Hi. I’m Tess (they/them)

I’m a shame-free movement coach, artist, awkward question asker, small business owner, aspiring hedonist, and speaker.

The best way to get to know me is to spend time with me. I invite you to schedule a coffee chat here!

My guiding value: Your body is fcking cool*.

This is a space for bodies. Queer bodies. Fat bodies. Skinny bodies. BIPOC bodies. Old bodies. Strong bodies. Hurting bodies. Athletic bodies. Bodies that have seen some shit. Whatever body you’re living in, I will advocate for its care and respect.

My Story (or at least some of the highlights…)

2007

I graduated from a Pentecostal university in the Bible Belt (yikes!), married a soon-to-be pastor (double yikes!), and began my career as a graphic designer & digital marketer. I became a workaholic…it was a convenient escape from all the Jesus-y stuff.

2011

I left the church and the marriage. I moved to NYC to chase big ideas, big money, and big opportunities. I got to add some big name clients to my design portfolio.

I started going to the gym with my art director and performing burlesque every weekend. These two things changed my life. I realized how disconnected I was from body and from other people, which lit a fire in me to get curious and get connected. I taught my first movement class–Burlesque Booty, complete with ass tassels.

2015

I moved to Seattle, started healing from PTSD, and began teaching movement full-time. I took my first (of hopefully many) human cadaver dissection.

Within 2 years, I opened TB Movement Co., a.k.a. Fitness for Introverts. Traditional gyms weren’t my cup of tea, so I created a special little studio in the center of the universe (if you’re from Seattle, you know what I mean). I found my place in the world and I found my people. I fell in love with connecting, helping, coaching and teaching.

NOW

I’m the proud founder of Ashland Strength Studio in Ashland, OR. I love spending each week helping people feel more at home in their body.

When I’m not coaching, I love speaking, drawing, adventuring, and enjoying a good porch or stoop.

I’ve had the best teachers…

National Academy of Sports Medicine

I'm proud to be certified through NASM as a personal trainer.

Yoga Alliance RYT-500

I took my 200hr & 300hr vinyasa trainings through Three Sisters in New York City. I love that they bring specialized teachers in to cover topics like Pranayama, Ayurveda, anatomy, meditation, trauma, etc. I feel like I got the most well-rounded, exciting 200hr possible.

Gil Hedley Somanautics

This 6 day human dissection workshop was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I got to explore under the skin at my own pace, moving through each layer of the body. Nothing compares to letting your curiosity take over and diving into pure magic.

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. I wish every personal trainer was required to go through this training!

Yoga Tune Up®

December 2013 I completed the Level 1 Yoga Tune Up® training. It completely changed my personal practice and teaching style. It inspired me to dig into anatomy and soak up all of the information I could about how bodies work.

RKC Hardstyle Kettlebell Instructor

Kettlebells are on my shortlist of favorite tools. I love using bells to help my client improve strength, increase power and build life-long movement skills. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the RKC / Dragon Door family.

Progressive Calisthenics

I freaking love bodyweight movement. Pushups, pistols and levers...I get so excited for all of it. It's incredibly empowering to own every shape your body could possibly make. It's an endless chase, and I'm so game.