Tristan Winters, founder of The Daily Pursuit

About

Andrew Arredondo

Owner / Head Fitness Coach

Fueled by a deep belief that health and fitness are essential to living a fulfilled life, Andrew has dedicated the past 17 years to helping others become the best version of themselves — both in and out of the gym.
Throughout his career, Andrew has coached individuals of all ages and fitness levels. His personalized approach, attention to detail, and ability to meet people where they are — regardless of goals or limitations — has helped countless clients break barriers and achieve lasting results.

In 2013, Andrew brought his vision to life by opening FIT Brea, a training facility rooted in community, accountability, and a shared commitment to personal growth. His goal was never to simply create a place to work out — but to build a culture where people are inspired, motivated, and empowered to live the FIT lifestyle.

Whether your goal is to move better, look better, feel better, or perform at your highest level, Andrew believes it all starts with the desire to change. Today, he continues to lead and grow FIT Brea alongside a team of passionate, purpose-driven coaches who share one mission: to positively impact and serve the people around them.

Education & Certs

B.S. Cal State University of Fullerton – Kinesiology
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
USAW Sports Performance Coach
Pain Free Performance Specialist (PFPS)
Lifelong Performance Specialist
BPTS Program Design Specialist
Crossfit Level-1
TRX Group Certified

About

Katie Zeidler

Facility Operations Manager

Katie gained much of her experience working with a variety of sports teams (football being her favorite). From athletes, to “Weekend Warriors” and everyone in between, her focus is to assist individuals with their recovery and performance.

She offerers a variety of recovery techniques such as: percussive massage, manual therapy massage, taping, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (rock blades) and cupping.

Education & Certs

M.S. Athletic Training – Azusa Pacific University

B.S. Applied Exercise Science – Azusa Pacific University

About

Stephen Gonzales

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Stephen moved to the area in 2021 to work on his Masters in Exercise Science at CSU Fullerton after having spent the past decade immersed deep in the Miami CrossFit scene. His time before in the military instilled in him a “love” for the toil and sweat of hard physical conditioning and he used that mindset in pursuit of additional sports such as obstacle course racing, bouldering, brazilian jiu jitsu and various other (not so smart) endurance activities.

Stephen firmly believes in the value of exercise not only as a means of improving physical health metrics, but also as a method to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Aside from the regulation of mood, he feels the ritual daily practice of training the body helps to mold and shape the mind towards a more disciplined, stronger state of being.

But all that aside, it’s also about having fun and the joy found in movement and gaining a better understanding and appreciation for our physical capabilities. Arguably the greatest part of training others is the look of accomplished surprise when they finally perform something they thought they would never be capable of performing and Stephen strives to help everyone he works with towards reaching that moment.

Education & Certs

MSC Exercise Science – Student (Strength & Conditioning) – CSU Fullerton
BS Exercise Science – CSU Sacramento
Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach – NSCA CSCS
Licensed Massage Therapist – CAMTC
Weightlifting Level 1 Coach – USAW
Certified Personal Trainer – NCSF
CrossFit Level 1
Crossfit Endurance
Crossfit Gymnastics
Crossfit Movement & Mobility

About

Matthew Iniquez

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Growing up, Matthew played a variety of sports, with football being his favorite. Strength training started as a way to get stronger alongside friends and teammates, and after his competitive sports years ended, it became a way to stay healthy, active, and capable.

Matthew knew he wanted a career centered around helping and teaching others. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton, specializing in Exercise Science and Strength & Conditioning.

Throughout his career, Matthew has worked with athletes across a variety of sports, including beach volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s water polo, swim and dive, and football.

Matthew believes that whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply looking to become stronger and healthier, the foundation is the same: training with intention and purpose. The methods may change from person to person, but the goal is always to help each individual improve their performance, build confidence, and become a better version of themselves.

Education & Certs

M.S. Kinesiology (Strength & Conditioning) – Cal State Fullerton
B.S. Kinesiology (Exercise Science) – Cal State Fullerton
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – NSCA

About

Phil Ojong

Performance Specialist

In his junior high years, Phil began his fitness journey as a mixed martial artist.
He quickly saw the benefits of an active lifestyle, and how vital a tool it was to give him the physical and mental fitness to endure the hardships, and uncertainties, of his years in high school – and beyond.

Upon graduation of high school, Phil pursued a career in fitness and sports performance – in hopes to help others experience the plethora of benefits that come from staying physically fit. With a passion to integrate faith and learning, Phil pursued this goal by graduating from Biola University with a B.S. in Kinesiology (Exercise Science). He is currently pursuing his M.S. in Strength and Conditioning from Cal State Fullerton.

Over the past decade, Phil has coached a variety of athletes such as youth soccer and basketball players. Over time, he developed a passion for training the general population. He realizes that in way or another, everyone is an athlete.
The daily stresses of life demand optimal fitness of the mind and body to thrive, and not merely survive.

Phil is driven to help everyone of all walks of life achieve optimal mental and physical fitness through the “FIT” lifestyle – he believes this to be necessary to optimize one’s quality of life, and general well-being.

Education & Certs

M.S. Cal State University of Fullerton – Kinesiology (Strength and Conditioning)
B.S. Biola University – Kinesiology (Exercise Science)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specials (CSCS-NSCA)

About

Krisa Ortiz

Fitness Coach

Having been involved in sports since the age of six, Krisa developed a passion for athletic pursuits, participating in tennis and volleyball. Throughout her athletic career, she consistently sought to master her skills, embracing the challenges of learning and refinement. Krisa’s involvement in organized sports continued through her first year of undergraduate studies.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Dominguez Hills, followed by a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Coaching from Concordia University, Irvine. Initially on a path to become an Athletic Trainer, her perspective shifted during an internship with a college football team. Observing that many injuries could be prevented through proper training, recovery, and mechanics ignited a keen interest in training and biomechanics. This led to opportunities working with the Men’s Baseball and Women’s Basketball teams, where her passion for sports performance flourished as she collaborated with strength and conditioning staff to enhance the athletes’ abilities.

Beyond coaching, she also serves as a college professor in the Kinesiology department at her Alma Mater, where she plays a vital role in shaping future educators in physical education. For the past eight years, she has worked as a coach with a diverse clientele of all ages. She has also worked with a variety of athletes of all levels. Krisa’s overarching passion lies in educating, equipping, and empowering all clients to reach their full potential in health, fitness and in life.

Education & Certs

M.S. Concordia University, Irvine- Exercise Science & Coaching
B.A. California State University, Dominguez Hills- Kinesiology
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
USAW L1 Weightlifting Coach
Behavior Change Specialist (BCS)
Youth Exercise Specialist (YES)

About

Alexis Seiler

Fitness Coach

Growing up, Alexis had big ambitions in the sports world, playing both soccer and basketball before two ACL tears ended her competitive career. Her injuries led her to spend several years in the weight room training alongside football, basketball, and volleyball athletes preparing for collegiate careers—where she also experienced the true pain of a Bulgarian split squat.

Her experience with injury inspired her education in neuropsychology, complemented by coursework in health and nutrition. During college, Alexis completed research focused on the mental aspects of sports performance, as well as managing injury and chronic pain across the lifespan.

Alexis believes in creating the healthiest version of yourself for the long term through movement, nutrition, recovery, and sustainable lifestyle habits. Her goal is to help people challenge themselves, build confidence, and create habits that allow them to stay active and healthy for years to come.

Although Alexis has a strong background in the weight room, she has also developed a love for endurance sports and programming. She hopes to complete triathlons, Ironmans, and ultra-endurance races around the world because she loves doing hard things—and eating plenty of food along the way.

Outside of the gym, Alexis loves sushi, her two cats Millie and Suni (ask her for pictures!), and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

Education & Certs

B.A. Psychology – Cal State Fullerton
NSCA Certified Personal Trainer

About

Erwin Mendoza

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Growing up in Chicago with strong Filipino roots, Erwin Mendoza learned early that three things mattered most: family, health, and the Chicago Bulls.

Blending those values, Erwin built a career in fitness and performance. He worked as a Physical Therapy Tech, Personal Trainer, and Sports Performance Coach throughout Chicago before moving to Southern California to deepen his expertise.

After earning his Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from California Baptist University, Erwin went on to coach collegiate athletes at UCLA and train high-profile clients in West Hollywood.

His mission is simple: to help people—regardless of their background—move better, feel better, and reach their full potential.

Today, Erwin brings his experience, education, and passion for performance to FIT Brea, empowering every member to discover what they’re truly capable of.

Education & Certs

M.S. in Exercise Science – California Baptist University
B.S. in Biology – University of Illinois Chicago
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – NSCA
Certified Powerlifting Coach – USA Powerlifting (USAPL)

About

Nick Papageorge

Fitness Coach

Growing up in Diamond Bar and La Habra, Nick was involved in sports from an early age, competing in football, baseball, wrestling, and track & field. He continued his athletic career at Whittier College, playing football and sprinting while earning his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Music.

After college, Nick found a natural next step in fitness and coaching. He became a certified personal trainer and began coaching high school sports, allowing him to continue doing what he enjoys most: helping people work toward goals they may not have believed were possible.

Having spent much of his life playing sports, Nick has also experienced his share of injuries, rehabilitation, and personal health challenges, including being diagnosed with seizures later in life. These experiences shaped his approach to coaching and taught him that fitness is a lifelong journey filled with both progress and setbacks. He believes everyone is capable of working toward meaningful goals, regardless of their starting point or the challenges they may face along the way.

With a background in corrective exercise and performance enhancement, Nick has worked with a wide range of clients from those returning to exercise after surgery or injury to athletes preparing for competition and everyone in between. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, he focuses on understanding each person’s needs and building a strong, sustainable foundation for long-term progress.

For Nick, working hard and having fun go hand in hand. He believes progress isn’t always measured by heavier weights, faster times, or a perfect workout. Sometimes, simply showing up and putting in the work is a win. His goal is for every client to leave feeling a little better than when they walked in, while continuing to learn, grow, and recognize what they’re capable of.

Education & Certs

B.A. Sociology & Music – Whittier College
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
AAAI Personal Fitness Instructor
AAAI Sports Nutrition Consultant
Barbell Rehab Method Certified

About

Heather Stear

Fitness Coach

Heather Stear’s goal is to provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to live a healthier lifestyle. Heather is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and living a healthy lifestyle. She knows firsthand how difficult it is to start exercising and eating healthy. Heather believes that nutrition and fitness play equally important roles in achieving optimal health. Through inspiration, encouragement and holding clients accountable, she has helped numerous people achieve their health & fitness goals.

Check out her website: Believe Personal Training

Education & Certs

NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Weight Loss Specialist
NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist
NASM Sports Nutrition Specialist
AFAA – Practical Yoga Instructor
AFAA – Yoga Essentials I & II
AFAA – Sunrise Yoga Certification
TRX Suspension & TRX Group Certification
TRX Sports Medicine Trainer
TRX RIP Trainer Certification

Meet Your Fitness Coaches

At FIT Brea, you’ll find some of the best fitness coaches, personal trainers, and fitness motivators in the Brea, CA area!

Andrew Arredondo

Owner / Head Fitness Coach

Katie Zeidler

Facility Operations Manager & Recovery Specialist

Stephan Gonzales, strength and conditioning coach

Stephen Gonzales

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Matthew Iniquez

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Phil Ojong

Performance Specialist

Krisa Ortiz

Fitness Coach

Alexis Seiler

Fitness Coach

Erwin Mendoza

Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Nick Papageorge

Fitness Coach

Heather Stear

Fitness Coach

Try FIT Brea

GET STARTED with a FREE Fitness Assessment - Includes a tour of the training facility, a consultation with one of our fitness coaches, body composition, and 1 FREE Group Training FIT Pass.

Schedule Your Assessment