• Bachelor’s in Neuroscience – Arizona State University (Dec 2022)
• NASM- Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM- Virtual Coaching Specialist
• NASM- Mental Toughness
• NASM- Emotions in Motion: Exercise as an Anxiety Intervention
• Precision Nutrition- Nutrition Coaching Level 1

Sam Ellender is an Arizona native who moved to Colorado in 2017 without any prior travel experience to the area. Newly married, she lives with her spouse, two cats, and a cattle dog. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trail running, and traveling.

At the age of 13, Sam suffered a knee injury that limited her athletic abilities. However, this event sparked an interest in athletic training and physical therapy. Sam initially pursued athletic training during her undergraduate degree but had to take an 8-year break from her schooling due to health issues.

In 2017, after suffering from symptoms for over 15 years, Sam was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Despite the diagnosis, her symptoms remained unresolved for two years until she sought healthcare to manage POTS through DSP. This resulted in Sam regaining her quality of life. She subsequently re-enrolled in school and graduated with a Bachelor’s in neuroscience in December 2022.

In 2019, Sam became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with the goal of conditioning hikers to climb more mountain peaks. She now works with a diverse group of clients, including those with complex chronic illnesses, post-surgical rehabilitation, prehab, athletic performance, and more.

In 2022, Sam hosted the first annual POTS In Pants 5k Race, raising over $2000 for Standing Up to POTS, a non-profit organization advocating for POTS patients and funding research.

Currently, Sam works as a personal trainer and Rehabilitation Technician for DSP. She is also studying for medical school admission testing with the intention of becoming a doctor specializing in treating dysautonomia patients. Additionally, Sam is part of the sideline medical team for the Alpenglow through DSP.