Empowering women through running.
Empowering women through running.
Our dynamic team is comprised of diverse, strong women who are passionate about empowering women through movement.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors includes diverse, brilliant, and inspired WOMEN because women have a lived experience that reflects a unique understanding of the challenges women face.
At ARC we are about creating a safe space for women to feel supported in their health and wellness journey. This allows for the vulnerability and authenticity that is essential to create a better tomorrow.
We seek to empower women to thrive despite the many challenges they face.
Gina Meyer, DPT
CEO and Founder
Dr. Meyer is passionate about empowering women through health and wellness. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and has been a leader in the field of outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine since 2003. In her early career, Gina practiced across many states, becoming an experienced manual therapist with multiple orthopedic specializations (including treatment and prevention of running injuries). She is a published researcher in outpatient rehabilitation. She founded Best Life Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine on the East Coast in 2012 and remains an active partner there, while also owning and operating Rise Pacific Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Dr. Meyer has a true passion for helping her patients conquer their pain so that they can get back to doing the things they love. This pursuit led to her role as founder and host of the Rise Resolute Podcast, a podcast designed to connect women through stories of growth through struggle, with an emphasis on the power of movement to help women live vibrant, impactful lives.
Dr. Meyer believes that being active is a privilege that enhances our lives in so many ways through countless physical and mental benefits, including improved stress management and decreased anxiety and depression, which is more important than ever at this time. Gina founded ARC based on her passion for empowering women (by improving their mental/physical health and overall well-being) through movement.
Dr. Meyer believes in the unique gifts every woman holds within and finds it to be a great joy to work with the incredible team at ARC and her larger physical therapy teams on the East and West Coast to empower women to share those gifts with the world.
Aasha Marler
Director
Aasha is an Olympic Hopeful and Mental Coach MBA and graduated and competed at the University of New Mexico in track and field where she was recognized as top performer in the Mountain West Conference and NCAA Division I Level. During her time at UNM she was able to graduate with honors in the MBA program and find her love for applying a business concept to sports. Aasha founded ARMor Coaching in 2019, which is a mental performance and mentor service for athletes looking to develop their cognitive abilities. Aasha currently trains at the elite level in long jump with sights set on the Tokyo202one Olympics. She attributes much of her success to an ever-evolving pursuit for mental performance.
“I am excited to combine my experiences as an athlete, passion for sport, and overall professional alignment with ARC in order to establish health and strength among women. My hope is to help pave an outlet for women to feed the fire in their heart.”
Hafsatu Kamara
Director
Hafsatu Kamara is a 2016 Rio Olympian with a passion for developing the voices and presence of individuals through physical fitness, brand development, and motivational speaking. Currently residing Los Angeles, CA she spends half her time training for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the other providing businesses with the digital imprint they need to be successful. As a passionate advocate for women empowerment, Hafsatu sees her role at ARC as more than a mentor but as a teammate working beside you to shine your light from the inside out.
Jocelyn Henderson
Director
Jocelyn is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with a passion for helping others. She is a Florida native, currently residing in middle Georgia. She is Wife/Mom to a wonderful husband & 5 year old son. She is also a Disney fanatic and a coffee lover. She has had a passion for staying active most of her life, but started focusing more on running over the past decade. "Running helps me to stay healthy mentally and physically. I live by the motto: Stronger today, stronger tomorrow! Hope to see you on the pavement!"
Tonya Bradley
Director
Tonya is a RRCA Certified Run Coach, lupus warrior, in pursuit of health equity and racial justice.
After being diagnosed with Lupus, Tonya hit rock-bottom with her health. Running and movement helped improve her physical and mental health. Tonya is an advocate of self care and how it allows us to seek happiness in our lives. She invites all women to prioritize their own happiness by refusing to give anyone room to disrespect our joy.
Lisa Kovacevic
Director
Lisa is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in Primary Care and Occupational Medicine. She values helping her patients lead healthy and functional lives. In her practice, this often means finding a way to stay physically active after illness, injury, or new health condition. Her passion is to guide others through the challenges of staying active despite life’s expected or unexpected changes.
One of the most challenging points of her fitness journey was after the birth of each of her two children. It was the connection to other mothers, and acknowledging that it was okay to make time for herself, that allowed her the capacity to stay active and healthy during that busy time. She believes that our physical and mental health relies on just that: staying active, resolute, and connected.
Lisa is a wife and mother of two. She loves running, stand-up paddle boarding, and cinnamon rolls.
Justina Jarema
Director
Justina is the Founder of the Fijian Girls Foundation, aimed at empowering young women through access to sustainable menstrual supplies and education. She believes that ending period poverty will empower the future leaders of tomorrow. Justina is an avid runner and is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of movement and running.
Nattalyee Randall
Director
Nattalyee is an ultra marathoner and performer based in NYC who created a documentary called “The Race Against Race,” aimed at normalizing black runners. Nattalyee found running after she got sober and says that running has changed her life. Nattalyee reminds each of us that if you put your heart into running/movement, it can transform your body, mind and soul.
Nicole Kolenda
Director
Nicole is a Speech and Language Pathologist, Marathoner, Adjunct Professor, Mentor, Supervisor, and Breast Cancer Thriver. Nicole is deeply committed to the power of movement and running to change lives. She is an advocate for helping women to understand their power to break through fears of what they consider to be possible and spreads awareness as the host of the Voice for Possibility Podcast.
OUR TEAM
Dana Klein
Run Coach
Dana is a coach, marathoner, wife, mother. She has been running for 30 years, competitively through high school and college, and later, decidedly less competitively as a very pregnant lady. Dana has found value in running, no matter where she's been in her life - at the peak of training or coming back from an injury or as a mother of three young children. Dana understands how personal circumstances impact what we need as athletes, and she loves encouraging others as they begin or continue their own running journeys, wherever they are in their training.
Coaching Certifications: RRCA certified coach, USATF, VDOT O2 certifiedand Galloway Run/Walk/Run certified coach
Favorite distance to race and why? I love half marathons. I think they’re the perfect distance. Whether you’re looking to run hard and get a new personal best or completing the 13.1 miles for the first time, a half marathon is a challenging race that requires patience and persistence.
Favorite Quote: Be You
Instagram: @truepotentialrunning
Website: www.truepotentialrunning.com
India Cook
Run Coach
India Cook is an avid Atlanta based runner who is also a YouTube vlogger, podcast host, and RRCA certified run coach. She loves running and racing herself but also has a passion for encouraging and guiding runners and those who aspire to become runners. India believes that if you run, you are a runner
India started running in 2008 on the quest to lose weight and also engage in a healthy social activity. Since 2008 she has completed distances from 5K to marathons. India focuses on helping ladies run confidently in any phase of their run journey. Her background in mental health not only allows her to have a positive and healthy relationship with running, but it also enables her to help her athletes build a similar relationship as well. India finds it essential to make the sport of running less intimidating and relatable for all levels. She continues to use her training, experience and voice to guide others in the community of running through coaching, where she takes the approach that everyone's journey is unique, and we should celebrate every step, stride and mile. She wholeheartedly believes that running not only boosts physical health, but it also rejuvenates your mind and fuels confidence
.Instagram:
https://instagram.com/i_of_endigo_runs
YouTube:
https://m.youtube.com/c/milesfromindia
Podcast:
The Run Duo:
https://linktr.ee/Therunduo
Alison Marie Helms
Run Coach
Alison Marie is a Postpartum Fitness and Running Coach and creator of the RUN Mom Strong Courses.
As a NASM Pre/Postnatal Certified Personal Trainer and Pregnancy/Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Alison helps moms train with purpose, respect, and understanding of their bodies through the continuum - pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
As a mom herself, she understands the struggle of trying to make it work with out-of-control mom life. With Alison, you don't waste any time by getting down to the simplest form of what actually works and in a way that you are actually going to do it!
She’s been featured in a variety of media outlets including FitFluential, Not Your Typical Mom Podcast, the LIFE BOSS Podcast, RunnerMom Podcast, and SHAPE magazine.
In addition to her fitness certification and expertise, Alison Marie holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech. She has taught everything from sixth grade through collegiate level engineering courses. Her efficient scientific approach and passion for teaching shine through in all of her programs.
Rebeka Stowe
Run Coach
You could give Rebeka many titles:
Big 12 Champion.
Woman of Distinction.
Olympic Trials Finalist.
7 time US Outdoor Championship Qualifier.
Coach.
but she is uniquely both an athlete and a coach. She had a successful collegiate steeplechase career, ran in the Olympic Trials and US Outdoor Championships, became a professional runner with NJNY Track Club and now coaches while she trains in New York City for the 2021 US Olympic Trials.
Enna Jones
Diversity Outreach Coordinator
Although Enna now has many accolades to her name, including being a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Obstacle Course Racer, her life was not always nearly as easy or admirable as it presently sounds. Prior to obtaining her many certifications, Enna weighed in at her heaviest somewhere in the 200s, which is more of a problem than it seems when you're only 5'3", as she is. As many women do, Enna found herself constantly struggling with eating disorders and her weight, as well as trying to overcome additional medical issues, including hypothyroidism and uterine fibroids. Eventually, something had to give. Enna put it simply but effectively: "One day, I was literally just tired of always being tired." She wanted to be active – playing with her children, traveling the world with her husband. She did not want to sleep and eat her life away. In that moment, her fitness transformation truly began. She had made the decision to change once and for all. Enna now loves sharing her experiences and expertise to hopefully inspire others on their journey of getting and staying fit.
Kelly Bryla
Coordinator of Military Outreach
Kelly is a military spouse and mom to 3 kids. Although she is also a licensed pharmacist, she recognizes that not everything can be fixed with a pill. Sometimes you need to get your body moving as well! Kelly began running in college as a way to relieve stress and stay fit. She stopped for several years due to some undiagnosed knee pain. “If a program like ARC existed back then, maybe I wouldn’t have developed knee problems and been sidelined for so many years,” says Kelly. She is excited for the opportunity to bring more women from the military community into running.
Joanna Knight
Grant Writing
Joanna Knight is a veteran, military spouse, former NCAA athlete, and mother of three. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in Nonprofit and Faith-based Organizations and is passionate about the unique power of peer support. Inspired after a long health care journey with her daughter, born with a cleft lip and palate, she strives to always remember that we are never alone in this life. Building relationships within the craniofacial community lifted her family in that same way that a runner community challenges, accepts, and supports each other.
Joanna believes whether you are at the starting line of the Boston Marathon or lacing up your shoes in your own driveway, it is a celebration of your body and your mind. She also eats cookies daily in celebration of her body and mind.
Rocky Kitzmiller
Coordinator of Military Outreach, Virtual Run Coordinator
Rocky is a Certified Personal Trainer CPT, Weight Loss Specialist WLS, Corrective Exercise Specialist CES, Hardstyle Kettlebell Instructor, Russian Kettlebell Instructor and has been involved in the health and fitness field for almost 20 years. Additionally, she has a B.S. Sport & Exercise Science, a M.Ed in Secondary Education, and a Certificate in Public Health.
Rocky is the founder and owner of RockBody-Fitness—a home studio gym that started in Kailua, HI and moved to Virginia Beach, VA. She is a military spouse of 18 years with two teenager daughters.She loves helping parents learn to take care of themselves so they can better take care of their families. She also enjoys working with young athletes to help them safely move their bodies and to learn how strong their bodies truly can be, and move optimally for the rest of their lives.
Mary Rice-Boothe
Athlete Mentor
Mary is a runner, educator, wife, and mom. She works with school systems across the country to “dismantle systemic racism one brick at a time.”
Mary is passionate about supporting women in their running journey.
Mary: "I’m a Black mother and educator. I am a runner. I came to long distance running after the death of my father in 2016. I found peace in my skin and in my body on the run. The time to connect with my thoughts, feelings and push my body to its limits have given me more appreciation of all that I am and can do. Along the way I’ve run a marathon, 15 half-marathons, and many 5ks and 10ks. Running long is the best start of my day and I want for you to enjoy it too."
Jordan Gray
Athlete Mentor
Jordan is a Professional Track Athlete, a USA/World Record Holder, a member of Team USA. She is an advocate of training with grit as a decathlete who is aiming to compete at the Olympics by removing roadblocks to a women's decathlon event. Jordan is a trailblazer and a passionate member of the ARC team.
Adina Crawford
Run Coach
Adina Crawford is a RRCA certified Run Coach, Runner, Yoga Instructor, Certified Power, Vinyasa, and Sculpt Instructor who guides meditation weekly. Adina serves on the Honeystinger Athletic Advisory Committee, is a BLACK Girls Run Ambassador, Black Girls Do Bike Lady Shero, Zooma Ambassador, Honey Stinger Ambassador, Nuun Ambassador, TERRY Bicycles Ambassador,Trek Bikes Advocate, and a Micro Campaign Influencer for various brands. She offers fantastic insight on facing challenges as a female leader in the fitness world who also is African American. She describes the importance of dispelling the idea that someone who exercises should look a certain way. Exercise is for everyone, every shape, size, and color. Adina’s urges us to embrace one another, to always choose happiness, and to own your craft. When it comes to your life, YOU write the story. Check out more on Adina at: https://adinacrawford.weebly.com/
Lindsay Walter
Athlete Mentor
Lindsay Walter is a Health Educator, Run Coach, Alopecia Advocate and Freelance Writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. She lost her hair at age 2, due to the autoimmune condition, Alopecia. Lindsay is a 43x marathon runner and 4x ultra running currently training for her first 100-miler, In her spare time she loves to run, play basketball, travel, spend time outside and with friends. Her motto and life goal is to inspire and encourage everyone to be proud of who they are, to chase down all of their goals, and dream big. She is thrilled to join the athlete mentor team.
Denise
Athlete Mentor/Run Coach
Coach Denise, AKA The Marathon Whisperer has been coaching runners of all abilities and ages since 2010. She started coaching part-time after surviving a near fatal car accident. It’s been her way to give back to running for what running has given to her since she first laced up her running shoes in the 4th grade. Fast forward to 2016 and Denise left her 26-year career to coach full-time because she is that passionate about sharing running and finish lines with anyone that comes her way. She has guided runners to their first mile all the way to a 100-mile event. She recently published a book to help runners complete their first marathon, “Me, You & 26.2 -Coach Denise’s Guide to Get YOU to YOUR First Marathon” She has been featured on NBC, BBC, ABC, Runner's World, Women's Running, etc.
Denise is also a Co-founder of Girls on the Run-Chicago. She has personally run over 300 races across 7 Continents. This includes 115 marathons, 2 Ironman triathlons and 2 100-mile ultramarathons. Her goal in working with her clients is to help them run their first, fastest and or funnest race.
January Pugh
Run Coach
January is a highly dedicated, empowerment-driven, RRCA certified run coach. As the founder and owner of All Things January, she has cultivated an extensive professional background involving running, wellness, health, and nutrition, and it is her mission to help others succeed with their goals and unearth their full potential.
Running is a sport that has always provided January with an outlet, allowing her to relax while also challenging her mentally and physically. She has completed numerous 5k's, 10k's, 15k's, Half Marathons and Marathons and has over a decade of experience as a Health Coach and Consultant at Precision Health, is a graduate of Creighton School of Law, and a proud UCLA Bruin.
Whether it be running for fitness, fun, or to compete, nothing makes her happier than being a valuable resource for others to overcome barriers, capitalize on their strengths, and build the confidence necessary to thrive.
Kendra Chambers
Athlete Mentor
Kendra is passionate about supporting women on their running journey.
Lisa Herrington
Athlete Mentor
Lisa is passionate about supporting women in their health and wellness journey.
Elizabeth Tretter
Athelete Mentor
Elizabeth is a runner, a group fitness instructor, a patent prosecutor and a mom of three children who lives in New York city. Elizabeth immigrated to the United States from Ukraine when she was 17 years old. Having done rhythmic gymnastics during her youth, she had a strong affinity for sports.
While in graduate school, Elizabeth realized that she was drawn to the gym more than she was to the local bar scene and going out, and regular workouts became part of her lifestyle.
Elizabeth fell in love with running after giving birth to her second daughter. At the time running was an outlet and a reason to spend some time alone. Over the last 10 years, Elizabeth has not stopped running. She has completed numerous half marathons and countless races that vary in distances. In 2019, Elizabeth ran a half marathon in Croatia, coming in second place amongst her age group. Elizabeth completed a number of races within the United States and British Columbia as well.
At the age of 43, Elizabeth’s greatest running accomplishment was qualifying for the Boston marathon during her second New York city marathon last year.
While living in New York Elizabeth runs with many local running crews such as Adidas Runners NYC, Old Men Run Club and Orchard Street Runners.
Elizabeth is also a group fitness instructor with Equinox gyms in New York city. She currently teaches virtual classes and fitness events through her Instagram page @sweatalittleglitter.
Kathy Meldrum
Physical Therapist
Kathy Meldrum is dedicated to empowering and motivating women to reach their top physical and athletic potential. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy in 2001. Her expertise in identifying and correcting muscle imbalances and optimizing core strength and stability ensures her patients a smooth transition back to enjoying the activities they love.
Kathy takes a holistic perspective in her practice, understanding that nutrition plays a large role in performance, recovery and overall well-being. She holds a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition through Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
Kathy has enjoyed running for over 13 years and recognizes that the mental and physical challenges of running are real. Having a support system is paramount to a successful running career and ARC is here to provide just that!
Instagram: the.healthy.maven
Linda
Athlete Mentor
Linda is passionate about supporting women in their running journey.
Tonisha Woods
Athlete Mentor
Hi, my name is Tonisha woods, everyone calls me Nisha. I am a mother of two and have one grandson. I am currently serving in the United States Army and have been for 27 years. I started my fitness journey in high school on the track team as a sprinter, long jumper and shot put. I am no stranger to running, I love running and found more passion once I joined the Army. Motivating and helping people was in my blood. The gratitude and compassion a person often has through the acceptance of help is gratification in itself. My love for fitness went beyond running, I became a bodybuilder as well, so I am a very disciplined and dedicated person who always wants to put in the work. I am a motivator and an ambassador of fitness.
Coach Natalie
True Potential Run Coach
Hi! I'm Natalie and among many things I am a Coach, 12 marathoner (and counting!), mom of three athletic and enthusiastic kids, wife to my best friend and a huge lover of this sport.
I've been running my entire life - I ran cross country and track competitively in high school and college at a Division 1 University and have trained under some of the best coaches in the sport. I truly understand the needs of runners because I'm living it right alongside them - actively training hard each day to reach big goals in running. I love working with runners of all abilities and guiding them to become a better, stronger, happier runner. In my coaching, I place a big emphasis on all the tiny details in your training and will joyfully meet you right where you are and cheer you along on this awesome journey.
Coaching Certifications: RRCA
Favorite distance to race and why?: I love the marathon! I choose 26.2 because it's like a very complicated puzzle and yet there are so many ways to solve it. I actually don't think you ever truly "solve" the marathon because each finish line leaves you wanting more. There is so much heart, soul (or sole) and grit that goes into the training, prep and proper execution. The marathon provides a unique sense of euphoria that is different than any other distance.
Favorite Quote: Expect Success
Instagram: @natrunsfar
Website: www.truepotentialrunning.com
Coach Rachel
True Potential Run Coach
Hi! I'm Rachel- lifelong runner, mother, educator, and coach. I discovered my passion for running in high school where I competed in track and cross country. Running has remained an important part of my life as I've continued to compete and train in every distance from the 5K to the marathon. I've dedicated years to becoming a better runner both physically and mentally. Moving myself from a 4:22 marathoner to a 3:34 Boston qualifier. I love helping others reach their goals through customized training, constant communication and support, and adaptable goal setting.
Coaching Certifications: RRCA Certified Run Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Favorite distance to race and why?: I love the marathon! I think the marathon requires just as much mental strength as physical. Training for and running a marathon can be a life changing experience!
Favorite quote: I love to use mantras. My favorites are Be Relentless and Never Settle.
Instagram: @rachelrunspa
Website: www.truepotentialrunning.com
Mackenzie White
ARC Nutritionist
Mackenzie is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a USPTA Certified Tennis Professional who is originally from Mobile, Alabama.
Mackenzie currently resides in San Diego, California, works as a sports dietitian contractor for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and coaches all levels of tennis. Prior to contracting with the USOPC, she was a sports dietitian contractor for the US Navy.
Mackenzie played tennis for the University of New Mexico Lobos and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. She then went on to complete a Master of Science Degree and Dietetic Internship in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Memphis. In her spare time, she loves to play tennis, walk (looking for opossums and friendly cats) and standup paddle/surf.
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