Learn more about the certified professionals at each location and how they can help you with your health and wellness goals.
I am a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor with extensive experience in various areas of health & wellness. My passion for fitness is driven by the ever-evolving challenges in the fitness world and the joy of staying active. I take pride in helping individuals of all ages and fitness levels achieve their health goals. Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or looking to reach new heights, I am here to support and guide you every step of the way.
EMILY H.
COOPER YMCA
I am an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer. I enjoy all things fitness as this has always been my lifestyle. I grew up playing soccer and this is one of the main reasons I became a fitness enthusiast. I enjoy meeting and helping people reach their goals and transform their lives. My aim is to combine functional movements with traditional strength training to make workouts both effective and fun. I specialize in weight loss, sport fitness, body building, and general health and wellness. Fitness is a journey and with commitment, patience, and support, anyone can reach their goals. You just have to start and not stop. See you at the Y!!
KAYSHA S.
COOPER YMCA
I have a Bachelor's Degree in healthcare but in 2019 I decided to make a move into fitness. I have been working at the Y for two years as a fitness instructor, Y-Lose It coach, wellness specialist, and in other fitness related areas as needed. I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and am excited to help people achieve their fitness goals! My passion is strength training because of the overall optimal health it provides. I also like to focus on functional and emotional relationships with nutrition and working out. Working out shouldn't be a punishment and food is a gift to enjoy. When I'm not at the Y, I'm hanging out with my family and staying active!
TIFFANY K.
COOPER YMCA
My passion for wellness started almost 20 years ago after realizing I needed to live a much healthier life. After a health scare I immediately signed up for my first Half Marathon and quit smoking. Since taking that leap I have immersed myself in everything fitness. I’m an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. My specialty is TRX and functional training, however I have lead a variety of formats of classes thru the years. My experience ranges from coaching youth track and cross country to leading Parkinson’s fitness classes and everything in between. Fitness is for everyone it’s just a matter of finding what works for you. Movement is medicine!
AMY C.
COOPER YMCA
I am a Certified Personal Trainer through ISSA. My fitness passions are powerlifting and bodybuilding. I started powerlifting in high school and the people around me pushed me to do the best I could. Now, I want to help others be the best they can with their own fitness goals. With the right mindset, everyone can achieve their fitness goals. Keeping up with our personal fitness ensures that we live our lives to the best of our ability.
WILL B.
COOPER YMCA
I am an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and a licensed Physical Therapist with additional training to help people with Parkinson’s disease, persistent pain, and the aging process. I have a passion for improving your healthspan throughout your lifespan. It has been a true joy to celebrate with clients as they regain and maintain their ability to live life on their own terms by increasing their physical capacity and resilience so they can hike trails in Oregon, plant the garden of their dreams, walk around Holmes Lake, and so much more. If you are ready to optimize your fitness and improve your healthspan throughout your lifespan, let’s chat! I’m here to listen and help.
LISA L.
COOPER YMCA
My passion for fitness stems from having scoliosis as a child with Harrington rods implanted at age 11. Chronic pain led me to physical therapy, which taught me that movement was the key to staying out of pain. After coaching soccer and writing my own workouts for years, I decided to become a Y group fitness instructor, wellness coach and personal trainer. As my love for coaching grew, I also got certified to teach my favorites: Barre and Pilates. I love to help people make and achieve their goals, accomplish what they didn’t think they could and find joy in movement.
NISHA A.
COOPER YMCA
I have been an ACE certified Personal Trainer since 2016. I graduated from UNL with a BS in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Science. I am also a Level 1 certified Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition. I have coached several Y Lose It groups and have taught group exercise classes like Boot Camp and Power CSI. I focus on functional fitness and injury prevention. I like to help members become more comfortable and confident on the wellness floor and help program a variety of exercises to keep personal routines progressing.
DOLLY M.
COPPLE FAMILY YMCA
I’m a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and I’ve served as a Group Exercise instructor for the YMCA of Lincoln for nearly 15 years. I specialize in teaching Boot Camp, Tabata, Power CSI, and Strength Training classes. I enjoy helping people of all ages and backgrounds make positive changes and achieve their goals. With my experience competing in natural bodybuilding in my 20's, 30's and 40's, I can drive results for my clients who want to make lasting, lifelong improvements to their overall health and wellness.
BRETT W.
COPPLE FAMILY YMCA
I am an NASM certified personal Trainer who has always had a passion for fitness. I believe that every person is different in their fitness journey which means a customized plan is necessary based on your lifestyle, current fitness level and goals. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, work on balance or just feel better overall- I’m here to help you get there. Other certifications include Mat Pilates and Nutrition Coach.
CHRISTY R.
COPPLE FAMILY YMCA
As a certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), I bring both expertise and passion to every training session. I hold a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and Sports Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where I developed a deep understanding of human movement, performance, and wellness. Outside the gym, I’m an avid ultra-marathon runner and actively volunteer in youth sports—sharing my love for fitness and helping to inspire the next generation. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or striving to reach new performance goals, I’m here to support, motivate, and guide you every step of the way.
JAMES B.
COPPLE FAMILY YMCA
I have been a certified personal trainer through ISSA for over a year now. I bring energy and knowledge to every training session. I am on track to get my bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science by 2027, and plan to attend Physical Therapy School after that. Throughout the last few years I have been gaining knowledge on human movement, performance, and nutrition. When I am not at school or work I enjoy lifting weights and running for fun and I have also done a few half marathons. I am excited to continue to share my knowledge and love for fitness and health. I will be here to motivate you and help you reach your goals, whether it's gaining strength or overall health.
MADISON E.
COPPLE FAMILY YMCA
I am an ACE-certified trainer at the YMCA. While I do not possess numerous specialized acronyms, I have accumulated over several decades of experience in the field. My deep connection to athletics and the YMCA has been a consistent aspect of my life. I am passionate about assisting individuals in achieving their goals or equipping them with the necessary resources to accomplish them independently. Wellness has consistently been an integral aspect of my life. In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, practicing my faith, fishing, weightlifting, and my martial arts of choice, Combat Hapkido. I would welcome the opportunity to connect with you!
TODD C.
COPPLE FAMILY YMCA
I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Y-Lose It coach, Lifeguard, and teach various Group Exercise classes at the Fallbrook YMCA. As a mother of four, I use running and weight training as a stress reliever to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've competed in half-marathons. 10ks, 5ks, the Market-to-Market relay, obstacle course races, and mountain biking competitions. I also enjoy paddleboarding, SUP Yoga, and gravel bike rides. My exercise philosophy is that you have to start somewhere and slowly build good habits into a healthy lifestyle!
SUZI O.
FALLBROOK YMCA
I graduated from Peru State College with a BS in Exercise Science and MS in Organizational Management. I also played basketball while attending Peru State College. I am a certified Level 2 Strength & Conditioning coach from International Sports Science Association. I have been at the Copple Family Y since 2017 and love working out with athletes of all ages. I believe if you show up with a great attitude to workout you can accomplish your goals. I have also taught WaterFit while at the Copple Family Y.
JARVIS G.
COOPER, COPPLE FAMILY & NORTHEAST
You may have seen me around the Fallbrook Y as I have worked here for over two years! I'm excited to continue my journey at the Y as a Certified Personal Trainer. I am currently enrolled at Bryan College of Health Sciences to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I love everything to do with anatomy and physiology, and enjoy incorporating my knowledge of anatomy into workouts. I believe that the key to making progress is finding exercises, workouts, and programs you enjoy. As a Certified Personal Trainer, I aim to create an encouraging atmosphere and help everyone find a routine they look forward to and will stay consistent with.
TIFFANY T.
FALLBROOK YMCA
I'm an ACE-certified personal trainer with a bachelor's in Nutrition, Exercise & Health Science from UNL. Inspired by The Rock in 2012, I began training to boost my performance in swimming and soccer but learned that muscle alone doesn't equal function. After burnout from two years of bodybuilding, I shifted to a more sustainable, balanced approach. Now, I focus on addressing weaknesses and long-term health. I’m always eager to talk fitness, so feel free to say hi on the wellness floor!
BEN Q.
FALLBROOK YMCA
Hello! My name is Taylor Thorp! I graduated from Wayne State with a degree in Nutrition and currently work full time as a Nutritionist at Center for People. I'm passionate about helping others feel their best through movement! I'm a certified Personal Trainer, and in my free time I enjoy running and taking cycling classes!
TAYLOR T.
FALLBROOK YMCA
I am certified in Strength and Conditioning, Pound, Pound Generation, Pound Unplugged, and CPR/AED/FA, I coach Women's Strength Training and Road to Wellness. I am passionate about inviting others to join me in improving their lives through movement and nutrition. I teach Pound regularly and lift weights four days a week. Outside of classes, I enjoy Mixxedfit, Zumba, Line dancing, biking, and Pickleball. I choose to stay active and love what I do. It's something I have chosen not only for my mind and body but because I want to be around for my family. My exercise philosophy: find what you love, commit to showing up, and strive for progress every day.
KATIE M.
NORTHEAST YMCA
I am a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise, certified Health Coach through the Primal Health Coach Institute, and a Fitness Coach. I've also been certified as a Breath Instructor the Patrick McKeown's Oxygen Advantage program. My "why" is to enable people of any age to optimize their birthright of optimal health. It's never too late or too early to start on your health and wellness journey! At the age of 60 I changed my diet and lost 45 lbs. through running and resistance training. I have since been educating myself and others on life-long health and fitness. Hope to train you soon!
RICH C.
NORTHEAST YMCA
I'm an ACE-certified Personal Trainer graduating in Dec. 2025 from UNL with degrees in Nutrition, Exercise & Health Science and Dance. My passion for fitness began in high school through dance, where I learned the value of cross-training and support. I stay active for my mental and physical well-being and strive to help others do the same. My goal is to make your fitness journey enjoyable and effective using science-based training and unwavering support—I'll be your biggest cheerleader every step of the way!
ANNA C.
NORTHEAST YMCA
I have 15 years of passion for all things wellness. Helping people reach their goals is my jam; from strength training to cardio, I'll be able to help. It's not just a workout for me, it's about creating a vibe, a community that's all about crushing those fitness goals together. My personal journey started when I stumbled upon fitness almost two decades ago. Since then I haven't looked back. The Lincoln YMCAs aren't just gyms to me, these are places where transformations happen, hopefully not only in your physical and nutritional health, but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. If you're ready for a dose of motivation sprinkled with a little sweat and a lot of fun to help you find your groove moves, I'm your person. Together let's make every workout count and smash your goals.
TAI P.
NORTHEAST YMCA
I am currently certified in Group Exercise, Evolt 360 Specialist, Strength, and Conditioning, Enhance Fitness, and Dance Fitness as well as CPR/AED/FA. I am personally motivated to be better than I was the day before, by my children and family history of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health. My specialties are helping and encouraging others toward their personal goals through my love of fitness.