A bit about me...

My name is Terrence Griffin Gordon, but those who know me best simply call me “T”…Coach T for the kids. I was born in Seattle, WA but grew up in Denver, CO graduating from George Washington HS in ‘01, after which I earned an undergrad and graduates degree from the U. of Denver (‘05 & ‘07). Fortunately, I was able to play basketball abroad and most recently I worked for an online startup in Puerto Rico. I have recently moved to Long Beach, CA and am loving life here in SoCal! Throughout all of my travels and experiences two things have remained constants; my passion for working with youth and my dedication to health and wellness. A sense of community service and connectedness was instilled in me early on thanks to my parents, and a healthy lifestyle is something that has always been apart of my makeup thanks to my vegan mother. I am a veteran of both Denver and Aurora public schools, and spent time with DSST as well. My background includes various roles with youth from a program coordinator with nonprofits, to a “coach” in youth corrections, and even a dean of students. Once I was moved to combine my passions True Gradual Growth was born. I recently achieved my Youth Exercise Specialization certification via the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), my Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and lastly my Plant-Based Sports Nutrition certification from Human Kinetics which is based in Illinois.

You’ve probably noticed my initials, TGG, throughout the site. This is a deliberate way to pay homage and respect to those who have paved the way for me to pursue my dreams and fulfill my purpose. Terrence, means “tender and gracious” and was given to me by my mother…yes I’m a mama’s boy! Griffin, is my mother’s maiden name and a “Grif(f)/Griffe” was the label used during the trans-Atlantic slave trade to categorize individuals believed to contain three-fourths African blood. Lastly, Gordon is of Scottish ancestry and means, “one who lived in a three-cornered hill”. This is obviously my father’s last name and if you see my face you’re looking at him as well!

I am definitely a BFG (who remembers that book?!) who has an appreciative mindset and is always in a good mood. Outside of work I enjoy staying fit via yoga, kettlebells, and bodyweight workouts. I’m usually spending time outdoors or with friends, I love to travel and learn about different cultures, reading is also a passion of mine, and I’m never too busy for the people I care about. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about me :)