Our Staff

Starlena Vaughn

Owner/ General Manager

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Myrissa Sanchez

Head Trainer

Myrissa played collegiate softball at Texas A&M – Kingsville. She finished with her Bachelors of Science in 2017. Myrissa started her Athletic Performance Coach journey at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and went on to work with Collegiate Athletes at Auburn University, University of Incarnate Word and lastly was the Head Olympic Strength and Conditioning Coach at New Mexico Highlands University. While working at those universities she worked with 12 different varsity sports. Following her Collegiate Athletics Career, she became the Head Speed and Strength Coach at D1 Training Cedar Park when she worked with youth athletes as young as 6 years old and all the way up to adult personal training and group classes. She specializes in Performance Training for Softball / Baseball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Weightlifting, Football, Basketball & Soccer athletes!  

Coach Myrissa has a CSCS and a USWA – Level 1 Certification. Myrissa loves making a positive impact on peoples lives and health! She loves being able to help a young athlete navigate not just through their athletic accomplishments but also life! She always uses her time coaching an athlete as another opportunity to build them up from within and to help them understand what it means to be a good person in life! Working with her adult clients and members really makes her feel like she is surrounded by family and being able to help them grow in their health and fitness journey brings her joy!

Alesha Porter

Trainer/ Cycle Instructor

Growing up in competitive sports, physical fitness has always been a part of my life. After becoming a mother to 4 children, being physically fit was a top priority. I was a runner for many years and a coach for competitive gymnastics and allstar cheer. 

 

As a certified personal trainer I began training clients one on one and coaching group fitness & immediately found the connection between mental & physical health. I strived to educate my clients on their mind-to-muscle connection and the benefits of breath work during exercise in every session & class. 


I specialize in HIIT, strength and conditioning, group fitness, and powerlifting. If I’m not in the gym or the studio … I’m at a rock concert or on a road trip. 

Kara Meadows

Fitness Trainer

l grew up in an active family and played a  variety of sports all my life but my journey with fitness truly started when I made my drill team in high school. Being an athlete through dance led me to a further interest in movement, sports performance, and of course my health.

After being immersed in CrossFit for 7 years, I began coaching and personal training in 2014. I have my bachelor’s degree in exercise science and my NASM CPT certification. In those 10 years, I gained experience in group fitness, functional exercise, corrective exercise, strength and conditioning, Olympic weightlifting, and sports performance. The athletes I specialize in training are dance, cheer, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and hockey.

I take a holistic approach to training because I believe in a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit. Everything is connected. I truly love helping people from all walks of life move more efficiently and train with purpose. I am so grateful to spend my life investing in people’s lives in and outside the gym. You can expect me to hold you accountable, push you, and celebrate your wins! Let’s level up!

Sonia Alfaro

Registered Nurse

Sonia Alfaro is a Registered Nurse with 26 years of experience.  

For the first 25 years, she served at a high-risk Maternity Unit in Austin, Texas.  Shortly after COVID-19, she left the hospital setting in search of a setting where she could help people more holistically.  

The Leander Athletic Club Wellness Center is the exact setting where Sonia can have an impact on people and help them achieve optimal health.

 

Tiffany Etzler

Registered Nurse

I began my nursing journey in 2018 in my hometown, St. Louis, Missouri.

I am a mom of three and a proud wife of an Air Force Veteran. I’ve found my second home here in Texas!

Making new friends in this great community has been nothing short of a blessing and the fitness enthusiasts here at LAC have inspired my own health and wellness journey!

Mighty Sanchez

Fitness Trainer

I started fitness in my sophomore year of high school. I am a nerd for nutrition and macro Tracking! I am a CrossFit advocate & my hobbies include running half/full marathons, hiking & all forms of fitness.

 

I obtained my CrossFit Level 1 & 2 Certifications all within 6 months as well as my WAG Nutrition Certification & Barbell Rehab Method Certification.

 

Coaching is SO REWARDING because I love being a part of people’s ‘firsts’. Maybe it’s a push-up, pull up or maybe it’s playing with their children without getting winded, dropping a pants size or 2, or telling me about a balanced meal they made all on their own. I am so humbled and grateful for the people who trust me with that part of their life!

Andrew Johnson

Fitness Trainer

Andrew is experienced at coaching all types of individuals in multiple disciplines, and has a passion for seeing people break through their mental barriers and see their goals met both in and out of the gym- his method: Lift Heavy Weights and Run Fast.

Andrew’s father bought him his first set of 20lb dumbbells at age 14 and he has yet to look back. Having been in a weight room since age 15, he went on to be a DIII All-American football player and now pursues strongman training and HVY fitness.

Andrew has been married for 13 years with three kiddos ages 5, 3, and 2. 

Norma Vitullo

Assistant Manager

Norma is a vibrant and health-conscious individual, known for her unwavering dedication to a fit and active lifestyle. With a passion for exercise that knows no bounds, she constantly strived to push her physical boundaries and inspire those around her.

Fueling her vitality with a commitment to nutritious eating, she embraces a well-balanced diet, setting an example of wellness for others to follow. Beyond the gym, she finds pure joy in the rhythm of dance, as it allows her to express herself and celebrate life’s vibrant energy. Her close-knit family has been a pillar of support throughout her journey, encouraging and joining in on her quest for a healthy and fulfilling life.

George Blevins

Fitness Trainer

George is from Laredo, TX where he grew up playing sports all his life. He graduated from Texas State University with his B.B.A. in Marketing. George has always been into fitness but has been more invested than ever by steering his career towards personal training.

George recently got certified as a CPT through NASM. He trains as a hybrid athlete year round as he competes in Hyrox events, marathons, half marathons, Spartan races, and deep end fitness. George has a passion for competing and training but more so he loves to help others achieve their goals along the way. He loves training hybrid athletes but also enjoys working with beginner clients.

TESTIMONIALS

Cara Parsons
Cara Parsons
October 30, 2023
I cannot express enough how fantastic Leander Athletic Club is. This facility is undoubtedly the nicest in the area. The moment you step through the doors, you can tell that they've put a lot of thought into creating a welcoming and motivating environment. The workouts are nothing short of amazing. The instructors are not only knowledgeable, but also incredibly motivating. They really know how to push you to give your best without making you feel overwhelmed. The variety in their workout routines keeps things fresh and exciting. The staff at LAC are a standout. Every one of them is friendly, approachable, and they are all just genuinely great people. They are always ready to assist and answer any questions, making you feel like a part of the community from day one. And the results I've seen since joining are outstanding. Whether you're aiming to get fit, lose weight, or build muscle, they've got you covered. I can't recommend this place enough!
Muhammad Rahman
Muhammad Rahman
October 24, 2023
The best Sauna Infra Red.very recommended
bayleigh n.
bayleigh n.
October 15, 2023
Came here for a spin class a week ago at the request of my best friend. Used my trial days and was hooked! I signed up after my 3rd class. The facility is super nice and clean, and the coaches and staff are great! Vibes are immaculate in the spin classes - Alesha is fantastic. The coaches are so kind and helpful to a beginner like me, and the staff are all helpful! Makes you want to come back. So glad I joined!
Daniel Castilleja
Daniel Castilleja
August 1, 2023
LAC is an amazing gym. They have everything from strength and conditioning to yoga to cycling. All the coaches are very experienced with years of coaching or personal training under their belt. Weather you are new to fitness and ready to start your journey or you are a gym rat and want to spice it up, this is your spot. Did I mention they have smoothies? Just put in an order after your workout and they will whip it up and have it ready within minutes.
Tyler Parsons
Tyler Parsons
July 6, 2023
Best gym/group training facility in Leander/Cedar Park by a long shot. I've been a member for well over a year now and have enjoyed it greatly. My results from the group training have been excellent. LAC takes the thinking out of fitness. I show up to my class, put in the work, and get the gains.
Malissa Page
Malissa Page
June 26, 2023
Everything about this place is extremely unique to the area and contains a huge “wow” factor to it! I went in for a cryotherapy session and I was so impressed walking through the door that I had to get a tour! The spin room rivals that of any SoulCycle or peloton studio. the infrared saunas & yoga studio are absolutely beautiful, the wellness section is hands-down amazing, the childcare room it is more than a kid could could ever want (includes toys, murals, and even Xbox’s). The gym portion completely blew my mind- all the equipment you could want or need and it has a very open and light feel, not to mention the massive screen on the wall that will help distract you from any payin you might be feeling in your work out 💪🏼 😂 I love the different packages they offer as well as the fact that there’s no enrollment fee and no binding contracts- everything is monthly! I’m a bit of a gym membership junkie, so I have a few going as I like to mix it up, so that part was a big perk for me. And on top of it all, the staff is great. Major kudos to the owner, he did a fantastic job and this place as a total oasis in Leander!!!!!
Erin F
Erin F
June 23, 2023
My home away from home! Their trainers are top notch, the facility is STUNNING, the owners are amazing and the variety classes a really help to easily change things up weekly! I can’t even remember my life without this place!
Kristen Nugent
Kristen Nugent
June 16, 2023
What truly sets LAC apart is its impressive array of cutting-edge Fitness and Wellness ALL under one roof . Every corner of the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, carefully selected to cater to various fitness preferences and training styles. From strength and conditioning to yoga to cycling to a wellness bar and even smoothies!!! LAC is meticulously clean!!!! They even have a multi- disciplanary team working under one roof with a certified Registered Nurse. Having personally experienced the exceptional facilities and services at LAC, I can confidently say that it is a game-changer for anyone seeking a top-tier gym experience. The dedication to providing members with state-of-the-art equipment, a clean and welcoming atmosphere, and professional support truly sets it apart from other fitness centers in the area. From the front desk to the rest of the staff it is a facility worth visiting as you will see for yourself. I am also a big supporter of a Woman who owns LAC and is passionate about bringing state of the art wellness to LAC. ALso, the membership staff people are kind are not pushy like some of the other gyms in the area. They won't harass you. It was a great experience. Thanks, LAC. I was truly inspired and motivated to live in Leander with cutting edge fitness.

ALL MEMBERSHIPS INCLUDE


Access to Showers

Access to Locker Rooms