Here at Kaia FIT Sacramento, we are lucky to have some pretty amazing coaches on our team!
Get to know the girls a little better by reading their bios below!
-
CAITLIN BAUMGARDNER
Caitlin is a native of Northern California and grew up in a small town with her parents and her two
older sisters. She played softball and soccer for most of her childhood which kept her active
year-round, and also enjoyed going on outdoor adventures. As a late teen and young adult
however she fell out of the healthy exercise lifestyle and was always dreaming of being fit-
one of her life’s goals was running in a marathon. Then after moving to Sacramento as a newly wed, she
stumbled upon Kaia FIT and was hooked after feeling it out for two summer sessions and
dominating her first Brik! Caitlin is passionate about health and wellness and carries this passion
with her while she works as a registered nurse. She is now proud to say she has ran in two ½
marathons, and many other races, and completed the fun but challenging Tough Mudder last Fall.
She is even prouder to now be a fitness coach, something even her 20-year-old self thought she
would never be! She loves life, her husband, and her big dog Timmy.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BSN, Humboldt State University, Nursing
MSN, CSU Sacramento, Nursing Education
Currently working towards Kaia FIT Certification in August!
One word to describe yourself: Optimistic
Kaia FIT in one word: Sanctuary
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Nuts!! (in moderation, ha!)
Guilty food pleasure: CHOCOLATE! (and I have many more…)
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: Running across the Golden Gate Bridge during
the my first ever ½ marathon- feeling an out of body experience as I trudged along among the
masses in the foggy mist with the GGB towering overhead. It was EPIC!!
KIMBERLY CHONG
Kim was born and raised in Sacramento. She has always been an active gal, playing soccer and swimming on a competitive team through high school, and then swimming and playing water polo through college. Being on a team was a part of her workout routine up until she graduated, but after college, she felt lost in a sea of treadmills and boot camps. After moving to Los Angeles and then San Francisco, Kim went home to Sacramento to begin working on prerequisites to apply to dental school. She was encouraged by a dear friend (who happened to be a Kaia coach) to try Kaia to get out of her workout rut. One trial class and Kim cancelled her other gym memberships. Kaia was an amazing fit for this team player. She completed the Iron Girl Triathlon in 2012 and is eager for more races! If she’s not working out or working in the office at Kaia, you can find her with her boyfriend Brad, their dog Norman, taking classes, working in a dental office, and living a life she loves!
Education, Certifications, etc.
BS Criminal Justice-CSU Sacramento
Working towards Kaia Certification in May
CPR/first aid certified
Hometown: Sacramento
One word to describe yourself: Determined
Kaia FIT in one word: Inspiring
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: dried seaweed
Guilty Food Pleasure: Chips
A favorite fitness memory or “Ah-ha” moment: I have always been a girl who works out hard, so she can eat whatever she wants…or I USED to be that way! After weight gain and frustration, I realized that no matter how hard I worked, I was fueling my body poorly and sabotaging my health as well as performance. Through food journals at Kaia, I got so much help from other Kaia coaches and Kaia girls and have never looked back!
-
MEGAN DEGUERRE
Megan grew up in Elk Grove and was always an active kid, but never pursued sports in high school. She loved to swim and play baseball with her dad and only developed a passion for a real workout regime post-high school. She filled her weeks with yoga and running, feeling invigorated but not challenged. Megan began running various local races. Although she felt healthy and active, she didn’t feel STRONG. Enter Kaia FIT! She had heard about it from a friend experiencing amazing results, so she signed up a couple months after the Sacramento location opened… And has never looked back. From Kaia girl to Kaia Coach in a few months, Megan had no idea she could be SO passionate about fitness! (Now it’s all she talks about!)
She completed the IronGirl Triathlon in Tahoe with Kaia FIT’s I KAN TRI group in 2012 and is looking forward to training for her first full marathon next year!
In addition to her love of health and fitness, she also loves her husband, Nick, their dog, Harry, taking road trips, dining out and living life!
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BA, CSU Sacramento, Communication Studies – Public Relations
Kaia FIT Certified Trainer
TRX Certified Trainer
Currently studying for ACSM certification
Hometown: Elk Grove
One word to describe yourself: Determined
Kaia FIT in one word: TheBestGymInTheWholeWorld!
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Bell peppers and hummus
Guilty food pleasure: ICE CREAM. Any, all, and lots of it!
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: After weeks of practicing (and failing) at double-unders, getting so frustrated with myself, I kept my focus and determination and did 14 in a row my first time! Kaia FIT really makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to!
KELLY FIOCK
Kelly is a Bay Area native who grew up in a very active family with 4 brothers. As a child she was introduced to camping, backpacking and sailing in the Sierras at an early age. As an adult Kelly’s love for the outdoors continued; with more than 10 years experience in the outdoor and cycling industry she is a great resource for all things outdoor recreation related. In 2011, after training for her first ½ marathon alone, Kelly was looking for something to supplement her active lifestyle and a community who shared that passion. Following her first Kaia experience at the Kaia Resolution run she knew Kaia was the perfect fit. She went right home and signed up for the BRIK session that started that following Monday and she’s been hooked ever since. Kelly loves that Kaia provides her with an encouraging and uplifting sisterhood and is more than just a gym but a community and a lifestyle. The variety in workouts and constant challenge to push to the next level, both mentally and physically keeps Kelly craving more Kaia. Kelly’s favorite activities include cycling, hiking, kayaking, yoga, gardening and cooking.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BA, CSU Sacramento- Organizational Communication Studies
Wilderness First Aid Certified
CPR/ AED Certified
Working towards Kaia FIT Certified Trainer (May 2013)
Hometown: Fremont, CA
One word to describe yourself: Determined
Kaia FIT in one word: Awesome
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Roasted Cheesy (hooch) Cauliflower
Guilty food pleasure: Ice cream Sunday
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: I never realized how much I was addicted to sugar and carbs until I began food journaling during BRIK. But the real “ah-ha” moment: after becoming gluten free and cutting the processed sugars out of my diet my acne cleared up and my skin is much healthier without the need for acne treatments and harsh chemicals. I know now that great skin starts from within.
LAUREN HARRIS
Lauren was born and raised in Sacramento. She is a goofy fun loving person who can’t get enough of life! She was always an active kid, one would say she was and still is a tomboy! In High School Lauren joined the SPD ROTC at Kennedy High School. She was in for all four years. She never played any sports but in SPD she participated in the police department challenge multipule times, even winning some bronze and silver medals! Lauren was always into being healthy and active but after High School she didn’t know what to do to stay in shape. She was always running and doing 10k’s but she needed something more! HELLOOO KAIA! She has been apart of Kaia for a little over a year now and loves it! Can’t imagine her life without her Kaia or her Kaia girls! She is getting married to her Marine in May and loves life!!
Education, Certifications, Etc.
Scheduled for Kaia Certification in May!
Hometown: Sacramento
One word to describe yourself: Loving
Kaia FIT in one word: AMAZING!
Favorite Kaia-approved snack: Cinnamon apples
Guilty food pleasure: Candy!!
A favorite fitness moment or “ah-ha” moment: I had been practicing my pull-ups with kipping forver, I mean FOR…EV…ER! One day I was doing them as usual and it just clicked in my head and I busted those out like it was nothing! Now I can even do 10-15 in a row without the rubber band!!
-
As a young girl, Ashley always strove to be in good shape and to have a healthy lifestyle. From her childhood to motherhood, physical activity has always been a part of Ashley’s life. Ashley has run marathons (Rock n’ Roll San Diego and Nike Women’s Marathon), has competed in Figure Competitions (NPC Contra Costa and NPC Governor’s Cup), has run multiple fun runs and practices yoga regularly.
After recently moving to Elk Grove from San Jose, Ashley had an opportunity to turn her passion for fitness and helping people into her career, and that is how Ashely found her way to Kaia FIT. She was drawn to Kaia FIT because Kaia embraces sisterhood and creates a support system in addition to healthy living.
Ashley currently lives in Elk Grove with her husband, Marco, 3-year old daughter, Ella and 5-year old boxer, Apollo.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BA, CSU San Jose- Communication Studies
CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
Kaia FIT Certified Trainer
NPC Governor’s Cup Class C- 1st Place Winner
NPC Contra Costa Figure Class D- 2nd Place Winner
Hometown: Morgan Hill
One word to describe yourself: Strong
Kaia FIT in one word: Empowering
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Carrots and hummus
Guilty food pleasure: Cake
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: Going without sugar for three months straight and feeling like I could do anything!
KORI RAMIREZ
Kori was raised in a small town in Northern California. She began playing team sports at the age of 5 and began water skiing and snow skiing soon after. In college she was captain of the Sac State Women’s Rugby team which allowed her to travel internationally. When her days being part of a “team” ended she felt lost and unmotivated because ‘exercising’ for her had always been more than just ‘getting in 45 minutes on the treadmill’. She realized that a happy and healthy lifestyle included many more vital components. She craved accountability, a supportive environment, sisterhood and something more INTENSE! Her dear friend became a coach at Kaia and called her one day and said, “You have to try Kaia! You will love it!” She was right. She showed up for her first day of BRIK in May 2011 and never looked back. In her free time, Kori loves to camp, water ski, snow ski, travel, spend time with her family, and garden.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BA, CSU Sacramento, Liberal Studies/Human Development
MS, CSU Sacramento, Speech and Language Pathology
Currently working towards Kaia FIT Certification in August!
Hometown: Potter Valley, CA
One word to describe myself: Passionate
Kaia FIT in one word: Addicting (In a GOOD way…for the mind, body AND soul)
Favorite Kaia approved meal: Green smoothies
Guilty food pleasure: Macaroni and cheese
Favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: Climbing the rope!!! I remember looking WAY up there thinking, “There is no way!” The next thing you know I’m looking down from WAY up top thinking, “I just dominated that!”. Once I climbed down I said, “I can’t wait to SHOW OFF my new rope burns!!” The best part was- my Kaia girls were cheering for me like crazy, as if I had just won an Olympic gold medal and THAT right there felt dang good!! 
-
RAINA TIMMEL
Raina was born in Sonoma County in Petaluma. She spent a lot of time outdoors camping, hiking and playing at the beach with her parents and two big brothers. She started playing sports at a young age and played basketball and track through high school. She moved to Sacramento to pursue her passion of fitness and received her degree while playing rugby at CSUS. She currently works as a fitness professional for several gyms and loves her jobs!
Raina loves doing anything active outside, music, friends, family and having a good time living in downtown Sacramento.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BS, CSU Sacramento- Kinesiology, Exercise Science
Kaia FIT Certified Trainer
TRX Certified Trainer
Crossfit Level 1 Certification
Hometown: Petaluma
One word to describe yourself: Confident
Kaia FIT in one word: Awesome
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Apple and almond butter
Guilty food pleasure: Croissants
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: My first pull-up!
-
LYNLEE TOWNE
Lynlee was born and raised in Ukiah, California and re-located to Sacramento upon accepting a position with the Sacramento Ballet. She currently serves as the Ballet Mistress and School Principal for the Sacramento Ballet after a wonderful fifteen years as a classical ballet dancer. As a ballet dancer, Lynlee has always been drawn to fitness and teaching, and she has dedicated her life to helping people meet their fitness goals. Lynlee’s passion for teaching and understanding the human body has taken her down many different career paths including massage therapy, Physical Therapy Aide, instructing yoga, dance, and Pilates, instructional fitness videos, and the circus. After attending her first class, Lynlee knew that Kaia FIT was an incredible program with the potential to change lives, including her own. After becoming a Kaia girl herself, Lynlee knew that the next step was to become a Kaia coach. Lynlee loves nothing more than to wake up to coach or attend an awesome Kaia class.
Lynlee currently lives in Sacramento with her Fiancé Michael, two stepsons: Jacob and Joseph, and her dogs Apollo and Max. On the weekends you can find Lynlee attending theater events, boating on the river, or bike riding.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BA, St Mary’s College of California, Moraga
Kaia FIT Certified Trainer
Certified Massage Therapist
Classical Ballet Dancer
Hometown: Ukiah, California
One word to describe yourself: Ambitious
Kaia FIT in one word: Transforming
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Quinoa and veggies
Guilty food pleasure: Ice cream
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: The morning after my very first Kaia class when I thought to myself… “There is no way I can go to class today, I am soooooooo sore” but I did anyways, and here I am today!
ELHAM WATSON (but we all call her El!)
El grew up playing soccer (halfback) and became a gym enthusiast starting as a teen. As a career girl, she found that she needed a serious change in her workout routine and made an impulse decision to join Kaia FIT Sacramento, was instantly hooked, and began coaching 3 months later! El loves the way Kaia workouts continues to challenge her in every way and offers a little bit of everything: strength training, cardio, flow… She is embarking on her current goal of participating in a triathlon with the I KAN TRI program and plans to hop on to the I KAN RUN program after that! She feels that with her Kaia family by her side, she is ready to go for it!
El currently lives in East Sacramento with her husband, Matt and their cat, Jack who thinks he is a dog. In addition to fitness, she loves traveling, cooking, listening to live music and reading! In addition to coaching at Kaia FIT Sacramento, El is an analyst in the Investment Office at CalPERS.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
BS, CSU Sacramento- Business Administration, Finance
Kaia FIT Certified Trainer
Currently studying for ACSM certification in summer of 2012
Hometown: From Rocklin to Sacramento
One word to describe yourself: Determined
Kaia FIT in one word: Life-changing
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Loaded salads!
Guilty food pleasure: BREAD
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: I honestly could not do a push up for the life of me when I started Kaia in May 2011. I did 33 Kaia pushups in a row with minimal rests last month and was SOOOO excited when I realized the change!
-
JOHNA WHITLEY
Johna is originally from Fremont, Ca. She moved to the Sacramento area in 2003 after completing an 8 year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. Johna’s interest in fitness and nutrition began when she started perusing her degree in Nursing. Core classes like nutrition and anatomy and physiology motivated her to begin eating healthier and exercising regularly. Eventually becoming bored and frustrated with her workout routine, the gym, and lack of results she decided to try CrossFit. This was the challenge she was looking for, but the competitive nature of the gym left her longing for more. Then an email from Living Social promoting a 6 week “bootcamp” caught her eye - Kaia FIT to the rescue! Her 1st BRIK was ROUGH! But she had finally found the complete package – motivation, real results, challenge, and comradery. GIRL POWER!! Now her passion lies in disease prevention and health and wellness promotion through nutrition and physical activity – aka Kaia FIT! She is so grateful to be a part of such an amazing and compassionate team committed to helping empower women to take control of their bodies, health, and well being.
Along with being a Kaia coach she is also a veterinary assistant at a busy emergency animal hospital. She has 2 dogs (Zamira and Little Dog) and a cat (Oscar), whom she adores. Other interests include her boyfriend, traveling, food, and music.
Education, Certifications, Etc.
AS, Sacramento City College – Nursing
Kaia FIT Certified Trainer
CA Registerd Nurse
BCLS
ACLS
Hometown: Fremont, CA
One word to describe yourself: Thoughtful
Kaia FIT in one word: Challenging
Favorite Kaia-approved meal or snack: Apple and almond butter
Guilty food pleasure: Potatoes – French Fries (regular or sweet), chips, fried, mashed, ANY AND ALL
A favorite fitness memory or “ah-ha” moment: Prior to Kaia I considered myself a relatively healthy eater – 85% of the time really good & 15% eat whatever I wanted. During my 2nd BRIK I (finally) started food journaling and following the nutrition plan – It made me realize what a HUGE emotional eater I am (ONLY carbs and sugar will do!), that I routinely reward myself with food (“Good job! Have a doughnut! Or 2…”) , and that dairy and I do not get along. Once I started being honest with myself and got serious about nutrition my body transformed, I had WAY more energy, and I felt like I got stronger by leaps and bounds.
Like this:
Like Loading...
