OUR TRAINERS

Taylor Burton

Owner/Founder
Taylor was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2008 with a degree in Psychology with a minor in Exercise Science. While in school, he trained the faculty and students which pursued him to get his National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) OPT certification. After graduating he began a six- year career working for Carolina’s Medical Center in an outpatient program for kids with psychological/behavioral problems.

Since then, Taylor has been a personal trainer in the Charlotte area for more than ten years. Working at the Dowd YMCA, Peak Fitness and Fitness Together Southend. At Fitness Together, he played a crucial role in the merging of one-on-one training to provide group training as well.

Taylor has an aggressive style of training and is a stickler for form. Helping to educate clients on flexibility and the importance of proper form, he has a lengthy track record of results and satisfied clients. He has recently obtained the Corrective Exercise Science (CES) certification from NASM. He has also recovered from ACL surgery, which has helped him understand what potential clients go through. The view behind Functional Fit Charlotte is to make sure our client’s have success and making sure they see the results they want while limitiing their risk of injury.

Michael O’Donerty

Trainer
Michael was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from East Carolina University in 2015 with a Bachelors in Exercise Physiology. He has been working at Greenapple Sports and Wellness for 2 and a half years as the Rehab Specialist. In that time, he has seen many injuries and has helped to get Charlotte athletes of all caliber and all sports back to training shape. The experience at Greenapple has developed a style that helps athletes stay injury free and achieve the goals in which they desire. He has recently acquired a Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms) certification in which scientific principles are used to help achieve control of our body’s and the range of motion which we possess.

Michael has experience with many different styles of exercise but mainly enjoys training himself in a CrossFit style of training and looks to compete in competitions in the future. However, he dabbles in all forms of exercise and loves trying different things. This variety of training for himself allows him to offer an experience that obtains results and keeps it interesting. He also offers sport specific one-on-one mobility training using methods obtained with his FRCms. His goal as a trainer is to give a challenging yet fulfilling workout that encourages clients to get out of their comfort zone.

Stephanie Jones

Trainer
Stephanie has been involved in sports and fitness from a very young age. She started in gymnastics and has participated in sports since then. Loving a good challenge, she started to compete in Bikini competitions in 2014, and continues to train regularly.

Previously, she taught a Pilates Barre fusion class at Inspire Pilates & Beyond in Charlotte, and will be providing a similar experience here at Functional Fit.The combination of her fun bubbly personality along with the ever changing upbeat playlists will keep you pushing through these challenging workouts.

After one class you will be hooked, it is always her goal to keep you inspired and motivated in creating a healthy lifestyle!

Kayla Moore

Trainer
Bio coming…

Kathleen Dennis

Trainer
I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I grew up training in classical ballet, where my love for exercise and movement began. I started working as a personal trainer through my time at Appalachian State University, where I graduated with a BS in Exercise Science. After moving back to Charlotte, I worked in Chiropractic Rehab for a year, helping patients dealing with pain and injury. This job revealed the importance of proper movement techniques and exercise in living a pain-free life.

With a new motivation and purpose to train again, I joined Functional Fit as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I train both in person and virtually, specializing in pain management and recovery, exercise for mental health, and weight loss. I loves the relationships I get to form with every client, as well as getting to watch their growth in confidence and strength. I am thankful I get to share my love for exercise and teach about its positive effects on our body and brain. My goal with every client is to make them feel welcome and accepted in the gym environment, so that we can work together towards a healthier body and mind.

Zan Arrandt

Trainer
I’m Zan Arrandt, born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I own ZanZen, LLC. offering in-home, in-studio, virtual & corporate wellness comprised of personal training, yoga, nutritional guidance, Amare, and I’m a custom abstract artist. I feel so blessed to have turned things that deeply feed my soul into a business that I can share with others! I live the definition of job love everyday!

I’ve been teaching yoga & personal training since 2006 & I love guiding people through their journey to feel their best everyday! The more we take care of our own body mind spirit, the more patience we have while taking care of others. Cheers to your HEALTH!

Ricky Robinson

Trainer
Ricky was born in Morganton, NC and was raised near Hickory. After high school, Ricky joined the Marine Corps for a five year enlistment where his experience organizing and leading training sessions began. Ricky obtained his personal training certification through NASM and enjoys training people of all fitness levels from beginners to experienced athletes.

In his spare time he enjoys camping and mountain bike riding.

You’ll find Ricky leading our Southend Neighborhood Bootcamp and on Friday for Cardio Core.

Rachel Cerni

Trainer
Rachel has practiced yoga and meditation for over a decade. Through time, her love for yoga led her down the path to teach. She received her Yoga Teacher Training in the spiritual heart of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. She teaches Vinyasa, Slow Flow and Deep Stretch through visualization to classes and individuals alike. She is compassionate, creative, energetic and intuitive. Rachael is passionate about spiritual growth, mental health and sharing the knowledge and love she has gained through yoga with all.