About Me
I founded StrongerNow to offer fitness services to women with a positive, not punitive approach. Based on my own personal and professional fitness experience, I know that women face unique challenges when it comes to exercise, and that training allows women to better navigate their life transitions.
I opened my physical studio space in 2020 where women build strength, confidence, and long-term health—without the pressure of traditional gyms. What started as a one-woman business has grown into a thriving community of expert trainers and empowered clients, all benefiting from the safety and support of a women-focused wellness space.
Certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and experienced group fitness instructor
Certified Women's Coaching Specialist through Girls Gone Strong
Contact
+1 412-225-8745
Our Mission
StrongerNow empowers women to redefine fitness by breaking free from societal pressures and punitive exercise. We prioritize proper technique, mindful movement, and confidence—whether in the gym, daily life, or recreational activities. Our approach encourages listening to your body, moving with self-compassion, and embracing strength for the long term. Through expert-led training and collaborations with women professionals, we provide knowledge and support to help women achieve holistic wellness.
Meet the Team
StrongerNow's certified, insured instructors bring expert-led, evolving strength and cardio training, guided by mindful, confident, and compassionate coaching.
Personal Trainer, Instructor
Ilana Ellis-Klein,
GGS-1 CWCS, ACE CGFI
Ilana Ellis-Klein, an ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer with a background in filmmaking and dance, blends movement, strength training, and wellness. Passionate about empowering women and those affected by trauma, she champions fitness as a tool for confidence, healing, and self-expression at StrongerNow.
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Instructor
Kat Caringola,
ACE CGFI, GGS-CPPC
Kat Caringola, a marketing professional and ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor, is also a Girls Gone Strong-certified Pre- and Post-Natal Coach. A dedicated Elevate class regular, she fell in love with strength training after training with Mindy. Now, as a instructor, she helps further StrongerNow’s mission by empowering women through fitness.
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Personal Trainer, Instructor
Cat Craft,
ACE PT
Cat Craft, an ACE Personal Trainer, became a PT after years as a StrongerNow client—starting with sessions with Mindy McHale, then joining group classes. Strength training helped her ease chronic back pain, lessen anxiety, and have a healthier pregnancy and recovery. She’s passionate about helping women feel stronger, more resilient, and deeply connected to their bodies.
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Personal Trainer, Instructor
Jen Frenchek,
ACE PT
Jen is an ACE Personal Trainer who ran half marathons and practiced yoga and pilates before getting interested in weight training at StrongerNow studio. She started taking classes to learn how to properly use weights to gain strength, self confidence and energy. Mission accomplished! Her favorite exercise is the kettlebell swing and her favorite machine is the rower. Jen strongly believes in the power of community to improve ourselves and the world around us.
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Instructor
Cristy Lagnese,
ACE CGFI
Cristy Lagnese is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and a community engagement officer at a social service agency. She is inspired by her children’s commitment to healthy living and draws motivation from her husband who embraced a healthier lifestyle through nutrition and exercise following a heart attack. A longtime participant in Stronger Now’s programs, Cristy is passionate about helping women build strength and confidence through fitness.
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Personal Trainer, Instructor
Stacia Mavrides,
NASM CPT
Stacia is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with backgrounds in functional fitness, strength training, and running. She also works as a registered dietitian in the eating disorder field with a passion for guiding individuals towards positive relationships with food, movement, and their bodies. She is dedicated to helping clients find joy in movement!
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Administrative Staff
Amber Evon
Amber Evon is the backbone of Stronger Now Studio’s operations, flawlessly handling all member inquiries and expertly managing class schedules with efficiency and a welcoming smile.
My
Story
More About Mindy
I enjoy doing all types of workouts, but my favorites involve kettlebells and barbells. I've recently, and happily, added pilates and agility-training to my line-up. Gotta keep from falling down!
I believe that laughter is key to a happy and hopeful life. I am fortunate to perform in the local comedy community in my off-time. My husband is also a comedy performer - that's how we met!
I am the proud parent of two adult children. My daughter is my unplug, just-be, self-care inspiration. My son passed away in December 2017 of an accidental drug overdose, just shy of his 24th birthday. We honor his memory with a scholarship fund in his name that helps perpetuate service among young people.