Introducing the ANCHOR life + fitness team
About ANCHOR life + fitness
Charlene Richardson
M.Ed Exercise Physiology, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, StrongFirst Elite, FMS, Titleist Performance Institute Certified, Yin Yoga Teacher
As the founder of ANCHOR life + fitness, Charlene Richardson believes it is her responsibility to help her members become stronger and healthier so that they can live their lives to the fullest.
A passionate advocate for a holistic approach to health, fitness, and wellness, Charlene has turned her dream to create a world-class, strength-based gym that provides services to support and strengthen the mind, body and spirit into reality. Leading by example, Charlene’s long list of fitness credentials continues to expand into the world of health and wellness with the addition of Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Yin Yoga Instructor. Her no-frills, slow and steady approach has helped hundreds of ANCHOR members build a strong foundation so they can move better, feel better, and live their best lives. Charlene strives to create a healthy balance in and out of the gym. When she’s not swinging kettlebells, planting and harvesting her vegetable garden, or spending time with her beautiful family, Charlene loves to read, hike and connect with nature, and cook.
Leigh Anne Emrich
BA Psychology, BS Dietetics, SFG1, FMS, FRC
Leigh Anne is a certified personal trainer with over 14 years of professional experience. Her interest in fitness began at an early age through her participation in various sports that continued through high school, where she ultimately earned a scholarship to play lacrosse for the University of Delaware.
Dominic Wayne
BS Health Behavior, NASM
Dominic graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in health behavior science with a minor in coaching science. While pursuing his studies, Dominic came across a listing for an open position at ANCHOR life + fitness, and he’s never looked back.
Dominick Martino
E-RYT 200, LMT, FMS, ACSM
As a licensed massage therapist and yoga instructor, Dominick’s background gives him a unique perspective on movement.
Nicky Webber
Reiki Master, Healer, SFG1, Healer
Nicky’s career began in 2011 as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working her way to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Chester University in 2018. In her post in the cardiology unit at a local hospital, her passion for helping others has taken a more holistic path focusing on preventative care.
Eryn Krivanskyoga
RYT 200
After several brief encounters with yoga as an adolescent and young adult, Eryn finally gave in to her calling in May 2019 when she ventured to Rishikesh, India to complete a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Atri Yoga Center. At ANCHOR, Eryn seeks to create a calming environment to curate sustainable asana, pranayama, and meditation practices.
Melinda Ryan
RYT 200
With the encouragement of her yoga instructors, Melinda completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification in 2014. As a Registered Nurse in spine care for 13 years, Melinda understands the importance of core strength, proper alignment and balance-especially as we age.
Dawn Thomforde
RYT 200
Dawn’s commitment to the Art of yoga has been unwavering. Under the expert tutelage of Susan Smith at Yoga Secrets in Kennett Square, PA; she successfully completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of yoga, Dawn extended her knowledge by earning certifications in Yin Yoga & Restorative Yoga through My Vinyasa Practice in Austin, Texas.
Dawn’s personal journey as a yoga student and practitioner spans over a decade, granting her a profound understanding of its transformative power.
Dawn embarked on her journey at ANCHOR life + fitness as one of its very first members when the doors opened in October 2016. Since then, she has diligently pursued a path of self-improvement and professional development under ANCHOR’s expert coaches. She is currently in training for the StrongFirst Kettlebell Level 1 Certification.
Kristin Burnham
NASM-CPT, HHC, RYT 200, Restorative Yoga Certified, Yoga Nidra Certified
Kristin was with ANCHOR life + fitness from the very beginning and is thrilled to be back! Her personal health journey ignited a passion for wellness, patience, and strength. After experiencing the benefits of yoga, she earned her 200-hour Yoga Certification in 2012.
In 2017, she became a certified Holistic Health Coach through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and furthered her education with studying and learning Breath Work for the Digestive System with Alison Post, Transcendental Meditation with Emily Fletcher through the TM organization, and as well as certifications in Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Kristin believes in the power of Yoga Nidra and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system, which supports healthier choices in movement and nutrition. She embraces the motto, “The best do the basics better,” emphasizing that long-term wellness comes from consistent, simple practices. Currently, she is working towards her Strong First Level 1 certification.
Maureen Santucci
Maureen was drawn to holistic healing by way of martial arts, particularly Tai Chi and Kung Fu, which have historically been associated with Tui Na (a type of bodywork), acupuncture, and herbalism. She began pursuing a Masters in Traditional Oriental Medicine, but quickly realized she wanted to learn more bodywork than was part of her curriculum, so began studying massage as well, the better to support her friends at the gym and the dojo.
After completing her basic massage training in 2001, Maureen went on to cherry-pick classes with teachers that were widely considered to be the best in their particular modality to round out her bodywork education. She has also taken additional training in orthopedic acupuncture and Tui Na, both of which have enabled her to have a better understanding of and approach to working with musculoskeletal issues.
For more than 20 years, Maureen has focused on therapeutic bodywork, combining the many modalities she works with such as deep tissue, Zen shiatsu, craniosacral therapy, sports massage, and Tui Na, to help her clients both achieve their wellness goals, as well as to excel in their chosen types of activities. She believes that true wellness takes a balanced integration of mind, body, and spirit, and that therapeutic bodywork is an important part of achieving that in today’s crazy world.
Debbie Ross
Looking to start something new and improve her strength, she joined ANCHOR in 2017. At ANCHOR, Debbie discovered a supportive family of friends. With the coaches dedication and encouragement, she obtained her Strong First Kettlebell Level 1 certification.
Debbie hopes to encourage others to realize that it truly is never too late to start or change your fitness journey.
Brian Matlock
Dawn’s personal journey as a yoga student and practitioner spans over a decade, granting her a profound understanding of its transformative power.
Dawn embarked on her journey at ANCHOR life + fitness as one of its very first members when the doors opened in October 2016. Since then, she has diligently pursued a path of self-improvement and professional development under ANCHOR’s expert coaches. She is currently in training for the StrongFirst Kettlebell Level 1 Certification.
Kristen McGrory
Kristen joined ANCHOR as a client in 2017, a few months after it opened, and proceeded to avoid all of Charlene’s classes for a year. Although Kristen always had an interest in health and fitness, no fitness regimen sparked a passion until she discovered ANCHOR and the barbell. After years of consistency and slowly growing stronger, she set her sights on becoming an instructor, obtaining her StrongFirst Level 1 kettlebell instructor certification in 2024. She is currently working towards her bodyweight certification. Kristen also enjoys yoga and hikes as often as she can. Kristen hopes to inspire her clients to realize it’s never too late to fall in love with a fitness program and to know that no matter where you started (she started with a shoe) you CAN lift heavy things.
In 2017, she became a certified Holistic Health Coach through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and furthered her education with studying and learning Breath Work for the Digestive System with Alison Post, Transcendental Meditation with Emily Fletcher through the TM organization, and as well as certifications in Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Kristin believes in the power of Yoga Nidra and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system, which supports healthier choices in movement and nutrition. She embraces the motto, “The best do the basics better,” emphasizing that long-term wellness comes from consistent, simple practices. Currently, she is working towards her Strong First Level 1 certification.
State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment
At ANCHOR life + fitness, we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line equipment to ensure our clients achieve their fitness goals. Our facility is equipped with Rogue barbells, Concept 2 rowers, and StrongFirst Kettlebells. We are committed to helping individuals become stronger and healthier.
