A message from our founder

Jenni started emPOWER kids in November 2020, after the COVID-19 crisis changed our lives. Like so many others, she felt the call  to give back to the community in a meaningful way.  She recognized a void in extracurricular activities for kids, programs that focus on overall wellness. While fun and fitness are most common, mental and social-emotional health programs are rare. In bringing these wellness areas together, emPOWER kids was born. The Wellness Studio opened in September 2021, with the Joyful Movement Gym shortly after in June 2022.   

Jenni brings over a decade of experience coaching recreational sports, competitive gymnastics, and Girls on the Run. She attended Marymount University and George Mason University for Elementary Education. She is currently pursuing her RYT 200 yoga certification.  When not at the gym, you can find her volunteering at her kiddos' elementary school, hiking a mountain, on the ski slopes or cuddled up with a book!

Vanessa joined Jenni at emPOWER kids in January 2021, just months after the vision emPOWER mission came to fruition. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Vanessa became a gymnast at age 3. After a spinal injury, she transitioned into weight lifting and coaching gymnastics in high school, which sparked her interest in Kinesiology. For over a decade, she has explored the world of meditation, yoga and mind-body connection. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from George Mason University. When she's not coaching at the gym, you can find her personal training adults, spending as much time as possible outdoors with her doggos, or cooking! Go Eagles!

Hey there, I'm Emily! I started at emPOWER kids as an intern through George Mason University Kinesiology program. I enjoyed my time as an intern so much that I have continued to work with the kids as a coach here at emPOWER since completing my Bachelor's Degree. 

Before college, I was all about sports - soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, martial arts - you name it! Although I've transitioned from playing to coaching, my love for sports remains strong. I still enjoy catching games whenever I can. Go New York Giants! I also love superheroes and traveling. 

Gymnastics has always been a huge part of Olympia’s life. Growing up in Oklahoma, her mom owned a gymnastics gym, so you could say she was raised on the mats. Olympia started gymnastics at just two years old and went on to compete all the way through level 10, earning numerous state, regional, and national titles along the way.

After a back injury brought her competitive career to an end, Olympia turned her passion toward coaching and has now spent more than 15 years helping gymnasts of all ages— from preschoolers just learning to love the sport, to advanced level 10 athletes chasing their goals. She was also a certified gymnastics judge in Oklahoma through level 7.

Olympia’s favorite part of coaching is seeing the excitement and pride on a gymnast’s face when they achieve a new skill. She loves creating an encouraging environment where athletes can build confidence, work hard, and discover what they’re capable of.

Outside the gym, Olympia enjoys CrossFit, walking her dogs, and relaxing with a good TV show. After graduating college, she moved from Oklahoma to Arlington, Virginia, where she now calls home.