MGMT TEAM

@mrswestisinthebuilding

MARISSA | Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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 and 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 and patent pending WKS methodology, incorporating cardio, strength training, and Pilates into one dynamic workout! She’s been featured as a fitness expert in major publications such as Men's Health, Popsugar, and Cooking Light Magazine (Check out our Press Page here!) Marissa was also named one of Charlotte Agenda's “Top 10 Small Business Owners” in 2019. She has gone live on Instagram via Shape Magazine and Hollywood Life, showcasing the unique WKS workout with Sports Illustrated model, Olivia Culpo. The WKS curated methodology is used by the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats, Miss USA, Miss Universe, and other prominent influencers and athletes to maintain peak performance. As the CEO of WKS, Marissa works with the management team to make corporate decisions, evaluates operational protocol, and navigates the strategic direction of the company.

@ahnakollar

AHNA | Chief Operating Officer (COO)

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. After finding WKS as a client, she knew it was a place she wanted to work. Ahna has distinguished herself as a standout trainer. You can expect fire playlists, thoughtful encouragement, and a sweet, but spicy personality to get you through even the toughest workouts. Ahna quickly rose in the ranks here at WKS. In addition to her group training role, Ahna is the COO of WKS and helps with all day to day (and beyond) operations! She loves being able to ensure every single client who walks through the studio doors has the best experience possible. She works directly with our CEO and is the liaison between our entire management team. Whether you’re seeing her on the mic or sweating next to you in class, you know she’ll be bringing you the sweetest vibes and biggest smiles!

@_daphfit

DAPHNE | Director of Training + Team Communications

Daphne grew up as a competitive dancer and spent her college years on the nationally ranked University of Delaware dance team. She went on to become an assistant coach for the team as well as an instructor for the Universal Dance Association. Daphne decided to pursue her GFI and Personal Training certification through ACE and found her community through fitness and a new family here at WKS! In fact, Daphne made the choice in 2023 to make Kept Secret her full-time position after seven years as an elementary school teacher! She brings everything she loved about teaching in the classroom to her new "students" in the studio. In addition, as one our resident personal trainers, Daphne works with clients to create a personalized fitness and nutrition plan that will help them achieve their goals for a happier and healthier lifestyle. She also shares her passion for coaching and mentoring others as our Director of Training & Team Communications. In this role, Daphne develops and carries out the training of all new group class trainers and provides ongoing education to all current trainers. As Director of Training, she also plays a pivotal part in setting the programming for our weekly group classes. Daphne remains a true educator and coach at heart and is so happy to be able to play a role in developing the personnel and brand here at WKS!

@aroseinthecity

Amanda | Director of Communications + Front Desk Manager

A long way from home, Amanda relocated to CLT from New York in 2011. She made the move to CLT to attend Appalachian State and later transferred to UNC Charlotte where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education. After 6 years as an elementary school teacher, she took a break to pursue her passion for fitness in 2021. Amanda is now pursuing her dream of full-time fitness with her many roles as a resident personal trainer, Director of Communications, and also Front Desk Manager here at WKS. Amanda loves connecting with the community via our partners, strategy giveaways, and pop ups with local and national businesses. She enjoys being part of several sides of the business, both client facing and behind the scenes. She’s the definition of work hard, play hard and brings the energy wherever she goes. Amanda tried her first workout at West Kept Secret in January of 2020 and fell in love with the high energy and fire playlists, causing her to take the leap to join our team. Don’t be fooled — while she’s a sweetheart, she’ll always be serving up advancements (and no mercy) on the training floor!

@nlhindle

NICOLE | Assistant 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, she decided to pursue her passion in fitness. She finds joy 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. In addition to her group training role, Nicole is the assistant Director of Communications, working with Amanda on all partnerships, collaborations, and events here at WKS! She is also a new mom to daughter Sofia and truly does it all!

@ariellee_fit

Ariel | Lead Resident PT

Originally from Raleigh, Ariel made the move to Charlotte after graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She fell in love with WKS after learning the methodology as a PT Client and founding group class member and was offered her dream job as a WKS Trainer! This 5ft tall firecracker has grown with the brand over the years and now serves as our Lead Resident Personal Trainer at West Kept Secret, overseeing the entire personal training department. She is also a proud member of the Carolina Panthers TopCats squad! She is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and weight loss specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a certified running coach with the RRCA. She manages personal training programming, assists in developing group class programming, and utilizes her marketing skills to create graphics and social media content for the brand! When she's not in the pt studio or on the field, you'll probably find her training for her next distance race!