OUR TEAM

Our Team: Committed to Making a Difference

Our team is made up of exceptional individuals who have chosen to make a positive impact by helping others. We pride ourselves on having some of the best in the industry. With our certified, activity-based trainers, you're in great hands. We guarantee that you won’t find a more dedicated, skilled, and passionate team. Together, we're here to help you achieve your goals.

We’re Here to Listen

At our center, recovery means more than movement — it means connection, care, and community.

Our Executive Director, Sandy Bridger, would love to hear from you about your journey, ideas, or ways to get involved.

Sandy Mera Bridger

Executive Director

Sandy Mera Bridger brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and volunteer coordination to her role as Executive Director of NextStep Raleigh. With a deep understanding of organizational structure and the unique needs of nonprofit teams, Sandy is focused on expanding the organization’s sponsor base and implementing a solid framework of policies and procedures to support sustainable growth.

Her background includes leadership roles with a wide range of community-focused organizations, including the Red Sword Guild of the American Cancer Society, the Raleigh Junior League, Broughton High School’s PTSA and Athletic Booster Club, and the Rex Healthcare Foundation. Throughout her service, she has successfully led fundraising campaigns, developed volunteer training programs, and strengthened community partnerships through hands-on engagement and thoughtful strategy.

Sandy is passionate about creating structure that empowers people—from volunteers and staff to sponsors and community members. Her leadership at NextStep Raleigh is rooted in collaboration, communication, and a commitment to meaningful, measurable impact

Jeramie Gray

Site Director

Jeramie Gray is a driven and accomplished fitness professional, hailing from Indiana, where he earned his degree in Exercise Science from Indiana State University. With a passion for sports and a knack for pushing boundaries, Jeramie excelled both on the track and on the football field, becoming a formidable force in athletics. His time as a student-athlete was marked by impressive achievements, including being a three-time 60-meter sprint champion, which showcased his dedication, speed, and competitive spirit.

Upon graduating, Jeramie channeled his expertise and enthusiasm for fitness into entrepreneurship, opening two personal training and fitness class facilities. Through these ventures, he has transformed his passion for exercise into a thriving career, helping individuals of all fitness levels achieve their health and wellness goals. Jeramie's enthusiasm for helping others led him into the Neuro Recovery field, helping those living with paralysis regain function and improve their quality of life.

Demonica Stanley

ACTIVITY BASED TRAINER

Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Demonica is a passionate fitness professional with a strong background in exercise science and sports performance. She graduated from Meredith College in 2019 with a degree in Exercise Science, concentrating in Health and Wellness. Driven to deepen her knowledge, Demonica earned her Master's degree in Exercise Science from Liberty University, with a concentration in Fitness and Performance.

As an athlete, Demonica excelled in Track & Field at Meredith College, setting multiple records and earning a conference championship title in Javelin with a conference record. Her competitive spirit and dedication to performance led her to return to her alma mater as an Assistant Coach for the Cross Country and Track & Field teams.

Her journey in health and wellness has been shaped by her personal experience with physical therapy due to athletic injuries, sparking her deep commitment to helping others achieve optimal health and fitness. With years of experience in training and coaching, Demonica brings a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on the importance of physical activity, rehabilitation, and overall well-being.

When she’s not coaching or training, Demonica enjoys photography, beach trips, attending concerts, and staying active with sports.

Sam Pasnon

ACTIVITY BASED TRAINER

Sam was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, and developed a deep passion for health and fitness from an early age. He attended Valdosta State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology. Sam is a certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and his educational journey has been complemented by hands-on experience in various settings.

While in school, Sam worked in a medical rehabilitation clinic, supervising medically cleared individuals as they navigated their exercise programs. This experience deepened his understanding of the importance of individualized exercise protocols, especially for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. During his final semester of undergrad, Sam interned at NextStep Raleigh, where he developed a strong passion for helping others through the principals of Activity Based Therapy. He officially joined the NextStep team in December 2020, where he continues to help individuals in their recovery,

Sam’s passion for exercise and training others comes from his personal journey of weight loss and the profound impact that exercise had on improving his own quality of life. Having seen firsthand how movement can transform physical and mental well-being, Sam is dedicated to helping others experience the same benefits and live healthier lives.

Oluwole “O” Thompson

ACTIVITY BASED TRAINER

O grew up in Raleigh North Carolina . In 2017, he earned a Bachelors degree in Exercise Sports Science from UNC Chapel Hill.

During his time at UNC Chapel Hill, O gained hands-on experience working as a strength and conditioning intern with the football team, volunteering as an assistant in the UNC Spine Center’s physical therapy department, and serving as a lab assistant in an exercise physiology lab. These experiences ignited his interest in rehabilitation and injury treatment, leading to a commitment to using that knowledge to help people recover, rebuild, and thrive.

 When not training clients, O stays active as a group fitness instructor and enjoys powerlifting, watching movies, following sports, and spending time outdoors.

Cade Williams

ACTIVITY BASED TRAIning Assistant

Cade was born and raised in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also serves in the Army National Guard, where he continues to develop leadership, discipline, and a passion for serving others.

With a strong interest in rehabilitation and training, Cade is especially dedicated to working with veterans to support their health and recovery. Growing up active in sports like soccer, basketball, and cross country, he has always valued movement, teamwork, and the role fitness plays in building resilience.

Outside of school and service, Cade volunteers with the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) in Carrboro, helping provide meals for those in need. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through soccer, pickleball, and basketball, as well as hiking and spending time outdoors.

Ethan Brown

ACTIVITY BASED TRAIner

Ethan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science, with minors in Biology and Chemistry, before completing a Master of Science in Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His academic background, combined with experience in fitness coaching, exercise programming, emergency medical services as a certified EMT, and graduate-level scientific research, has provided him with a strong foundation in human movement, health, and performance.

Ethan's interest in adaptive fitness and recovery began during his time at UNC through his volunteer work with Get Real & Heel, a program that supports cancer survivors through physical activity, education, and community engagement. That experience reinforced his belief in the transformative role exercise can play in improving quality of life. As a personal trainer, he worked with individuals across a wide range of fitness levels, helping them build strength, improve movement, and achieve meaningful personal goals.

His passion for using exercise as a tool for health, recovery, and independence ultimately led him to the field of neurological rehabilitation. Ethan is excited to be part of the team at NextStep Raleigh, where he looks forward to supporting clients as they work toward their recovery goals and discover new possibilities for progress.

Outside of work, Ethan enjoys CrossFit, staying active, and spending time with a good book. He is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a community that empowers individuals to build strength, confidence, and independence through recovery-focused exercise.