About Our Team at Performance Ranch

Lawrence Herrera is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and served as the New Mexico State Director from 2016 to 2022. Since 2003, he has helped thousands of recreational and professional athletes achieve their highest potential-always striving to serve others with excellence, integrity, and a Christ-centered heart. He has consulted for Nike, presented nationally for the NSCA, and was nominated for the 2017 World MMA Awards: Trainer of the Year. Lawrence holds a degree in Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico and has published articles in peer-reviewed journals. His expertise has been featured in Men’s Health, on multiple episodes of UFC Countdown and Road to the Octagon, and as a guest on several podcasts. He’s also a contributor to blogs focused on training endurance athletes, mountain bikers, and MMA/combat sport athletes. Links to these features can be found on the “As Seen in the Media” page. Lawrence is the founder of The Performance Ranch, a holistic fitness and performance facility in Albuquerque, NM, built from his passion to help others live stronger, more purposeful lives. His personal journey-including a life-changing car accident and a commitment to sobriety-led him to create a place where people could grow not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. He shares that story in his podcast, “Live Life Beyond the Gym Walls,” where he serves as host, diving into real conversations about faith, fitness, purpose, and overcoming adversity. Listen and subscribe here: Live Life Beyond the Gym Walls – Podcast Feed. Lawrence is also a public speaker, using his platform to inspire others through his personal story of overcoming a lifelong stutter. He believes that our greatest struggles can become our greatest strengths and is passionate about encouraging others to live life beyond the gym walls-mentally, physically, and spiritually. Outside of coaching, Lawrence enjoys spending time with his wife and three amazing daughters. Mountain biking is his passion and a way he lives life beyond the gym walls. He also volunteers with his church, Sagebrush, in the high school youth ministry, believing that giving back is what will help our future prosper. He lives by the belief that with God’s strength, we are all capable of transformation-and that true performance starts from within.

Mason is an active and enthusiastic trainer that was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Throughout his life, he has been athletic and thrived by living a physically active lifestyle. During his youth, Mason participated in various disciplines of competitive cycling which he thoroughly enjoyed. In addition, he was a member of his high school ice hockey team where he fell in love with skating as it was a new and exciting challenge. Both of these disciplines required countless hours of training and work that have ultimately set him up to understand strength and conditioning from an athlete’s perspective. In May of 2023, Mason graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and shortly after gained his ACSM CPT certification . He is extremely eager to work with clients who want to change their lives for the better. Mason believes that through systematic planning and guidance, he can set you up to make changes that will serve you far beyond the walls of the gym. Helping people be their best is what makes him “tick”, and he can’t wait to discuss what he can do to make you the best version of yourself.

Coach Amber has her Master of Science in Exercise & Sports Nutrition with her thesis completed on female athlete menstrual and sports nutrition knowledge. She has years of experience working as a nutritionist in a clinical, private, and sports setting. Her philosophy is to promote sustainability and independence within her client’s own nutrition choices. She encourages a diet full of whole, natural foods and believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dieting. She is also a new mom and wife to a professional athlete/personal guinea pig. She enjoys lifting, creating delicious and healthy recipes, and playing with her beautiful daughter.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Kevin Smith is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over six years of experience helping people move, feel, and perform at their best. While his background as a former college athlete gives him unique insight into high-level performance, Kevin is passionate about working with individuals of all ages and fitness levels-from athletes to everyday people looking to improve their strength, mobility, and overall well-being.

Originally from Albuquerque, Kevin has coached a diverse range of clients, including youth, collegiate athletes, working professionals, and active older adults. He believes in meeting people where they are and creating training programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to each person’s unique goals and needs. His approach focuses on proper movement, long-term sustainability, and building confidence through progress.

Kevin believes in creating a positive and focused training environment where individuals are challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their goals. He stays current with the latest research and methodologies to ensure his approach is evidence-based and effective.

Outside the gym, Kevin enjoys being outdoors, staying active, and spending time with his family.

As the Administrative Assistant and Client Success Manager at Performance Ranch, Ashley is committed to delivering a smooth and welcoming experience for all clients. She handles scheduling, client accounts, and documentation, ensuring that new members are properly set up for success. In addition to these responsibilities, she plays a role in the gym’s marketing efforts, contributing to strategies that help promote Performance Ranch and engage the local community. Often the first point of contact, her positive and energetic approach ensures clients feel supported from the moment they reach out.

Ashley’s interest in health and wellness was sparked during her high school studies in sports medicine, where she gained a deeper understanding of the human body. Now, at Performance Ranch, she’s expanding her knowledge of nutrition and fitness. She’s excited to continue growing her expertise while supporting the gym’s ongoing success. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, Ashley plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations for both clients and coaches.

Beyond the gym, she enjoys hitting the slopes at Sandia and Sipapu Ski Resorts. She’s a creative thinker who loves bringing fresh ideas to the table and helping foster a strong, supportive community. Passionate about growth-both personal and professional-she is committed to making every client’s experience a positive and successful one.

Mike Doran has a Master of Science in Dietetics, is a registered dietitian, and has been a certified strength and conditioning coach for over ten years, specializing in optimizing health and wellness all while maintaining quality of life. Working with clients of all ages and levels, Mike takes a modern approach to guide individuals toward their fitness and nutrition goals all while using objective data. By combining evidence-based nutrition practices with personalized strength training, Mike empowers his clients to achieve sustainable results outside the gym walls.