TRAIN ALONGSIDE THE BEST
OWNER & FOUNDER
Dr. Kaaren Vargas
Owner
Dr. Kaaren Vargas was born in Lima, Peru and moved to the US at a very young age. Her whole life she has been passionate about fitness.
GENERAL MANAGER
Kathryn Kahn
General Manager
My passion for fitness began at a young age, through youth sport, and carried me into a collegiate career at The University of Iowa with Women’s Gymnastics.
MANAGER
Alondra Sanchez-Morales
My name is Alondra, I’ve been involved in athletics for as long as I can remember. Over the years I’ve played volleyball, soccer, ran track, and loved taking as many Strength Training classes as I could!
PERSONAL TRAINERS
Florencio Campos
I have been lifting for nearly thirty years, and have utilized that experience in the last twelve years for personal training.
Nikolai Hill
My goal is to influence others positively through movement. To bring the type of energy that will motivate individuals to achieve more through health and fitness.
GROUP EXERCISE CLASS INSTRUCTORS
Kathryn Kahn
HIIT | TRX HIIT | Spin | Strength & Spin
My passion for fitness began at a young age, through youth sport, and carried me into a collegiate career at The University of Iowa with Women’s Gymnastics.
FRONT DESK STAFF
Marsha Heldt, CPT, CDP
My passion for health and wellness as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer has been a part of my life since high school.
Evelyn Knight
I love working at ThriveGym because it offers a safe place to exert your energy!
Alondra Sanchez-Morales
My name is Alondra, I’ve been involved in athletics for as long as I can remember.
Justyn Russo
My name is Justyn, working at Thrive Gym really is a blessing as fitness has always been so important to me.
Jackie Brown
My name is Jackie. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa. I have loved health, exercise, and sports since I was very young, beginning soccer at the age of four.
Tanner Atwood
I’m Tanner Atwood. I’m 17 years old and have been interested in working out and wellness for about 3 years now. My interests include powerlifting, tennis, and music.
Kayley Taylor
Hello! My name is Kayley Taylor, and I am a Kirkwood College full-time student. In high school, I was a multi-sport athlete who competed in cross country and track.
Enrique Reyes
Enrique is from Veracruz Mexico, his first language is Spanish. Along the years he’s been able to pick up English and is a man of many traits. He is an outstanding employee and a HUGE part of Thrive Gym.
Leah Knight
Heyo, my name is Leah. Ever since I was young, I’ve always been a big advocate for staying healthy. I enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, and having fun; a book or two in there doesn’t hurt either.
KIDS CARE
Leah Moenning
My name is Leah Moenning and you can find me playing with the kids in the kids care area! I love working at Thrive because of the super fun kids that I get to play with and also my amazing coworkers.
Diana Marquez
My name is Diana Marquez; I’ve lived in Iowa City since I was 3 years old. I was born in Cali, Colombia. Growing up I was never into doing club sports.
Ellie Felderman
Hi my name is Ellie and I grew up with a very active lifestyle from a young age. I love that working at thrive allows me to continue to live an active lifestyle all while providing a great work environment!
Live in a Body that Feels Great
Join Thrive Gym and lose weight, get stronger, and feel better for the rest of your life.