Penthea Crozier [MA, MSc, MBA]
Chief Executive Officer

Penthea combines an academic background in biological anthropology, exercise and sports science and business administration together with eighteen years of experience in the fitness profession as an instructor, personal trainer, gym manager and international presenter, plus a love of outdoor activities and multisports.

Tristan Loo
Operations Manager

Tristan competed as a NCAA scholarship gymnast for UCSB, leading the UCSB team to win the USA National Collegiate Championship title for two consecutive years. After graduating with a B.A. in Legal Studies and a B.S. in Psychology, Tristan went on to attend the California Law Enforcement Training Center where he obtained his P.O.S.T. certification and thereafter served a five-year tour of duty as a police officer, specializing in crisis intervention. His ongoing passion for fitness, health, and personal development brought him to the C.H.E.K Institute where he currently serves as the Operations Manager, while pursuing a doctoral degree in performance psychology. Tristan holds certifications in conflict management, crisis negotiations, and civil mediation. Tristan is the author of, Street Negotiation--How To Resolve Any Conflict Anytime, Living Your Purpose
—Discover Your Path to Everlasting Success, as well as the Founder and Publisher of Self Improvement Magazine.

John O’Brien [BS]
Director of Education

A native Kansan, John was a collegiate student athlete with the Kansas State University Football Program as a Defensive Back from 1994-1995. As a Wildcat, he had the pleasure of participating in the 1994 Jeep/Eagle Aloha Bowl and the 1995 Plymouth Holiday Bowl. In 1996, John was a student assistant coach during the spring football season with the PowerCat Strength and Conditioning Program. Before leaving Kansas State University, John earned a BS in both Kinesiology and Psychology. Shortly after leaving Manhattan, KS., he moved to San Diego where he was recently the Athletic Supervisor for the highly anticipated Kroc Center; directing their Fitness Center, Group Exercise Classes, Adult and Youth Sport Programs. In his free time John enjoys following U.S. politics, engaging in outdoor activities, participating in sports and, of course, watching football.

Derek Gates [BS]
Director of Sales and Marketing

Originally from New York, Derek has been with the Institute since early in 2008. Throughout his career, Derek has managed to enjoy an array of different experiences through his love for travel, sport, music, friends and family. Derek earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport in International Marketing and is thrilled to be apart of the C.H.E.K Institute team. In his free time, Derek enjoys being active in his community and spending time at the beach.

Joling Lee [BA]
Artist

Joling’s affinity for art began in her early childhood and continues through today. Ms. Lee has created professional illustrative art for more than twelve years and has enhanced her computer graphic skills by attending advanced courses at Palomar College. Joling graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz receiving her B.A. with a major in East Asian Studies. After gaining even further hands on experience working in an art store, Joling joined the C.H.E.K Institute and has been developing illustrations for each new endeavor.

Ruth McKown [BA]
Education Assistant

Ruth received her Bachelor’s Degree from Humboldt State University in the field of Botany. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our Education Department with her experience as a former art director and school teacher. Ruth is an avid runner and has participated in numerous marathons, including the Camp Pendleton Mud Run. Ruth’s next goal is to climb Mount Whitney. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys quilting, teaching quilting classes, and volunteering for the Rolling Reader Program.

Mandy Love [CHEK HLC Level 1]
Events Coordinator

Originally from Montana, the beautiful beaches and warm Southern California weather brought Mandy here to San Diego County where she now lives. Mandy brings to the C.H.E.K Institute over ten years of retail management experience and customer support expertise. Aside from her duties here at the Institute, Mandy is an avid fitness enthusiast. She loves traveling and is devoted to her son.

Ninette Sanders
Controller

Ninette comes to the C.H.E.K Institute with a diverse range of skills. She has twelve years of experience in the accounting industry and has also been actively involved in holistic health for the past fifteen years. Ninette is currently attending the Body Mind College of San Diego and has completed the Massage Therapist Program. She is currently pursuing her certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner.

Drew Danforth
Director of Shipping and Procurement

Lamont Mullen
Educational Assistant