Dave Cecchini, Exercise Physiologist, ACSM Certified
David grew up with a love of exercise and fitness. He takes a holistic approach to exercise centralized around corrective exercises, functional strength, and balance. He believes that exercise in addition to being beneficial, can also be enjoyable. David enjoys getting to know people and designing exercise plans to uniquely fit each person’s needs and goals.
David attended Liberty University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science. He also is a Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM EP-C) through the American College of Sports Medicine. He has experience in physical therapy and formal training in working with special populations, strength and conditioning, weight loss, and general fitness. David and his wife both grew up in this area and now live in Blacksburg with their three young girls.
Ben Batman, NCSF Certified Trainer
Ben is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech with his Bachelors of Science in Clinical Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. Future plans include going to medical school to become a Primary Care Physician, tying in his knowledge and love of fitness and nutrition into his practice as a doctor. Ben lives by the phrase “control your exercise, nutrition, sleep, and chronic stress and you can mitigate many of the problems you would otherwise experience in life”.
Ben is a certified personal trainer through the NCSF with over 3 years experience as both a personal trainer and personal trainer supervisor for Virginia Tech Recreational Sports. He holds a host of other certifications such as USAW level 1, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and NCSF Low Back Disorders. Ben has experience in advanced calisthenics, weight loss, strength training and working with geriatric populations. His future challenges may include doing American Ninja Warrior while maintaining a fitness YouTube channel, Batman Fitness and Strength.
Luci Merlo, Massage Therapist
Luci is experienced in nursing and massage therapy for complex medical conditions, injury prevention, and wellness. Her technique includes Trager Movement, myofacial release, and manual lymph drainage. Luci teaches aquatic tai chi at Warmhearth and Christiansburg. She enjoys hiking and dancing in her free time.
Tony Dellorso II, Registered Dietitian
Tony is a RD that currently practices as a clinical dietitian at LewisGales Hospital Montgomery and LewisGale Hospital Alleghany providing Medical Nutrition Therapy for both inpatient and outpatients. He is originally from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, but has lived in the New River Valley for the past 17 years. Tony earned his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Radford University and completed his accredited supervised practice dietetic internship through Virginia Tech. He completed rotations covering acute care, diabetes counseling, and food service management. He is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and also a member of the state chapter and local southwest chapter of the academy.
I will provide you with strategies to help you live a healthy life. I can give you the counseling you need,
no matter if its Medical Nutrition Therapy for disease states or just for wellness, weight loss, or even
healthy weight gain. As a Registered Dietitian, I use evidence based practice and my philosophy is that
no food should be labeled as a “bad food”. I want to help you make food choices based on foods that
you enjoy. We can go over calorie and nutrient needs as well as strategies to push through barriers that
will help you live your best life.
Dr. Ethan Colliver, Clinical Director
Dr. Colliver is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician with fellowship training in Sports & Spine care. He has been in the NRV since 2009, his independent clinic, Valley Sports & Spine Clinic (VSSC), opened in 2011. At VSSC, Dr. Colliver treats patients with back and neck pain, muscle pain and injuries, joint problems, and nerve issues. They offer a variety of procedures including: functional exercise, epidural steroid injections, nerve conduction studies (EMG), diagnostic ultrasound, and regenerative medicine (PRP and stem cell therapies).
Dr. Colliver oversees the team at Valley Active, and meets once a week at a round table discussion to make sure each client is making significant progress towards their goals.