@mrswestisinthebuilding
MARISSA | Owner
Marissa is the founder / creator of WKS! She grew up and went to school in Northern VA. Her love for fitness started young (competitive gymnast + dance team member!) She moved to Charlotte in 2011, after making the Carolina Panthers TopCats + is a CPT and nutrition specialist through ACE. She focuses her fitness studies on cardio/interval training, resistance training, ballet barre, and Pilates. Marissa experimented with these different fitness genres and developed the signature/Trademarked WKS methodology, incorporating cardio, strength training, and Pilates into one dynamic workout! She’s been featured as a fitness expert in major publications like Men's Health, Popsugar, + Cooking Light Magazine (Check out our Press Page here!) Marissa’s DMX voice + natural hype energy is something you must experience – once you work out with her, you’ll never want to work out anywhere else!
@darienneshae
DARIENNE | Director of Training + Team Communications
Darienne grew up in Palmyra, VA and attended Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES)! Growing up she played soccer, did gymnastics & figure skating, and musical theater, but really fell in love with cheerleading. Moving to CLT in 2015, Darienne became a member of the Carolina Panthers’ Topcats; an NFL Cheerleading team. Her 3-year tenure on the team continued to inspire her love for fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle. Darienne currently works at Bank of America and is NASM CPT & GPT certified; she has lost over 30 pounds and 10% body fat and hopes to inspire others to reach their goals. For her, it’s not just about looking good, but how it makes you feel! With her positive and bubbly personality, and copious amount of dad jokes, you should definitely be working out with her weekly!
@positively.patience
PATIENCE | Director of Studio Experience + PT Operations
​​Patience grew up in Waynesville, NC and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a NASM certified personal trainer, AFAA certified group fitness instructor, and L1 certified through Precision Nutrition. After relocating to Charlotte in 2016, she searched high and low for the right fitness community and workout and finally found it in 2018 with WKS. She immediately fell in love with the workout, but more importantly the people behind the workout and knew she wanted to be part of the WKS family. Patience took the leap and became a WKS trainer in 2022. She believes fitness should be fun and brings that energy to her class. Her class is sure to make you break a sweat and laugh along the way!
@ahnakollar
AHNA | Asst. Director of Studio Experience + PT Operations
Ahna grew up in the Poconos, Pennsylvania and started ballet at a young age. During high school, she moved to New York City to train at the Gelsey Kirkland Academy. She continued her professional career with The Richmond Ballet and Columbia Classical Ballet. In 2022 she pursued a new passion and career in the Real Estate industry, which provided flexibility in her schedule to try other fitness concepts around Charlotte. After finding WKS and joining the studio experience team, she knew it was a place she wanted to become a trainer at someday! She has now accomplished that goal of becoming a WKS trainer! You can expect fire playlists, thoughtful encouragement, and a sweet, but spicy personality to get you through even the toughest workouts.
@nlhindle
NICOLE | Director of Communications
After living in NY, CT, and CA, Nicole has been a Charlotte local since 2011. She’s a Clemson Tiger grad and an Occupational Therapist by day for Atrium Health. Nicole grew up a competitive athlete and mixed with her healthcare background; lead Nicole to pursue her passion in fitness. She finds her passion inspiring others to live a healthy and active lifestyle, while never sacrificing any of their favorite things. Nicole joined WKS because of the kick ass workouts and positive uplifting community. After being a part of many spin, yoga, barre, and HIIT studios throughout her life she says there is nothing like it here at WKS. The methodology is unlike any other and you’ll find a family who will make you feel your absolute best every time you walk through the doors.