Owner:
Teela Venice

Teela is the driving force behind empowHER. She and her husband, John, with their sweet pup June, opened empowHER in September of 2024. Teela wanted to create a space designed specifically for women to feel safe, comfortable, and supported, and John supported her every step of the way. She is deeply passionate about helping women grow in confidence and strength, and she finds great fulfillment in watching her clients achieve things they once believed were out of reach.

After graduating from Murray State University, she moved to Nashville and began gaining weight quickly. While she was unhappy with the physical changes, what impacted her most was how she felt overall. In 2017, Teela moved back to Murray, and she and John started dating. By the spring of 2018, they were engaged, and she found herself at her heaviest weight. Her lifestyle at the time included eating without much intention, social drinking, and inconsistency in the gym. That autumn, she decided to change her health trajectory. She changed her nutrition entirely and began exercising consistently. In 2021, she started teaching group fitness classes. She embraced it fully, earning her group fitness certification in 2021 and her personal training certification through the American Council on Exercise in 2023.

Now, Teela spends her days writing all strength training programming at empowHER, training one-on-one clients, and expanding the empowHER community to include every woman who needs to learn to love herself.

Trainer:
Kelsey Riggins

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Riggins has called Murray home for the last 10 years. She’s an Assistant Track & Field Coach at Murray State, an adjunct professor, and the founder of MSU’s Women’s Empowerment & Education Program—creating space for female student-athletes to grow beyond sport.

As a mom of two daughters (plus a very large dog), Riggins understands that fitness looks different in every season of life. Her approach is empathetic, knowledgeable, and deeply supportive—focused on meeting your body where it is and building confidence that carries into every area of life.

Her goal? For you to leave training feeling heard, empowered, and confident in your strength.

Fun fact: She lived in Australia for a year after college.

Trainer:
Kelsey Skirka

Originally from Michigan, Skirka has lived in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee with her husband Dan and their son, Keegan. She brings a strong healthcare background to the gym, starting as a Physical Therapy Assistant before earning her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

Skirka loves lifting weights (especially lower body ) and walking, and she knows firsthand how powerful group classes can be for accountability. Her coaching style is collaborative, encouraging, and honest—focused on helping you feel confident, supported, and excited to come back for more.

Her goal is simple but powerful: to help clients gain confidence while encouraging overall health and wellness that lasts beyond the gym.

Fun fact: Wonderwall is her go-to karaoke song.

Meet Our Specialty Instructors

  • Jax Richardson

    I’m a certified Group Fitness Instructor, but more importantly, I’m someone who knows exactly what it’s like to walk into a gym feeling intimidated and unsure where to start. Because of empowHER, I’ve learned to embrace my body for what she can do, celebrate what she’s capable of, and rediscover self-love through movement, and I hope to help you discover those same things! Fitness doesn’t have to be extreme, intimidating, or all-consuming to make a difference. I hope to help you discover your inner glow, build your confidence, celebrate your wins, and find the balance between self-love and consistency.

  • Paige Kramer

    I am a registered nurse but I’m always ready for my next adventure. I enjoy traveling, taking fun trips, and, of course, working out. I grew up an athlete and I’ve always loved a good workout. I’ve found a built in culture of encouragement rather than comparison at EmpowerHer which I love.

  • Mary Catherine

    The gym was always an intimidating place for me. I didn’t know what “proper form” looked like or what exercises used which machines. A couple of years ago, I found out I had to start prioritizing health in a sustainable, practical way. As a work from home communications consultant looking for a flexible option to fit my demanding schedule, EmpowHER changed everything for me! It is a place I where I’ve found my stength in more ways than one. Come and find your strength! Would be extra fun if it was at 6:30am in Thursdays!

  • Kathleen Walker

    I enjoy being outside, gardening, traveling & spending time in nature! I started coming to empowHER when I was in the middle of a thyroid disease diagnosis, and I truly found myself again after that. I love our gym for the authenticity! Here at EmpowHER you can come as you are, where you are and in a welcoming environment. When I coach, expect lots of laughing and Lil Wayne music to bring the vibe. Hope to coach you soon!

  • Lindsay Wibbenmeyer

    I’m a graduate of Murray State and loved the Murray community enough to make it home as I began this next chapter of my life. I’ve been fortunate to find a community through EmpowHER, which has brought me consistency, confidence, and so much more. Now, I’m excited to give back through coaching and help others discover that same spark within themselves.

  • Kylie Jones

    Hi, I’m Kylie! I’m a newly graduated Physician Assistant who’s passionate about helping others feel strong, confident, and capable in their bodies. This community has always been home to me, and it’s a place I truly love and never plan on leaving. I love bringing the energy to every class and helping create an environment that’s challenging, motivating, and fun for all fitness levels. My goal is to push you, support you, and make sure you leave feeling stronger every time!