Meet Our Team
Welcome to Ready 2 Row, where our certified rowing professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone focused on health and wellness, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Shanna is the passionate and dedicated owner of Ready 2 Row. With a career background as an accountant, Shanna's love for numbers seamlessly complements her dedication to fitness. She discovered rowing in February 2021, and it quickly became her favorite workout. Since then, she has logged over 8 million meters and participated in more than 800 rowing classes.
Shanna has always been an avid fitness enthusiast, working out nearly every day for decades. Initially drawn to cardio workouts, she encountered joint issues from years of high-impact exercise. Rowing offered her a low-impact, efficient alternative that allowed her to stay fit and strong without overusing her knees and shoulders. Her analytical mind thrives on tracking her stats and monitoring her progress on the ergometer, keeping her engaged and focused on her fitness goals.
In addition to her role at Ready 2 Row, Shanna serves as the CFO at Expo Square and the Tulsa State Fair. Originally from Indiana, she has lived in Tulsa for the past 21 years with her husband of over three decades, Darren. They are proud empty nesters, sharing their home with two dogs, Finnegan (Finn) and Gilligan (Gill). Their family includes two married daughters, one residing in Kansas City and the other in Raleigh, North Carolina. Shanna particularly cherishes her time with her grandson, Beau, who she lovingly refers to as their "favorite human."
Shanna's dual commitment to her professional career and her fitness endeavors exemplifies her dedication and passion. Whether she's logging meters on the rowing machine or managing finances at Expo Square, Shanna brings the same level of enthusiasm and precision to everything she does.
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Darren is the passionate owner of Ready 2 Row, bringing a lifetime of athletic experience and a fervor for teaching to the vibrant rowing community in Tulsa. His fitness journey began with youth sports, running cross country, and playing basketball in junior high and high school. Over the years, Darren expanded his athletic repertoire to include cycling—a passion he has maintained for over three decades with a brief detour into marathon running.
Darren's enthusiasm for coaching and teaching is evident in his diverse background. He has worn many hats, ranging from a certified Master Scuba-Diving Instructor to coaching his daughters' youth soccer and softball teams. In addition, he has shared his knowledge as a classroom instructor for new employees at his primary job and as a youth leader at his church. Darren finds immense satisfaction in teaching new skills, fostering community, and witnessing the 'aha' moments when learners grasp new concepts.
His venture into the world of indoor rowing was serendipitous, sparked by his wife Shanna's enthusiasm for the sport. Initially preferring the open road on his bike, Darren soon came to appreciate the challenging workouts that indoor rowing offers. Seizing the opportunity, he welcomed 26 rowing machines (ergs) into his life and plunged into the indoor rowing scene with both feet.
Though relatively new to indoor rowing, Darren is a certified Concept 2 indoor rowing instructor. He is thrilled to be a part of Tulsa's remarkable rowing community and looks forward to contributing to its growth. Darren's commitment to fitness, teaching, and community shines through in everything he does. Join him at Ready 2 Row and get ready to experience the benefits of indoor rowing!
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Tara is a proud wife, Christian, and mom of teenage boys. She wears many hats, including Dog Mom, Carpool Queen, Jenks Trojan Athlete Mom, Tulsa native, and OSU Cowboy. Married to her husband, Lance, for over 19 years, they have two teenage boys and two fur babies, Daizy and Ollie. Outside of fitness, Tara's life is filled with watching and transporting her kids to activities like Jenks Golf, Lacrosse, and Football. She also cherishes spending time at the lake, attending church, and making memories with family and friends. A top priority for Tara is ensuring her boys grow up to be kind and passionate individuals.
Tara has been part of the fitness industry for about seven years. She loves the sense of community of being part of a fitness studio. Her fitness transformation has fueled her passion for helping others become the best versions of themselves. Tara's favorite moments are when she sees people realize that "they CAN" achieve their fitness goals.
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Brad brings two years of experience as a rowing coach to the Ready 2 Row studio. Passionate about connecting people and fostering a sense of community, Brad welcomes everyone, from beginners to seasoned rowers, to join his classes and experience the camaraderie that rowing can offer.
A Tulsa transplant, Brad moved to the city a few years ago to join his wife, Melissa, an instructor at Pure Barre Tulsa Midtown. Outside the studio, Brad enjoys spending time with his infant son, Bennett, exploring life's curiosities. When he's not on the erg, you might find him immersed in a good book, listening to his vinyl collection, or cheering on his favorite college football team. Sic ‘em Bears!
Brad's enthusiasm for rowing and his dedication to creating a welcoming environment make him an integral part of the Ready 2 Row community.
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Brinley hails from Oklahoma and currently resides in Oologah with her husband, Thor, and their two dogs, Doug and Bruce. With over four years of experience as an ICU nurse, Brinley has made significant contributions in the medical field. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, reading, and spending quality time with her family. Brinley and her husband have a shared goal of visiting every US National Park, showcasing their love for adventure.
Growing up, Brinley was actively involved in sports and strength training. However, it was group fitness that truly ignited her passion for working out. For the past two years, Brinley has been coaching rowing classes, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to each session.
Brinley is thrilled to be a part of the Ready 2 Row team and is eager to meet new members. Her background in high-intensity environments, coupled with her love for fitness and community, makes her an exceptional instructor. She looks forward to inspiring and motivating others on their fitness journeys at Ready 2 Row.
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Meet Tino, a passionate rowing enthusiast and dedicated instructor at Ready 2 Row. With over a decade of rowing experience, Tino's love for the sport is deeply rooted in its exceptional cardiovascular benefits. As the head coach of the Tulsa Youth Rowing Association, he brings his expertise and enthusiasm to budding rowers, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Beyond the gym, Tino enjoys taking his strokes on open water, where he finds solace and a profound sense of connection with nature. For him, rowing isn't just about fitness; it's about the vibrant community it fosters—a quality he cherishes deeply.
By day, Tino is the Recruitment Event Specialist for Tulsa Remote, where he applies his dynamic skills to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in Italian thanks to his upbringing, Tino carries a unique blend of cultural richness and athletic zeal.
Join Tino at Ready 2 Row to experience an invigorating workout and the camaraderie that only rowing can offer!
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Abbey brings a wealth of athletic experience and passion for fitness to her role as a Ready 2 Row Instructor. A standout NCAA Division I rower for The University of Tulsa, Abbey's dedication to sports started early, transitioning from a competitive gymnast to an elite rower. Her extensive background in competitive athletics has ingrained a deep understanding of discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.
At Ready 2 Row, Abbey is eager to share her expertise and enthusiasm for fitness with her clients. She believes strongly in the power of rowing to transform both physical health and mental fortitude. Abbey is excited to coach and guide individuals on their fitness journeys, helping them achieve and surpass their goals.
Her commitment to fostering a supportive and motivating environment ensures that every session is not just a workout but a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Abbey's ability to connect with and inspire her clients makes her an invaluable member of the Ready 2 Row team.
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For most of her life, Christin had a tumultuous relationship with exercise. She generally found it to be unappealing and not fun. However, at the age of 37, she decided to challenge herself and spend a summer getting into good physical shape for the first time in her life. During this transformational period, she discovered rowing and immediately fell in love with the sport.
The positive changes in her physical and mental health were so profound that she could not imagine her life without the ERG. She is a certified Concept 2 indoor rowing instructor and is passionate about sharing her love for rowing with others. She not only rows on the water but also believes there is no better feeling than being in sync with a room full of people on the ergs. In addition to rowing, Christin is an avid cyclist and regularly takes barre and yoga classes. Despite her diverse fitness interests, rowing remains her first love and the sport that ignited her passion for fitness. She is excited to share this love with more people, especially those who think that exercise is generally unpleasant—she is eager to change their minds.
When Christin is not participating in group fitness classes, she can usually be found cooking delicious food or working part-time as a baker. She also enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with her husband, Noah, and their four pets.
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Meet Lisa, our dynamic Ready 2 Row Instructor who brings a unique blend of discipline and passion to our studio. By day, Lisa is an academic library director—a role that showcases her dedication to organization and learning. By evening, she channels her fervor for fitness into helping others discover the joys and techniques of rowing.
Having picked up rowing in 2021, Lisa quickly fell in love with the sport's rhythm and challenge. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she’s committed to guiding each of her students through their rowing journeys. Lisa’s husband, Jase, shares her passion for the sport, and it's not uncommon to see them rowing side by side in the studio, embodying teamwork and support.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Lisa is here to help you row your way to better health and fitness.
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Elizabeth, known fondly as Liz, is a dedicated instructor at Ready 2 Row. With a passion for fostering a supportive and self-competitive environment, Liz thrives on the philosophy that the greatest competition is with oneself, not others.
When she isn't inspiring the Ready 2 Row community, Liz loves soaking up the sunshine outdoors. A true multitasker, she effortlessly balances her time between making sales calls and indulging in her quest to discover the best queso and margarita combinations that Tulsa has to offer.
Liz's enthusiasm for rowing and her vibrant personality make her an invaluable member of the Ready 2 Row team.
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Malcolm, a native from Nashville, Tennessee, is a dynamic and enthusiastic instructor at Ready 2 Row. Raised in a family that valued an active lifestyle, Malcolm has always been passionate about fitness. Whether it was going on walks, playing various sports, or swimming, he was constantly on the move.
His dedication to staying active continued through his teenage years, eventually leading him to play college basketball. This experience further solidified his love for physical fitness and team sports.
Today, Malcolm brings that same passion and energy to his role as a rowing instructor. He believes that rowing offers the perfect full-body workout while being gentle on the joints. For Malcolm, rowing surpasses any other form of cardio, providing physical benefits and a sense of accomplishment.
Join Malcolm at Ready 2 Row and experience his engaging and motivating classes that will push you to achieve your fitness goals.
Why Choose Our Instructors?
At Ready 2 Row, we believe that the quality of your training starts with the quality of your instructors. Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience and passion to every session. They’re not just trainers—they’re mentors committed to your success.
Certified and Experienced
Our instructors hold recognized certifications and have years of experience in both rowing and fitness training. They stay updated with the latest techniques and trends, ensuring you receive top-tier instruction.
Personalized Coaching
We understand that everyone’s fitness journey is unique. That’s why our instructors take the time to get to know you, tailoring their approach to suit your specific needs and goals. From beginners to advanced rowers, we provide customized coaching that pushes you to reach new heights.
Motivational and Supportive
Our instructors are not just experts in rowing—they're also motivational leaders who encourage you to push past your limits. They create a positive, supportive environment that keeps you motivated and excited about your workouts.