises targeting certain body areas, such as the shoulders, chest, back, abdominals, forearms, neck, and lower back. Sometimes, I modify some exercises and stretches to aid those who might struggle to do some movements. I always remind participants that I don't expect them to do everything I do, but I encourage them to do what they are comfortable doing. I often incorporate resistance bands, dumbbells, and PVC therapy canes to train participants. However, the weight of one's arm, leg, or body is sometimes sufficient in a training regime. I also like incorporating background music to make exercise fun and enjoyable for everyone.

• Carina Rodriguez-Tsai, M.S.

  • I am a graduate of San Jose State University. I obtained Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology focusing my work in Adapted Physical Activity. I returned to SJSU to achieve my Master's degree and due to my love for this field I decided to focus my research around aquatic physical activity. Developing a manual that reviewed research studies and detailed the most effective aquatic exercises.

    Certifications:

    EF Master Trainer
    ARC Lifeguard
    Matter of Balance
    Basic Life Support
    ARC Life Support

• Dr. Jennifer Schachner, Ed.D.

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    Working at the Timpany Center has been the hardest, but most rewarding job of my career. Watching others find success on their fitness and wellness journey motivates me to continue to work hard to enrich the lives of this community. I am proud and honored to be the Director of this unique and influential program

• Heidi Stewart, M.S. Exercise Physiology

  • I found Timpany center through a friend referral, as a young mother. I found it to be a great fit to get back into fitness instruction on a part time basis. Love the shared passion and caring that staff have, as well as serving populations that might otherwise not afford the high education level of instructors in both water and land fitness. I’ve been a personal and group fitness trainer for 20+ years, with a background in hip/knee/ankle specialty and cardiac rehab.