Meet Our Trainers

Leonard was born and raised in Covington, Va., and attended Alleghany High School, breaking two school records (relay and 200 meters).

He served four years in the U.S. Army, and led the advanced physical training group, including assistant leader of remedial physical training. He also served as assistant coach for girls (ages 10-12) recreational league basketball and inner city track.

Leonard is certified by the National Federation of Professional Trainers in Personal Training, Endurance Training, and Sports Nutrition.

Certifications:

• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• B.S. Health and Exercise Science, concentration Sports Medicine 

Derek was born and raised in Roanoke and attended William Byrd High School.  After he graduated, he attended Virginia Western Community College and shortly after, Radford University. After graduating from Radford - with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science - Derek's passion for health and wellness only grew. With over 7 years of weight lifting experience, Derek has spent countless hours in and outside of the gym learning many different methods and techniques to approach fitness. Derek has also spent over 200 hours in outpatient, as well as inpatient physical therapy clinics and is very passionate about the idea of using exercise as medicine to increase the quality of everyday life. Outside of the gym, Derek enjoys many outdoor activities around Southwest Virginia such as biking, kayaking and hiking.

Education:

BS- California State University San Marcos: Kinesiology-Exercise Science

Certifications:

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Certified Personal Trainer
• CPR/AED/First Aid certified

Past Experiences:

• Physical therapy tech
• Internship with Cardiac Rehab
• Medical Integrations Coordinator for cardiac rehab, diabetes, weight loss, Orthopedic recovery

My name is Casey. I have a certification in Nutrition as well as Personal Training. I was born in Salem. I am 32 years old and the youngest of 3. I enjoy traveling, being with friends and family, camping, hiking, bodybuilding, and I am also a movie buff. I have always loved animals and have 2 Golden Retrievers. I got into fitness/nutrition after being unhealthy and overweight for many years. It has helped transform my life physically and mentally. The reason I am doing this is to help others feel as good physically and mentally as I do now. I enjoy strength training the most because I like building a permanent, solid foundation for my body and health.

My name is Colton Stump and I'm one of the personal trainers with Carilion Wellness. I am born and raised in Franklin County. I am the youngest of 3 brothers and I have 4 pit bulls. I've been exercising since freshman year of high school. After learning the science behind exercising, I wanted to share my knowledge with others. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Ferrum College in 2018 and my personal training certificate in 2023. One thing I love about being a personal trainer is the satisfaction of helping an individual take their first steps (or welcome them back) into fitness. Whether it's helping someone recover from an injury or demonstrating proper lifting mechanics. An exercise that I love the most is chest fly. The stretch and tension that you feel is unmatched in my opinion. 

Evan is passionate about exercise and lifelong learning which led him to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education from Radford University.

Education:

• BS- Exercise, Sport, and Health Education

Certification(s):

• NFPT - National Federation of Professional Trainers - CPT
• (CELC)- Coaches Education & Lifting Certification
• USAW- 1

How or why did you get into fitness?

• I got into fitness by playing sports growing up. Fitness has always been a health way to stay active.

What is it that you enjoy about being a personal trainer (or EP)?

• I enjoy being an instructor because it is rewarding to be engaged with individuals on a personal level through helping them improve their overall health.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• I enjoy all forms of exercise and activity from resistance exercise training to hiking and kayaking. Movement is fun, and I enjoy being outdoors.

3 fun facts about me:

1. My favorite sports team is the Indianapolis Colts
2. I enjoy finding sharks teeth at the beach
3. My favorite breed of dog is the Australian Shepherd or Aussie

Education:

• Associate's degree in applied sciences from Wytheville Community College
• Bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise Science with a Concentration in Exercise and Health from Virginia Tech

Certifications:

• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
• CPR/AED/First Aid certified

Past Experience:

• Internship as a Sports Medicine Student Aid for the Athletic Teams at Virginia Tech
• Medical Assisting at a Family Care Practice

About me:

Hi! My name is Autumn Guthrie and I was born and raised in Wytheville, Virginia. I attended George Wythe High School where I played volleyball, basketball, and soccer. I also graduated high school with my Associates Degree in Applied Science by taking classes at the local community college on top of my normal high school classes and during the summer. After graduation, I continued my education at Virginia Tech, (go hokies!) studying Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise and Health. During my time at VT I played intramural sand volleyball, basketball, and flag football. I also was a member of the sports medicine club, the college mentors for kids club, and I interned with the athletic teams as a sports medicine student aid.

How or why did you get into fitness?

• I have grown up playing sports my entire life, beginning with competitive dancing in kindergarten. I always knew I wanted a career pertaining to Exercise Science or Sports Medicine, which is why I chose to major in it at college. Once I got to VT and wasn’t playing sports as regularly I started getting more into strength training and lifting, which I fell in love with. It gave me the flexibility and variability in my exercise routine that I never had playing sports.

What is it that you enjoy about being an Exercise Physiologist?

• I love being able to help my clients reach their goals, no matter how small. I take immense pride in knowing that I am working towards helping improve the quality of life for every patient I work with.

What type of exercise do you enjoy most and why?

• While I love strength training, my heart still lies with sports. I still love playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer, and I recently have ventured into tennis and pickleball. Playing sports allows me to show my competitive nature!

3 fun facts about myself:

1. I played AAU basketball for 7 years for more than 4 different teams
2. I love Criminal Minds and all things involving murder mysteries
3. I worked as a barista during undergrad, leading to an iced coffee addiction

USAF Veteran as an aerospace medical technician; certified nursing assistant before I received my high school diploma. I started in the medical field working at a nursing home at the age 17. USMC military spouse for 18 years, remaining happily married and celebrating over 22 years with two children.

I am a triple threat blocker as a Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Skater with Charlottesville Derby Dames. I have been skating for 9 years. Aside from skating, I enjoy time at home with my two large dogs and our Ford Mustangs. I enjoy racetrack days with my son, skating with my daughter, and quiet time at home with my husband.

Certifications: American Council on Exercise Certified Personal trainer with

Continuing Education at Concordia University Chicago with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Kinesiology, future graduate in 2026.

I got into fitness through Roller derby. I embraced and appreciated the strength, stability, and endurance in my professional performance through the self-investment of fitness preparation and consistency. I became a female personal trainer to assist with female empowerment in the gym setting while contributing to my community.

The greatest thing about being a personal trainer is assisting others in identifying their truest strengths and capabilities, shattering self-restricting fears and doubts that confine their daily life activities.

The types of exercise I enjoy is skating, running and lifting weights. My favorite lift is Deadlift. My favorite zone to exercise is shoulders. Skating is a personal passion due to roller derby and the bond of skating with my daughter over the years. Running is my mental time out, where I jam out to metal bands and pound my treadmill. Lifting weights is empowering due to each personal record I am able to accomplish through the love and support of my husband, verifying self-belief.

 3 fun facts about me:

I lived in Okinawa, Japan.

I have a lot of tattoos.

I love going to formula drift with my son.

Certifications:

• AFAA group fitness certification since 1982, Aqua fitness, Pre Post Natal fitness
• IFTA Personal Trainer, Senior Fitness, Cycle, Yoga, Aqua
• AAAI Pilates, Aqua, Yoga, Tai Chi, Weight Management
• Arthritis Foundation AFAP, AFEP certification
• AEA certification
• CPR/AED certified
• WSI certified 15 years
• Krank cycle certification
• Fitour Pilates certification
• 36 years group fitness, 9 years personal trainer

Originally from Canada, Cathy has been in the Roanoke area for 25 years.  Her emphasis is on water resistance training. Whether it’s keeping a body moving or changing a sedentary lifestyle, water can be a great place to begin when just starting out an exercise program. It is joint friendly and causes minimal muscle pain.  It challenges your balance and it can be a wonderful tool for rehab after a sports injury, keeping one in shape until ready to return to regular activity.  Cathy will help you build your muscles without unnecessary joint pain so you can get on with all that life has to offer.

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• Fitness has been a part of my life for close to 50 years now. As a teenager, I noticed that I always felt better when I would exercise in some way or another.

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• Post rehab personal training gives me the opportunity to help people work toward their health and fitness goals on a very personal level. I love to see my people getting back into doing the fun things they used to love and living their lives again with little to no pain.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• While I love to be in the gym and exercising in the pool, I do love to snow ski, ice skate, water ski, and swim.

3 fun facts about me:

1. Spending time with my grandchildren and family on the weekends is one of my favorite pastimes. 
2. Since my husband retired, we are finally getting to travel!
3. I LOVE music! I am also the choir director at my church.

Certifications:

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Rocky Steady Boxing Coach
• Fitour Primary Indoor Cycling Instructor

Hilary West received her B.A. in Media Studies from Radford University in 2007. A previous high school athlete, Hilary rediscovered her passion for fitness after joining a local adult women’s soccer league and incorporating strength training into her personal exercise routines. Hilary’s desire to learn more and her dedication to living a healthy and fit lifestyle led her to pursue the Exercise Science and Personal Training Career Studies Certificate at Virginia Western Community College and she received her Personal Trainer certification with the American Council on Exercise.

Hilary believes in the important role that regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits bring to everyday quality of life and is excited to help others learn these practices.

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• I was an athlete throughout my youth, so I have always loved exercise and movement. I played soccer and I ran cross country and indoor track in high school. I lost consistency with active and healthy lifestyle habits while attending college and then starting a sedentary "desk job" shortly after graduating. The minimal levels of activity and the poor nutritional habits took a toll physically and mentally during my early to mid-twenties. I refocused on proper eating habits and regular exercise and during the process I realized the level of passion I had for the health and fitness industry and that I might be able to help others find their path to health as well. I went back to school for exercise science and earned my personal trainer certification and it was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made.

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• First and foremost, my clients. I spend a lot of time with them, and I've been incredibly lucky to work with such awesome people. Their determination in the midst of challenges constantly inspires me. Second, I really enjoy that there is ALWAYS something new to learn and do. My specialties are strength training, senior fitness, and chronic disease.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• I enjoy strength training.....there is something incredibly satisfying about picking something up that you once never thought you would be capable of.

3 fun facts about me:

1. My favorite outdoor activities are hiking, kayaking, and camping.
2. I play soccer every week with a local adult women's soccer league.
3. If I'm not doing any of the above activities, then you'll find me snuggled up with a book!

Education:

• Associates of Business Administration - Corning Community College, Corning, NY
• Bachelor of Business Administration - Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH

Certifications:

• AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor
• KrankCycle Certification
• Les Mills CORE Advanced Instructor
• Les Mills TONE Instructor
• Barre Above Instructor
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ASSI Functional Strength Specialist
• ISSA Kickboxing Certified Instructor

Experience:

• Group Exercise Instructor since 2008
• Personal Trainer since 2014
• Specialties: core work, band work

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• Although I have always enjoyed fitness, my career came by the way of encouragement to teach Group Exercise in 2008, which led to Personal Training in 2014.

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• Making a positive difference in individual's lives through consistency, accountability, and encouragement.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• My favorite types of exercise are core conditioning and sculpt-strengthening. I enjoy teaching both groups and individuals because I can encourage a wide range of fitness levels, but also specifically target the needs of individuals.

3 fun facts about me:

1. One of my favorite things to do outside of the gym is trying new recipes and make amazing tasting meals!
2. I have a BBA in Marketing and Economics from Cleveland State University
3. I love reading, especially inductive Bible study. 

Certification:

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• Since I was a child, I have had a competitive nature which always inspired me to stay active. As I grew up it turned into one of my biggest passions which is why I am the trainer I am today.

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• What brings me the most joy in training is knowing that I am able to help others to reach their goals by creating individualized plans that best fit them. My current interests lie within stability training which helps to decrease risk of injury and improve posture.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• My favorite category of exercise is strength training because I am able to see how much I progress each month which is a big motivator for me. Specifically, I really enjoy squats because they activate multiple muscle groups which allows me to maximize my progression and improve stability.

3 fun facts about me:

1. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and kayaking.
2. My favorite quote is: "Discipline is the highest form of self-love."
3. If I could give my future self advice it would be to embrace change and learn to enjoy being uncomfortable.

Certifications:

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• The desire to become a personal trainer was born through 15+ years of coaching youth sports as well working in industries that require a sedentary work environment and seeing the detrimental health effects of that on my friends and family.

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• Since childhood, I have enjoyed playing volleyball, running, hiking, and swimming, as well as being out in nature. Witnessing recovery from sprains and strains in family, friends, and myself drives my passion to help others get back out to enjoy the activities that bring joy and health to their lives. My approach is geared holistically incorporating mind, body and soul. Not one person is like the next and each requires a plan that is unique to their situation. Whether you are looking to improve your overall health, become more flexible, build strength, or train for a specific sporting event, I would love to help you meet your goals. 

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• I enjoy most hand-eye coordination sports (volleyball, pickleball, basketball, football) because they are typically team based. It's more fun to play with friends. On the other end of the spectrum, a good run or swim every now and then can overcome a stressful day.

3 fun facts about me:

1. I have a serious rebellious streak against conformity.
2. My faith is the backbone of all I do
3. I am married to a funny and wonderful man - Mark and we have one daughter, Emily, who is vibrant, energetic, and giving. We have two dogs- Patches and Penny.

Certifications:

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• My journey into fitness began as a personal quest to reconnect with my body and embrace a more active lifestyle after a period of inactivity. Initially, I joined the gym simply to get moving again, but as I became a regular, I realized I wanted fitness to become a more prevalent part of my life.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• Definitely strength training! There's something profoundly empowering about the discipline, precision, and progression that strength training demands. It's not just about lifting weights, it's about building a foundation of strength that enhances every aspect of life, from improving posture to boosting mental resilience. 

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• The most rewarding aspect is witnessing my clients' transformations, not just physically but also in their confidence and approach to life. It's about guiding them through the ups and downs, celebrating their victories and seeing them achieve things they once thought impossible.

3 fun facts about me:

1. Despite my best efforts, my French accent stubbornly clings to me, but it turns out to be my secret weapon in making my clients forget the intensity of their workouts (or so they say).
2. I'm currently bending over backwards (quite literally) to complete my 200-hour Yoga Teaching Training.
3. I absolutely loathe cardio.

Certifications:

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Les Mills BODYCOMBAT Instructor
• Les Mills BODYSTEP Instructor
• Les Mills BODYBALANCE Instructor
• Soulbody Barre Instructor
• AFAA Certified Aqua Instructor
• TRX Suspension Trainer
• APEX Certified Nutrition Technician

How (or why) did you get into fitness?

• I feel that fitness has always been a part of my life having played softball, cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics in school. After high school I joined an all-ladies gym where I knew this would be the life for me. I love how working out makes me feel and I want others to feel good too.

What is it that you enjoy about being a Personal Trainer?

• Knowing that I am CHANGING LIVES is why is love being a Personal Trainer. Providing education on a healthier lifestyle and the importance of exercise is my passion.

What type of exercise do you enjoy the most and why?

• I love all types of exercises, but Group Fitness is absolutely my favorite!

3 fun facts about me:

1. 1997 Gold medalist National Aerobic Champion
2. I have two beautiful granddaughters.
3. I love chocolate!