meet Our Team
RICK GARRIGAN | Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Rick is an expert in human movement, performance and holistic program design. He began Carbon Life from a dedication to helping people at all levels maximize their wellness, performance and quality of life. His clients range from injury rehabilitation to high performance athletes such as elite military, first responders and Olympians.
Rick’s drive for self improvement and his elevated standards of personal and professional excellence stem from his family, military service and personal experiences overcoming seemingly insurmountable physical injuries. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge combined with his integrity and generous nature that have positioned him as a leader in the field. Rick continues to train a small devoted following, mentor colleagues, lecture and consult on a wide variety of movement-focused and wellness projects both within the US and abroad.
CINDY GONZALEZ | Chief Operating Officer
Cindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in German Literature and Culture from UCLA. Her desire to help others started in high school where she held a key leadership position in the LAUSD Army JROTC and later in the Army ROTC at her alma mater. After suffering injuries that prevented her from continuing her military career, she achieved health and a new standard of performance through movement and personal development.
After several years of working for a successful insurance company, she decided to make a full transition into the fitness industry. Certified by NASM, she has passionately pursued continued education for human movement and performance ever since. Her client-centered approach meets people where they are, takes them beyond their perceived limitations and has developed a devoted following in Southern California.
TODD SMITH | Performance Coach
Todd Smith was born and raised in Long Island, NY. His love for athletics began in early childhood and only intensified in high school when he joined the football team. After finishing a successful college football career, Todd set out to redefine what athletics meant for him and the rest of his life. This got him started in his education on strength and performance.
Todd was mentored by US Olympic Lifters, Nationally recognized swimmers and many other professionals who shaped what the fitness industry looks like today. The mantra that he developed over time is simple and inspiring: everyone is an athlete. He trains others throughout the country at the elite senior instructor level. In addition to helping others on their fitness journey, he has also helped mentor other coaches and continues working to improve himself and update his knowledge of the health and fitness industry.
JULIET BARNES | Athletic Trainer
As an Athletic Trainer, Juliet has spent close to 20 years working for major sports associations including the USA Women’s Soccer Team and the WNBA – Chicago Sky Team.
Juliet has traveled to over 8 countries and 6 continents with the Women’s USA national Soccer Team and has worked with several high school and collegiate (Division 1, 2,3, and junior college) athletes. She is a certified Performance Enhancement specialist, skilled in manual therapy, IASTM-Graston Technique, and Decompression Technique/Cupping.
Most recently Juliet worked with the 7 time National Championship Women’s Lacrosse team at Northwestern University, and has supported these young women through 3 national titles.
A lifelong learner, Juliet stays up-to-date on the latest sports related injuries and technologies to better serve her clients.
Juliet is also a Board Member for the innovative multimedia “Through Her Eyes Project,” profiling girls and women in developing countries who play sports. She is committed to promoting the value of what it means to work for something greater than herself on a daily basis
TRACY GARRIGAN | Director of Lifestyle Education
Tracy is a passionate advocate for holistic nutrition and promotes balance between the emotional, mental and physical disciplines. She brings whole food nutrition and lifestyle education into private homes as well as Functional Medicine and Integrative Wellness Centers across the U.S. Having overcome a health crisis of her own, she draws upon a unique combination of skills, knowledge and experience to help people make changes to their diet and lifestyle that are easy, enjoyable and sustainable.
Tracy has studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching methods for behavior change with some of the world’s top health and wellness experts. Her advanced education also includes a wide variety of related disciplines such as positive psychology and Zen meditation. Fueled by her dedication to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities, Tracy frequently consults on various other nutrition & lifestyle education projects that support and develop like-minded professionals.
CASEY ARNOLD | Nutrition Coach
Casey Arnold has over 10 years of experience in fitness industry as a coach, trainer, and educator. Sports performance and weight loss have long been her areas of expertise. She has worked with amateur, collegiate and professional athletes throughout the United States, but also have a thriving practice in helping regular people lose weight and maintain healthier lifestyles. From Colorado originally, she attended the University of Kansas and now make Southern California her home.
Her mission is simple. To educate and inspire as many people as she can about the healthy and sustainable ways to owning your nutrition. Finding the 'missing piece' with every individual or group I work with is essential to helping them reach their goals and I strongly believe that success lies within education, dedication, discipline, and commitment.
She holds a number of nutrition certifications and mentorships under her education umbrella from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Precision Nutrition, Primal Blueprint Expert and many others. Casey strives daily to learn as much as she can in order to be the greatest advocate you need.