Our Team
Lyn Lindbergh
CEO | Founder
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, George Fox University
CPT - Certified Personal Trainer
GFI - Certified Group Fitness Instructor
BASI - Body Arts Science International Certified Mat Pilates Instructor
ACE - Sports Nutrition Specialist
ACE - Functional Aging Specialist
ACE - Weight Management Specialist
Sincerely,
Lyn Lindbergh
Founder/Owner
Lori Salmonsen
Yoga Instructor
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 which 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.
Sincerely,
Lori Salmonsen
Yoga Instructor
Donna Taylor
Group Fitness Instructor
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!
Sincerely,
Donna Taylor
Group Fitness Instructor
Jesse Norwood
Zoom Administrator
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.
Jesse Norwood!
Zoom Administrator
Aly Slaughter
Yoga Instructor
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.
Sincerely,
Aly Slaughter
Yoga Instructor
William Barnes
Group X | Personal Trainer
Hi, I’m William and I’ve been helping people live a higher quality of life through nutrition and exercise since 2003 as a full time fitness professional.
Growing up I did not dream of becoming a fitness coach, but I did aspire to be a basketball coach.
Basketball was my favorite sport growing up. But, when I was 13 years old I knew I was probably not going to be good enough to make a living playing basketball. So, I thought I would try to become a coach. That way I get to still be around the sport and make a decent living.
Unfortunately, during my college years it became apparent to me that if I wanted to become a college basketball coach, I was probably going to have to move to different cities and teams year after year before being able to settle down and plant roots in one place. The thought of moving around the country wasn’t for me, so I decided on a different path.
I soon found out that being a fitness coach and helping people get fit and healthy was a real option for me. I knew quite a bit about working out and staying fit while playing athletics growing up. I figured I could help coach other people to get results and make a living doing so.
Little did I know how much I would enjoy, develop a passion for, and love helping people lose weight, get stronger, get fitter and live a higher quality of life through changing habits and challenging them to reach new heights in their health and fitness journey.
I’m excited to be joining the Couch to Active team and to be able to help even more people.
I was born and raised in East Texas. Now I’m an avid college football fan. And I am currently living in Arkansas with my wife and daughter.
B.S. - Exercise and Sports Science (2000, Texas State University)
M.S. - Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies (2002, Texas A&M University - Commerce)
NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (2002)
NESTA - Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach (2004)
Sincerely,
William Barnes
Group X | Personal Trainer
open position
Group Fitness Instructor
We are looking for an amazing certified Tai Chi group fitness 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