Meet Our Team
Thomas E. Lenhart II
Tom Lenhart is the owner, operator, and Head Coach of Grindstone Athletics. A Virginia Beach native, he has been practicing Muay Thai and kickboxing for over eighteen years. Tom has been an instructor and coach for fifteen years and has lived and taught around the world. His travels have afforded him the privilege of teaching and connecting with people from all places, ages, and walks of life. His favorite part of teaching is watching people learn and make progress on their personal journey.
As a coach, Tom has led fighters and teams through a number of tournaments, smokers, scrimmage leagues, and sanctioned bouts. Watching his fighters grow, mature, and become better people has a special place in his heart.
Tom is also Grindstone’s Strength and Conditioning coach. He has done personal training in strength and conditioning for over twenty years and is a certified personal trainer through ACE and WITs. He is a firm believer and champion of the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. You will often hear him say “movement is medicine” alongside some encouragement to keep showing up and getting some healthy movement in at the gym.
Tom has competed and medaled in two Strongman competitions alongside a team of competitors from Grindstone. He loves weightlifting and Strongman because for him, “lifting heavy weights feels good”.
Lisa Cuellar
Lisa Cuellar is a combat sports powerhouse. She has been a Muay Thai and kickboxing practitioner for over twenty years. As an active fighter, Lisa was a Fight Team captain and multiple-time WKA medalist. Lisa has trained in Thailand as well as competed in multiple tournaments and single bouts.
Lisa has taught both youth and adult classes for over fifteen years. Her favorite part of teaching is when the “lightbulb” goes off and a student figures out a concept and gets excited about learning. She is “Big Mama” because she takes care of everybody. Everyone who knows Lisa knows love in the gym.
In addition to her acumen as a fighter, Lisa is a seasoned official in the combat sports world. She is a certified official in Boxing, Muay Thai, Bare Knuckle Boxing, and MMA.
Victor Diaz
Coach Diaz has been a proud coach and student of Muay Thai for sixteen years. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he was first introduced to Muay Thai watching the movies Bloodsport and Kickboxer. He had a desire to train, but there were no Muay Thai schools near where he lived. Living in Hampton Roads allowed him to pursue his passion under the direction of Greg Smith of Bushido MMA. Throughout his journey, Coach Diaz ventured to different gyms in the Hampton Roads area and eventually found his place at Grindstone. He cares for every member in the gym, saying that he learns from them as much as they learn from him. His passion for the sport and the energy he brings to his classes are unmatched.
Tai Pierce
Tai has been a Grindstone member and fight team member for two years. A Bronx native, Tai began his journey in karate and jiujitsu classes with his mother, Cheryl, when he was 19. Over time, his school modernized their classes, transitioning Kyokushin Karate into kickboxing classes. Tai continued his martial arts journey through kickboxing, and later found an interest and passion for the specifics of Western boxing. He now boasts a 4-2 amateur record with three wins by decision and one by knockout.
Tai’s favorite part of teaching is watching his students progress over time. He also enjoys helping students identify and learn from the same mistakes that he had when he was a beginner. He is an excellent motivator and team player.
Sarah Nalepa, PT, DPT
Sarah Nalepa is Grindstone’s in-house Physical Therapist. Sarah has been a physical therapist for eight years, receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Lynchburg. She took an interest in physical therapy after sustaining a multitude of injuries as an athlete in her youth. Her favorite part of her job is helping people get back to doing what they love to do in athletics, sports, and life.
Sarah continues to enjoy running competitively in local races, as well as biking and strength training to keep herself active and healthy.
Helena C. Wallis, NASM CPT
Helping others find inner joy and reach their goals through the gateway of fitness is my passion! I am a Certified Personal Trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Owner of LiFT by Helena - Personal Training & Fitness, Co-Owner of Kids & Teens Online Dance Academy, as well as, Bachata Vida Dance Company, and former basketball player.
I work with everyone from seniors to kids, specializing in moms, kids and teens, as well as dancers. Whether you are a beginner to fitness or an athlete, I will educate and assist you along your fitness journey. I use Functional Training, HIIT, Plyometrics, Metabolic Conditioning and other exercise methods to create challenging yet achievable, fun workouts to modern, upbeat music catered toward my clients needs and goals. Let’s work together and enjoy every step toward making your goals a reality!
