Who We Are

Casandra Strafer is the leading force behind Strength Training DC. She has been using the protocol taught here since 2007. Originally in love with the efficiency of the protocol, Casandra came to fully experience the life-changing benefits of proper strength training in 2012. Casandra was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, which took the life of her partner and the original owner, Dmitri Medvedev. Casandra was left with serious but not life-threatening injuries, including a whole host of orthopedic issues. Casandra set out to embark on a journey of healing and resilience through an outstanding support system and most importantly the Strength Training DC protocol. She has never once seen a physical therapist, and instead used proper strength training to rehabilitate her body. Through this intimate experience she is able to bring deep awareness and passion to what she does. Fully committed to helping others transform themselves through proper exercise-she is a walking example of the protocol used at Strength Training DC. Casandra has been training clients since 2013 and has overseen over 10,000 sessions. She is also nationally certified through the American Council on Exercise and the American Red Cross.

Amelia Ziegler, NASM Certified Trainer

Amelia has been a trusted part of the Strength Training DC team since 2019, when she began taking clients after completing an intensive onboarding in the Super Slow protocol. What began as her own discovery of strength training quickly grew into a professional commitment to helping others unlock strength, confidence, and longevity through evidence-based practice with over 7,000 sessions trained.

Clients value Amelia’s ability to meet them where they are — whether rebuilding after injury, working through corrective exercise needs, or striving for new strength milestones. With certifications in group and corrective exercise through NASM, a teaching background as a swim instructor, and studies in exercise behavior modification, she combines technical precision with thoughtful communication to help clients achieve their goals and build lasting confidence in their fitness journey.

Vanessa Olson, B.S. Kinesiology

Vanessa has been a key part of the Strength Training DC team since 2020, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to her coaching. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she grew up a gymnast until a back injury in high school shifted her path toward strength training and bodybuilding. Experiencing firsthand how resistance training could restore her body, Vanessa committed herself to helping others find the same empowerment through movement.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from George Mason University, she completed her apprenticeship and internship hours with Strength Training DC before officially joining the team. Today, in addition to her work as a trainer, Vanessa runs a gymnastics facility in Alexandria, where she shares her passion for movement and athletic development with youth athletes.

Clients appreciate Vanessa’s thoughtful, adaptable approach — she is especially skilled at making safe, effective modifications to meet clients where they are, regardless of injury history, physical condition, or fitness level. With over 3,000 sessions trained, her combination of technical knowledge and supportive coaching, she helps clients build strength, resilience, and confidence both inside and outside the studio.

Valeria Durand

“I became a personal trainer because fitness changed my life in ways I never expected. I started lifting when I was just 97 lbs, constantly struggling to gain weight and feeling like nothing I did made a difference. Weightlifting helped me build not just strength, but confidence, discipline, and a deep respect for what my body can do. Now, I get to help others tap into that same feeling — to watch someone go from doubting themselves to doing things they never thought possible is incredibly fulfilling. I love being part of that journey. I love pushing people, educating them, and showing them that fitness isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, resilience, and showing up for yourself. Seeing someone’s mindset shift, not just their body, is what keeps me passionate about what I do.”

Simone Davis, Facility Manager & Personal Trainer

Simone’s path into fitness began with her own transformation. After a knee injury sidelined her from running, she turned her focus to nutrition and lost more than 80 pounds. Her success sparked constant requests for advice, and she soon realized she wanted to dedicate her career to helping others achieve their goals.

Originally interested in becoming a dietitian, Simone found her calling in personal training — where she could combine her knowledge of nutrition with exercise to create sustainable, life-changing results. Her first position introduced her to strength training and the Super Slow method, which not only helped rehab her knee but also ignited a lasting passion for evidence-based training.

Since joining Strength Training DC in 2022, Simone has grown into her role as facility manager, where she is instrumental in both client relations and business operations. Over the course of her training career, she has led more than 13,000 sessions, bringing deep experience and consistency to every client interaction. Clients appreciate Simone’s ability to connect on a personal level while delivering thoughtful, individualized coaching. Her unique blend of empathy, technical expertise, and leadership continues to drive the studio forward and inspire clients to build healthier, stronger lives.