WELLNESS THROUGH FITNESS

Owner and Founder

After 20 years in corporate roles, I started to experience burnout, pain, and chronic fatigue. Years of travel and compounding stress had taken their toll and I couldn’t keep up with the ailments I was experiencing. There were simply not enough hours in the day. 

It was while racing between appointments that the idea for Grit City Wellness was born. I dreamt of a singular environment that could provide the variety of services I required in half of the time. 

Inspired by the beauty of commencement bay and all the area has to offer, I began designing a first-rate wellness club that would allow me to self-direct my care based on the needs of my body, mind, and schedule. Grit City Wellness would be the ideal place to support busy professionals or those simply overwhelmed by life. 

I’m grateful to share the experiences that led me here and consider it a privilege to serve my community in this way. I’m most proud of our dedicated and dynamic team that makes “never giving up on yourself” obtainable and central to our mission. Each day we are gifted a new opportunity to support one another, build upon our passions, and reach relentlessly for our goals.  

Join us. 

Fitness Director, Personal Trainer

Theresa is a Cali transplant, after moving up and down the West Coast, her little family decided to call the PNW home. She’s had a love for exercise and fitness, playing sports and challenging her body at a young age, so it was only fitting to follow her passion. After graduation from Cal State Monterey Bay with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, she began sharing her knowledge and love for strength training with the Tacoma Community. When she’s not in the gym, you might find her skating around with her daughter, chilling in a hammock, or perfecting her BBQ’n skills. Come gain some strength with her!

B.S Kinesiology: Exercise Science

Certificates: ACSM CPT (American College of Sports Medicine: Certified Personal Trainer)

PPSC (Pain-Free Performance Specialist)

Wellness Lead, Endospheres Technician

Kalli is a Tacoma native with a strong passion for holistic wellness, fitness, and incorporating practices that nourish the mind, body and spirit into daily life. Growing up as an athlete, fitness has always been a huge part of her life, but within the last 5 years she has started diving much deeper into the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. She has witnessed the profound impact that yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices have had on restoring her own well-being, and is passionate about helping others discover the transformative impact of these practices as well.

Kalli has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and is a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. During her free time, you can find Kalli on an outdoor adventure, catching live music, running, lifting, practicing yoga or being artsy. Stop by Grit and say hello!

She’d love to get to know you. :)

Wellness Specialist & Yoga Facilitator

As an advocate for mental health, I lead my classes with an emphasis on compassion, mindfulness, and presence. I have found that meditation, breath work, and movement can help us to manage stress and find a deeper sense of peace. I strive to create a space of inclusivity where everyone feels welcome. Yoga is for everybody. My yoga journey began when I was seeking out community. Practicing yoga with others helps me feel a sense of unity and connection that I can’t find anywhere else. When we take our practice beyond the mat, yoga becomes a way of life, and we become more connected to ourselves and the world around us. Come practice yoga with Meredith on Monday and Wednesday evenings!

Wellness Specialist

Jocelyn is a Washington native who loves the outdoors. She was drawn to Grit City Wellness because of its positive, inclusive, and community-focused atmosphere.

She has learned firsthand that mental health is just as important as physical health, and is happy to be surrounded by likeminded individuals.

When she's not working at the Front Desk at Grit, you can find her camping, kayaking, exploring the PNW and spending time with her dog. She has a passion for plants and regenerative agriculture, and hopes to start a farm in Pierce County in the next few years.

Personal Trainer, Somatic Breathwork & Reiki Practitioner

Jered’s journey began with a shift in perspective, ignited by a deep desire to transform his life inside and out. Starting with his personal fitness journey rooted in extreme weight loss, he became acutely aware of how physical, emotional, and energetic influences were shaping his experience. As his physical health improved, he noticed how unresolved pain and trauma were impacting his mind, body, and spirit.Through a commitment to truth seeking, vulnerability, and self-exploration, Jered began to unravel the layers of his inner world. By leaning into his sensitivities and becoming attuned to the emotional and energetic undercurrents of life, he cultivated a profound sense of self-awareness and embodiment. This journey not only allowed him to heal and grow but also inspired him to help guide others to do the same.Jered now works as a holistic practitioner, combining personal training, somatic breathwork, sound healing, and Reiki to guide others on their path to self-discovery and transformation. When he’s not holding space for others, you’ll likely find him crafting nourishing meals, creating expressive content, or grounding himself in the beauty of the nature.

NCCPT Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition Coach, Certified Pain Management Specialist, Animal Flow Coach

Personal Trainer, Massage Practitioner, & Group Fitness Instructor

Sierra’s journey with movement began early, as she thrived in dance and cheerleading, competing across the East Coast for 12 years. After a major ACL injury in 2014 that required reconstructive surgery, Sierra faced years of pain and limited mobility, which challenged her self-image and well-being.

In 2019, she committed to transforming her life, embracing positive thinking and the power of mindset. This led her to explore personal training and bodywork as tools for healing and growth.

Now, as a personal trainer and bodywork practitioner, Sierra specializes in Deep Tissue, Sports, and Ashiatsu massage. Her expertise supports clients’ goals, from enhancing athletic performance to relieving chronic pain, and her personal recovery journey helps her connect deeply with each client.

Personal Trainer, Clean-Health Performance Nutrition Coach

If you’re looking to level up in your training, nutrition and mindset, you’re in the right place.  I’m a nationally certified personal trainer and nutrition coach by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. 
After well over a decade of distance running, yoga and meditation practice, I encountered some stress induced health issues that gave me a big wake up call.  Just a few years later, I find myself retired from corporate life, an avid walker and physique competitor in my 50’s.  Nutrition and fitness has been a passion and lifestyle of mine for a long time but not until a few years ago, did I get certified in personal training and nutrition for my own self-development and interest.  Word caught on and I fell in love with the community and the power of supporting others on their journey to strength.  I believe the human body is a miracle but it takes more than just training.  It takes an overall mindset shift, finding a lifestyle that suits YOU and fueling your mind and body.  My focus is on building ease and overall strength into a lifestyle, not a 30-day plan for a short season.  It takes consistency over perfection and a lot of self-awareness, intention and energy.  I’m committed to remaining open and curious with my clients and assisting them on their journey to health and wellness throughout their lives.  I believe the secret is finding a happy place where you can build strength for longevity and to remain injury free.  The journey will look different for everyone but the beauty of strength training is all the different ways to approach it.

Ashiatsu Practitioner

Courtney is a skilled therapist who discovered the power of therapeutic bodywork after a serious car accident at 17. Inspired by her recovery, she became an LMT in 2007 and has since specialized in Ashiatsu, Deep Tissue Repair, Cupping, and Reflexology, customizing treatments to meet each client’s unique needs—whether for back pain relief, injury recovery, or athletic performance enhancement.

Courtney's expertise in Ashiatsu, a barefoot massage technique that applies consistent pressure, sets her apart. She’s trained under Ashiatsu founder Ruthie Hardie, worked with a rugby team in New Zealand, and treated a local Women's Pro Soccer team. With extensive experience alongside chiropractors and physical therapists, she finds her greatest reward in her clients' success stories.

"Helping people is my passion."

Wellness Specialist, Bodywork Intern

Trevor’s journey into bodywork began early in life, driven by a natural curiosity toward helping others feel at ease. As a child, he discovered the joy of working with his hands to bring comfort to those around him; a passion that has only grown with time.

Growing up with a non-verbal, special needs sister shaped his ability to interpret subtle physical and emotional cues, deepening his capacity to connect compassionately with people of all abilities. 

With over a decade devoted to his own personal wellness journey, Trevor is passionate about elevating the physical, emotional, and spiritual health for himself and the others around him. Drawing from a wide range of movement and creative practices, he brings a holistic perspective to his work. 

Currently studying massage therapy, he is committed to creating spaces where individuals can feel safe to fully express themselves and embark on their own healing journeys. 

Can be seen riding his giraffe unicycle down Ruston way.

Endospheres Technician, Wellness Specialist

Meet Saare (say-air) Elizabeth She/Her/Them 

Saare Elizabeth is originally from Georgia and makes a three-year pit-stop in the PNW as a military spouse and is open and ready to serve those who cross her path for discovery, exploration, and healing through movement. 

Before becoming a facilitator of Kundalini Yoga Meditation, Vinyasa, and intuitive movement, Saare taught group exercise, including P90x, Insanity, and Piyo. After moving to Germany and welcoming her daughter, she took a two-year break to explore ways to make a deeper impact.

During her own healing journey, Saare realized her calling to help others connect with themselves, the divine, and heal from childhood trauma. In Germany, she began hosting Kundalini classes, healing workshops, and self-published a book for mothers on rediscovering their true identity. She also became a certified Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance and holds certifications in spiritual life coaching, Reiki, and as a medicine woman.

Saare brings a unique blend of experience to her practice, creating a safe, welcoming space where seekers feel seen and heard. Her down-to-earth teaching focuses on connecting with the body and breath to access inner wisdom, union, and peace.

Group Fitness Instructor

Carol has lived near Ruston Way and in the Proctor district since 1978. Her love for fitness began in 1989 when she started teaching high-impact aerobics at the YMCA. During her career, she has taught muscle toning, spin, senior fitness, and TRX. Currently, she teaches muscle toning, body sculpting, isometric Pilates, and is also a personal trainer. 

Carol has been an instructor of fitness and muscle toning at Tacoma Community college for over 20 years. Her passion is to help others achieve their fitness goals and fall in love with exercise. Carol loves photography and travel! Some of her favorite trips have been to Machu Picchu in Peru, Iguazu Falls in Argentina, and Istanbul. Loves chocolate and coffee. “I am most excited to work alongside the team at Grit City Wellness. 

Yoga Facilitator

Lynda finds true joy in offering yoga classes that help people feel peaceful and at ease in their bodies. She specializes in Slow Flow, Yin, Gentle, and Restorative Yoga, creating a warm, safe, and meditative experience for her students.

Her journey began over 20 years ago with training in Ayurveda and Meditation under Deepak Chopra, followed by certifications in Reiki and Massage Therapy. She co-founded an Integrative Healing Center, where each session deepened her commitment to wellness.

Adding yoga to her practice felt like a natural progression in her path as a healer. When she’s not teaching, Lynda enjoys hiking with her dog, capturing nature's beauty through photos, and cherishing moments with her family.

Yoga Facilitator

Verity is a new yoga instructor, who just graduated her 200 hour yoga teacher training in June of 2024. However, her journey with and back to movement has been long and varied. Verity has been through many different phases of movement, including basketball, dance, horse riding, weight lifting and rock climbing- but she found yoga in high school through a performing arts teacher and has re-visited it in multiple stages of her life.Though she was initially drawn to the asanas (physical practice) of yoga (as many of us are), when she expanded her knowledge into the philosophy of yoga, she became newly aware of the potency of this holistic practice. By finding the space in yoga to discover mind, body and spirit on a deeper level, Verity has been able connect with herself and the world around her more deeply; and through teaching, she hopes to give her students the tools to do the same for themselves. Verity’s background in studying Psychology and Ethnic, Gender, Labor studies at the University of Washington Tacoma also greatly influences her teaching approach, which aims to center inclusivity, accessibility, and the use of practices to calm restless minds and nervous systems- all while honoring the roots of this traditional practice of yoga from India. Verity is teaching Morning Flow at 8 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where you can expect a class which strikes the balance between slow embodied movement, gently strengthening and novel flows.

Yoga Facilitator

Hello, my name is Colleen Scully. I’ve been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years, and in June 2024, I completed my RYT200 certification. I’m excited to share my love for yoga and help others experience the benefits of this transformative practice.

Yoga Facilitator

Kate has called Washington home all her life. Connecting to nature has been a consistent practice for her whether it’s snowboarding in the mountains, boating in the San Juan Islands, hiking the areas surrounding the Gorge, or just sitting by a river rockhounding, growing up in the beautiful PNW is interwoven into the fabric of Kate’s soul. 

Kate has been learning and working with different forms of healing modalities since her teen years and became interested in yoga and meditation. This led to her taking a 200-hour training to be able to teach yoga herself. She has also taught paddle board yoga and is currently working on her prenatal yoga teacher training to develop her understanding and expand her offerings. 

Kate enjoys creating space where people feel seen/ heard to be their authentic selves while exploring their own journey with healing. Lover of animals, plants, and art Kate is passionate about all things mushrooms. She loves live music and volunteers doing harm reduction services at events. One of her favorite things to do is road trips with her partner and dogs to explore new places and of course, give her dogs the best life possible!