brian elser, general manager

Brian began his career with PHP in 2015. Prior to joining PHP he studied psychology at Manhanttanville College, while playing on the men’s hockey team.

Growing up in NY, he played hockey in high school, college, and at the minor league level. Upon the end of his hockey career, he was determined to stay involved with sport so he sought out an internship opportunity with Ben.

He has earned certifications in Functional Range Conditioning and Functional Range Assessment (FRC, FRA) As well as levels 1 & 2 of Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR), and the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI).

Brian serves as PHP’s General Manager, helping aid in staff development, client relations, and the gym’s day to day operations.

Ryan LaJeuness

Ryan joins the PHP team after working for 8 years as a Strength and Conditioning coach in St. Louis, MO. In STL Ryan worked with athletes ranging from professional to youth, as well as general population and special forces.

Ryan has a Poliquin Level 4 certification. Ryan brings experience and expertise to a very elite PHP Staff. He hopes to add to the wealth of knowledge and help assist all members achieve their goals. 

Troy Kulasekere

Troy grew up in Calgary, Canada. He spent his adolescence with as a well rounded athlete, with a specific focus on basketball. After high school, Troy spent 10 years competing in Muay Thai and kickboxing, which led to his passion for strength and conditioning. Troy moved to Toronto in 2017 where he interned as a strength coach for the Bio-Steel off season camp, featuring several NHL and OHL players.

Troy has experience working with athletes in baseball, boxing, track, and hockey. He holds a bachelors degree, and his CSCS. Troy is joining the PHP team to participate in a training program to help further develop his skills and a strength coach.

BEN SILVERS

Ben joins the PHP team after spending the past few years growing hockey operations in the midwest specifically Illinois. Ben has received his Poliquin Level V certification after this most recent Winter Olympics as an athlete was part of the Silver Medal winning team in Ice Hockey. Ben comes with a background in collegiate sports, having both worked with, and participated in multiple sports at the collegiate level. Ben has an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Ben is certified in FRC, El Do a, and CSCS.

KEVIN COYLE

Kevin was born and raised in West Haven, CT. He has a bachelors degree in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College. During Kevin’s senior year of college, he received the opportunity for an internship in Denver, CO. The internship bred much success and turned into a full time strength coach position. In 2020, Kevin returned home to CT where he worked as a strength and conditioning coach for several hockey teams in the Northford area. Looking to take his career to the next level Kevin joins the PHP team carrying certifications from the NSCA, and USA Weightlifting.

Joe DeVITO

Born and raised in Stamford, CT, Joe has always been passionate about health and fitness. He grew up playing baseball and in high school instructed physical fitness classes in the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps).

Joe graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science in 2022. While in college, he worked at an athletic center and had an internship at a local CrossFit gym. He began an internship with Ben Prentiss in January of 2022 and is excited to learn and become a great coach. Joe is FRC and FRA certified. His goal is to help athletes become better, faster, and stronger.

ashley christie

Ashley graduated from Boston College with a B.A., and went on to further her knowledge with a master's degree in human nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT, one of a few institutions that offer a graduate program in the nutrition field. There she conducted research on the effects of trend diets and detox programs have on weight loss and chronic disease symptoms. In additional to her degree studies, Ashley has studied with some of the most popular and influential practitioners in integrative nutrition. 

With a special interest in gut-brain connections and gluten sensitivity she advocates the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet for athletes. A complement to athlete nutrition she is trained in blood chemistry analysis, thyroid dysfunction and food sensitivities. Since 2009 Ashley has been advising PHP athletes on diet and supplements. Enjoying a hands on approach, she has attended classes at the Institute of Culinary Education and the Natural Gourmet School in New York City and often works with clients in the kitchen.

HAMMER

Aug 23, 2010 - Dec 22, 2021

Hammer will forever be the PHP Mascot, he spent 11 memorable years providing customer care, facility surveillance, stealing lunches, and finding the best spots for sunbathing. It is our wish he changed a few people’s minds about breed discrimination.

Hammer challenged other athletes in the gym with his 42 inch vertical jump and 9 foot broad jump. 

Hammer - you are irreplaceable and will be forever missed.