Contributors
Last Name: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Dave Appel
A coach and trainer for over 15 years and named one of Austin’s “10 Fittest” by the readers of Austin Fit Magazine in 2011, Dave Appel is one of the founders of Cycle Camp USA. Appel is also a Polar Certified Master Trainer, NESTA-certified personal trainer, heart rate training specialist, and USA Cycling Coach. Appel started Cycle Camp USA with the goal of creating a community of riders dedicated to improving on their personal best. As the director of training and development, Appel has built a comprehensive training curriculum that leaves riders fitter, faster, and more confident out on the roads.
campusa.com | Facebook: Dave.Appel
Kelly Arthrell
Kelly Arthrell is the chef instructor at the Central Market Cooking School in Austin.
Allison Atkinson
With more than ten years of experience in the group fitness industry, Allison Atkinson worked her way up from injured soccer player and runner to elite cyclist. She will race on a national level through the 2014 road season for the premier domestic elite women’s cycling team, Guru Cycles p/b Haute Wheels Racing. Together with her teammates, she aims to promote women’s racing and take her skills to the next level. As a former a coach at Cycle Camp USA and advanced Les Mills cycling and weight-lifting trainer, Atkinson credits her fitness to the inspiration she receives from coaching others. She currently teaches Endurance Cycling and Pure Pump at Pure Austin Fitness. You can also find her working and talking shop at Austin Tricyclist.
hautewheelsracing.com; gurucycles.com | Facebook: Pure Pain Cave; Haute Wheels Racing
Carrie Barrett
Carrie is a USAT Level 1 Certified Coach, Director of Marketing at Austin Aquatics & Sports Academy, author of two books on triathlon, and a Specialized Women ambassador. Her mission? Break down those fears and motivate others to face and overcome your own fears, whether it’s buying your first pair of running shoes or finishing yet another Ironman distance race.
Nicole Beckley
Nicole Beckley is an Austin based arts and culture writer who has written for Texas Monthly, Tribeza, Giving City, 7×7, and The Onion AV Club. A native Texan, Beckley grew up in El Paso, TX and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Urban Studies and Communications. In her free time, she enjoys finding new hiking trails and running around Lady Bird Lake.
Stacy Berg
Stacy Berg is Fotohogg Photography. She strives to capture the beauty she sees in people, places,and all things, and reflect that beauty in an image. She lives for creative, real life shoots and believes there is never a subject not worth photographing. Stacy studied photography at Amarillo College and she has a creative nature and an ease about her which makes her wonderful to work with! Stacy is active in the community and always willing to snap photo’s for a good cause. If you have a creative photography shoot idea, she can make it come to life! Photography is her passion and if you know her, you know more than anything, she wants a pony!
Devyn Bernal
Devyn Bernal recently made the move to Austin after spending most of her life in Dallas. Having studied journalism at the University of Alabama and University of North Texas, her focus is writing and editing. Her number one goal is to stay active, whether that’s here in Austin or in a new city across the country. when she is in town, she’s researching a new story or doing events for Mighty Swell Cocktails. In between, she enjoys mystery novels, craft beer, classic movies, and running.
Daniel Bockmann, D.C.
Dr. Daniel Bockmann is a chiropractor and rehab provider at his private practice, Austin Spine & Sport, where he focuses on treating spine, shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries. Dr. Bockmann has been the Medical Director for the Central Texas Wolf Pack semi-pro football team, provided medical support for the MS 150 Bike Tour, and developed the injury prevention program currently used by the University of Texas men’s and women’s club volleyball teams.
As a competitive beach volleyball player himself, Bockmann understands the athlete’s desire to return to play as soon as possible while avoiding re-injury. He has developed “fast track” rehab protocols to help get his athletes healthier and back in the game faster.
In addition to playing sand volleyball, he enjoys exploring Austin’s eateries, hiking the Greenbelt, and cooling off at Barton Springs.
AustinSpineAndSport.com | Twitter: @DanBockmannDC | Facebook: Austin Spine & Sport
Kim Brackin
Kim Brackin, a USA National Team Coach, member of USA Swimming and the American Swimming Coaches Association, has more than 20 years of collegiate swim coaching experience. Brackin has worked with athletes ranging from promising high school recruits to Division I athletes, triathletes, and NCAA, Olympic, and World champions. Brackin helped bring the Auburn University and University of Texas women’s swim teams to new heights, and was head coach of the Zimbabwe National Team. She contin-ues to work with athletes through Brackin Elite Swim Training, concentrating on fine-tuning technique skills and attaining measurable improvement in the water. Brackin, who lives in Austin with her husband and two children, is herself an athlete; she participated in sprint-, Olympic-, and 70.3-distance races from 1991–1999 and placed 4th in the Great Floridian Ironman in 1999. Coach Brackin is a USA National Team Coach, member of USA Swimming and the American Swimming Coaches Association.
brackineliteswimtraining.com | @CoachBrackin | facebook.com/BrackinEliteSwimTraining
Mallory Brooks
Mallory is an avid trail runner, Rogue running coach, trainer at Rail, rock climber, and owner of Spectrum Trail Racing. Her love for running began while she was earning her degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder. This led to several epic adventures, including a speed record attempt on the 200+ miles of the John Muir Trail and a completion of the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim run. She and her husband have summited Mt Whitney, the Grand Teton, Mt Rainier, and Pico de Orizaba. She spends her free time digging in the dirt and counting stars with son, Paxton.
Kelsey Brown
Kelsey Brown started teaching group fitness at 18 years old as a way to share the joy and self confidence she found through exercise. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and is currently pursuing a Masters in Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Texas. Kelsey has trained at multiple gyms, from California to Texas, teaching cycling, Pilates, boot camp and strength training classes. She currently teaches at Kor180 and the Fitness Institute of Texas. Her passion for fitness lies in its ability to transform not just one’s physical health, but their mental and emotional wellness and quality of life.
Lori Burkhardt
Lori Burkhardt is a freelance writer and copy editor. You will find her running, biking, kayaking, or enjoying almost any outdoor activity during her free time. She travels often with her brother, keeps calm with yoga, and volunteers with Heart of Texas Lab Rescue. Burkhardt is most content and at peace when she is spending time in the country with her three dogs, Daisee, Doggie, and Pumpkin.
hotlabrescue.org | nburkhardt@gmail.com
Joanne Blackerby
Joanne Blackerby is the owner of Spirit Fitness Training in Central Austin and the author of Training Effects: Reflections on the Art of Personhood Training. As an approved continuing education provider and education partner of the American Council of Exercise (ACE), Spirit Fitness Training recently launched its Pro Academy to offer professional mentorship and education to personal trainers, fitness trainers, and those seeking to develop careers in the fields of wellness, lifestyle intervention, and fitness coaching.
joanneblackerby.com | spiritfitnesstraining.com
John Byczek
John Byczek is a senior at the University of Texas studying sport management and business. Originally from Galveston, Texas, Byczek has spent the last four years in Austin and will graduate in May. Byczek has worked for Texas Athletics Media Relations for the past three years, primarily as a feature writer. Byczek’s parents, Bill and Sandra, currently live in Houston and his older brother, Michael, lives in Colorado.
Joy Casnovsky
Joy Casnovsky first became interested in the dynamics of food after taking the life-altering class “Food, Cuisine and Kitchenspace” as an undergraduate student. She holds a BA in geography and Spanish from the University of Texas. Before joining Sustainable Food Center in 2007, Casnovsky served as a representative of the U.S. Peace Corps in Bolivia for two years, during which she directed a townwide recycling program and taught nutrition courses. She’s a strong proponent of improving individuals’ cooking skills and confidence so that they have the ability to positively shape their health. Additionally, she’s passionate about helping shape health policy that will have an even larger impact on the broader community. Casnovsky is currently working toward a certificate in culinary arts from Austin Community College and is a member of the American Public Health Association. When not planning her next meal, she enjoys anything outdoors and traveling off the beaten path.
Cameron Cope
Cameron Cope is a physical therapist at Baylor Scott and White Sports Medicine in Round Rock. He received his bachelor’s in exercise science as well as his doctorate of physical therapy from Hardin-Simmons University. Cope enjoys working with diverse diagnoses, and finds joy in returning people to pain-free activity. Outside of work, you can find him cycling or hiking with his wife, Anne. An avid cyclist, Cope has competed in several road and mountain bike races as well as triathlons, including the Austin Half Ironman.
Steve Corcoran
Steve Corcoran is an Australian Rugby Union and strength and conditioning coach based in Austin. Corcoran is a former professional rugby player with Bristol Rugby (UK), represented Ireland at u/21 level and has more than 25 years experience in the sport.
He has 15 years experience in strength and conditioning training, specializing in sports performance and is the founder of Fearless Conditioning.
Corcoran works with the Austin Blacks Rugby Club (current Texas Champions), St. Edwards University and The Central Texas All Star rugby teams.
Dr. Pam Cowper
Dr. Pam Cowper is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. She attended the Medical College of Georgia and completed her residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Dr. Cowper has been in practice with Seton Adult Inpatient Medical Services in Austin, Texas since 1998.
Anna Craig
Anna Craig is starting her fifth year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for The University of Texas at Austin. During her career at UT, she has assisted with football training and headed training and programming for women’s soccer, women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s diving. She holds a master’s degree from The University of Texas in Exercise Physiology and is certified through the CSCCa (SCCC), NSCA (CSCS) and USAW. During her upbringing in Colorado, she developed a passion for inspiring others to experience National Parks, mountains, rivers, lakes, and the great outdoors through activity. In her spare time she can either be found adventuring or dreaming up her next trip.
Instagram: @annaecraig
Steve Cuddy, M.P.T., P.R.C.
A licensed physical therapist since 1992, Steve Cuddy has successfully treated elite cyclists, triathletes, runners, swimmers, as well as professional baseball and football players and golfers. He has served as the orthotics consultant for the University of Texas men’s and women’s basketball teams and local PGA, cycling, and triathlon professionals.
A 1992 graduate of the University of California, San Francisco with a masters in physical therapy, Cuddy trained under some of the most talented therapists and doctors in the country in the acclaimed Kaiser Permanente medical system and the general San Francisco Bay Area. He moved to Austin in 2000, joining the community of competitive cyclists and weekend warriors; he also became the first physical therapist in Texas to be certified by the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI), whose methodology focuses on the body’s patterns of misalignment and movement dysfunction.
Since 2004, he has combined PRI concepts with manual therapy techniques that integrate Australian, Norwegian, osteopathic, and deep tissue mobilization approaches in his business, Steve Cuddy Physical Therapy, to treat a wide variety of orthopedic issues.
Clemmie Cummins
Clemmie is a wellness consultant with HealthyConnections, the City of Austin’s employee wellness program. She joined the City in 1989 in benefits communications and transitioned to her current position four years ago. Cummins has an undergraduate degree from UT Austin and a Masters in Public Health from the UT Science Center in Houston.
Over the years, Cummins activities have primarily included Jazzercise, marathon running, and more recently, Zumba. She has taught Strength and Zumba classes for employees through the City’s popular PE Program. A self-described foodie, Cummins loves cooking, reading, films, and helping others improve their health and fitness.
April Cumming
April Cumming currently serves as AFM’s managing editor, and has previously written for BACKPACKER magazine and TV-news website KXAN.com. After graduating from the University of Texas Journalism School in 2014, Cumming plans to continue pursuing her goal of being an outdoor-adventure-fitness writer and hot yoga teacher. Her favorite quote is simple: Dream it. Plan it. Do it.
Ryan Cummings
Ryan Cummings, who has a master’s degree in agricultural business and five years’ experience in the pet food industry, is the founder of The Bones & Co., a local Austin business that puts dogs first. The heart of the company’s philosophy is feeding dogs the way Mother Nature intended by using high quality ingredients from local suppliers, and supporting natural and organic businesses whenever possible. The Bones & Co. focuses exclusively on a biologically appropriate raw foods diet.
thebonesandco.com | info@thebonesandco.com | Facebook: TheBonesAndCo
Oliver Dean
Oliver Dean is the retail director for the Sail & Ski Center. Dean is a snow sports enthusiast and specialist, with 18 years of retail experience in specialty snow sports. He is also PSIA-instructor certified, has a specialty in master ski boot fitting, and is a certified technician for Salomon, Atomic, and Marker.
Katerina Sheffield Dickey, D.C.
Dr. Katerina Sheffield Dickey, founder and owner of Westlake Chiropractic PLLC, has lived in Austin for 29 years and is passionate about holistic healthcare and wellness. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin college of pharmacy and has extensive clinical nutrition experience as a board certified nutrition support pharmacist. After life changing results from upper cervical specific chiropractic work, she decided to change professions. Combining atlas orthogonal work with full spine and extremity adjusting along with neuromuscular re-education, Dr. Sheffield emphasizes a personalized and caring approach.
Abby Drane
Abby is Austin Fit’s first photography intern. A recent graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, she has been obsessed with photography since she was in middle school. Drane plans to study photography in college, concentrating in photojournalism or fashion photography.
Tony C. Dreibus
Tony C. Dreibus is a freelance reporter based in Austin. The Omaha, Neb., native spent the past eight years working as a reporter at The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News, based in Chicago and London. Dreibus is an avid runner and triathlete, having completed 13 marathons and two Ironman-distance triathlons along with dozens of shorter-distance endurance events.
Kim Eagle
Kim Eagle has won the Best Personal Trainer designation from Austin Fit for the past three years. Eagle received her masters in Science and Eastern Medicine in San Francisco and has spent many years helping patients adopt healthier nutrition routines and lifestyles. Her passion for fitness and health led to the evolution of her online personal training and nutritional coaching business Earn That Body! In her free time, Eagle enjoys training for triathlons and marathons, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family. She completed her first Ironman in Texas this year.
@earnthatbody; earnthatbody.com
Victoria Espinoza
Victoria Espinoza is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin where she is studying journalism and apparel design. Victoria is also trained in beauty basic essentials for hair and skin care. Her work has been published on The Daily Texan’s website. She’s also been featured as a co-writer on a number of fashion blogs in New York City and Austin. When she isn’t writing or designing and crafting her senior collection, she keeps up with her personal Instagram account and finds new places to run in Austin.
Rip Esselstyn
For many years, Rip Esselstyn, a University of Texas All-American swimmer, was one of the world’s top professional triathletes. Trained as an EMT, Esselstyn comes from a family steeped in medical knowledge. As a firefighter for the Austin Fire Department, he helped people and saved lives; in an effort to save the health of a firefighting brother, he transformed the way Engine 2 ate. Now, as author of The Engine 2 Diet, Esselstyn is teaching others about achieving their optimal health through a plant-strong diet. In October 2009, he teamed up with Whole Foods Market as a Healthy Eating Partner. Esselstyn serves on the board of directors for The Wellness Foundation, EarthSave’s Meals for Health Program, and the AllergyKids Foundation.
engine2diet.com | Twitter: @Engine2Diet | Facebook: Engine2Diet
Susan Farago
Susan Farago has more than 20 years of coaching experience and is a certified coach in running, cycling, and nutrition. She is an avid athlete and the co-founder of Trailhead Running and the Women on the Trails training program and race series. Farago is also a nationally published freelance writer.
SusanFarago.com | Facebook: TrailheadRunning
Tony Farmer
Tony Farmer, a NAFC Certified Nutrition Coach and founder of tonyshealthtips.org, has called Austin home since June of 2015. Since naturally reversing his severe acne and obesity in high school, Tony enjoys teaching others about nutrition, fitness and wellness. A former sports writer who interviewed some of the top athletes in professional sports, writing is a fun hobby for the Connecticut native. An educator at heart, Tony attended Ball State University where he received a B.S. in Communication Studies and a M.A. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education. His passion is helping clients lose weight and teaching others how to decipher food labels and food industry propoganda as seen in his 2016 TEDx Talk, “Decoding Food Labels.”
Andrea Fisher
Andrea Fisher is a former professional athlete and the owner/coach for Texas Iron. When she is not training or coaching, Andrea can be found chasing her two young daughters around her beloved Austin city. She will also be toeing the line for the 8th time next month at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, all thanks to her Kona qualifying performance at the recent 2015 Ironman Coeur d’alene.
texasiron.net | ironmanfishy@gmail.com
Jennifer Fisher
When athlete, healthy cooking coach, and food blogger (thefitfork.com) Jennifer Fisher isn’t training for her next race or preparing healthy meals for a busy family that includes three hungry teen boys, she is looking for her next adventure. Memorable past ones have included running in the torch relay for the XIX Olympics and battling with oven mitts (and losing) for a $1 million prize in the 42nd Pillsbury Bake-Off.
TheFitFork.com | Twitter: @thefitfork | Instagram: @thefitfork | Facebook: TheFitFork
Jessica Frey
Jessica is an award-winning commercial and international wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas. She is a native Austinite and a proud 2004 graduate from Texas A&M. After spending the past 10 years living in California, she’s happy to be settled back home in Austin. Jessica’s passion for photography has taken her all over the world photographing weddings and couples in Costa Rica, Europe, Thailand, Hawaii and New Zealand. She and her husband recently took 4 months off after his time in the Marine Corps to backpack around the world. When she is not traveling or working you can find her walking around Lady Bird Lake.
Kevin Garner
Kevin Garner is the founder and owner of Kevin Garner Photography. Originally born and raised in South Carolina, he now works as a freelance artist here in Austin. Since receiving his bachelor’s degree in fashion photography, Garner has worked in the field of dance choreography, as a stylist for Neiman Marcus, and has held a position on Aveda’s artistic team.
Bill Hanson
Bill Hanson is a flight paramedic, rescue swimmer, and crew chief for Travis County STAR Flight. He has been a part of the public safety community since 1989. Hanson is also a rock climber, mountaineer, and triathlete.
Sharon Hausman-Cohen, M.D.
Sharon Hausman-Cohen, M.D., opened Balcones Woods Family Medicine in 2001 to practice the “art of medicine.” Hausman-Cohen obtained her master’s and medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She enjoys staying current in the medical field, spending a tremendous amount of time reading medical literature on nutrition, cardiac health, osteoporosis, mental health, and more. Hausman-Cohen is also interested in office orthopedics, musculoskeletal complaints, and endocrinology (including thyroid issues and stage-of-life hormonal changes). Although dedicated to science and evidence-based medicine, Dr. Hausman-Cohen places a special emphasis on the emotional and personalized needs of patients, with a strong interest in alternative and complementary medicine. She is the mother of three children in their teens and twenties.
Keri Heath
Keri Heath is a writer and journalist studying English and history at Wittenberg University. Her professional and creative work has appeared in publications such as Austin Woman, Austin Chamber, and NEAT magazines. A native Austinite, Keri loves running central Texas trails and completed her first marathon last spring.
readkh.wix.com/keri-heath | Twitter: @HeathKeri
Kathleen Hersey
Kathleen Hersey is a two-time Olympian; she finished fourth in the 200-meter butterfly at the 2012 London Olympics with a personal-best time. Hersey has called Austin home for the past five years and loves the active community, where she is constantly inspired to pursue fitness and overall wellness.
J. Russell Hoverman, M.D., Ph.D.
J. Russell Hoverman, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in medical oncology and is board certified in internal medicine and hematology. Dr. Hoverman received his medical degree from Duke University and is currently the Vice President of Quality Programs for Texas Oncology, P.A. and the Medical Director of Managed Care for The US Oncology Network. He also serves on the board of directors and executive council for the Austin Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Hoverman is an avid cyclist, and he and his wife Isabel Hoverman, M.D., enjoy an active lifestyle.
Ryan Kendrick
Ryan earned his bachelor of physiotherapy degree from the University of Queensland, Australia in 1994 and a masters in musculoskeletal physiotherapy in 2000 under the same world-renowned guidance.
Kendrick has worked extensively in the area of musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, working as a personal physiotherapist to Greg Rusedski (formerly No. 4 on the ATP Tennis Tour) and as team physiotherapist to the British Davis Cup team and Essex County Cricket Club.
As a private practitioner, Kendrick has been involved in the management of European Tour golfers and Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes in disciplines including swimming, rowing, archery, and triathlon.
Kendrick has also been a clinical tutor in musculoskeletal physiotherapy in the bachelor and Masters programs at Griffith University, Australia, and has taught taping courses extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Germany, UK, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, South Africa, Brazil, and Canada. Kendrick is the developer of Dynamic Tape and PosturePals.
Jayme Lamm
An athlete since the age of 5, when she struggled to pop a wheelie while showing off for a boy, Lamm has always had a knack for adventure, sports, and fitness. After working in professional sports PR and marketing for five years, Lamm is now a freelance sports and travel writer based in Houston, Texas. Her work has appeared in ESPN, Bleacher Report, CNBC, CBS, and many other publications. She was selected as an Action Hero for Women’s Health Magazine the past two years.
Emily Laskowski
Emily Laskowski is a writer, editor, and native Austinite. A longtime athlete, Emily graduated from The University of Texas and rowed for the Longhorn women’s NCAA novice rowing team. Since 2008, Laskowski has written and edited for organizations throughout the Austin area. When she’s not writing for AFM, Laskowski is most likely running around Lady Bird Lake or walking her dog, Dobby, with her husband around their Northwest Hills neighborhood.
Lauryn Lax, O.T.D., O.T.R./L.
Lauryn Lax is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Nutrition Therapist, and Fitness Professional living in Austin. She is the founder of the holistic health and wellness practice THRIVE Wellness & Recovery, where she specializes in lifestyle redesign, helping others achieve their personal goals and develop a healthy relationship with food, fitness, and their bodies. She works with clients from all walks of life, including those seeking support in eating disorder recovery, weight management, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, stress, anxiety issues, and more. Lax earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas and completed her doctoral degree at Belmont University in Nashville before returning to Austin to complete her Residency. While she is a healthcare professional, Lax has also been a writer and journalist her whole life. Aside from her work with clients, she is a regular contributing writer to various health and fitness publications, including Optimal Performance Experience, Box Life, WOD Talk magazine, FloElite.com, the CrossFit Games website, and Austin Fit Magazine.
MeantToThrive.com | Lauryn@MeantToThrive.com | MeantToThrive.com/blog
David Leffler
David Leffler was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he worked as a sports columnist for The Daily Texan. His interests include athletics and mentorship, which has led him to several stints as a YMCA youth basketball coach. When he’s not writing you can find him playing softball with a local outfit, The Belly Itchers, hanging by a swimming hole and spending time with his family.
David de Leon
David de Leon, owner and head coach at OTL Fitness, is passionate about helping others change their lives for the better—helping others to live lives well beyond mediocrity. It is his goal to create an environment of like-minded individuals who thrive off of being greater. Whether it’s a business owner, a student, a mother, a doctor, or a lawyer, what is important is to be surrounded by people who motivate De Leon to become a better coach just as much as he motivates them.
De Leon believes the way athletes perform in the gym is a direct reflection of the way they perform in life. The ability to push past those last few reps is your ability to push through life when things get tough. These people, the ones who are willing to push their limits and motivate those around them, are welcome at OTL Fitness.
otlfitness.com | Twitter: @OTLFitness | Facebook: OTLFitness | info@otlfitness.com
Robert Lewis, Ph.D.
Dr. Robert Lewis is an assistant professor in advertising and public relations at the University of Texas. A central focus of his research is to understand the psychology of media appeal, but he also hopes this research will lead to a comprehensive understanding of how the media strengthen, influence, and maintain individual and group values. For example, his recent research has examined how intuitive and deliberative moral judgments determine the appeal of stories for children and adults. Lewis’ work has appeared in outlets such as the International Journal of Arts & Technology, Mass Communication & Society, and Journal of Communication. He holds a PhD from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and earned his bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in journalism from Southeast Missouri State University.
utexas.academia.edu/RobertLewis
Lauren Lumsden
Lauren Lumsden is the director of operations and lead makeup artist for Rae Cosmetics, where she has worked for the past five years. Experienced in television, film, print, run-way, and bridal services, Lumsden has gained a reputation as a premier makeup artist. She recently won a Golden Boot award at Austin Fashion Week 2014 for Best Hair & Makeup Team. Lumsden holds a degree in Hispanic Studies with a minor in Business from the University of Texas at Austin and has been an Austinite since 2001.
Facebook.com/LaurenLumsden.Hair.Makeup | RaeCosmetics.com
Christopher Manees, M.D.
Christopher Manees, M.D., is a physician with Pain Specialists of Austin. He is a board certified anesthesiologist with sub-specialty certification in pain medicine, and has participated in numerous national conferences with presentations and research. Dr. Manees helps patients with many different pain states as well as with health and wellness through diet and exercise. In his spare time, Dr. Manees enjoys traveling, sports, weightlifting, outdoor activities, and spending time with his family and friends.
Anil Shaw Manley
Anil Shaw Manley is a holistic fashionista, speaker, and certified holistic health practitioner who helps women embrace their own style in order to spend less time getting dressed and more time enjoying life. Creatively, she connects her passion for style and wellness to empower her appreciative clients. Manley is a fashion industry veteran, having served as senior fashion stylist at cable network QVC, regional fashion and special events manager at Hecht’s, and assistant fashion and public relations director at Saks Fifth Avenue. Manley’s greatest inspiration comes from the connections she makes with the designers, celebrities, stay-at-home moms, entrepreneurs, and executives who make up her clientele. She lives in Austin with her husband Dave.
anilshaw.com | Twitter: @AnilManley
Henry Marshall
Henry Marshall is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and has lived in Austin since 2009. He added kettlebells to his workouts in 2007 but it wasn’t until 2009 that he started training as a sportsman. His passion and focus for health, fitness, and weightlifting has led to many community collaborations in the promotion of kettlebell sport. Marshall is a Rank 1 lifter in both kettlebell sport disciplines, Biathlon (Jerk then Snatch) and Long-cycle (Clean and Jerk) who is devoted to earning higher rankings to represent the United States in the most prestigious international competitions. Marshall is the 2011 Amateur Longcycle World Champion (78kg Weight Class) and four-time World Kettlebell Club Gold Medalist (80kg Weight Class). He earned a bachelors of science degree in health promotions (exercise and fitness) from the University of Cincinnati. In addition, Marshall is the Texas representative of the American Kettlebell Alliance, a certified kettlebell coach (Russian Girevoy Sport Federation), and a certified personal trainer (NSCA).
gyminyourhand.com | Facebook: Johnsgym
Liana Mauro
Liana Mauro, owner of Mauro Pilates, is a Stott Pilates certified instructor who specializes in Pilates for children, weight loss/toning, injuries, and athletic performance. Voted “Best Pilates in Austin” in 2011 by readers of Austin Fit Magazine, Mauro does Pilates and loves finding unique ways to incorporate cardio and strengthening exercises.
mauropilates.com | Facebook: mauropilates | Twitter: @MauroPilates
Payson McElveen
Payson McElveen is a 21-year-old professional cross-country mountain bike racer and Austin native. He rides for Richard’s Rainwater MTB Racing and the U.S. National team. He is also a coach with Williams Racing Academy and a part-time student at Fort Lewis College, where he competes collegiately in the offseason for the Skyhawks.
A member of the national team since age 17, McElveen has had the privilege of competing all over the world, from China to Puerto Rico and throughout Europe. A multi-time national championship podium finisher, McElveen has steadily progressed each year of his young career most notably in 2014, when he finished sixth in the internationally stacked opening round of the U.S. Cup and was selected as one of two U23 riders to the U.S. Pan American Championships team. Currently, he calls Durango, Colo. home in the sum-mer/fall and spends the winter/spring in Austin.
paysonmcelveenracing.com | @paysonmcelveen
Gina Miller
Gina Miller grew up in Tyler but has called Austin home since 2000. Miller received her bachelor of science degree with a minor in business from the University of Texas in 2006. After working in a corporate environment for six years, she needed a change and decided to become a full time yoga teacher after going through Yoga Yoga’s teacher training in 2012. She has never looked back. Miller is currently working on her 500 hour certification, also through Yoga Yoga, and hopes to have it completed soon. She structures most of her classes around a “peak pose” with a strong focus on foundation and alignment. She often themes her classes based off of a quote or lecture. Miller credits her husband, friends, family and students for teaching her the true meaning of yoga.
Bianca Morrison
Bianca is from a speed trap town in north Texas where the excitement on a Saturday night is found at the local Walmart. A recent college graduate from The University of Texas, she plans to pursue a career in Advertising. Bianca is a former Advertising Intern at Austin Fit where she experienced everything from learning to scale an 8-foot wall at a Fit Field Trip (with the bruises to prove it) to being a featured writer in the April Issue. She enjoys keeping active by running around Lady Bird Lake and frequently attempting to be a Yogi. When she’s not doing that, she’s on the hunt for the best salsa in Austin, Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, or exploring the Grand Canyon in her future home of Arizona.
Dr. Stacy Mozisek
Dr. Stacy Mozisek was raised in Fort Worth where her love for animals and the outdoors began. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UT and a Masters of Science degree from TCU. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Mozisek worked for several years as a biologist for an Austin based environmental consulting firm focusing on various endangered species.
Dr. Mozisek graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Shortly after vet school, she followed her husband to Athens, Georgia while he continued his career in poultry medicine. Although she enjoyed practicing small animal medicine there, she was very excited to bring her experience and passion for veterinary medicine back home to Texas.
Her special interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and preventive medicine. When not working, Dr. Mozisek enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends. Dr. Mozisek was very excited to join Firehouse Animal Health Center where she can live, work and play in our great Austin community.
Amy Neuzil, N.D.
Amy Neuzil is a naturopathic doctor, author, teacher and speaker. Her first book, DIY Health: For Women was published in 2009. She has been seeing local and national clients in the Austin area for 11 years. She focuses on complex multi-endocrine disorders such as PCOS, but mood and sleep disorders and homeopathy are also a big part of her practice. She was awarded Naturopathic Doctor of the Year for Texas in 2011.
Leah Fisher Nyfeler
Since 2011, Leah Fisher Nyfeler has had the pleasure of occupying a staff position at Austin Fit Magazine. Starting off as an assistant editor, she progressed to managing editor; in 2012, she became the editor in chief at AFM. A native Austinite, University of Texas graduate, and former Longhorn Band member, Nyfeler has worked as an educator and writer/proofer/editor throughout the last 30 years. In the fitness arena, she has coached numerous runners and triathletes to success at everything from discovering fitness to completing ultra marathons and Ironman triathlons.
An avid runner and retired triathlete with hundreds of events logged, Nyfeler took up boxing in 2013. She continues to try new things and enjoy workouts of all sorts. In her free time, she can be found running trails, eating good food, reading anything she can get her hands on, and chasing her husband James around the house.
Meg Elkjer O’Connell
Meg Elkjer O’Connell is one of the founders of Austin Kula Yoga located in Central Austin. O’Connell has a 20-year background in movement and dance; she turned to yoga to help recuperate from a back injury and discovered a new love. She became certified almost 12 years ago in Hatha Yoga through Living Yoga and is also certified in children’s yoga and prenatal yoga. In addition, O’Connell has a deep interest in pregnancy and loves to share how yoga can help women through the transitions of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. She has been honored as Best Prenatal Yoga Teacher by Austin Birth Awards and in 2013, she launched Prenatal Teacher Training Immersion with Michelle Thompson Ulerich. O’Connell is a busy mom to Nelle, Sam, and Maeve and the lucky wife of Brian.Maeve and the lucky wife of Brian.
Kristina Olson
Kristina Olson is an IFBB Pro, Certified Personal Trainer, and Advanced Certified Scuba Diver. Prior to working in the fitness industry, Kristina was the front woman of the band Kristina & The Dolls, wrote songs for major motion pictures in Hollywood, and got her B.S. in earth sciences from the University of California, San Diego. From a young age she learned to embrace the unknown and challenge herself. Kristina played Junior Olympic Softball as a teen ad spent much time on the slopes skiing and snowboarding with her family. Being a bit of an adrenaline seeker she’s enjoyed skydiving as well as flying fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. A couple of items on her bucket list include getting her pilot’s license and going cage diving with great white sharks. For more about Kristina, you can follow her on social media. IG: @_Kristina_Olson Website: www.fitnessko.com
Lauren Pape
Lauren Pape is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Austin. The Texas Tech graduate holds a degree in electronic media and communications and worked in the student media department as a photojournalist and photo editor. Pape now works as a designer for the digital communications firm Upstream Communications and is the media and marketing manager for the Yahoo! sports radio show Speed City Broadcasting. In her free time, Pape can be found exploring Austin with a camera in hand or at home getting addicted to the newest show on Netflix.
@LaurenPapePhoto; laurenpape.com
Darryl Payne, Jr.
Darryl Payne, Jr., a graduate of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, is a production chef at the Whole Foods Market Downtown location as well as a personal chef with a mission to deliver good, upscale food through accessible means. When Darryl is not behind the knife cooking in a kitchen, he can be found on a track in Austin or at Austin Simply Fit training for the Olympic Games in the 400-meter hurdles. Food and fitness affects his faith and positively directs his behavior on a level that transcends his own understanding. It is the fuel and the very purpose behind his lifestyle: Try Anything. Do Not Be Outworked. Never Stop.
Lorin Peters
Peters received her bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Texas–Austin. Now a professional chef in New York City, she is the creator of the cooking blog, amodernmuse.com, which is geared towards teaching everyone the basics of cooking and living a healthy lifestyle.
Carly Pollack, C.C.N.
Pollack holds a master’s degree in holistic nutrition and is a certified nutrition and lifestyle coach by the prestigious CHEK Institute. Most recently, Pollack became a certified clinical nutritionist (CCN), which requires five years post-master’s experience and rigorous continuing education. Her passion for new knowledge keeps her on the cutting edge of nutrition, and her love of food keeps things interesting.
Pollack started seeing clients as one of the first nutritionists for Whole Foods Market. Soon after, she opened her private practice. Pollack currently resides in Austin where she works with clients in her private practice, lectures throughout the United States, and makes monthly appearances on the Austin news. A Jersey girl at heart, Pollack guides clients with honesty, caring, a little sarcasm, and much laughter. She adds a spiritual component to her coaching to help change eating practices—and, more importantly change thoughts and behaviors—to lead to life-long health and happiness.
Travis Perkins
Travis Perkins is an avid photographer based here in Austin. Primarily appearing in publications such as AFM and Do512.com, Perkins specializes in photographing Austin’s unique and vibrant culture, as well as, taking his lenses on the road, seas, and air to reveal the beauty of the wild earth and authentic culture in digital form.
travisperkinsphoto.com | facebook.com/travisperkinsphoto | Instagram: @travperk_photo
Katie Provost, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Katie Provost is an Austin-born dietician who maintains a private practice with sCULP-ture Nutrition & Fitness. She worked at Cedar Springs Austin Treatment Center for Eating Disorders prior to joining the team at sCULPture and continues to share her passion for developing a healthy balance between food, exercise, and life in an outpatient setting. Katie works with adolescents, young adults, and adults to assist with eating disorders, disordered eating, non-diet weight management, and sports nutrition.
Birjis Adeni Rashed
Birjis Adeni Rashed is a food writer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor. She is passionate about food and cooking and believes it is an art, science, therapy, and pleasure. Originally from the land of spice—Hyderabad, India—she uses spices in traditional and innovative ways in Indian and Fusion cuisines. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration, and has an advertising and copy writing background. Combining her passion with her background, she enjoys writing and teaching others about food. Rashed is a regular contributor to magazines, websites, restaurant reviews, and her blog.
Carly Reed
Carly Reed recently completed a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a dietetic intern with the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at UT. She will be eligible to become a registered dietitian in August 2014. Reed looks forward to working with clients to improve their health through diet and behavior modifications.
Dr. Austin Reynolds
Dr. Austin Reynolds, is a licensed athletic trainer and a doctor of chiropractic. He went through the athletic training program at the University of Texas from 2003 to 2006. Dr. Reynolds did an internship with the Austin Wranglers arena football team immediately after graduation and began his career in this field until venturing off to study further at Texas Chiropractic College. Dr. Reynolds has been a practicing chiropractor for almost 4 years, but has worked in the field of chiropractic and sports medicine for over 10 years. He specializes in myofascial release, certified in fascial distortion and dry needling techniques and is a master trainer for Trigger Point Therapy His practice philosophy is to provide the highest quality of care to each individual patient by comprehending the patient’s injuries, goals and needs.
Andy Rivadeneira
Andy Rivadeneira is approaching a decade as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor here in Austin. He has gained accredations with NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association) along with a Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor Certification (Kettlebell Concepts). He received his bachelors and masters degrees in exercise science from Texas State University. Weight loss, improving functional movement patterns, and performance enhancement are Rivadeneira’s core specializations. He works to educate clients to reshape their health and wellness foundations. Rivadeneira finds that guiding clients to individualized fitness milestones helps pave the way for overall behavioral changes that create lasting effects.
Facebook: /SwiftFitPersonalTraining
Sara Sanchez
Sara Sanchez is a senior studying English writing and rhetoric at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. She is a New Mexico native, triathlete, and lover of stories. During her free time, Sanchez enjoys baking, blogging, and growing her succulent plant collection.
Rosa Schnyer
Rosa N.Schnyer is a doctor of Chinese medicine (DAOM), owner of Seeds of Wellness Acupuncture, and a clinical assistant professor in the college of nursing at the University of Texas. An author, researcher, and practitioner for more than 30 years, Dr. Schnyer combines a deep appreciation for individual patient differences with safe and effective treatments; she integrates the most current medical knowledge about prevention and wellness with the timeless wisdom of traditional healing therapies. Her goal is to encourage exploration and help people develop a self-directed approach to the cultivation of their own health. She maintains a private practice in Austin.
John Schrup
John Schrup has been running for 35 years, and hanging around running shops for more than half that. He is a shoe fitter emeritus, and has been a shoe buyer and store owner; Schrup has coached all from true beginners to Boston Marathon qualifiers, nationally ranked high school cross country teams, and weekend warriors. He is currently the manager at Texas Running Company-Gateway. He is a husband and father of two and when there is enough coffee, can be found at sc
Brendan Sheehan
Brendan Sheehan was brought up on Cape Cod, Mass., and became a top-ranked tennis junior in New England. He was recruited to play tennis at Trinity University in 1990; he then transferred to and played tennis at the University of Texas here in Austin. After graduating in 1993, Sheehan became the director of tennis at the Westover Club in 1994. He is also the current general manager for the North Austin Swim and Tennis Club. Sheehan loves teaching tennis to kids and has built up a successful junior tennis program for children and adults at Westover Hills Club.
Becky Simpson
Becky Simpson is an illustrator, author and graphic designer based in Austin, Texas. She’s both author and illustrator of the book I’d Rather Be Short and is currently finishing up her second book, The Roommate Book. Her work reflects her passions for connection, process and play. During her Adobe creative residency, she is focused on the creative process of designing a sustainable illustration business, and is excited to experience mentorship and growth as an artist by exploring new methods and mediums. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter and shop her goods on Etsy.
Danielle Sobel
Danielle Sobel is a certified health coach through The Institute of Integrative Nutrition and founder of Juice Society, a cold-pressed organic and sustainable juice company based in Austin, Texas. Two years ago Danielle overcame a long battle with chronic migraines and skin conditions through the power of wholesome, organic food and juices. Danielle is a firm believer that what we put in our body plays an integral role in how we live our lives. Her approach to wellness is a seamless fusion of mind, body and spirit and she hopes to inspire others to find their most vibrant heath and happiest self.
Erik Stanley
Erik Stanley is the founder of Trail Roots, a local running training business in Austin, Texas. He specializes in private coaching with youth and adults, group trail training, and online coaching. Stanley is a former University of Texas All-American in the 1,500-meter — running the equivalent of a sub four-minute mile. He was 2014’s Austin Fit Magazine Distance Challenge champion, winning four of the six races in the series.
Trailroots.com | facebook.com/trailroots | twitter.com/trailroots
Sam Strickling
Sam Strickling is the Academic Research Manager at National Instruments. He graduated from Baylor University with a degree in mechanical engineering while also competing as a collegiate high jumper.
Sam.Strickling@ni.com | @NIglobal
Camille Styles
Camille Styles’ passion for modern, stress-free entertaining has made her a sought-after event designer as well as an expert in lifestyle and design to readers around the globe. As the founder and creative director of camillestyles.com, she shares the creative entertaining ideas that inspire her parties and her life with hundreds of thousands of readers every month. In 2008, Styles stepped out on her own to launch Camille Styles Events, where she planned intimate parties and lavish corporate events for well-heeled and influential clients in Austin and beyond. CamilleStyles.com has grown into a lifestyle and entertaining resource for home hostesses around the globe as well as a springboard for numerous collaborations with national lifestyle media. Styles lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and daughter.
@camillestyles | camillestyles.com | facebook.com/camillestylesmoore
Michelle Suggs
Michelle Suggs is a freelance makeup artist specializing in photo shoots and events. For the past seven years, she has worked with numerous clients throughout Central Texas, and enjoys using her skills to transform women and give them the extra beauty they deserve.
Brooke Taffet
Brooke Leigh Taffet is the photographer for Tyler’s. She graduated in 2013 from the University of Arizona with a BFA in photography and has appeared in publications such as Tucson Weekly, Tucson Woman, and Tucson Lifestyle. Taffet continues to pursue her passion for fine art and fashion photography.
Govinda Tidball
Govinda grew up a global citizen with a Midwestern father and a mother from the tropical nation of Sri Lanka. He received his B.S. in Business Administration and a Masters in Journalism from the University of Nebraska. His passion for fitness comes from his family and his transition as a performance athlete and champion swimmer to professional and daily life. His unorthodox approaches to training, health and maximizing vitality capitalizes on this approach to life and are peppered with bio-hacks he has learned through his diverse exposure. A former international CEO, television host, runway model,and brand personality; Govinda has also been an international aid worker and disaster responder in India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Haiti. His current professional efforts are next generation data compression. His current humanitarian efforts are focused on counter human trafficking and the Human 2020 initiatve. He loves dancing, motorcycles and AcroYoga.
Kristen Turner
Kristen Turner is a former Division I swimmer at Pepperdine University. A former age group World Champion in the international distance of triathlon, Turner has competed in triathlons for 30 years. Her family was the first family of four to ever finish the Hawaii Ironman together. Turner currently coaches master’s swimmers at the Western Hills Athletic Club and runs youth sport programs through her business, Sport Speed Austin.
Nate Turner, M.Ed., C.S.C.S.
Nate Turner is the owner of and director of training for Sport Speed Austin, which specializes in youth and adult sports performance training. Turner is certified by the International Youth Conditioning Association, and the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and holds certifications in CrossFit (Level I) and Underground Strength Coach. In addition, he is a strength and power consultant for numerous Red Bull High Performance athletes.
nate@sportspeedaustin.com | SportSpeedAustin.com
Laura Ugokwe, R.D., L.D.
Laura Ugokwe, a top-10 women’s overall finisher at the 2013 AFM FITTEST, is a registered and licensed dietitian and the director of nutrition at Pure Austin Fitness. Ugokwe has partnered with Pure Austin and Greg Cook, the overall winner of AFM FITTEST for two years in row, to create Rail Training, a functional athletic training and nutrition program that is well suited for those training for AFM FITTEST.
pureaustinnutrition.com/nutritionist-bios/laura-cajacob/
Angela Vega
Hailing from Katy, Angela attended the University of Texas at Austin to receive a B.B.A. and B.S. in Advertising. In college, she found a passion for fitness that led her to a personal trainer’s certification and competitive racing in a wide range of events, from the Texas Tri Series to the Boston Marathon. She believes anyone can be an athlete with practice, passion, and purpose, which is why she challenged herself in over 80 events in 5 years. When she isn’t hitting the gym or the trails in the Austin area, she runs the performance marketing team at Kasasa by BancVue and writes for her blog,
Edgar Vega
Born in arid Torreon, Coahuila of Mexico, Edgar moved to Austin with his family at a young age. He started out producing comic strips, editorial cartoons, and illustrations for The Daily Texan. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Texas, he expanded his creative work to include fantasy art, photo manipulations, comic books, graphic design and album cover art. He has learned a lot over the years but los the ability to tell if he’s consumed too much coffee or not enough a long, long time ago. He’s run himself ragged in a few marathons at an acceptable pace while his wife has glided in many more marathons at an exceptional pace.
Heather Way
Heather Way is the mom of two rambunctious sons in Austin. She is an active runner and also enjoys hiking, tennis, and cycling around the city with her family. She writes about raising children in Austin and the hallmarks of great cities for families with children at whichwayaustin.blogspot.com
Mason Wheeless
Mason Wheeless is a native Austinite and the owner of RFI fitness, a recent start-up fitness and wellness company. Wheeless is an ambassador for MapMyFitness and he also volunteers with Goodwill Globetrotting. As a result of his experiences on his recent trip, Wheeless expects to make volunteering a regular part of his life.
mason@rfifitness.com | facebook.com/RFI.fitness | facebook.com/gwglobetrotting
Amy Winters
Amy Winters is a writer and editor in Austin, Texas. She spends most of her free time picking fights. (page 46)
Twitter: @amyisadelight
Deanna Wolfe, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., A.C.E.-H.C.C.
Deanna Wolfe is a corporate wellness coach, coordinator, and licensed and registered dietitian. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a masters of science degree in clinical dietetics and nutrition, and is an American Council on Exercise-certified health coach. Wolfe serves as the Director of Strategic Alliances for the Austin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has lived in Austin for a year and a half; recently, she competed in a National Physique Committee (NPC) bodybuilding competition and became a nationally qualified bikini competitor. In addition, she has run several half and full marathons. Wolfe is passionate about nutrition and wellness and hopes to inspire others to make health a priority rather than an afterthought.
Twitter: @DietitianDeanna
Instagram: @DietitianDeanna
Scott York
Scott York is a freelance writer, fitness expert and an author. Scott competed in NPC and AAU Texas bodybuilding from 1988 until 2001, winning titles and always placing in the top 3. Although he doesn’t compete in bodybuilding anymore, he still follows a healthy lifestyle focusing on bodybuilding, strength and conditioning workouts. Scott uses his own style of food combining to stay lean and energetic in his 50s and to fuel his workouts for competitive events such as AFM FITTEST.
Tim Zeddies, Ph.D.
Tim Zeddies, Ph.D., has a private practice in clinical and sports psychology. He has authored articles and given public presentations on promoting peak performance in athletic and business settings, how to use mental skills in competitions and races, how to stick with a program of exercise, and increasing appreciation of the risks of overtraining. Dr. Zeddies has been the consulting psychologist for the University of Texas football program for the last ten years. He won the 40–49 male division of the AFM FITTEST in 2012 and 2013 and has also won the 2012 and 2013 Austin’s Fittest Doctor competition. In addition, Dr. Zeddies was a member of the Dane’s Body Shop team that won the 2013 AFM FITTEST Team division.
