Laura— Owner
Laura Kitzi, owner of Rho Engine Room, doesn't like to stay still. Kitzi has been a group fitness trainer for more than 20 years and mentored more than 100 group fitness professionals around the world. Come to Laura’s class prepared to WORK - she won’t let you fail or give up. You’ll leave feeling full of energy and positive vibes.
Gracie—Studio manager
Columbia native Gracie’s passion for dance led her to pursue a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. With her love of dance, she’s had many opportunities like traveling with LA Dance Magic and performing as a Mizzou Golden Girl. Now certified through YogaFit and NASM, she offers everything from calming yoga to energizing HIIT. Find her coaching our many formats or in Rho’s office as the Studio Manager!
Becky
Becky’s athletic roots in softball, soccer, and cheerleading sparked her lifelong love of fitness. When she discovered group fitness, she was hooked! In her high-energy Rho classes, Becky combines 20 years of professional leadership with her personal health journey to deliver a full-body workout you’ll love. Get ready to take your fitness to the next level with Becky!
Caroline
Caroline brings 20+ years of dedication to health, wellness, and fitness, with a background in accounting. Her journey from numbers to vitality reflects her passion for physical and mental well-being. As a fitness instructor, she focuses on lifelong mobility and healthspan, helping clients integrate fitness into their lives for a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're starting your fitness journey or leveling up, Caroline is here to inspire and empower you to achieve your wellness goals.
Coleman
Head Coach at CMU since 2019 and Director of the 573 Missouri Juniors Volleyball Club, Colman brings a wealth of leadership and passion to Rho Engine Room. A proud cat dad to four, foodie, and music junkie, Coleman’s coaching goes beyond workouts—he truly sees and accepts each member of our crew. With his knack for fun and connection, every session with Coleman leaves you feeling stronger, inspired, and part of something special.
David
In David’s sessions, you’ll find more joy, connection, and success. A natural leader with a distinguished military career, David’s coaching inspires confidence and energy. He’ll have you laughing, singing, and pushing past “I can’t” to conquer your next goal.
DJ
Coach DJ is powered by a deep booming voice and competency. When he hollers “you’ve got this,” our crew steps up and pushes harder. Using a deep knowledge of body mechanics, earned through his degree in exercise science and his love for fitness, DJ coaches from a place of competence and passion. Away from the Engine Room, DJ works professionally in Physical Therapy and - along with his wife, Jenn - serves as a certified health coach.
Grace
Grace, originally from Chicago, brings boundless energy and expertise to every class at Rho Engine Room. As a student in the prestigious Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Missouri, she’s pursuing her passion for health, nutrition, and fitness. Grace is driven to empower others by blending movement, nutrition, and motivation, helping them discover their inner and physical strength. Outside the studio, she lives her commitment to health and wellness every day.
jack
Jack grew up playing sports, including soccer and basketball, and has several years of experience in weightlifting. With a degree in Exercise Science, Jack brings both knowledge and passion to his coaching. He believes in the philosophy of getting a little better every day and making every rep count, helping members unlock their full potential through consistent effort and dedication.
Jen
Jen’s fierce determination is infectious in all the best ways. She’ll push with you and for you just as she would herself. Her love of sports became the foundation for Jen’s professional life in sports administration and coaching. She’s mom to three lively children yet Jen still finds time for other fitness pursuits away from the Engine Room including running full and half marathons and CrossFit.
Jenn
Meet Coach Jenn! With 15 years as a fitness professional, Jenn brings unparalleled expertise to Rho Engine Room. As a movement specialist with Focus on Health, she’s dedicated to helping others move better and feel stronger. A passionate adventure racer and proud mom to her athlete son, Mateo, Jenn knows how to balance drive and care. Her coaching style is all about meeting athletes where they are, offering options, and inspiring them to push just a bit harder. Get ready to feel seen, supported, and stronger with Coach Jenn!
Nicole
When you come into the Engine Room, you’ll immediately notice that Nicole deeply values your time. As a mom to energetic teens, wife and educator, Nicole understands life is busy. She’ll challenge you to make each minute count with a workout designed to maximize calorie burn hours after you’ve left. Nicole uses her experience as a collegiate cheerleader to build a positive atmosphere where you’ll fall in love with fitness.
Shawna
As a Vegas native, Shawna knows fun and brings the party to the Engine Room. A competitive streak is new for Shawna, as she found her competitive edge in the Engine Room. Don’t be surprised if Shawna helps you (re)discover your inner-firebreather. Outside the Engine Room, Shawna is a stylist and owner at Formula Salon and loves making her clients feel GORG!
Stefanie
Lifelong Columbia native, Stefanie’s commitment to fitness led her to compete in Track and Field and Cross County in college while earning a nursing degree. Stefanie fell in love with yoga years ago and now includes a Level 2 Yogafit certification among her coaching credentials. Along with coaching in the Engine Room, family, church and work as a brand rep for Zyia Active leads Stefanie to report, “my heart is in the right place at the right time in my life!
Wendell
As a whitewater kayaker and mountain biker, Wendell understands the importance of staying in shape to fuel his passions. His experience overcoming injuries has taught him the value of caring for your body, leading him to Rho Engine Room as the perfect fit. Wendell uses his journey to help others maximize their workouts while protecting their bodies, whether they’re seasoned athletes or just starting out. And, of course, he brings plenty of laughter to every session!