Meet Our Team
At Thrive Personal Training & Coaching, our core mission is to create a positive and supportive place where everyone — regardless of fitness level or ability — is welcomed and encouraged to achieve their own version of success. This spirit of community fosters a sense of belonging, which is a powerful tool that can absolutely crush the barriers standing in the way of your personal success. There’s no judgment, no intimidation.
#TogtherWeThrive
Debbye Roman, Owner
Debbye received her degree in Hospitality Management in 2011 and then moved to Orlando in 2012 where she worked for WDW for a year. She soon realized a career in that industry was not was she was passionate about- so after falling in love with health and wellness in 2013 she decided to start her career in fitness. She combines her love for customer service and fitness knowledge as she strives to give our clients the best workouts!t. She believes in the healing power of healthy foods, daily meditation, and tacos.
FUN FACT – Deb’s first language is Spanish and LOVES anything 80’s.
Taylor Bettis, PM Manager
Taylor attended SIUe for 4 years and finished with 2 majors (Exercise Science & Nutrition) in 2019. During school, Taylor worked in Campus recreation for 4 years. He also had an internship with SIUe’s Athletic Training department. Upon graduating he worked with UC Health in Colorado and later accepted a position with Strive Physical Therapy as a PT Tech. He is new to St. Louis…so please inform him of places for hiking and camping, and also food.
FUN FACT – Taylor has been out of the country only once. It was to Ireland.
Gabryella Ganns, Trainer
Gaby is passionate about helping people make healthy choices and creating goals to help improve their lifestyle. Before becoming a trainer she was studying to become a Dental Hygienist while also going to the gym everyday, training soon became her passion. She decided to make a change and become a personal trainer. She received her personal training certificate through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She knows what it is like to be unhappy and wants to help you succeed. Her positive energy and softness helps to create an atmosphere where members feel safe and empowered. She will also challenge you to help you get the most out of every workout.
FUN FACT – Gaby likes to spend her extra time with her family and friends. She enjoys watching all sports especially soccer, spending time outdoors and constantly making herself a better trainer.
Austin Bondurant, AM Manager, Trainer
Austin first came to loving fitness, and a passion for helping others after he lost 75lbs of his own weight. Upon completing his own journey of weight loss he went on to complete his Personal Training certification, along with a certification in Exercise Therapy. Also, he is a certified Nutritional Coach from ISSA and he comes with an Associates Degree form LE’Cole in Culinary arts and Hospitality Management. He loves cooking/baking, anything outdoors, trying new restaurant, and experiencing new cultures.
FUN FACT – Austin has never been to a Chick-fil-A or had a fresh sandwich.
Henrique Rhoden, Trainer
Henrique is passionate about sports, helping people to achieve their measurable goals, and helping people to have a healthy lifestyle. He attained to Union College (KY) and Greenville University (IL) where he earned a BS in Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while playing soccer and maintaining an athletic scholarship. He believes that a healthy mind is equally important to achieve a healthy body.
FUN FACT – Henrique is from Brazil, first language is Portuguese, and winter in his country is around 65 degrees…
Mary Morrell, Trainer
Mary graduated from Utah State University in 2021 with BA in Communication Disorders & Deaf Education. She then moved to St Louis and began working for the Missouri DeafBlind Project. Stemming from a lifetime love for movement and wellness, Mary then earned certification in Personal Training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She hopes to meld her professional background with her passion for fitness to make exercise more accessible for people of all abilities. Mary grew up in sports and incorporates powerful, athletic movement in her workouts. She loves a good heart-rate high, and also finding strength in balance training. She appreciates the power of fresh, whole foods and the beauty of a good chocolate chip cookie.
FUN FACTS – Mary speaks Spanish and she also coaches Track & Field and Cheer at the MO School for the Blind.
