Schedule Your Game Planning Session
After 15 years in corporate marketing, business development, and global account management for regional and international electronic manufacturing service companies, I decided to make a bold pivot. While I had built a successful career in the business world, I knew I was meant to do something that aligned more deeply with my passion for people, performance, and potential.
As a former competitive soccer goalkeeper and coach, I’ve always thrived in environments where training, development, and purpose come together. I was also a client of ADAPT Training (since 2005) — and firsthand, I experienced the transformation that happens when a person is trained as a whole human, not just for their sport or injury.
That impact was so profound that I went through the ADAPT Certification and then opened my own ADAPT Performance facility on the island of Kaua‘i, where I spent nearly a decade training young athletes and adult clients alike through ADAPT’s game-changing methodology.
Eventually, those two seemingly divergent career paths — business leadership and physical performance — converged. I returned home to Oregon to become CEO of ADAPT Training, driven by a single mission: to bring ADAPT to the world.
Because we believe that everyone deserves the physical freedom to live their best, most active life — whether you’re a youth, recreational or elite athlete, a grandparent chasing your grandkids, or a professional navigating the demands of your career.
Everyday athletes. Competitive athletes. Ageless athletes. Even industrial and workplace athletes. At ADAPT, we train all of them — and it’s an honor to lead a team that helps people become who they were truly designed to be.
B.S. Business / Marketing & Psychology – George Fox University
Kandice Vinson is the Director of Therapy at ADAPT Training with more than 20 years of experience helping people move beyond pain and return to the active lives they love.
Originally from California, she earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and became a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in 2004.
After relocating to Portland in 2007, Kandice joined the ADAPT team—on her birthday, no less—and quickly found a community that aligned perfectly with her passion for movement, recovery, and long-term health. By 2010, she had stepped into the role of Director of Therapy, where she continues to lead with both expertise and empathy.
Kandice specializes in working with individuals experiencing neuromuscular conditions and injuries caused by trauma, illness, or disease. Her background in sports medicine and athletic training gives her a strong foundation in both orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. She thrives on helping people rebuild function, regain confidence, and rediscover the joy of movement—no matter where they’re starting from.
Her approach blends science and compassion, focusing on identifying the root causes of pain rather than just treating the symptoms. Kandice is deeply passionate about helping clients realize what their bodies are capable of, guiding them to achieve beyond what they ever thought possible. Watching someone take back control of their health and confidence is, to her, the most rewarding part of the job.
Outside ADAPT, Kandice loves spending time with her husband, Scott, and their two cats, Diego and Steve. When she’s not helping others move better, she’s often on the move herself—traveling to new cities to catch concerts or sporting events and discovering great local food along the way.
Originally from Central Point, Oregon, Courtney has been part of the ADAPT community for well over a decade. She first joined the team as an intern in 2009 and officially came on board in 2010. Over the years, her dedication, leadership, and passion for helping others move and feel their best led her to her current role as ADAPT’s Director of Training in 2020.
Courtney earned her degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Motor Behavior and a minor in Psychology from Pacific University, where she also played collegiate soccer. A lifelong athlete, she continues to compete in a Portland women’s soccer league—winning the Friendship Tournament in Las Vegas twice. She’s also an experienced endurance athlete, having completed the Portland Marathon, the Reach the Beach 100-mile bike ride, and more than eight Spartan Races, ranging from sprints to beasts.
Outside of training, Courtney has a deep love for the outdoors and adventure. She’s backpacked all 455 miles of the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail and enjoys spending time with her family hunting, fishing, and exploring nature. When she’s not on the trail or in the gym, you’ll often find her woodworking, wood burning, painting, or tending to her thriving vegetable garden—a true source of pride.
Courtney is also a certified Pre/Post Natal Exercise Specialist, helping clients train safely and effectively through all stages of life. She’s married to her amazing husband, Chris, and together they share their home with their sweet dog, Scout—a black lab and golden retriever mix who keeps them both active and smiling.
With over a decade of hands-on experience, Courtney continues to lead the ADAPT team with enthusiasm and purpose, inspiring both clients and coaches to realize their potential and live strong, active lives.
I once competed in a bodybuilding show!
Jessica holds a B.S. in Health Studies: Health Sciences with a Pre-Occupational Therapy focus from Portland State University. Her journey with ADAPT began in 2013, when she completed the ADAPT Internship—a defining experience that shaped her passion for functional movement and inspired her to pursue a career helping people move and live without pain.
Since then, she’s built an impressive career in personal training and group fitness, earning certifications in MOSSA Group Core and R30, as well as Tribe Fit, Life and Core—small group training formats that combine strength, performance, and community. With over a decade of coaching experience, she’s developed a deep understanding of how to connect with clients and meet them where they are in their fitness journey.
Before returning to ADAPT full-time, Jessica spent nearly six years in a traditional gym setting, where she refined her knowledge of strength training and learned how to apply the ADAPT philosophy in a variety of environments.
Now, as an ADAPT Advanced Specialist, she’s fulfilling her long-standing goal of working in a therapeutic space, guiding clients toward greater confidence, resilience, and the freedom to live an active life without limitations.
With a lifelong love for sports—soccer, basketball, baseball, track and field, swimming, snowboard racing, and tennis—Eric grew up passionate about movement and competition. That passion naturally evolved into a career in health and wellness.
While attending Oregon State University, Eric joined the men’s crew team as a coxswain, where his experience with high-level athletics deepened his interest in fitness, nutrition, and working with other student-athletes.
After graduating from OSU, he interned at ADAPT Training, where he not only learned how to apply his education but also experienced firsthand the physical transformation and performance gains that come from training in the ADAPT system.
That personal experience sparked a lasting commitment to helping others achieve the same results. This system can be applied to all humans—from the most traumatic of spinal cord injuries to professional athletes. As long as someone has a goal in mind, Eric will do whatever he can to structure their training plan and home routines to prepare their body to achieve beyond expectations.
Sheldon is a Pacific Northwest native, born across the Puget Sound from Seattle and raised in Boring, Oregon, just east of Portland. From an early age, sports became his outlet and foundation for growth. While soccer was his main focus, he also explored basketball, track & field, baseball, and even bowling—always driven by a love for movement and variety.
Outside of athletics, Sheldon developed leadership skills and a passion for service through the Boy Scouts of America, where he gained valuable experience in nature, first aid, and physical fitness. His dedication and perseverance led him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009.
In 2010, Sheldon enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman with aspirations in nursing and medicine. It was during his military service that he discovered his true passion for exercise and performance, using fitness as both a way to maintain Navy physical standards and a means of improving mental and physical health and well being.
While serving in the Navy, Sheldon discovered CrossFit and found himself in the best shape of his life. The challenge and variety of cross-training sparked a lifelong passion for functional fitness and athletic versatility. His goal became simple — to be capable of anything, anytime, and to experience life to the fullest through movement.
During his service, Sheldon also worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician, where he refined his focus and attention to detail —traits that continue to shape his coaching style today.
After five years of Navy life, Sheldon decided to pursue his passion for human performance by enrolling in the Exercise and Sport Science program at Concordia University in Portland. While completing his studies, he gained valuable experience working at a local fitness club as a sales director and got some hands-on coaching experience working with the Concordia throwing team and participated regularly with the Olympic weight lifting club.
After Interning at Adapt in 2019 Sheldon was hired as a Full time coach in 2021. Sheldon’s approach to fitness is built around movement that matters. As a Corrective Exercise Specialist, he focuses on helping people feel stronger, move better, and perform at their best—whether that means hiking a mountain, running a race, or just living without pain. His training combines kettlebell work, strength and mobility, and functional conditioning to build capable, resilient bodies for real life.
Born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, Lizzy has always loved staying active and playing sports. From soccer and softball to basketball—with a little casual gymnastics on the side—movement has always been a part of her life.
Her passion for training really took off in high school, when she discovered the impact of working out with purpose. That experience sparked a lifelong love for fitness and inspired her to help others find the same joy in training and movement.
Lizzy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Business Administration from George Fox University, where she also played four years of collegiate soccer and coached development league girls soccer. She first joined ADAPT as an intern before returning full-time after graduation—excited to continue learning, growing, and helping others reach their goals.
Now part of the ADAPT coaching team, she’s passionate about helping people move, perform, and feel their best—no matter where they are in their journey. She finds fulfillment in connecting with clients, building community, and watching people discover what they’re truly capable of.
Outside the gym, you’ll find her hiking big mountains, snowboarding in the winter, and chasing new adventures—her next big goal: learning to surf. She also has her sights set on completing a Hyrox competition by the time she’s 24.
Mary is the Lead Physical Therapist at ADAPT Training, where she helps clients bridge the gap between rehabilitation and an active lifestyle.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, she earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Pacific University’s School of Physical Therapy.
Before joining ADAPT in 2013, Mary spent 18 years in a traditional clinical setting. Over time, she realized her greatest passion was helping people move beyond recovery—empowering them to return to the activities they love with confidence and freedom.
At ADAPT, Mary takes pride in guiding clients to improve their functional movement, restore balance, and rediscover what their bodies are capable of. Her approach blends clinical expertise with empathy, creating an environment where each person feels supported and inspired to keep progressing.
Outside of the clinic, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horse, and taking her dog on adventures. When she’s not outdoors, you might find her out country dancing or enjoying a quiet moment with friends and family.
Megan practically grew up inside the walls of ADAPT. From a young age, she was surrounded by the energy, community, and purpose that define this place—long before she officially joined the team. What began as a front desk role in high school eventually evolved into a full-time career helping share the ADAPT Way with others.
After studying Marketing at Oregon State University, Megan returned to ADAPT to combine her love for people and her passion for storytelling. While at Oregon State, she served as a student manager for the university’s volleyball program—an experience that strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her appreciation for teamwork and communication.
Today, she plays a key role on ADAPT’s Marketing and Client Experience team, ensuring every interaction—online and in person—reflects the same care, connection, and excellence that define the ADAPT culture.
Outside of ADAPT, Megan continues her involvement in athletics as the head coach of the 15 National Team for NPJ Volleyball Club in Portland. Whether she’s on the court or in the gym, she’s driven by one goal: helping others grow, thrive, and realize what’s possible when they’re supported by the right team and environment.
As founder and innovator of the ADAPT Training System back in 1999, Cassidy has spent the past two decades building the systems, facility and team to reshape the goals of aspiring athletes and revitalize the active lifestyles of adults and children from all walks of life. Brian currently serves as Technical Advisor to the ADAPT Training team providing ongoing education, system implementation guidance and product and service development expertise. Additionally, Brian further serves the industry as a sought after expert and consultant in implementing the ADAPT philosophy and system into a range of applications, end uses and delivery models.
If the stars – and his body – had aligned differently, Brian Cassidy might have played a decade or more in the National Football League by now. His body could have been broken down by the violent football collisions, surgeries and interventions designed to keep an old pro on the field. He might have experienced the joy, and the pain, of competing at the highest level. But Brian Cassidy’s body was destined to go in a different direction. Forced to give up his own NFL dream, Cassidy turned his competitive energies toward helping thousands upon thousands more stay in the game.
As founder and innovator of the ADAPT Training system, Cassidy has spent the past decade reshaping the goals of aspiring athletes, and revitalizing the active lifestyles of adults and children from all walks of life. “Our principles are sound and they make sense to people,” Cassidy says of the techniques he began developing more than 2 decades ago. “Your body functions best when it’s aligned and balanced. Your muscles were designed to move in a certain way. Our training system is simple to grasp, but it can make a significant difference in people’s lives.” Cassidy’s motivation is simple, too. He built ADAPT to give athletes and people of all ages a better chance than he had to succeed in their chosen field of play.
Stanford University: 1989 – 1993
Although many years since he played his last football game, Cassidy still has dreams of what might have been. In the early 90s, his path to pro football seemed unstoppable. After an all-state career at Beaverton (Ore.) High School, Cassidy went to Stanford on a full scholarship. He was a three-year starter on Stanford’s offensive line. A tough and durable 315 pounds, he never missed a game. NFL scouts rated him #1 in the country at his position.
He was all set to graduate on time, and enter the NFL draft after his junior season, but everything changed on one meaningless play near the end of the year. Stanford was blowing out Washington State 42-7. Cassidy and his starting unit were already on the sidelines in the game’s final minutes. Stanford’s coach Bill Walsh, who won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers, sent Cassidy back in the game for one trick play. The Cardinal scored on the play, and Cassidy remained in for the routine extra point kick. “We’re up five touchdowns, but some guy came in trying to block the extra point” Cassidy says. “The play was over, and I was standing straight-legged with my hands up, and the player got deflected right into my knee. “I tore both my main ligaments-my ACL and MCL.” Cassidy snaps his fingers abruptly. “You could hear it pop.”
He didn’t know it at the time, but that popping sound would signal the end of his football career. It would also mark the beginning of a personal journey to discover how bodies should properly align to overcome injuries and function more efficiently.
Cassidy remained at Stanford, and tried to come back the following season. He followed the team’s aggressive rehabilitation program, including lifting weights and running. That’s when his back started hurting. It didn’t make sense when doctors told him a sore back was “normal.” He continued training through the pain, until one day at practice when he felt another pop-this time in his spine. He had a herniated disc. Knowing a second major surgery within a year would kill his NFL chances, he tried everything to heal his back without an operation. It only got worse. And then it got dangerous. “It got to the point where I couldn’t stand long enough to take a shower,” Cassidy recalls. “I was 95% paralyzed in my right leg, all because of my back, and all I could do was lay down and take heavy doses of pain killers just to get by.”
By the time he gave in to surgery, his torn disc had fused itself to the nerve. Doctors said he avoided paralysis by a matter of days. He’d been lucky, but Cassidy wasn’t satisfied. He still wanted to play football. What he needed was a new approach to rehabilitation. A training program that made sense and wouldn’t compound on his body’s past injuries. That’s when he met Pete Egoscue, a muscular training specialist based in San Diego.
“Pete looked at me and said, ‘Look at the angle of your hips, you haven’t rehabbed your knee. That’s putting your hips in a position to put all that pressure on your disc. That’s what caused your back problem.'”He was the first person who ever explained something that made sense. It all clicked from a mechanical standpoint.”
Cassidy moved to San Diego and trained full time with Egoscue. Doing exercises designed to properly strengthen and realign his body, Cassidy emerged as a leaner, stronger, faster athlete. He was running marathons. Playing rugby. And ready to take one more shot at pro football.He proved himself healthy at a series of tryouts, impressing NFL teams with his newfound mobility. “But once they got my medical records, and saw the delicate surgeries, from a liability standpoint, they couldn’t clear me to play. “The decision for me to never play again was made by lawyers and doctors.”
Cassidy, in the best shape of his life, was forced to retire in peak physical condition. “It’s like racing a race car for two or three years, and then building a better one, but never getting to drive it.”
Cassidy’s frustration fueled his work to build on the training methods he’d learned in San Diego. He worked under Egoscue for two years, refining the training model. In 1996, he brought his theories on athletic development and performance training back home to Oregon. He joined the Beaverton football coaching staff and began seeing results in the high school athletes he was working with. Injured players made remarkable recoveries, and smaller players showed more core strength than their bigger opponents.
Parents from other schools started knocking on Cassidy’s door, seeking better long-term training for their young athletes. “There are kids out there ending their athletic careers in high school because of injuries and improper training, year-round overuse. I know how to prevent that,” Cassidy says.
In 1999, he opened his first training facility, Function Dynamics. He expanded on his training methods, and developed programs based on his neurodevelopment studies while earning his Stanford degree. It became a place where clients of all ages would come when other doctors and therapists told them “no you can’t do that.”
Among them was a three-year old girl destined to wear braces on her internally rotated legs. “We designed games through play to activate her muscles, which helped the angle of her knees,” Cassidy remembers. “Within a week or two, her knees were straight. She didn’t need braces.”
A 99-year old woman came to see Cassidy when her doctor said she’d have to learn to live with back pain. “She told him, ‘My back didn’t hurt when I was 98, why should it hurt now?'” Cassidy laughs. “So we gave her some exercises to take the pressure off her back and she was good to go.”
The growing number of success stories led Cassidy to add physical therapy and training staff and move to a newly-designed ADAPT Training facility. His refined five-level training system forms the basis of all training and therapeutic services at ADAPT.
“We educate the people who come in,” Cassidy says. “We talk about structural positioning and how the muscles affect the joints. We show them what we’re trying accomplish.” And clients, he says, will listen, because they don’t come to follow along blindly. They come in to be involved in solutions to remove their aches and pains, while achieving greater performance.
“Our training makes a difference in people’s lives,” Cassidy says. “It means a lot when someone says to me, ‘You’ve completely changed the quality of my life. I can play with my kids now. I am back in the game.”
Cassidy remains a symbol for the power of ADAPT. His four knee surgeries and the back surgery are a distant memory. The pro football dream has been harder to forget. He has watched NFL linemen come and go, “Guys I used to beat in college,” knowing his training system would have made him a more durable, more successful, pro.
“If I would’ve trained back then like I train my athletes now, I would’ve never gotten hurt,” Cassidy says. “I train people back from ACL injuries now in two or three months, and they’re faster than ever. I rehab people now that have had worse initial back injuries than I had.”
“My whole motivation in building this training system is to make sure what happened to me never happens to someone else.”
The ADAPT Training team of Trainers, Performance Therapists and Practitioners continue to fulfill Cassidy’s vision and mission to help people from all walks of life unlock Physical Freedom to “get back in the game” and live life to its fullest.
