Meet the Team
We have a talented team of experienced trainers and massage therapists.
Read below to learn more about their specialties and find the perfect fit for you.
Owner, Massage Therapist, Trainer
Clay Van Schoyck
Clay has lived in San Luis Obispo for over 30 years, and has been practicing massage therapy for almost 10 of them.
Empower Sports Massage was founded by Clay in 2017, and born out of a strong desire to serve and help others. After massage school the education continued with orthopedic, oncology, Active Release Technique, and Functional Training Systems certifications.
He is also a Strongfirst certified instructor.
His goal being to provide safe, and effective bodywork / training for every unique individual.
Owner, Pilates Instructor, Trainer
Casey Van Schoyck
Casey is originally from Lake Tahoe, CA.
After a year of study in New York City, Casey became a Body Arts and Science International (BASI) Pilates instructor. During this time she developed and managed the Pilates program for Align Brooklyn in Park Slope, and other studios. Additionally, she is certified with The Pink Ribbon Program; a Pilates based recovery program for breast cancer.
She is also certified in Z-Health Systems, Foundation Training, and Strongfirst. Ask Casey about her status as an 'Iron Maiden.'
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Massage Practitioner
Nathan Fairchild
Nathan grew up in the central valley, and spent 7 years in the Air Force. He has a passion for running, climbing, and backpacking. He finished his massage practitioner program in 2021, and will continue his education in the massage therapist program. He also will be continuing his clinical and sports massage training while apprenticing at Empower Movement + Massage.
His modalities include; deep tissue, sports massage, and stretching techniques. He's also currently in the process of completing his personal training certification.
Massage Practicioner
Bryn Cumberland
Bryn is a local who was born and raised in Arroyo Grande, CA.
His athletic abilities had him playing basketball for Hancock & Cuesta Colleges. Bryn later moved on to receive a B.A. in Communications at Channel Islands State University.
He is now shifting focus from communications to serving his community through massage therapy.
Bryn has completed his massage practitioner program, and on his way to the full hours required for the massage therapy licensure.
Massage Therapist
Emily Brown
Growing up on the central coast, Emily was always appreciated her beautiful surroundings and developed a love of all outdoor activities.
Emily has worked as a Physical Therapy Assistant for almost 15 years, and is a certified Polestar Pilates trainer. Her work experience is vast, covering everything from traumatic brain injuries rehabilitation to high level athletics.
Working in a rehabilitative setting, it was clear the positive impact manual/massage therapy had on her patients. Wanting to do more than scratch the surface, Emily returned to school for massage therapy to expand her
skillset and learn new techniques not normally found in a physical therapy
setting.