Cass has been rocking out with POUND since late 2018, and believe it or not, it was the first fitness format she ever taught! What hooked her was the freedom: a room where she could be loud, a little wild, and completely herself, and still walk out feeling serene. Over time that release grew into something bigger, a gentler relationship with herself and permission to enjoy movement without chasing perfect.

A lifelong learner at heart, Cass brings that same openness to everything she does. In addition to being a POUND ICON, she coaches functional training and HYROX, and is loving being a CrossFit student. Teaching Pro Skills is what is brining her the most joy at the moment – the Pros teach her as much as she teaches them. 

Cass leads with heart, showing up for the Pros through intentional teaching and genuine support while growing right alongside them. Right now she’s channeling that same curiosity into breath work and mobility, always finding something new to learn so she can bring it back to the room.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” – Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

POUND Journey 🤘

What made you fall in love with it?

Striking my Ripstix makes me feel ragey and crazy, yet somehow, so serene. There’s something so euphoric about being able to let everything out in a judgment-free space, where I can feel everything without having to explain myself or hold anything back. Somewhere along the way, all these emotions taught me to be kinder to myself. POUND gave me the freedom to show up as I am, embrace every version of myself, and find joy in movement without feeling the need to be perfect.

Favorite POUND program/continuing edu to teach and why?

Pro Skills 💚 I’m always a big fan of lifelong learners, and being in THE ROOM WHERE IT (LEARNING) HAPPENS filled with Pros taking their knowledge & skills to the next level is nothing short of fulfilling. Also, I view these workshops as a two-way learning street because our Pros have so much valuable insights to offer stemming from their experiences whether they’re a newbie Pro or not.

Fitness Background 💪

How long have you been in the fitness industry?

If I remember correctly, I started teaching POUND officially in November or December 2018! (YES, POUND was my first fitness format)

What did/do you teach besides POUND?

Just wanna put it out there that I’m hoping to teach POUND ’til I’m old & gray haha Other than that, I currently teach functional training & HYROX, and I’m removing my “coach hat” and being a total student in CrossFit.

What’s something you believe every great instructor should focus on?

Curating student-centric experiences that go beyond ‘moving’ and ‘perfect cueing’ in class. Sometimes, it might help to ask ourselves before stepping onstage, “How do I make this class one of the best parts of their day?”

Your Community 🌍

What’s one way you’ve seen POUND impact your local Pros?

I’m sure this isn’t unique to Filipino Pros, but I’ve seen the POUND effect in how much our local Pros genuinely want to see our students shine, and how they carry that same warmth and encouragement to the people outside class.

Rapid Fire (short answers only!) 🎶

Coffee or tea?

Fun fact… I don’t drink coffee nor tea! Obsessed with iced chocolate though!

Salty or sweet?

Sweet like my personality haha!

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird (the tita in me can never be a night owl)

Favorite pre-class hype song (non-POUND)?

Currently? “From the Start” by Good Kid

Go-to post-class/training snack?

mango smoothie or watermelon juice

One word your participants use to describe you?

ENERGY

One word you’d use to describe yourself?

TEACHABLE

Personal Side 🤗

Something most people don’t know about you.

I have a Japanese second/middle name, but I’m 100% Filipino.

A quote, mantra, or phrase you live by.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand” from Randy Pausch’s speech/book, The Last Lecture

If you weren’t in fitness, what would you be doing?

Probably a lettering artist! I’ve dabbled with it before, and absolutely loved the practice. Maybe it’s time for me to get back on it again? 🤔

Looking Ahead 💚

What does being an ICON mean to you?

Being an ICON means loving what I do wholeheartedly & hoping to be a beacon of inspiration and instructor integrity through intentional teaching, genuine support, and simply showing up for our Pros in the best way I can. The role definitely comes with different expectations, and sometimes, I find myself wearing hats that go beyond our job description. But at the heart of it all, my passion fuels the work I put in for our Pro community & POUND Posse because being an ICON means leading with heart, being willing to grow alongside the people I support, and always finding ways to make a meaningful impact. 💚

What’s a skill you’re currently sharpening?

expanding my knowledge in the realm of breathwork & mobility