Meet the API Team

Stephen Vaught, Founder & President

Stephen received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Virginia Tech where he served as a Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach. Stephen has over 10 years experience working with athletes of all ages and sports. Stephen is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise and a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute. Before founding API, Stephen served as the Fitness Director and Personal Training Coordinator at the Skyline Sport & Health Club (Falls Church, VA) and the Annapolis Athletic Club (Annapolis, MD). Stephen specializes in recognizing and treating muscular imbalances and the development of performance enhancement programs for football, lacrosse and baseball athletes.

Brian Bonn, Director of Strength and Conditioning

Brian received his Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Coaching from Frostburg State University. While at Frostburg State, Brian was a member of the cross country and track and field teams. Brian set two school records, the first being in the indoor 800 meter dash and the second in the indoor distance medley relay. Brian also received his Associates of Arts at Howard Community College where he was a Junior College All-American in the outdoor 1500 meter run. Brian is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as a Level One Certified Track and Field Coach through the USA Track and Field Association. Brian specializes in the development and coaching of speed and agility training programs for student athletes.

Kristen Jakubac, Director of Operations

Kristen received her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Towson University. A former intern with the U.S. Naval Academy Strength and Conditioning program, Kristen is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as a Level One Certified Track and Field Coach through the USA Track and Field Association. Kristen specializes in the development of training programs for endurance athletes including triathletes, runners, and cyclists. Kristen currently instructs and supervises the women's strength and conditioning programs.

Chris Tolzman, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

Chris received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Sport Science from East Carolina University. While at East Carolina, Chris was a student volunteer with the University's Strength and Conditioning staff. After graduating from ECU, Chris completed a 3-month internship at Philippi Sports Institute (PSI) in Las Vegas, Nevada. While at Philippi Sports Institute, Chris coached high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. After completing his internship with Philippi Sports Institute, Chris worked for the Detroit Tigers as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the West Michigan Whitecaps, a minor league affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chris is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Jeff Boteler, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Jeff received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Salisbury University where he was a two year starter at wide receiver for the football team. Jeff is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is currently pursuing a Masters in Exercise Science and Physical Education at McDaniel University.

Patti Kuhlman, Sports Nutritionist

Patti, a mother of four, received her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from West Chester University and her M.Ed. from Temple University. While at Temple, Patti completed a Graduate Assistantship in Nutrition Sciences. Patti is a Certified Sports Nutritionist through the National Society of Sports Nutrition and has over 18 years of experience working with athletes of all age groups and sports, police and fire professionals and recovering cardiac patients. Patti's sports background includes collegiate tennis and swimming, the women's national water polo team, road race nationals and Olympic trials.