About
Our Gym

Whether you are newly cleared for fitness after your 6 week postpartum check up or finding time for yourself years later, I would love to help you get back to doing what you love! Every postpartum return to fitness is different and the community at Arsenal can guide you on that journey.

My Arsenal journey began in 2017 when I sat down with Brooks for my No-Sweat Intro. At the time, I had been ‘dormant’ regarding my fitness. So I asked him, “Can I do this?” And he answered without flinching, “Absolutely you can!” Six years later, after becoming a CF-L1 Trainer, I strive to provide that same level of confidence and motivation to everyone I coach. Having discovered my fitness passion later in life, I can appreciate the struggles and anxiety people have when they are first taking those steps to improve their health and wellness. Fostering a healthy mindset is crucial to achieving fitness goals. My focus is on motivating members to become 1% better each and every day. And despite how challenging the workout may be, we can always RX the positive attitude!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you’ve stumbled upon the bio of someone who’s been wrangling fitness enthusiasts at Arsenal for 7+ glorious years. My coaching philosophy is simple: if you’re not slightly terrified and thoroughly enjoying yourself, we’re doing it wrong. Prepare to sweat, laugh (possibly at my questionable jokes), and maybe even discover muscles you never knew existed.

Now, let’s talk about the real stuff. While I wholeheartedly support your quest for peak physical condition, let it be known that I operate under a strict “Return Your Weights Like You Mean It” policy. In my book, putting that dumbbell back where it belongs speaks volumes about your inner being. Forget your VO2 max; show me you can re-rack, and I’ll show you respect.

Consider this your fair warning: I’m all ears when it comes to your fitness aspirations, truly! However, your icebreaker game? That’s a whole different ballgame. Come at me with some tired “two truths and a lie,” and you might just find yourself doing burpees… for fun. (Just kidding… mostly.)

Finally, a little personal quirk to round things out. Despite dedicating a significant chunk of my life to the iron jungle, sculpting these (ahem) impressive biceps and chiseling this (also ahem) six-pack, you’ll still find me making waves at the pool like a fully clothed aquatic ninja. Don’t ask. It’s a comfort thing.
So, come join a class. Let’s get strong, have a blast, and maybe, just maybe, we can work on those icebreakers together. (Seriously, though, think of something good.)

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

I first joined Arsenal Strength after moving back home during the pandemic in 2020, thanks to a nudge from former coach, Shannon. What started as a casual drop-in turned into a daily, post-work ritual—Arsenal became my outlet, my community, and my happy place.

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I’ve mentored students in PA school and will now teach PA students at my full-time job in neurosurgery. That same passion naturally extended into fitness, and in 2024, I earned my CF-L1 certification to begin coaching. I love empowering members to push beyond their limits, try new movements, hit PRs, and build confidence outside of their comfort zones. There’s nothing better than watching someone crush a goal they’ve worked hard for.

If you drop into one of my classes, expect hype music (especially 2000s bangers), real-time videography (social media manager, here), individualized coaching cues, and PLENTY of reminders to engage your core and maintain a neutral spine. Also, if you happen to work with Arlene on nutrition, don’t be afraid to reach out for any macro-friendly recipes, I got you covered!

Fun facts: I LOVE skiing, gymnastics movements, complaining about my mini Bernedoodle, TJ Maxx, and am still trying (unsuccessfully) to convince my husband to join Arsenal!

My passion for fitness and training comes from a lifelong love of sports and the outdoors. As an athlete, high school coach, and parent of athletes, I’ve seen how thoughtful, well-designed strength and conditioning programming can be truly transformative. These days, as one of the more “seasoned” members of the Arsenal crew, I train not only for performance but for long-term health and wellness.

I first discovered CrossFit in 2010 while living in Cape Town, South Africa, and found my way to Arsenal in 2016 after moving from New England to Pittsburgh. After years of showing up for Dawn Patrol, I officially joined the coaching team in 2025. With over 25 years of experience in education and leadership, I bring a deep commitment to helping others grow. I’m inspired by watching athletes surprise themselves—whether it’s hitting a lift they didn’t think possible, getting their first pull-up, or simply showing up on a hard day.

What makes Arsenal special is the people. It’s an incredibly welcoming, driven, and fun community that makes it easy to show up and put in the work.

Certifications & Background:

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

• 25+ years in education, coaching, and leadership development

• Proud dad of three amazing young adults  and a seriously lucky husband

• If I could live anywhere, I’d be in the Rocky Mountain West.

After more than four years as a member at Arsenal Strength, I experienced firsthand the impact that consistent training, proper nutrition, and a supportive community can have. Thanks to the inspiration and guidance of Brooks and the rest of the coaching team, I saw major progress in my own strength and conditioning—and eventually felt a pull to help others achieve the same.

What inspires me most about coaching is the balance of challenge and fun that strength training brings. At Arsenal, I discovered that pushing your limits doesn’t have to feel intimidating—and that’s the attitude I bring to every class. I love watching new members come in and grow stronger in both form and confidence over time. My mission is to make fitness accessible to everyone, no matter their starting point.

What drew me to Arsenal from the start—and what still excites me today—is how different it is from traditional gyms. The environment here is incredibly positive and inclusive. I’ve built lasting friendships with both coaches and members, and I truly believe that new faces at Arsenal are just future friends in the making.

I got my start in fitness through distance running and weight training during college, and I earned my CrossFit Level 1 Certificate in April 2024.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll probably find me designing websites and mobile apps—so the physical, energizing atmosphere at Arsenal is the perfect balance to my screen-heavy day job.