Gym in
Latham

Mary’s love of movement began over a decade ago with endurance sports, completing multiple running races and triathlons. However, in 2012, Mary was introduced to the world of strength training and hasn’t looked back since. Functional strength training truly resonated with her, as she saw the benefits of this type of training in her own life. Wanting to help others reap these same benefits, Mary began personal training. Mary is a Certified Functional Strength Coach and a Strong First Kettlebell & Barbell Instructor. She is also certified in Original Strength and is certified through Kettlebell Coach University. Mary welcomed her first baby in 2026 and will be on maternity leave until further notice.

Kristen’s passion for movement, strength, and athletics comes from competing as a Division 1 field hockey player and coaching youth sports. Kristen started training with kettlebells 8 years ago and instantly fell in love with their versatility. Kristen Lehrfeld is a StrongFirst Kettlebell & Barbell Instructor. She is also certified in Original Strength & Functional Range Conditioning. Additionally, Kristen serves as the point person for new members and can be reached directly at kristen@herstrength.studio. Kristen is also a certified High School Counselor and has three young kids.

Angela’s passion for health and fitness developed as a Division I collegiate soccer player. Her athletic and fitness experiences inspired her to help others reach their health and fitness goals. After graduating from the University of Albany with a bachelor’s degree in human biology, she pursued her personal training certification through the American Council on Exercise. Angela is a Certified Barefoot Training Specialist, a Strong First Kettlebell Instructor and Original Strength Instructor. Using her knowledge of performance training, kettlebells, and functional movement, she trains clients of all ages and fitness levels.
angela@herstrength.studio

A lover of movement and a lifelong health and fitness enthusiast, Cheryl has always been determined to find a better way to feel more comfortable and confident in her body. She began her fitness journey by becoming a CPT in 2020 through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and has thoroughly enjoyed taking several courses over the years from professionals around the world. Cheryl is a Strong First Kettlebell & BarbeIl instructor. She is also certified in Original Strength, and Dr. Stacy Sims’ Menopause 2.0: Next Level Training for Optimal Performance. As a personal trainer, Cheryl is intuitive. She knows just what to give her clients on any given day: a listening ear, strength training session, functional movements, and everything in between. As an athlete, Cheryl has enjoyed years of endurance running, including multiple Boston marathons and ultra-marathons. Her hobbies include skiing, hiking, tennis, and golf, just to name a few. Her passion is to continue improving her craft in coaching and she strives to help women feel strong and confident in their bodies, regardless of their age. Let’s take care of the body we have today!
cheryl@herstrength.studio

Amanda, a Strong First Kettlebell Instructor, discovered her passion for health and wellness during her competitive handball days in the Capital District. Recognizing the importance of regular movement for a better quality of life, she embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Upon returning to New York in 2014 and welcoming her first child in 2015, Amanda embraced the Mommy+Me program, integrating kettlebells and functional training into her lifestyle, a decision that has since become a lifelong commitment. Now a mother of three, Amanda’s dedication to fitness led her to pursue certification as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Eager to expand her knowledge and skills, she is excited about the opportunities for growth within the supportive Her Strength community. Residing in Albany with her husband Michael and two children, Matilda and Gavin, Amanda embodies the values of strength, perseverance, and family, both in her personal life and professional endeavors.

Grace’s love of strength and movement began early as a competitive gymnast for 12 years and later as a collegiate springboard diver, earning multiple state titles along the way. Those years gave her a deep appreciation for the human body and for pushing the boundaries of what we think we are capable of. They instilled the value of setting ambitious goals, following through with discipline, developing a sharp eye for good form, and of course having fun along the way. That foundation evolved into a career devoted to helping women build strength that carries far beyond the gym. Grace is a Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and StrongFirst SFL Barbell Instructor. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and an MBA, bringing over five years of group coaching experience to her work. With a background that bridges performance, science, and behavior change, Grace believes strength training is most powerful when paired with intentional fueling and a whole-person approach to wellness-supporting women physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Ellen discovered strength training in 2019 and immediately connected with how this focused, intentional movement helped her manage stress and develop a deeper awareness of her body and breath. What started as a personal journey became a passion for helping others experience these same benefits.

A certified StrongFirst instructor, Ellen believes in functional movement that translates to everyday life. As a coach, her focus is on proper technique, sustainable progress, and helping clients build physical strength and overall confidence.

Ellen brings a unique perspective to her coaching as a postpartum nurse, giving her particular insight into the challenges moms face and the importance of movement for physical and mental wellbeing. When she’s not coaching or caring for her patients, you’ll find Ellen spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Deirdre’s passion for movement and athleticism began early in life as a competitive swimmer for over 12 years. She later discovered a love for track and basketball, eventually playing college basketball. In 2019, she found inspiration and community at Her Strength, where she was motivated to become her strongest self. After having her son in 2022, she set a goal to become Strong First certified-an accomplishment she achieved in 2023. Since then, she has been coaching alongside a team of incredible women and has also joined a Master swim program. Her next goal is to earn a barbell certification through Strong First.