Robert Valiente-Neighbours (he/him)

Lead Trainer and Founder

While most know what’s important to do to live in healthy ways, it’s often much harder in practice. I work with clients and students to grow adaptable skills to help them feel at home in their bodies throughout the variability that life brings. With the complexity and growing uncertainty of our lives, more and more we will be guided by questions - not answers. I curate practices, tools, and resources to help questions orient us. 

As the founder and lead trainer for Build Brave Training, my focus on skill and query approaches fitness, nutrition, rest, and ultimately our bodies with kindness. The skills developed are not about domination or control of our bodies, but rather working with our body to invite change. My coaching approach integrates my diverse experiences in related roles: a physical therapist aide, assistant to adults with disabilities, career coach, health equity center coordinator, and adjunct professor of movement and wellness. My work as a whole is shaped by ecological dynamics, liberation theology, and Quakerism (Religious Society of Friends). Additionally, I am held together by community, Hardcore Music, and Breaking. And I am especially indebted to the movement work of Chip Conrad, Tim Anderson, Dan John, B-Boy Dyno Rock, and the team at Emergence and all the researchers doing work on ecological dynamics.

I have an MA in Peace & Justice and hold the following certifications:

• Original Strength Pro Coach

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer

• Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification