AZURE WELLNESS COLLECTIVE delivers expert-led, personalized care that blends movement, recovery, and holistic health—helping you move better and thrive every day.
Our Team
Eric DePaula - Holistic Health & Performance Coach
Growing up in Northern California, Eric dedicated his youth to athletics, quickly discovering that strength training, recovery, and a commitment to health were key to peak performance. This passion laid the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of wellness and performance optimization.
At 22, Eric opened his first functional fitness gym in Solana Beach, CA, where he trained clients for over 11 years. Today, he continues to work with individuals and small groups, crafting customized training and nutrition programs tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. His approach goes beyond fitness—evaluating the body holistically and empowering clients with the tools, education, and strategies for sustainable success.
As a licensed C.H.E.K. (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) professional, Eric integrates in-depth assessments to uncover the root causes of his clients’ physical and health challenges. He believes we all possess the innate capacity to heal and thrive—and is committed to being a supportive, knowledgeable guide on that journey.
Ollie Rix combines expert injury rehabilitation, manual therapy, and performance training into one seamless, personalized experience. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a Master’s in Strength & Conditioning and a background in Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation, Ollie supports clients through every phase of their movement journey—from pain relief to peak performance.
With experience ranging from international athletes to active adults, his approach is grounded in thoughtful assessment, active listening, and education-driven empowerment. He blends sports medicine techniques with strength programming and recovery work to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay injury-free for the long haul.
Whether you’re coming back from injury or building toward your best, Ollie meets you where you are—with expertise, empathy, and a plan.
Ollie Rix - MSc, CSCS, CMT
Dr. Andrew Hammond is a physical therapist who helps people with pain do more of what they love to do. He has participated in the highest levels of clinical training for physical therapists in the U.S. and integrates modern pain science with psychologically-informed methods and Eastern philosophy.
Andrew’s approach is shaped by his own experience with low back pain and a diverse educational background. He believes in the body’s natural capacity to heal and aims to empower patients with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their health independently.
He works collaboratively with patients to understand their condition, identify key contributing factors, and address them through a personalized, multi-faceted approach.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys time with his wife, Alyssa, and their dog, Magnolia. He also enjoys spending time surfing, reading, playing pickleball, and fostering rescue dogs from Tijuana.
Dr. Andrew Hammond - DPT, OCS
With over 16 years of professional experience—and more than 27 years immersed in fitness—Chris blends science, coaching, and care to help clients move better, get stronger, and feel their best at any age. A Hofstra University graduate with certifications in ACE Personal Training, PPSC Level 2, Yoga, Zumba, and CPR/AED, Chris specializes in beginner fitness, active aging, athletic performance, injury prevention, and jump rope coaching.
His philosophy? “There is no ‘ALL SET’.” Chris is constantly learning, evolving, and refining his craft—and brings that energy to every session. Whether you're starting your journey or returning after injury, Chris meets you with personalized support, smart training, and contagious positivity.
Chris Dugan - BA, CPT
Natalie Lopez is a dedicated massage therapist specializing in optimizing movement and reducing restrictions to help athletes and active individuals perform at their best—free from pain and limitations.
With a compassionate and client-centered approach, she provides pre- and post-workout recovery, active stretching, deep tissue therapy, and rehabilitation-focused bodywork, all while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
Whether you're aiming to prevent injuries, accelerate recovery, or enhance mobility, Natalie is committed to supporting your journey with expert hands and a personalized touch, so you can move, train, and live without discomfort.
Natalie Lopez - CMT
Michelle Vlahakis - Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM®), C.SMA
With a foundation in elite athletics and neuroscience, Michelle Vlahakis brings a powerful combination of clinical expertise and intuitive care to every treatment. As the founder of Armor Wellness, she specializes in Sports Medicine Acupuncture®, Dry Needling, and Microneedling, offering results-driven care for both performance recovery and skin rejuvenation.
Known for her thoughtful, whole-body approach, Michelle integrates advanced techniques like myofascial release, cupping, e-stim, and corrective exercise to help clients relieve pain, move better, and function at their best. Her sessions are tailored, comprehensive, and rooted in both science and compassion.
Whether you’re overcoming injury, fine-tuning performance, or restoring skin vitality, Michelle is committed to helping you heal from the inside out—and stay well for the long run.
Victoria is a passionate strength and fitness coach with 15 years of experience in health and wellness. More than just a coach, she serves as a dedicated guide, helping others uncover their inner strength and achieve their wellness goals.
She deeply values the connections she builds and strives to be a supportive, positive force in the lives of those around her. To Victoria, the heart of any community is built on trust and authentic relationships.
Shaped by life’s challenges, Victoria views each setback as a stepping stone toward greater resilience. Her journey is one of rebuilding, embracing change, and thriving in the light of strength, knowledge, spirituality, and self-discovery. She invites others to join her on this empowering path.