OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
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Nora Matthew, Founder
Nora Matthew is the founder of Her Strength Studio. Nora first found a love for health and wellness as a Division 1 collegiate sprinter and was certified as an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer in 2009. After having her first baby in 2012, Nora created Pregna-Fit, a unique strength training and labor preparation method for all stages of pregnancy. Shortly after, Nora created the Early Postpartum Program, the Capital Region’s first postnatal exercise program. In 2017, Nora envisioned a studio that focused primarily on women’s health. Her Strength Studio in Latham was born in 2018. Nora is StrongFirst Elite, meaning she currently holds all the StrongFirst certifications. A wife and mom to 5 little boys, Nora works daily to balance family and entrepreneur life!
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Mary O’Hearn, Director of Operations
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 currently studying at Kettlebell Coach University. Additionally, Mary serves as the point person for new members and can be reached directly at admin@herstrength.studio.
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Kristen Lehrfeld, Head Coach
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.
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Angela Luizzi, Strength Coach
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.
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Amanda (Blanchard) Bryan, Strength Coach
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.
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Cheryl Feder, Strength Coach
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!