Meet the Instructors
Chelsea Moore, Co-Founder, Instructor, Chief Everything Officer
Chelsea has been rowing since 2005 and coaching since 2009. She rowed at the University of Oklahoma on the inaugural varsity rowing 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 rowing 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 Dougherty, Instructor
Sarah started rowing in 2012 at the University of Washington. She was a recruited walk-on from the sport of swimming, and proceeded to pursue rowing after college at the national level. Sarah was a four-time varsity athlete and two-time all American athlete while at Washington. She has four U23 world championships gold medals, won silver at the 2017 World Cup in Poland, and stroked the US Women’s 8+ at the World Championships in 2017.
She has recently retired from competing and has turned to coaching! Sarah’s passionate about nutrition, and loves to guide others towards living their happiest and healthiest lives. Being a Seattle native, she loves hiking, biking, camping and all things outdoors. She also loves big fluffy dogs and hopes to have her own very soon.
Her Classes: Bring your best spirit, a willingness to learn, and a big smile to class and you’ll have a great time!
Sarah started rowing in 2012 at the University of Washington. She was a recruited walk-on from the sport of swimming, and proceeded to pursue rowing after college at the national level. Sarah was a four-time varsity athlete and two-time all American athlete while at Washington. She has four U23 world championships gold medals, won silver at the 2017 World Cup in Poland, and stroked the US Women’s 8+ at the World Championships in 2017.
She has recently retired from competing and has turned to coaching! Sarah’s passionate about nutrition, and loves to guide others towards living their happiest and healthiest lives. Being a Seattle native, she loves hiking, biking, camping and all things outdoors. She also loves big fluffy dogs and hopes to have her own very soon.
Her Classes: Bring your best spirit, a willingness to learn, and a big smile to class and you’ll have a great time!
Laura Griffith, Instructor
Originally from Michigan, Laura started rowing as a freshman in high school back in 2001. She rowed all throughout high school and continued to row on the varsity team with Eastern Michigan University. Throughout college she was coaching the men's high school rowing program for the Wyandotte Boat Club, as well as helping her old high school team. After college, Laura continued her health and fitness journey with Kickboxing, and CrossFit. Her favorite thing about rowing is being a member of an amazing crew of people who come together, and work hard to accomplish the same goal.
Her classes: Focused on teamwork and accountability!
Originally from Michigan, Laura started rowing as a freshman in high school back in 2001. She rowed all throughout high school and continued to row on the varsity team with Eastern Michigan University. Throughout college she was coaching the men's high school rowing program for the Wyandotte Boat Club, as well as helping her old high school team. After college, Laura continued her health and fitness journey with Kickboxing, and CrossFit. Her favorite thing about rowing is being a member of an amazing crew of people who come together, and work hard to accomplish the same goal.
Her classes: Focused on teamwork and accountability!
Lizsy Hiebel, Instructor
Lizsy started rowing in 2011 as a high school freshman in Minnesota. After competing in the Youth National Championships she was recruited directly to the varsity team at the University of Minnesota, where her team earned a silver medal at the Big Ten Championships in 2018.
Lizsy coached her old high school rowing team during her college summers and also worked at a small gym in Minnesota, before the big move to Austin. Her love for rowing and working with people through their fitness journey has brought her to Rō.
Being new to Austin she is looking for the best coffee shop in town... If you have an recs let her know!
Her Classes: Come ready to improve your best and enjoy the music!
Lizsy started rowing in 2011 as a high school freshman in Minnesota. After competing in the Youth National Championships she was recruited directly to the varsity team at the University of Minnesota, where her team earned a silver medal at the Big Ten Championships in 2018.
Lizsy coached her old high school rowing team during her college summers and also worked at a small gym in Minnesota, before the big move to Austin. Her love for rowing and working with people through their fitness journey has brought her to Rō.
Being new to Austin she is looking for the best coffee shop in town... If you have an recs let her know!
Her Classes: Come ready to improve your best and enjoy the music!
Katie Kidder, Instructor
Originally a lifelong competitive swimmer, Katie transitioned to rowing in 2012. She rowed for four years at UCLA, and continued athletics in all forms after graduating in 2016. She has spent the following years doing everything from running to cycling and yoga, and when she moved to Austin in 2019, she reunited with rowing after finding Rō.
Her favorite thing about rowing is the technicality required, combined with the endless potential to achieve something new, every day. She is excited to help others stay fit and keep crushing their goals!
Her classes: Top 40 playlists and a focus on doing your best -- but also having some fun through tough workouts!
Originally a lifelong competitive swimmer, Katie transitioned to rowing in 2012. She rowed for four years at UCLA, and continued athletics in all forms after graduating in 2016. She has spent the following years doing everything from running to cycling and yoga, and when she moved to Austin in 2019, she reunited with rowing after finding Rō.
Her favorite thing about rowing is the technicality required, combined with the endless potential to achieve something new, every day. She is excited to help others stay fit and keep crushing their goals!
Her classes: Top 40 playlists and a focus on doing your best -- but also having some fun through tough workouts!
Meaghan MacLean, Instructor
Meaghan spent the last eight years in New York City running her own successful personal training business as well as being a senior Level-2 CrossFit coach at one of the largest and oldest CrossFit gyms in the country. An avid weightlifter, she also fell in love with the strength and skill components of rowing. So when she relocated to Austin, she was immediately hooked on the energy and technicality of Ro classes.
Meaghan is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and runs her own wellness business. She also holds advanced certifications in mobility and Z-Health neurocentric education for pain and performance. She is driven by her passion to empower others to get strong from the inside out!
Her classes: Energetic and challenging - show yourself you can do things you never thought possible!
Meaghan spent the last eight years in New York City running her own successful personal training business as well as being a senior Level-2 CrossFit coach at one of the largest and oldest CrossFit gyms in the country. An avid weightlifter, she also fell in love with the strength and skill components of rowing. So when she relocated to Austin, she was immediately hooked on the energy and technicality of Ro classes.
Meaghan is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and runs her own wellness business. She also holds advanced certifications in mobility and Z-Health neurocentric education for pain and performance. She is driven by her passion to empower others to get strong from the inside out!
Her classes: Energetic and challenging - show yourself you can do things you never thought possible!
Wladi Montoya, Instructor
Wladi's passion for coaching started 22 years ago as a young swimmer. "I remember sitting next to my coach and asking him every possible question. I wanted to know about technique, split times, and any way I could be better. Looking back, I realize I was interested in swimming itself, and even more interested in my coach because I could see his greatness. I wanted to be just like him."
He spent 14 years swimming, reaching a collegiate competitive level. After, he spent another 9 years competing in CrossFit, reaching a regional competitive level. He began coaching Crossfit in 2011, is currently a Level 2 Crossfit coach and has a multitude of Crossfit certifications, including powerlifting and goal setting. In competing and coaching, he discovered the addictive nature of rowing and followed the passion to Rō Fitness.
His classes: Energetic, enthusiastic, and technical. Wladi's true passion is in human connection and creating space for those around him to see greatness in themselves. "I can’t wait for you to try one of my classes...BOOM!"
Wladi's passion for coaching started 22 years ago as a young swimmer. "I remember sitting next to my coach and asking him every possible question. I wanted to know about technique, split times, and any way I could be better. Looking back, I realize I was interested in swimming itself, and even more interested in my coach because I could see his greatness. I wanted to be just like him."
He spent 14 years swimming, reaching a collegiate competitive level. After, he spent another 9 years competing in CrossFit, reaching a regional competitive level. He began coaching Crossfit in 2011, is currently a Level 2 Crossfit coach and has a multitude of Crossfit certifications, including powerlifting and goal setting. In competing and coaching, he discovered the addictive nature of rowing and followed the passion to Rō Fitness.
His classes: Energetic, enthusiastic, and technical. Wladi's true passion is in human connection and creating space for those around him to see greatness in themselves. "I can’t wait for you to try one of my classes...BOOM!"
Cara Rizzo, Instructor
Cara has been a part of the Rō Fitness community since early 2016, drawn to the challenge and excitement of rowing. She loves the balance of strength, cardio, and technical skill rowing requires to set personal records and compete amongst teammates. She has dabbled in rowing on the water and looks forward to 2020 to balance her indoor rowing with rowing on the water outdoors, as well! Athletically inclined, she played a wide variety of sports growing up across the US, notably as a state-qualified swimmer and competitive equestrian.
After over 400 classes and more than 2 million meters rowed, she joined the Rō Fitness coaching staff. A confident leader, she's excited to break down the complexities of rowing to newbies and vets alike and help them achieve their recreational, competitive, or fitness goals.
Her classes: Upbeat, challenging, and always served with a sense of humor.
Cara has been a part of the Rō Fitness community since early 2016, drawn to the challenge and excitement of rowing. She loves the balance of strength, cardio, and technical skill rowing requires to set personal records and compete amongst teammates. She has dabbled in rowing on the water and looks forward to 2020 to balance her indoor rowing with rowing on the water outdoors, as well! Athletically inclined, she played a wide variety of sports growing up across the US, notably as a state-qualified swimmer and competitive equestrian.
After over 400 classes and more than 2 million meters rowed, she joined the Rō Fitness coaching staff. A confident leader, she's excited to break down the complexities of rowing to newbies and vets alike and help them achieve their recreational, competitive, or fitness goals.
Her classes: Upbeat, challenging, and always served with a sense of humor.
Hailey Shuster, Instructor
Raised in northwest Austin, Hailey grew up playing every sport under the sun throughout high school. She attended the University of Texas at Austin in 2017, which is where she started her love for running and continued playing sports through intramurals. Hailey picked up rowing in early 2019 and quickly latched onto the technique, balanced with the competitiveness of the sport. She also does a lot of kickboxing and other group fitness around Austin. If it has to do with fitness, she’s willing to try it!
Hailey works full-time for a software company in north Austin, but in her spare time she runs a small custom baking business too. When not at Rō you can find Hailey cooking, running, walking her pit bull on town lake, or jumping on a trampoline.
Her classes: Prepare to sweat a lot, groove to the music, and push yourself to the next level.
Raised in northwest Austin, Hailey grew up playing every sport under the sun throughout high school. She attended the University of Texas at Austin in 2017, which is where she started her love for running and continued playing sports through intramurals. Hailey picked up rowing in early 2019 and quickly latched onto the technique, balanced with the competitiveness of the sport. She also does a lot of kickboxing and other group fitness around Austin. If it has to do with fitness, she’s willing to try it!
Hailey works full-time for a software company in north Austin, but in her spare time she runs a small custom baking business too. When not at Rō you can find Hailey cooking, running, walking her pit bull on town lake, or jumping on a trampoline.
Her classes: Prepare to sweat a lot, groove to the music, and push yourself to the next level.
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 her 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 her 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: Synced up, focused, and fun!
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 her 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 her 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: Synced up, focused, and fun!
Rylie Wargo, Instructor
Rylie started rowing back in 2015 for the University of Minnesota. With little rowing experience and knowledge, she worked her way up to reaching 2 all conference honors. Towards the end of college, Rylie decided to move over to London to pursue a Masters degree. Due to COVID-19, she made the decision to move back to the states and continue her program online while making the big move to Austin.
She joins Rō to continue her passion and love for the sport. Besides rowing, Rylie is passionate about hiking, rollerblading, spending time with her friends and family, and most of all DOGS. She is in the market for a pupper (when the time is right, of course).
Her classes: Fresh tunes and friendly vibes!
Rylie started rowing back in 2015 for the University of Minnesota. With little rowing experience and knowledge, she worked her way up to reaching 2 all conference honors. Towards the end of college, Rylie decided to move over to London to pursue a Masters degree. Due to COVID-19, she made the decision to move back to the states and continue her program online while making the big move to Austin.
She joins Rō to continue her passion and love for the sport. Besides rowing, Rylie is passionate about hiking, rollerblading, spending time with her friends and family, and most of all DOGS. She is in the market for a pupper (when the time is right, of course).
Her classes: Fresh tunes and friendly vibes!