Meet Our Team
At Thrive Personal Training & Coaching, our core mission is to create a positive and supportive place where everyone — regardless of fitness level or ability — is welcomed and encouraged to achieve their own version of success. This spirit of community fosters a sense of belonging, which is a powerful tool that can absolutely crush the barriers standing in the way of your personal success. There’s no judgment, no intimidation.
#TogtherWeThrive
Debbye Roman, Founder & Owner
Debbye’s passion for fitness started in 2014, when she moved from Mexico and realized she was not a fan of running outdoors in the winter months- this is when she started to lift weights at her local gym. After that, she knew she had to make this her career. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Management at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara.
She believes fitness is a holistic adventure, and that aligning your body, mind, and spirit will allow you to accomplish things you never thought possible. She enjoys teaching her clients how to be aware of their bodies, and strengths, and believes that the uniqueness of each of us as individuals is what makes us #Thrive together.
Debbye also believes in the power of a marvelous customer service experience, something she learned during the time she worked in the food and beverage, and hospitality industry. She strives to not only give you a great personal training session, but to make it the best part of your day.
FUN FACTS – Debbye worked at Walt Disney World, at the EPCOT Park. She also has two dogs Rocky & Rambo, and a cat, Pumpkin.
Austin Bondurant, AM Manager
Meet Austin, a seasoned professional in the fitness and health industry. His journey began in 2018 when he proudly earned his Personal Training certificate from ISSA (International Sports Science Association). Building on this success, he further solidified his expertise by achieving certifications in Nutritional Coaching and Exercise Therapy from ISSA in 2019. Discovering a passion for exercise therapy, Austin pursued and completed his Associate degree in Physical Therapy, becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant. Austin enjoys using his knowledge and experience to assist both new and existing clients at Thrive to the best of his abilities.
FUN FACTS – Austin enjoys participating in all outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, canoeing, and intramural sports.
Taylor Bettis, PM Manager
Taylor has a passion for functional training, athletics, and achieving fitness goals. He believes everyone has the capacity to adapt and create the lifestyle they wish to live. He has always enjoyed helping others with complications, and injuries, physical rehabilitation and setbacks. His passion for sports and athletes who are determined to be someone exceptional is what motivates him. Taylor has experience in nutrition, physical therapy, rehabilitation, athletic training, recovery, sports science, biomechanics, and functionality. He has been working within the field for over 10 years.
Taylor graduated with a B.S. from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. With a bachelor of science in 4 years with honors as a double major in both Kinesiology and Nutrition. Before working as a personal trainer he was a physical therapy technician in Colorado Springs. Currently, Taylor is a certified personal trainer through ISSA.
FUN FACTS – Taylor loves to play video games and cook.
Gaby Ganns, Trainer
Hello! I’m Gaby Ganss, a dedicated personal trainer certified by NASM, a functional strength coach certified by ACE, and a specialist in Pre & Post Natal fitness. My passion lies in guiding others towards their fitness goals, ensuring each session is not only effective but also enjoyable.
My approach to training emphasizes strength and endurance, with a particular fondness for integrating kettlebells into workouts for their versatility and effectiveness.
When I’m not in the gym, I cherish moments spent with my family, boyfriend and friends. I’m also an avid runner and love to participate in 5ks and half marathons, where I’m constantly striving to push my limits.
FUN FACTS – Sports are a big part of my life. They fuel my competitive spirit with soccer and hockey holding a special place in my heart. At home, I share my space with a special companion—an adventurous pet turtle with three legs who embodies resilience, and curiosity, reminding me daily of perseverance and adaptability.
Henrique Rhoden, Trainer
Henrique is passionate about sports and the biomechanics involved in any daily activity and exercise. He is originally from Brazil, and moved to the US in 2018. Along with a scholarship in soccer, he earned his diploma in Exercise Science and Kinesiology at Greenville University (IL). Henrique is certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by NSCA. Currently he is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Sport Science and High Performance Specialization at Lindenwood University (MO).
FUN FACTS – Henrique loves soccer, spending quality time with his friends, and summer is his favorite season.
Emily Jasen, Trainer
Emily has always had a passion for helping people. She graduated with a bachelors in forensic psychology, and worked in behavioral health for 3 years but then decided she wanted to help people in a different way, which is in fitness and health. In 2022 she got her Personal Training Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
FUN FACTS – Emily LOVES dogs and has 2 huskies on her own and enjoys taking them out on hikes.
Lily Trobaugh, Trainer
Lily moved to St. Louis in 2019 to attend Lindenwood University, where she received a degree in Exercise Science and Recreational Therapy. Post graduation, she worked in both clinical and hospital based Physical Therapy settings, learning from and assisting the therapists there. This is how she developed a love for training, by using client’s passions and motivations to achieve their personal health goals. Lily has a background in gymnastics coaching and loves to incorporate balance and mobility into her workouts.
FUN FACTS – She loves being outdoors in her free time, hiking and kayaking, as well as discovering new coffee shops in the surrounding areas.
Lydia Carter, Trainer
Lydia‘s love for training, started in a search for answers, to help gain back confidence, and feel comfortable in her own skin. She believes anyone’s goals are attainable and can be met through the right training and dedication. Her mission in the fitness industry is to help every client find the results they were searching for and experience the things she has been able to through the proper training program and nutrition.
After realizing she wanted to be able to help people see & feel the same way she had from being in the gym she obtained her Nation Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) CPT from SCCC.
FUN FACTS – She has two puppies (Finn & Bryce), loves to go for hikes or anything outdoors, always up for any fitness competitions and loves to travel for that, her other free time outside of the gym is spent in the hair salon where she works as a stylist helping people look their best.
