Meet your Instructors
Start Learning from the Experts Today
Emma Mattison
Emma Mattison is a NASM-certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Functional Aging Specialist with a passion for empowering fitness professionals. She is the founder of Emma Mattison Fitness, her personal online training business, as well as the Academy of Superior Online Coaching (ASOC) and Empower360, where she helps personal trainers build successful online businesses while integrating advanced performance tracking technologies.
With a strong background in exercise physiology, holistic health, and functional fitness, Emma has developed evidence-based training programs tailored to adults over 40, focusing on injury prevention and long-term well-being. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at William Paterson University of New Jersey. During her time at University of Arizona, she had the privilege of being an assistant professor for teaching leadership and success, as well as serving as a TA for Dr. Mary Irwin’s project SOAR—a higher education mentorship program aimed at providing educational and career mentorship for underprivileged minority students. Emma additionally holds credentials as a Biomechanics Specialist, Functional Aging Specialist (FAI), and Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM).
Emma has successfully built and led fitness businesses while educating aspiring trainers through her online coaching academy. Her expertise in exercise prescription, biomechanics, functional training, and business systems makes her a sought-after mentor for fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge and business success.
Emma is the lead instructor for our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, as well as our Ethical Sales for Personal Trainers course.
James Mattison
James Mattison is an expert in video production, editing, and content creation, specializing in high-quality educational materials for fitness professionals. As the Chief Videographer & Editor at the Academy of Superior Online Coaching (ASOC) and Emma Mattison Fitness, he plays a vital role in producing professional-grade training videos, social media content, and promotional materials.
With extensive experience in filming, lighting, sound design, and post-production, James has a keen eye for crafting engaging and visually compelling content. He is proficient in DaVinci Resolve Studio and has trained under industry professionals like cinematographer Steve Wright and Avai D’Amico.
Beyond video production, James has expertise in email marketing automation using ActiveCampaign and business formation strategies such as LLC creation and trademarking. His ability to combine creative storytelling with technical expertise ensures that ASOC's courses and fitness programs are delivered at the highest standard.
James is a lead instructor in our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, teaching email marketing automation as well as filming and editing basics for fitness professionals. James additionally is the lead instructor for ASOC’s Smartphone Filming & Editing Basics for Health & Fitness Professionals course.
Dr. Dan Ritchie
Dr. Dan Ritchie is a leader in the fitness industry, specializing in training and educating professionals on how to serve the aging population effectively. With a Ph.D. in Health Kinesiology from Purdue University and a minor in Gerontology, he brings extensive research expertise in functional aging and exercise interventions for older adults.
As the President of the Functional Aging Institute and Founder of Miracles Fitness, Dr. Ritchie has dedicated his career to developing evidence-based programs that enhance mobility, strength, and overall quality of life for aging populations. His work has been featured in leading industry publications, and he has presented at national and international conferences on fitness, strength training, and aging.
Dr. Ritchie is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an ACSM Health Fitness Specialist, with over two decades of experience in personal training, fitness education, and research. He has authored multiple studies and resources on functional training, and his passion for fitness innovation has earned him accolades such as Personal Fitness Professional Magazine’s Personal Trainer of the Year.
Dr. Ritchie is a guest professor in our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, teaching programming principles for training older adults and those with functional goals.
conor harris
Conor Harris is a highly experienced biomechanics specialist dedicated to improving movement quality, reducing injury risk, and enhancing athletic performance. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Oregon State University, Conor has worked with athletes of all levels, from youth to professional and Olympic competitors, as well as individuals with chronic pain.
As the Founder of Pinnacle Performance and Director of AIA Fit at Applied Integration Academy, Conor has developed cutting-edge methodologies that integrate Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) principles, corrective exercise strategies, and strength and conditioning protocols. His expertise includes injury rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and client assessment, helping clients achieve optimal movement efficiency and performance gains.
Conor has gained hands-on experience through roles at EXOS, Sandhills Sports Performance, and Oregon State University’s Strength and Conditioning program, where he worked with elite athletes, including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NCAA champions. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA), a Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM), and a Performance Specialist (EXOS).
Conor is a guest lecturer in our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, teaching programming principles for those with chronic pain and abnormal movement patterns.
Dr. Michael Figueroa
Dr. Michael A. Figueroa, Ed.D., CSCS, is a leading expert in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and applied biomechanics with over two decades of experience in research, teaching, and program development. He holds a Doctorate in Applied Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University, along with multiple degrees in exercise science and rehabilitation.
As a Full Professor and Graduate Program Director at William Paterson University, Dr. Figueroa has played a key role in shaping academic programs, mentoring students, and conducting groundbreaking research in human performance, cardiovascular physiology, and metabolic health. He has authored peer-reviewed studies, contributed to ACSM certification manuals, and served as a reviewer for industry-leading publications.
Beyond academia, Dr. Figueroa is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) and Certified Nutritionist (ISSA), specializing in functional training, rehabilitation, and sports performance. His work extends to clinical exercise physiology, advising on curriculum development, and consulting on exercise science programs nationwide.
Dr. Figueroa is a guest professor in our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, teaching programming principles for athletes.
kevin james
Kevin James, MBA, is an award-winning digital marketing strategist, SEO expert, and branding consultant with over 24 years of experience in web development, content marketing, and search engine optimization. Recognized among Clutch’s Top 1% Best Agencies in 2024, Kevin has helped global brands, Fortune 500 companies, and high-growth startups maximize their online presence and revenue through data-driven marketing strategies.
As a former SEO Manager and Digital Marketing Director for top-tier agencies, Kevin has led cross-functional teams of 4 to 12 professionals, managing multi-million-dollar ad campaigns and developing high-performing content strategies. He is a certified Google Analytics (GA4) expert, a HubSpot Inbound Marketing specialist, and an SEMrush Certified Technical SEO Specialist.
Beyond his industry work, Kevin is a passionate educator, having taught SEO and digital marketing at the University of Denver’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp. His expertise spans branding, web analytics, email automation, AI-powered chatbots, and conversion rate optimization, equipping businesses and entrepreneurs with cutting-edge strategies for success.
Kevin is a guest professor in our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, teaching sales principles for both paid marketing and organic advertising methods.
micheal davis
Micheal Davis is a web designer, content strategist, and creative director with extensive experience in UX design, website development, and brand strategy. As the Founder of Abackstory Media, he specializes in crafting high-quality, user-focused digital experiences that enhance brand identity and engagement.
With a background in global brand management at TikTok and WWE, Micheal has led large-scale website redesigns, content development projects, and digital marketing campaigns across multiple languages and international markets. His expertise includes responsive design, user interface (UI) optimization, and Google Analytics-driven insights to improve website performance and audience engagement.
Micheal is a guest lecturer in our Online Personal Training Specialist (OPTS™) Certificate course, teaching website design basics for personal trainers and fitness instructors. He has curated a custom template included in the course for our students, specifically for online personal trainers. Micheal also walks students through the basics of navigating the Wix website builder, for autonomy in their businesses.
core team
Address: 9630 South Quarter Horse Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85193
Email: contact@asoctrainer.com
Phone: (480) 269-0609
Email: contact@asoctrainer.com
Phone: (480) 269-0609
Copyright © 2025