Meet the Instructors
Chelsea Moore, Co-Founder, Chief Everything Officer
Chelsea has been rowing since 2005 and coaching since 2009. She rowed at the University of Oklahoma on the inaugural varsity team. She was a two-time Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) National Scholar-Athlete, selected as CRCA All-Region, second team and Conference USA Rowing All-Conference Team. Her coaching experience ranges from coaching a collegiate Division 1 team at the University of Oklahoma to coaching high school and masters rowers at the Austin Rowing Club. The varied levels of on-the-water coaching, in addition to indoor rowing specific coaching inspired her to take the leap and start Rō in early 2014 to bring the indoor rowing workout to rowers and non-rowers alike!
Her classes: Great for beginners and veterans alike, but be ready to put in the work.
Chelsea has been rowing since 2005 and coaching since 2009. She rowed at the University of Oklahoma on the inaugural varsity team. She was a two-time Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) National Scholar-Athlete, selected as CRCA All-Region, second team and Conference USA Rowing All-Conference Team. Her coaching experience ranges from coaching a collegiate Division 1 team at the University of Oklahoma to coaching high school and masters rowers at the Austin Rowing Club. The varied levels of on-the-water coaching, in addition to indoor rowing specific coaching inspired her to take the leap and start Rō in early 2014 to bring the indoor rowing workout to rowers and non-rowers alike!
Her classes: Great for beginners and veterans alike, but be ready to put in the work.
Sarah Brannon, Instructor
Lifelong fitness enthusiast who grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been in the fitness world for more than 8 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. After battling a stress fracture that came about from high intensity exercise she discovered the amazing benefits of indoor rowing and instantly fell in love. You can find Sarah trail running with her dog and snowboarding in the mountains of New Mexico. She loves all form of movement and loves to share that with others!
Her classes: Inspirational, positive and upbeat, competitive but good for all fitness levels
Lifelong fitness enthusiast who grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been in the fitness world for more than 8 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. After battling a stress fracture that came about from high intensity exercise she discovered the amazing benefits of indoor rowing and instantly fell in love. You can find Sarah trail running with her dog and snowboarding in the mountains of New Mexico. She loves all form of movement and loves to share that with others!
Her classes: Inspirational, positive and upbeat, competitive but good for all fitness levels
Ben Cooper, Instructor
Ben started rowing with Austin Rowing Club in the summer of 2012 on the Men's Competitive Rowing team. He's an all-around fitness enthusiast. He stays fit through running, rowing (on and off the water), weightlifting and yoga. He has been coaching at Rō first opened its doors in early 2014. Also known as "Ben Cool-per" according to our favorite class review....
His classes: Competitive vibe; great for beginners and veterans looking for a challenge and who love electronic music!
Ben started rowing with Austin Rowing Club in the summer of 2012 on the Men's Competitive Rowing team. He's an all-around fitness enthusiast. He stays fit through running, rowing (on and off the water), weightlifting and yoga. He has been coaching at Rō first opened its doors in early 2014. Also known as "Ben Cool-per" according to our favorite class review....
His classes: Competitive vibe; great for beginners and veterans looking for a challenge and who love electronic music!
Danielle Fry, Instructor
Danielle is an Austin native and lifelong runner. She fell in love with indoor rowing when she found that it's a perfect compliment to her running workouts, enhancing her athletic performance. Outside of class, you can find her hitting the trail, as she is currently working towards the ultimate runner's dream; to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Her favorite post race meal includes the carrot cake french toast from South Congress Cafe (cause it's all about balance, amiright?!). She has a competitive spirit, dabbles in fitness all over Austin and loves to take on new challenges. Favorite quotes: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone," and she will definitely push you out of yours during one of her class.
Her classes: High intensity, high heart rate, high calorie burn. Bring an extra large water bottle for this one...
Danielle is an Austin native and lifelong runner. She fell in love with indoor rowing when she found that it's a perfect compliment to her running workouts, enhancing her athletic performance. Outside of class, you can find her hitting the trail, as she is currently working towards the ultimate runner's dream; to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Her favorite post race meal includes the carrot cake french toast from South Congress Cafe (cause it's all about balance, amiright?!). She has a competitive spirit, dabbles in fitness all over Austin and loves to take on new challenges. Favorite quotes: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone," and she will definitely push you out of yours during one of her class.
Her classes: High intensity, high heart rate, high calorie burn. Bring an extra large water bottle for this one...
Brooke Grimes, Instructor
Brooke started her rowing by career back in 2002 at Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio. She then moved on to row for Miami University where she served as the women's team captain. After college Brooke took a short break from rowing to pursue her goals of running marathons. She returned back to rowing in 2014 as the assistant varsity women's coach for the Austin Rowing Club Juniors. Brooke loves to share her passion for rowing and fitness with the world. In her spare time you will find Brooke in the yoga studio, running through the trails of Austin or on an outdoor camping adventure.
Her classes: Get ready for a high-energy environment with upbeat tunes and a great workout!
Brooke started her rowing by career back in 2002 at Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio. She then moved on to row for Miami University where she served as the women's team captain. After college Brooke took a short break from rowing to pursue her goals of running marathons. She returned back to rowing in 2014 as the assistant varsity women's coach for the Austin Rowing Club Juniors. Brooke loves to share her passion for rowing and fitness with the world. In her spare time you will find Brooke in the yoga studio, running through the trails of Austin or on an outdoor camping adventure.
Her classes: Get ready for a high-energy environment with upbeat tunes and a great workout!
Heather House, Instructor
Heather fell in love with rowing on a Learn to Row Day at Austin Rowing Club in the beginning of 2008. She was quick to pick up the sport and went on to place 5th in the nation in a light weight double only 5 months later at Youth Nationals. The following year she placed 6th in the nation in the women's quad and was recruited to row at the University of Oklahoma where she rowed for 4 years. Heather left her senior year with a Big XII Championship victory and Conference USA Championship victory in 2013. While competing at OU, Heather was nominated "Most Inspirational" and is brings the motivation, encouragement, and enthusiasm to every one of her classes.
Her classes: Great for all levels, from those who are brand new to the sport to those who want to push past their limits! "Most inspirational" in all of her online reviews!
Heather fell in love with rowing on a Learn to Row Day at Austin Rowing Club in the beginning of 2008. She was quick to pick up the sport and went on to place 5th in the nation in a light weight double only 5 months later at Youth Nationals. The following year she placed 6th in the nation in the women's quad and was recruited to row at the University of Oklahoma where she rowed for 4 years. Heather left her senior year with a Big XII Championship victory and Conference USA Championship victory in 2013. While competing at OU, Heather was nominated "Most Inspirational" and is brings the motivation, encouragement, and enthusiasm to every one of her classes.
Her classes: Great for all levels, from those who are brand new to the sport to those who want to push past their limits! "Most inspirational" in all of her online reviews!
Lynne Kammer, Instructor
Lynne is certified by Concept2 as a Level 1 Indoor Rowing Instructor, and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. She first started rowing in the 80s at the Austin Rowing Club. Life happened -- like having kids and going back to school -- so rowing took a hiatus until she fell back in love with interval training on the rowing machine at Flywheel Fitness in 2010. Besides coaching at Rō, she is a personal trainer and indoor cycling instructor.
Her classes: Appropriate for all ages and experience levels, with focus on form. Expect playlists to consist of a lot of beat-filled randomness that is crafted with love.
Lynne is certified by Concept2 as a Level 1 Indoor Rowing Instructor, and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. She first started rowing in the 80s at the Austin Rowing Club. Life happened -- like having kids and going back to school -- so rowing took a hiatus until she fell back in love with interval training on the rowing machine at Flywheel Fitness in 2010. Besides coaching at Rō, she is a personal trainer and indoor cycling instructor.
Her classes: Appropriate for all ages and experience levels, with focus on form. Expect playlists to consist of a lot of beat-filled randomness that is crafted with love.
Aaron Keiser, Instructor
Aaron has been in the fitness industry, working on indoor rowers for almost 5 years has come to the conclusion that it's LOVE! His start into the fitness industry was through Track and Field -- he was a decathlete at Simpson college which sparked his interest in health, wellness and nutrition. He coached NCAA Track & Field for nine years, five of which he also acted as the Strength and Conditioning coach. In 2011, he made the leap into the fitness community and hit the ground rowing. In his free time, Aaron can be found running around Town Lake, SUP, working out at any fitness facility in Austin or speaking to people about his non-profit foundation for kids; I'mPossible.
"Everyday I cherish the fact that I have an opportunity to positively impact the lives of the individuals around me. My true passion is people, and I love to see people overcome obstacles to succeed. I'm excited to take on this new adventure with the Rō Fitness family, and I'm looking forward to being a part of the growth ahead of us!"
His classes: Aaron's specialty is coaching all levels of athletes and pushing them to their full potential. Beginners and veterans, come get it!
Aaron has been in the fitness industry, working on indoor rowers for almost 5 years has come to the conclusion that it's LOVE! His start into the fitness industry was through Track and Field -- he was a decathlete at Simpson college which sparked his interest in health, wellness and nutrition. He coached NCAA Track & Field for nine years, five of which he also acted as the Strength and Conditioning coach. In 2011, he made the leap into the fitness community and hit the ground rowing. In his free time, Aaron can be found running around Town Lake, SUP, working out at any fitness facility in Austin or speaking to people about his non-profit foundation for kids; I'mPossible.
"Everyday I cherish the fact that I have an opportunity to positively impact the lives of the individuals around me. My true passion is people, and I love to see people overcome obstacles to succeed. I'm excited to take on this new adventure with the Rō Fitness family, and I'm looking forward to being a part of the growth ahead of us!"
His classes: Aaron's specialty is coaching all levels of athletes and pushing them to their full potential. Beginners and veterans, come get it!
Chris Kemp, Instructor
Chris swam at the University of Texas at Austin where he was a 13 time All-American, a member of 3 NCAA National Championship Teams, and swam on two American Record setting relays. He uses indoor rowing as cross-training, and also competes nationally on the indoor rowing machine, with his best 2000m time ranking him 16th in the 2016 Concept2 World Rankings -- a solid 6:02.6.
His classes: High watts and house music!
Chris swam at the University of Texas at Austin where he was a 13 time All-American, a member of 3 NCAA National Championship Teams, and swam on two American Record setting relays. He uses indoor rowing as cross-training, and also competes nationally on the indoor rowing machine, with his best 2000m time ranking him 16th in the 2016 Concept2 World Rankings -- a solid 6:02.6.
His classes: High watts and house music!
Brittany Shulman, Instructor
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Brittany fell in love with fitness. An avid runner, she found her way to indoor rowing two years ago, and has been absolutely hooked ever since. Rō has been integral in Brittany’s fitness journey – the interval training paired with her technical focus helped her lose weight, build muscle, and gain confidence. Every time you sit down on an erg, you have a new challenge ahead of you and she’s excited to help others accomplish their goals!
In her spare time, you’ll find Brittany running races, trying new workout classes, or impulsively booking trips to new cities.
Her classes: A focus in on setting goals and how to get the most out of every workout!
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Brittany fell in love with fitness. An avid runner, she found her way to indoor rowing two years ago, and has been absolutely hooked ever since. Rō has been integral in Brittany’s fitness journey – the interval training paired with her technical focus helped her lose weight, build muscle, and gain confidence. Every time you sit down on an erg, you have a new challenge ahead of you and she’s excited to help others accomplish their goals!
In her spare time, you’ll find Brittany running races, trying new workout classes, or impulsively booking trips to new cities.
Her classes: A focus in on setting goals and how to get the most out of every workout!
Courtney Sugar, Instructor
Courtney is a fitness enthusiast, mother, athlete, and coach. As an athlete, she excelled in soccer winning multiple state and national championships at a select level. Courtney was also part of the Texas Regional and National Olympic Developmental Program soccer teams.
With over 8 years in the fitness industry, she has served in multiple capacities ranging from sport-specific coaching, weight loss, strength training, nutrition coaching and yoga. Trained in-house at Rō in early 2017, she has acquired a deep knowledge of proper injury-preventative rowing technique with parallels tied to her vast experience in functional movements found in weight training. Courtney is a Certified personal trainer (NASM) and has acquired certification for Crossfit and Precision Nutrition.
Her classes: Only the best music -- new tracks and throwbacks and take-no-prisoners coaching that can't be beat!
Courtney is a fitness enthusiast, mother, athlete, and coach. As an athlete, she excelled in soccer winning multiple state and national championships at a select level. Courtney was also part of the Texas Regional and National Olympic Developmental Program soccer teams.
With over 8 years in the fitness industry, she has served in multiple capacities ranging from sport-specific coaching, weight loss, strength training, nutrition coaching and yoga. Trained in-house at Rō in early 2017, she has acquired a deep knowledge of proper injury-preventative rowing technique with parallels tied to her vast experience in functional movements found in weight training. Courtney is a Certified personal trainer (NASM) and has acquired certification for Crossfit and Precision Nutrition.
Her classes: Only the best music -- new tracks and throwbacks and take-no-prisoners coaching that can't be beat!
Samantha Tucker, Instructor
Samantha swam at the University of Texas at Austin from 2010-2014 where she was a a five-time All American and four-time Big XII Champion. She competed on the national and international stage throughout her career, and happily retired from the sport in 2014 after my last National Championship competition. She found a love of rowing at Rō Fitness and quickly became addicted to the rhythmic nature, athleticism, technique-focused, HIIT format of the classes offered. She earned two degrees in the Health Education domains, completing both my bachelors and masters at UT Austin. With almost a decade of experience in teaching group fitness in Austin, she loves a new challenge to share her passion and knowledge of health and wellness with others to help them achieve their goals!
Her classes: Upbeat music to get you going! Working hard and having an enjoyable experience is the only option! :D
Samantha swam at the University of Texas at Austin from 2010-2014 where she was a a five-time All American and four-time Big XII Champion. She competed on the national and international stage throughout her career, and happily retired from the sport in 2014 after my last National Championship competition. She found a love of rowing at Rō Fitness and quickly became addicted to the rhythmic nature, athleticism, technique-focused, HIIT format of the classes offered. She earned two degrees in the Health Education domains, completing both my bachelors and masters at UT Austin. With almost a decade of experience in teaching group fitness in Austin, she loves a new challenge to share her passion and knowledge of health and wellness with others to help them achieve their goals!
Her classes: Upbeat music to get you going! Working hard and having an enjoyable experience is the only option! :D
Christina Van Essen, Instructor
Christina started rowing her Junior year of high school with Austin Rowing Club. She fell in love with the sport and went on to Pittsburgh to attend Steel City Rowing Club's three month intensive competitive rowing program. Christina continues to compete in regattas across the United States and Canada. She was recruited to row for the nationally-ranked University of Texas Women's Rowing team for Fall 2015 and continues to row recreationally while focusing on school at UT.
Her classes: Power, proper form, and fun! Don't let her bubbly personality fool you... she's fierce!
Christina started rowing her Junior year of high school with Austin Rowing Club. She fell in love with the sport and went on to Pittsburgh to attend Steel City Rowing Club's three month intensive competitive rowing program. Christina continues to compete in regattas across the United States and Canada. She was recruited to row for the nationally-ranked University of Texas Women's Rowing team for Fall 2015 and continues to row recreationally while focusing on school at UT.
Her classes: Power, proper form, and fun! Don't let her bubbly personality fool you... she's fierce!
