Our Team
Lyn Lindbergh
CEO | Founder, Washington
Our health depends exercise and healthy habits. I'm here to help you figure this out in a way that isn't so dreadful and actually helps you smile more.
I am Lyn Lindbergh, the author of the 6x award winning book COUCH to ACTIVE: The Missing Link that Takes You from Sedentary to Active, host of the Health and Fitness Motivation podcast, Blogger, Speaker, Coach, Fitness Influencer, Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Management Specialist, Certified Pilates Instructor, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and founder/owner of COUCH to ACTIVE.
I am an expert
at creating real change
in people's lives.
When it comes to this thing called exercise, I appreciate how hard it can be.
I have three chronic health issues. Still, I get out and exercise every day. These health issues fuel my compassion for people and my understanding of what it really takes to get moving when life gets in the way. Even with my physical challenges, I have completed the Seattle to Portland 200-mile ride six times, and I've completed multiple half-marathons, 10 triathlons, and countless 5K runs.
My personal favorite type of exercise is anything that gets me outdoors with friends and helps bring me peace of mind. Let's work together and figure out how to make exercise a part of your life.
B.S. - Education, with a minor in mathematics.
CPT - Certified Personal Trainer
GFI - Certified Group Fitness Instructor
BASI - Body Arts Science International Certified Mat Pilates Instructor
Sports Nutrition Specialist
Functional Aging Specialist
Weight Management Specialist
Sincerely,
Lyn Lindbergh
Founder/Owner
Lori Salmonsen
Yoga Instructor, Washington
I am so honored to help lead this amazing group of students in their yoga practice.
I'm a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and I love teaching group classes, private sessions, and retreats. I started my yoga practice in 2007 and found that it's a perfect complement to my running, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. My favorite moments of teaching are when I see a student make a breakthrough in their own progress, such as a pose they've been working on, or gaining new insights and confidence in their abilities.
I believe strongly in helping people start from wherever they are, even if that place is learning to breathe and be present. My style is to create unique and fun experiences, such as sunset yoga on the beach where the sights and sounds of nature offer a beautiful backdrop and help bring students into the present moment.
On another note, I have 20+ years as a Learning Designer for corporations which plays an integral role in my ability to help others learn and grow. My natural deep empathy for all beings shines through everything I do.
I live with my adorable adopted pup named Franny, who sometimes shows up on the yoga mat as my assistant.
It would be my honor to help you bring yoga to your life.
Certified Yoga Practitioner.
M.A. User Centered Design
Sincerely,
Lori Salmonsen
Yoga Instructor
Donna Taylor
Group Fitness Instructor, Oregon
I’m excited to be a part of the Couch to Active team because I know how important it is to have support to keep you accountable when you are trying to stay active. I understand the many challenges, the slips and lapses, and the struggle and strength it takes to get back into the swing of things.
Being diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic shortly before my 14th birthday was traumatic. I was quite shy and this disease left me feeling alone and scared. Feeling peculiar and misunderstood, I withdrew into my own little world. At 30 I got clean and sober, began eating healthier and exercising. I struggled at first because I started at a level that was excruciating, and being legally blind and with asthma, as well as being diabetic, working out was challenging.
I began by seeking out exercises that felt good, including lifting weights and a bit of running, and discovered that if I routinely worked out I became stronger, more energized, felt good in my body, had a healthier mind, and felt a sense of accomplishment.
Prior to joining Couch to Active, I was a Personal Trainer in Portland, Oregon. When the pandemic hit I semi-retired, and that’s when I met Lyn.
As I was losing my vision, I had lost confidence in my ability to be a personal trainer, but after meeting Lyn and being introduced to her “awesomeness” style of training, I knew I wanted to be a part of this movement.
Along with fitness, I love spending time in our garden, listening to music, cooking up new and healthier versions of our favorite foods, and drawing flowers and big-eyed funny, little creatures.
I hope to see you all in class so that together we can make moving our bodies fun!
GFI - Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Sincerely,
Donna Taylor
Group Fitness Instructor
Jesse Norwood
Zoom Administrator, Oregon
Hi! I'm originally from Arkansas and now live in Central Oregon. I recently completed a computer science certification. I'll be the Zoom support for our team by ensuring our Zoom calls run smoothly. I'll also be putting my computer science background into practice to help with technical backend support.
B.A. Computer Science
Jesse Norwood!
Zoom Administrator
Aly Slaughter
Yoga Instructor, Illinois
Hello, my name is Aly Slaughter and I am a RYT-500 yoga teacher. I received my initial 200 hour yoga teacher training at Rishikul Yogshala in Rishikesh, India in June 2018. Since then, I have completed my 300 hour YTT, as well as training and certifications in Accessible Yoga, Mind Body Solutions, Yoga For All and Yin.
As someone who lives with mental health struggles such as anxiety, bipolar depression, PTSD, ADHD and OCD, I have found that yoga can be a powerful tool for healing mentally, emotionally and physically, both within oneself and also with others. Additionally, being legally blind since birth, I believe in breaking down the barriers imposed by society and making yoga more accessible for all. I am passionate about promoting the idea that yoga is for everyone, regardless of body type, ability, or background.
In 2022, I was a recipient of the Yoga Alliance Foundation's Teaching for Equity grant program and was featured on the podcast Journey of the Modern Soul.
I hold a B.A. in Mass Communications and Sociology from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, IN; a J.D. with a certificate in Health Law from St. Louis University’s School of Law; and am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
In addition to teaching yoga, I am passionate about connecting with people and building community.
I am based on the land of the Osage people in my hometown of Alton, IL. I believe that through open and honest communication with our hearts, minds, and words, offered with kindness, compassion, and acceptance of others and ourselves, we can build a true community and pave the way to a more peaceful world.
Certified Yoga Instructor
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
B.A. Mass Communication and Sociology
Sincerely,
Aly Slaughter
Yoga Instructor
Lindsey Wheeldon
Yoga Instructor, Colorado
Hi I'm Lindsey!
My life of fitness started at 9 years old when I joined a jump rope team at my elementary school. I was instantly hooked on this unique activity. For the next 15 years I traveled the world as a competitive and professional jump rope athlete and had opportunities to be featured on platforms like ESPN, FSN, and America's Got Talent.
Unfortunately, an injury ended that chapter of my life. However, that foundation led me to advanced education in health and wellness as well as countless fitness certifications. It’s my goal to provide an empowering experience that allows everyone to safely achieve and surpass their own expectations. I aspire to make my classes fun and feasible for all fitness levels through education, positivity, and celebration.
As a Colorado Springs Native, I love getting outside and exploring the mountains when I am not teaching. Animals also hold a special place in my heart. I currently have 2 cats and 3 dogs, but hope to grow our family to goats, chickens, and pigs.
I am so excited to be part of this team and have the chance to work with our inspiring Couch to Active community!
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (in progress)
Masters of Science, Nutrition and Exercise Science
GFI - Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Wellcoaches Lifestyle Medicine for coaching
Wellcoaches Core Coach Training
Cycle and TRX Instructor
LES MILLSBODYPUMP(AIM 1), BODYCOMBAT, CORE, and SPRINT
Sincerely,
Lindsey Wheeldon
Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach
Deidre Hand
Tai Chi Instructor , Colorado
July 2024 Update - We are excited to bring Tai Chi to Couch to Active! Deidre's bio will be coming soon!
Sincerely,
Deidre Hand
Tai Chi & Gentle Yoga Instructor
Open Position
Group Fitness Instructor
We are looking for an amazing certified group fitness instructor skilled at audio descriptions in fitness and can manage a large Zoom room while instructing. If you are interested in learning more contact Lyn Lindbergh at beawesome@couchtoactive.com.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Group Fitness Instructor