Foreword:
Powerlifting saved my life.
And that is by no means an exaggeration.
Every time I watch a client set a personal record, it reminds me of why I do what I do, and reinforces the importance of helping others to become their best.
When one of us does well, we all do well. What I love about the powerlifting community is that even in competition, we all want one another to succeed. At a very difficult point in my life, I found the sport and the people who would turn everything around, show me just how powerful I am, and help me grow into a position to give that to others. I hope each and every one of us in the community will spark a fire in somebody who really needs it, and that this sport will continue to grow prolifically in Portland!
Hi, I'm Shay!I'm a mom, powerlifter, and personal trainer—but more than that, I'm someone who knows what it's like to be held back by pain, self-doubt, and fear. My journey into fitness wasn’t about aesthetics or chasing numbers. It was about reclaiming my body and my Self--powerlifting saved my life.
After my son was born, the injuries I sustained from pregnancy resulted in chronic, debilitating back pain. I had become worn down to the point where I barely recognized myself. I was stuck in a cycle of fear, discomfort and limitation, and it took a serious toll—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I felt weak. Once an avid cyclist, tree-climber, river-swimmer, and general life-conquering badass, I feared doing things I once enjoyed. My identity was shattered. I was paralyzed by fear. I felt trapped in less-than-ideal elements of my life because I didn't feel worthy of pursuing better things. And honestly, I felt like the best parts of me were slipping away.
TLDR: I was a shell of my former self.
But one day, something shifted. I started going to the gym as an escape from the sad reality of my day to day. It all started with a free session at the big box gym. Danielle, the trainer they matched me with, encouraged me as I panted and held back tears doing such sad little exercises with my skinny, depleted body. And then I kind of accidentally kept doing it. Little by little, I built myself back up. Overcoming this challenge gave me immeasurable confidence and mental fortitude, and before I knew it, I was doing things I never dreamed possible. That transformation wasn’t just about getting stronger; it was about becoming a version of myself that I found worthy of respect and admiration.
In that hour with Danielle, I experienced such a paradigm shift. I hadn't realized it at the time, but my self worth and image had sunken so low, I didn't feel worthy of the air I breathed. Just that one hour in which somebody encouraged and saw potential in me was... I don't even know how to explain it. It was more than I'd had in a long time. It was life-changing. It was exactly what I needed in that moment. And in that moment, in that EXACT moment, I decided "This is what I need to do with my life. This is what I need to do for other people."
That’s why I do what I do. I think there are moments when life throws exactly the right person at you, somebody who can give you the exact help, encouragement, support to get you through something you can't imagine getting through. My personal transformation has since fueled my passion for helping others achieve their own greatness.
But hey, life isn’t all about the gym. When I’m not coaching, you’ll probably find me tucked behind a piece of Russian literature, sipping coffee or Scotch (neat, of course). I’ve got a deep love for 80s goth and synth-pop, and I spend an my days off walking, eating everything in sight, and stopping to pet every cat I meet.
Fun Facts:
I walked across the U.S. in 2010
I'm a classically trained pianist
I really hate bleu cheese
I’m a certified personal trainer with a clinical background in chiropractic care. With over 12 years of experience, I’ve built my expertise in biomechanics, injury rehab, and strength training. I specialize in powerlifting and injury recovery, and I’ve developed an effective, safe, and supportive training model that ensures epic success.
If you’re ready to step into your own power—whether that means getting out of pain, building confidence, or finally hitting a new PR—I’d love to help. Strength changed my life, and I know it can change yours too.
Love, Shay
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