Meet The Staff

---

Founder/Gymnastics/Fitness 

Hey there! I am Joshua Roberts or as most know me, JRob! I am super excited  the expansion of GymFit! It has been my dream for years to have a gym where everything is under one roof and it's finally happening! I have been a gymnastics coach for 7 years with a speciality in bodyweight strength & conditioning. Over the last 4 years I have started teaching and training AcroYoga/Acrobatics and other Circus Arts, and I'm obsessed! One thing that I have learned over the past 7 years is that anyone and everyone is capable of learning something new, no matter your age or experience level! So come on out and step out of your box and try something different. You WON'T regret it!

-Keep Moving-

Photo By Jordan Hefler

Ninja Warrior Director/Owner

Welcome to the challenge.  I am David Gabel. I was a high school gymnast, and I have a passion for challenges. Seven years ago I caught the American Ninja Warrior bug.  Since then I have competed in 3 seasons of American Ninja Warrior. I have done Warrior Dashs, Tough Mudders, and a few other challenges. Now we are ready to help you achieve your physical peak performance. 

Photo By Jordan Hefler

Parkour Director/Owner

Hi there! If we haven't already met, my name is Erik Otts. I'm a passionate student and teacher of many flavors of physical movement. Though I am Baton Rouge born and raised, I would venture to say that I and my fellow colleagues aren't your typical Red Stick fitness coaches. We hope that you will join us here at GymfitBR, and that you will find your own passion in movement as we have found ours!

Cirque Director/Owner

Hello! My name is Stephanie Lee, and movement is my PASSION! I began breakdancing at the age of 17, training, traveling, and competing at events with friends. I taught break dancing/hiphop classes at a local studio for two years and have incorporated this movement in many performances. Four years ago I was introduced to acroyoga and partner acrobatics. Throughout my years of training, teaching workshops, and working with different acroyoga communities, I can tell you it not only improves balance and strength, but strengthens relationships between friends, family, and communities. This is achieved by working together through developing trust and therapeutic communication skills. So, if you are tired of running on that treadmill and want to step out of your box and try something new, I am beyond thrilled and look forward to sharing new and fun movements so YOU can be the BEST version of yourself!

Flow Arts Director

Hello, I'm John Scott. I am a professional fire bender associated with the Baton Rouge Fire Guild, with a background in acrobatics, skateboarding, parkour, and extreme climbing. Spreading the understanding and art of "flow arts" is my passion. From physical health to mental health, these circus arts can improve quality of life through meditation, and physical ability. I can teach most props and most ages as well ^_^ Looking forward to seeing you in class! 

Camp Director

Michelle Griswold is a Baton Rouge native. She earned a Theology degree at Oregon Bible College before attending LSU where she studied business, fine arts, and performing arts.  Michelle is the founder and director of the non-profit Berean Education Resources, which provides classroom and group experience for area homeschool families. She has a son at LSU, a daughter who competes NCAA gymnastics in Missouri, and a son in high school at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts studying classical piano. She is also a stage manager for local theaters.

Trapeze

“Hi, I’m Nicole and I’m excited to be a part of the circus arts team at GymFit! I have over 10 years of circus experience that I can’t wait to share with all of you. I was a member of the Flying High Circus at Florida State University for 5 years, where I performed in over 300 shows and taught ground and aerial circus skills during summer camps. I specialized in aerial cradle, flying trapeze, Spanish web, partner balancing, and acrobatic jump rope. For a brief period during graduate school, I toured professionally with the High Flying Pages circus family. In my day job, I am a research scientist at Pennington Biomedical Research Center here in Baton Rouge. I currently study children’s health and physical activity, and am a strong advocate for bringing fun fitness opportunities to people of all ages!”

Aerial Silks

Hey y'all! My name is Allyson, a little Cajun from Cecilia, LA! I began my aerialist career by taking aerial yoga classes at my home yoga studio. A year later, I received my aerial yoga teacher certification from Aircat Aerial Arts and joined the aerial program at LSU. I have served as the vice president and president of the LSU Physical Theatre Club, an extension of the aerial program.  My favorite thing about the aerial is teaching, whether at LSU or GymFit, because my students make me proud every day! Along with Aerial Yoga, I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher, Registered Children's Yoga Teacher, and the founder of Bethel Yogi, a Catholic Yoga blog. I am currently a student at LSU pursuing a dual degree is Public Relations and Religious Studies.

Parkour/Free Running

Aerial Arts

Hey guys, my name is Carlee and I’ve been practicing aerial arts for 2 years. Silks has become one of my greatest passions in life, and I am excited to be able to share it with all of you! My favorite part of teaching is being able to help others express themselves through their movements on an apparatus. I encourage everyone, especially beginners, to take my classes or any classes at Gymfit because they truly are a release from the stress of everyday life and will motivate you to lead an altogether healthier lifestyle!