Get to Know Our Team
Many of our coaches found their way to Inclusive Fitness because of something personal, whether it was their own neurodivergence, supporting a sibling with special needs, or growing up with a close connection to the community.
Along the way, they built deep expertise in fields like Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, and others. Many have also earned certifications in Autism Fitness and crisis prevention. The passion they bring to each session is shaped by both lived experience and professional training—grounded, thoughtful, and always tailored to the athlete in front of them.
Our Team
Greg Austin
Founder, President & Coach
Greg is the proud dad of Lucas, an autistic teenager who ignited Greg's passion for launching Inclusive Fitness. After a 20-year career as a Chief Marketing Officer for three global consulting firms, Greg founded Inclusive Fitness in 2019.
Greg is the proud dad of Lucas, an autistic teenager who ignited Greg's passion for launching Inclusive Fitness. After a 20-year career as a Chief Marketing Officer for three global consulting firms, Greg founded Inclusive Fitness in 2019.
As its founder and one of the Certified Trainers (Level 2 Autism Fitness Certified Pro), he is deeply rooted in all that is Inclusive Fitness. Before his corporate career, Greg trained clients as the owner of Austin Fitness in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was a certified personal trainer with ACSM, NSCS (as a CSCS), and ACE. He worked with both top athletes and post-operative patients in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. During his time in the Southwest, Greg also volunteered with the St. John’s College Search & Rescue Team and served as the team’s training chairman and fitness instructor. Greg has a BA in Psychology, with advanced studies in neuroscience, and holds an MBA. He lives in the Boston area, with his wife Kristina, and son Lucas. Together they enjoy hiking, running, swimming, triathlons, cooking, music, and traveling.
Kristin Abendroth
Director of Member Experience & Coach
Growing up in a family of educators and special educators, Kristin has long been connected to the neurodivergent community through school, camps, church programs, and recreational activities.
Growing up in a family of educators and special educators, Kristin has long been connected to the neurodivergent community through school, camps, church programs, and recreational activities.
Fueled by her passion for fitness and a desire to create more inclusive opportunities, she co-founded Inclusive Fitness with Greg. Kristin holds Master’s degrees in Music and Education and is certified in Autism Fitness Levels 1 and 2. Her fitness background also includes certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM Group Exercise Instructor, and TRX Levels 1 and 2. She spent seven years as a regional head coach and manager for Orangetheory Fitness and continues to be an active member. Building genuine connections with athletes and their families is at the heart of Kristin’s coaching approach. She loves learning about their goals and helping them build lifelong commitments to fitness that enable them to feel strong, confident, and independent. Her passion for fitness is personal. While she played sports in high school, Kristin didn’t consider herself an athlete until her early 30s, when she discovered the energy and camaraderie of group fitness. She’s participated in road races and triathlons of all distances and hopes to return to racing in 2025. Outside of Inclusive Fitness, Kristin loves attending live music events with her fiancé and kids. Blink-182, Green Day, and Dave Matthews Band top the list, but her love of music spans all the genres.
Eric Chessen
Director of Neuroadaptive Training
An exercise physiologist with an educational and clinical background in Applied Behavior Analysis, Eric created Autism Fitness as his private practice with 1-to-1 and small group programs, building a dedicated team. From there, Autism Fitness evolved into the educational and certification leader in the adaptive fitness industry.
An exercise physiologist with an educational and clinical background in Applied Behavior Analysis, Eric created Autism Fitness as his private practice with 1-to-1 and small group programs, building a dedicated team. From there, Autism Fitness evolved into the educational and certification leader in the adaptive fitness industry.
Eric has spent 17+ years as a consultant and fitness program director for Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, and his programs have been featured on Yahoo News and VICE Media. He also presented at a recent TEDx event. Eric serves as the Lead Instructor for the Autism Fitness Certification program. Eric has worked with his athletes of all ages and ability levels in nearly every environment, from near closet-sized home spaces to fully-equipped gyms. He resides in Charlotte, NC and is now working with new athletes 1-to-1 and consulting with local families on a limited basis. He is also the Co-Founder of strength equipment company StrongerthanU.com.
Shayna Harper
Marketing Manager & Coach
A lifelong fitness enthusiast and adventurer, Shayna has been involved in the fitness industry for over a decade. She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, and Level 1 Autism Fitness Certified Pro.
A lifelong fitness enthusiast and adventurer, Shayna has been involved in the fitness industry for over a decade. She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, and Level 1 Autism Fitness Certified Pro.
Discovering her neurodivergency in adulthood, Shayna has made it her mission to help others discover their passion for health and wellness. After starting her family, she decided to turn her love of fitness into a full-time career. With a background in biology and exercise physiology, she pursued her certifications and has been training others ever since. In addition to coaching, Shayna is in charge of all our online platforms, marketing, and website. She’s always looking for new and exciting ways to share our message and inspire others to join our movement. Outside the gym, she enjoys hiking, biking, paddleboarding, snowboarding, and cooking. When she’s not working, you can find Shayna exploring new trails and trying new recipes with her three adventurous children.
Lauren Ferraiuolo
Head Coach
Lauren's passion for fitness and exercise began early in life through playing hockey and sports training. This passion led her to play ice hockey and earn a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Endicott College.
Lauren's passion for fitness and exercise began early in life through playing hockey and sports training. This passion led her to play ice hockey and earn a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Endicott College.
During her studies, she gained a robust background in the fitness field through classes in exercise physiology, anatomy, strength and conditioning, psychology of sport, and special populations. Knowing from a young age that she wanted a career as a personal trainer for neurodivergent people, Lauren found Inclusive Fitness, where she completed a 480-hour internship, obtained an Autism Fitness Certification, and shortly after became a coach. The driving force behind her passion is her older sister Lindsay, who has Down Syndrome. Growing up with Lindsay, Lauren became acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families-especially in the realm of health. When she’s not at the center, she can be found golfing, kayaking, running, and playing tennis. Lauren is also quite the basketball enthusiast and loves dancing and cooking, especially when she’s with her sister Lindsay.
Matt Davis
Center Manager & Coach
Matt is a multi-faceted health, dance, and fitness professional who enjoys and values the community aspects of his work and the unique benefits of focusing on wellness in all areas of life. Matt has experience as a West Coast Swing and Ballroom dance instructor, Orangetheory Fitness Dual Studio Manager, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and is a Precision Nutrition Certified Nutrition Coach.
Matt is a multi-faceted health, dance, and fitness professional who enjoys and values the community aspects of his work and the unique benefits of focusing on wellness in all areas of life. Matt has experience as a West Coast Swing and Ballroom dance instructor, Orangetheory Fitness Dual Studio Manager, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and is a Precision Nutrition Certified Nutrition Coach.
He began teaching dance in 2015 and, in 2016, co-founded a company for WCS instruction with his now wife, Desirae. Currently, Matt competes at the All-Star level and travels both nationally and internationally to teach, compete, perform, and judge. In 2019, Matt began working at Orangetheory Fitness. His hard work led to him being the Lead Sales Ambassador and then Dual Studio Manager. Working through the worst of the pandemic taught Matt a lot about running a fitness business in difficult times and the importance of staying on task and organized. When he’s not teaching, coaching, dancing, or otherwise at work for the health and wellness of others, Matt enjoys exploring his hometown of Franklin, MA and beyond with his wife and their rescue dog, Ben.
Dan Cronin
Coach
Dan brings personal experience and a passion for adaptive coaching to the team. Having ADHD and close friends who are neurodivergent, Dan's interest in working with this community really took off during a study abroad trip to Ireland in college. That experience inspired him to focus his career on helping neurodivergent athletes thrive.
Dan brings personal experience and a passion for adaptive coaching to the team. Having ADHD and close friends who are neurodivergent, Dan's interest in working with this community really took off during a study abroad trip to Ireland in college. That experience inspired him to focus his career on helping neurodivergent athletes thrive.
Dan earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Endicott College and is an Autism Fitness Level 1 certified coach. His mission is to help athletes feel healthier and happier while teaching them how to take care of their health for the long haul. Dan’s love for fitness started in high school when physical therapy introduced him to strength training. Since then, he’s been hooked. He keeps things interesting by strength training, hitting up weekly kickboxing classes, and hiking with friends. When he’s not coaching, Dan’s usually keeping busy with his favorite hobbies. He loves watching movies, playing video games, learning guitar, reading, writing, hiking, and kickboxing. His mix of interests and dedication to helping others complements his dynamic and energetic approach to fitness and life.
Jay Thebado
Coach
Jay's connection to the neurodivergent community began early in his personal training career when he started working with a young autistic man. Not knowing what to expect, he quickly discovered how meaningful and impactful the work could be.
Jay's connection to the neurodivergent community began early in his personal training career when he started working with a young autistic man. Not knowing what to expect, he quickly discovered how meaningful and impactful the work could be.
That experience inspired him to continue supporting neurodivergent individuals through fitness, and he still works with that same athlete today. Jay is an Autism Fitness Level 1 Certified Coach and a Corrective Exercise Specialist, bringing expertise and empathy to every session. His coaching approach focuses on creating workouts that are challenging, enjoyable, and attainable-promoting long-term success and healthier lives. Jay values getting to know each athlete on a personal level, meeting them with respect and empathy to build strong, trusting relationships. Fitness is a core part of Jay’s life. For him, taking care of his physical health also strengthens his mental health. He feels his best when he’s staying active, lifting weights, playing tennis, and spending time on the StairMaster. Jay’s passion for fitness is rooted in how it enhances his overall well-being-an experience he aims to share with every athlete he coaches. Outside of Inclusive Fitness, Jay loves to travel, especially to warm destinations. He’s visited almost every place in the U.S. on his travel bucket list, with Hawaii next on the agenda-a trip he’s excited to take with his wife soon!
Monique LaPierre
Coach
Monique, a James Madison University alumna, brings her expertise in Kinesiology exercise science to Inclusive Fitness. Her university tenure, enriched with over 450 hours as an IF intern, has equipped her with invaluable knowledge and skills that she is ready to share!
Monique, a James Madison University alumna, brings her expertise in Kinesiology exercise science to Inclusive Fitness. Her university tenure, enriched with over 450 hours as an IF intern, has equipped her with invaluable knowledge and skills that she is ready to share!
Her passion for empowering others began with her volunteer work at Empowerment3, a wellness center for underserved youth. There, Monique not only organized physical activities but also conducted impactful research, focusing on neurodivergent people, those with chronic conditions, refugees, and at-risk youth of various ages. A certified level 1 Autism Fitness professional, Monique is dedicated to supporting our athletes in achieving their fitness goals. When she’s not inspiring fitness journeys, she loves being outdoors – whether it’s a refreshing walk on the beach, a swim in the ocean, hiking trails, or cherishing moments with her family down the Cape.
Maddie Conover
Coach
Maddie is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where athletes can learn, grow, and feel understood. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch athletes surpass their goals and is driven by a desire to encourage them every step of the way.
Maddie is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where athletes can learn, grow, and feel understood. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch athletes surpass their goals and is driven by a desire to encourage them every step of the way.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (2024) and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (2026). Maddie is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the athletes she coaches-offering encouragement, reassurance, and comfort while helping them recognize their full potential, both in and out of the gym. Fitness has always been a meaningful part of Maddie’s life. It’s an outlet for her to decompress and push herself to grow stronger. She played Division III lacrosse at Regis College for all four years and continues to stay active through skiing, running, and fitness classes. Outside of Inclusive Fitness, Maddie loves spending time on the farm, where she teaches special education students about agriculture and offers employability learning experiences during the summer.
Nanea Kay
Coach
Nanea's passion for working with the neurodivergent community began back home in Hawai'i while working with children. That passion grew as she became involved in adaptive sports programs like skiing and rock climbing, where she witnessed both the benefits of exercise and the barriers many face in accessing it.
Nanea's passion for working with the neurodivergent community began back home in Hawai'i while working with children. That passion grew as she became involved in adaptive sports programs like skiing and rock climbing, where she witnessed both the benefits of exercise and the barriers many face in accessing it.
Committed to creating more inclusive spaces, Nanea has also been an advocate for disability rights-helping to add inclusive children’s books to local libraries and advocating for the first inclusive playground in her hometown. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Health from Boston University. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Mass General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professions. Nanea also brings over 500 hours of internship and fieldwork experience across Boston, Hawai’i, and Dublin, with a focus on supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Nanea’s goal is to help athletes build confidence and develop strength and skills that translate into everyday life. Her hope is that every athlete leaves each session feeling proud of their progress and in their abilities. Fitness is a vital part of Nanea’s life. She understands how exercise supports emotional and energy regulation and loves sharing that joy with others. Before joining Inclusive Fitness, she worked as a hiking and backpacking guide in the White Mountains. Year-round, you’ll find her outdoors-hiking, skiing, or snowboarding. She also has a background in dance and has been practicing aerial silks for several years. Outside the gym, Nanea’s love for music shines. Growing up surrounded by musicians, she enjoys performing folk, bluegrass, and classic rock with friends.
Jack Drew
Coach
Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and brings three years of postgraduate experience in occupational therapy to his role at Inclusive Fitness. His dedication to supporting neurodivergent individuals began at Camp Arrowhead in Natick, where he served as the active games coordinator.
Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and brings three years of postgraduate experience in occupational therapy to his role at Inclusive Fitness. His dedication to supporting neurodivergent individuals began at Camp Arrowhead in Natick, where he served as the active games coordinator.
There, he witnessed the transformative impact of inclusive physical activity and developed a deep appreciation for the power of community.
With a lifelong background in sports—including soccer, hockey, and baseball—Jack now channels his love for movement into coaching. He is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes feel excited to show up, challenged to grow, and proud of their progress.
Outside of the gym, Jack enjoys running with his dogs, playing weekly hockey, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers.
Ready to Meet Your Coach?
Whether you’re looking for one-on-one support or small-group strength training, our team is here to guide your journey every step of the way.
Book a Call Today to learn how we can support your athlete’s fitness goals!
