LITTLE ROCK INSTRUCTORS
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
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IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
KAITLYN JENSEN
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2020
LOVER OF ALL THINGS MOVEMENT, ENERGY, AND FUN! NATIVE ARKANSAN, WIFE TO GORDON, CHRIST FOLLOWER, ENNEAGRAM TYPE 3, TRAVEL JUNKIE, AND TRADER JOE’S REGULAR.
I’VE ALWAYS HAD A LOVE FOR MOVEMENT. FIRST THROUGH SPORTS, THEN THROUGH VARIOUS OUTLETS OF EXERCISE. MY CUP GETS FILLED WHEN I AM ABLE TO COME ALONGSIDE ANOTHER PERSON AND HELP THEM REACH THAT THING THEY’RE TRYING TO REACH. I’M A HEALTH & WELLNESS COORDINATOR AND PERSONAL TRAINER, SO LUCKILY I GET TO DO THIS ON THE REGULAR. HOWEVER, I FOUND MYSELF MISSING THAT “TEAM” FEEL THAT SPORTS USED TO AFFORD ME…
ENTER FULL OUT BARRE! I FELT AN INSTANT CONNECTION WITH THIS INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY. THE CHALLENGE IT BRINGS COMBINED WITH THE UNPARALLELED COMERADERY AND ENERGY IS AN EASY “YES” TO BE A PART OF.
JESSICA SHELTON
​TEACHING FOB SINCE 2018
I GREW UP LOVING EVERYTHING ABOUT CHEER- THE COMMUNITY, CAMARADERIE, AND LEARNING WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE A PART OF A TEAM AND WORK TOGETHER FOR A GREATER PURPOSE. CHEERLEADING INSTILLED SO MANY VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS FOR ME GROWING UP, AND LEFT ME WANTING THAT IN MY LIFE FOR THE LONG HAUL.​
FULL OUT BARRE HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BIGGEST BLESSINGS THAT HELPED FILL THE HOLE CHEER LEFT BEHIND.
I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I TOOK CATHERINE’S CLASS, I WAS INSTANTLY HOOKED. I HAD NEVER TAKEN BARRE BEFORE AND HAD LITTLE EXPERIENCE WITH BALLET AND DANCE, BUT I KNEW I HAD TO GET IN ON THIS AMAZING COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE. THE MOMENT YOU WALK INTO FOB YOU WILL FEEL IT, THE LOVE, THE PASSION, THE ENERGY, IT DRAWS YOU IN LIKE A BIG HUG. I HAVE MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS WITH FOB AND I CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU TOO!
SEE YOU AT THE BARRE!
PAULA TONEY
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2018
I GREW UP IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOVING GYMNASTICS, BALLET, JAZZ, CHEERLEADING, BODYSURFING, AND SKIING. MY HUSBAND JT AND I, MARRIED 35 YEARS, BEGAN RAISING OUR THREE CHILDREN (BECOMING A PRETTY AVID RUNNER WITH A RUNNING STROLLER). RUNNING HAS INCLUDED A FULL AND A HALF MARATHON. I LOVE JESUS, MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FITNESS! MY PASSION IS FOR OVERALL HEALTH PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND RELATIONALLY.
KIMBERLY CORBETT
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2018
I GREW UP IN CONNECTICUT, LOVING DANCE, CHEERLEADING, AND SOFTBALL. I ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT AND MAJORED IN SLAVIC & EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES. AFTER COLLEGE, I JOINED THE U.S. ARMY AS A MILITARY INTELLIGENCE OFFICER, WANTING TO BE A SPY. I PLANNED TO SERVE SIX YEARS BUT FELL IN LOVE WITH THE MILITARY AND RETIRED 23 YEARS LATER, SERVING IN PLACES LIKE GERMANY, KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA, AND IRAQ.
I MET MY HUSBAND, A SOUTHERN BOY FROM ARKANSAS, IN GERMANY. AFTER HIS RETIREMENT, WE MOVED TO SHERWOOD TO BE CLOSE TO HIS FAMILY. FITNESS WAS A BIG PART OF MY MILITARY LIFE, AND IN 1999 I BECAME A CERTIFIED SPINNING INSTRUCTOR, TEACHING ON MILITARY BASES AND IN COMMUNITIES WHERE I LIVED.
RETIRING WAS CHALLENGING—THE MILITARY BECOMES A WAY OF LIFE, AND I LOST MY SENSE OF IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY. THEN I FOUND FULL OUT BARRE. THIS AMAZING, WOMEN-POWERED COMMUNITY IS A WORLD OF SUPPORT, WELCOMING ENERGY, AND A GREAT WORKOUT. MY BODY HAS CHANGED IN WAYS I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE, AND I FEEL STRONGER AND MORE POWERFUL THAN EVER. I’M EXCITED TO SERVE THE FULL OUT BARRE TRIBE!
JERRILYN JONES
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2020
WIFE. MOTHER. DOCTOR... AT TIMES TRYING TO BALANCE ALL 3 LEAVES LITTLE TIME FOR ME. SINCE DISCOVERING FOB YEARS AGO, SWEATING WITH MY TRIBE HAS BECOME THAT MUCH NEEDED TIME.
I GREW UP AS A CLASSICALLY TRAINED DANCER AND CHEERLEADER. ENTERING COLLEGE AS A PRE-MED STUDENT CHANGED THAT AND A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE BECAME THE NORM. I STARTED EXERCISING AGAIN IN MEDICAL SCHOOL TO STAY AWAKE DURING LECTURES AND ULTIMATELY FELL IN LOVE WITH RUNNING WHILE SERVING AS AN OFFICER IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. HOWEVER, WHEN BABY NUMBER 1 CAME ALONG WITH MY RESIDENCY, EXERCISE GROUNDED TO A HALT. THE PAUSE CONTINUED THROUGH BABIES 2 AND 3. AFTER MOVING TO AR, I DECIDED TO RECLAIM MY TIME BY TAKING CARE OF MY BODY AGAIN. I DISCOVERED FOB AND I WAS HOOKED AFTER THE FIRST CLASS! IT PERFECTLY COMBINES THE TECHNIQUE OF DANCE WITH THE ENERGY OF CHEERLEADING. WHAT BETTER MIX IS THERE?
THE BEST PART OF FOB, HOWEVER, IS THE AMAZING GROUP OF WOMEN I GET TO WORK OUT WITH. THE CLASSES ARE CHALLENGING, BUT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT YOU’LL MAKE IT THROUGH THEM BECAUSE EVERYONE IS SO ENCOURAGING! WHAT IS POURED OUT PHYSICALLY GETS REPLACED EMOTIONALLY AS YOU ARE CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF YOUR BEAUTY, YOUR POWER, AND YOUR TREMENDOUS WORTH THAT COMES FROM SIMPLY BEING YOU. I LEAVE EVERY CLASS FEELING STRONGER BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. AS AN INSTRUCTOR, I AM EXCITED TO RETURN TO THE FOB COMMUNITY A PORTION OF WHAT IT HAS GIVEN TO ME.
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
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IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
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IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
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IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
​
IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
​
IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
CATHERINE THORPE
OWNER AND FOUNDER
TEACHING FOB SINCE 2017
I CREATED FOB OUT OF A DESIRE TO SEE WOMEN GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR WORKOUT- IN EVERY WAY.
DRAWING ON 25+ YEARS OF DANCE AND FITNESS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING DANCING FOR OLE MISS AND PRO CHEERING FOR THE KC CHIEFS, I WANTED TO CREATE A PROGRAM THAT COMBINED THE BEST OF BARRE AND HEART RATE TRAINING.
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IT HAD TO BE CRAZY FUN, CRAVEABLE, BACKED BY SCIENCE, ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS, AND A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN TO SWEAT IN A BODY POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
AND HERE WE ARE TODAY.
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I AM A MOMMA TIMES 3 TO MY PRECIOUS KIDDOS, ALICE, JUDE, AND OLIVER, AND WIFE TO MY WONDERFUL MAN, WES.
Catherine Thorpe, Founder & Owner
Hey Hey! I am a momma times 3 to my precious kiddos, Alice, Jude and Oliver, and wife to my wonderful man, Wes. I created FOB out of a desire to see women get the most out of their workouts in every way. Putting years of dance experience and 20 years of teaching with the best of barre and high intensity training, and doing it all in a crazy fun sweaty studio, landed us where we are today.
I have a passion to see women comfortable in the skin they are IN, right now, before anything changes. We can change the outside all day, but if that inner monologue doesn't improve, the battle has already been lost.
I started FOB to create a safe space for women to sweat in a body positive environment, with options for all fitness levels, and make the most of their time in a busy and hectic world.
My favorite thing about my job (and life) is the people. I love love this staff and this tribe. It's a JOY to get to do what I love with people I love even more.
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Kaitlyn Jensen, acsm - Certified personal trainer, Lead Instructor
Lover of all things movement, energy, and fun! Native Arkansan, wife to Gordon, Christ follower, Enneagram Type 3, travel junkie, and Trader Joe’s regular.
I’ve always had a love for movement. First through sports, then through various outlets of exercise. My cup gets filled when I am able to come alongside another person and help them reach that thing they’re trying to reach. I’m a Health & Wellness Coordinator and personal trainer, so luckily I get to do this on the regular. However, I found myself missing that “team” feel that sports used to afford me…
Enter Full Out Barre! I felt an instant connection with this incredible community. The challenge it brings combined with the unparalleled comradery and energy is an easy “yes” to be a part of. I am so excited to be on this team of rockstar instructors and get to form relationships with each person that walks into class. I can’t wait to meet YOU!
Jessica Hathcock, Instructor
Hi friends! I have to be honest, talking about myself is not my strength. You might not believe it after you meet me but I used to be extremely shy. As long as I can remember I have always been the quiet one in the group, at least until now… haha.
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I grew up here in Little Rock and started breaking out of my shell when I took my first cheerleading and tumbling class. I was instantly hooked and continued to cheer competitively and for school for almost 8 years. Cheer was life. I loved everything about the community, camaraderie, learning what it was like to be apart of a team and work together for a greater purpose. Cheerleading instilled so many valuable life lessons for me growing up. I’m incredibly thankful for the experience.
I started studying nutrition at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Let’s be honest, I realized after high school that maintaining my metabolism and physical activity was a lot harder when you are not going to a two hour cheer practice everyday. I started focusing on understanding the importance of the relationship between nutrition and fitness. I became super intrigued about how the body worked and it was amazing to see what all we are really capable of. Really though, the human body is literally amazing. I went on to study integrative holistic nutrition after college where I experimented with many different kinds of food lifestyles and how much our mind-body connection and personal relationships can affect our overall health. Finding a overall balance in life and health is what I hope I can help others find for themselves.
Full Out Barre has been one of the biggest blessings. I remember the first time I took Catherine’s class, I was instantly hooked. I had never taken barre before and had little experience with ballet and dance but I knew I had to get in on this amazing community of people. The moment you walk into FOB you will feel it, the love, the passion, the energy, it draws you in like big hug. I have made lifelong friends with FOB and I can’t wait to meet you too!
See you at the barre!
Paula Toney, Instructor
I grew up in Southern California loving gymnastics, ballet, jazz, cheerleading, bodysurfing and skiing. My husband JT and I, married 35 years, began raising our three children ( becoming a pretty avid runner with a running stroller). Running has included a full and a half marathon. I love Jesus, my family, friends and fitness! My passion is for overall health physically, spiritually and relationally.
Jerrilyn Jones, MD, Instructor
Wife. Mother. Doctor... at times trying to balance all three leaves little time for me. Since discovering FOB 6 years ago, sweating with my tribe has become that much needed time.
I grew up as a classically trained dancer and cheerleader. Entering college as a pre-med student changed that and a sedentary lifestyle became the norm. I started exercising again in medical school to stay awake during lectures and ultimately fell in love with running while serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. However, when baby number 1 came along with my residency, exercise ground to a halt. The pause continued through babies 2 and 3. After moving to AR, I decided to reclaim my time by taking care of my body again. I discovered FOB and I was hooked after the first class! It perfectly combines the technique of dance with the energy of cheerleading. What better mix is there?
The best part of FOB, however, is the amazing group of women I get to work out with. The classes are challenging, but there is no doubt that you’ll make it through them because everyone is so encouraging! What is poured out physically gets replaced emotionally as you are constantly reminded of your beauty, your power, and your tremendous worth that comes from simply being you. I leave every class feeling stronger both physically and mentally. As an instructor, I am excited to return to the FOB community a portion of what it has given to me.
Kimberly Corbett, Lt. Colonel, US Army, Instructor
I grew up in Connecticut taking dance classes, cheerleading, and playing softball. I attended the University of Connecticut to major in Slavic & East European Studies. After graduating from college, I joined the United States Army to serve as a Military Intelligence officer. I wanted to be a spy. I know it sounds funny today but that was at the end of the Cold War (yes I’m old). I initially planned to serve about six years but I fell in love with the military and retired 23 years later. I served in the states and all over the world in places like Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
I met my husband, a southern boy from Arkansas, while serving in Heidelberg, Germany. He retired after 26 years and, after my retirement, we moved to Sherwood to be close to his family and put down roots after all those years. Being physically fit is part of military life, and we achieved it as a team through organized physical training. So I love to work out as a group and help one another achieve their fitness goals. Back in 1999, I joined the spinning craze and got certified as an instructor. I would teach spinning classes on military bases and in the communities where I lived.
Retiring was harder than I had anticipated. I had lost my sense of identity - the military is not just a career, it’s a way of life. I also lost that sense of community. Then I found Full Out Barre. This is an extraordinary group of mostly women, a drastic difference from serving in a majority male profession. Full Out Barre is full of women who are so welcoming, real, and non-judgmental. Not to mention it’s an amazing workout. I’ve done some incredible workouts over the years, but my body has toned in places I never thought possible. I feel so strong and powerful and ready to serve the Full Out Barre tribe.
MADDIE SCHMIDT, Instructor
As a Little Rock native, there is something so fun about working out at Full Out Barre with people from every stage of my life; whether it’s someone I graduated high school with (Go, AB Eagles), someone I went to college with (Go, Ouachita Tigers) or someone I've met in this new stage of life through church or work, I love the opportunities FOB gives me to be around others. I started exercising regularly in college to cope with stress and relive my childhood memories of dancing and choreographing dances to my favorite songs. Now class is a time I don’t have to worry about doing the dishes or what the day will look like. I quickly became a lover of group workouts that created a safe space for women to encourage each other and build each other up. I hope my class is the same space for you!
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Jenny Kelly, MD, Instructor
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My first love was dance. And soon I also fell for its punched up cousin, cheerleading. I found joy inside these activities—both in practicing and in performing. But it wasn’t until I discovered running that I was able to abandon concerns about what my body looked like and focus on what it could achieve in a specific moment. Power, not pointed toes. Being strong, not slim.
As years have passed, I’ve searched for activities to compliment my running in an effort to prevent injury and burnout and stumbled upon FOB thinking it was “a regular barre class.” But I found the intensity was invigorating. The intentionality of the workout structure was reassuring. And just like a walk through your childhood home, the integration of dance-my first love-was inspiring.
Since incorporating FOB into my weekly routine, I feel stronger and have managed to avoid any significant injuries. FOB has helped me identify and strengthen areas that larger muscle groups may compensate for during other exercise routines.
FOB is built on sound principles of exercise and metabolism. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves while respecting their bodies and their boundaries. As an instructor, I look forward to supporting our students’ progress by encouraging safe form, intentional progression of skills and an encouraging environment.
MELANIE 'MEL B' BUCHANAN, Instructor
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Hi! I’m Melanie. I am an artist, educator, and a mom to three beautiful girls. My husband Matt, and I moved to Little Rock after we got married in 2005, and we love our town. As a Christian, I feel called to use all my gifts to make the world more whole—that’s one reason why I love Full Out Barre. I love the support, encouragement, and healing this community offers each other every day.
I’ve always been pretty active. I played multiple sports in high school and cheered. As a young adult, I coached volleyball and discovered a love of running, but as a young mom, finding the time to workout and stay active was really hard. Running was really the only thing I could make work, but then a series of injuries (probably because I wasn’t incorporating any strength training) and then a bus wreck forced me to have to pause the running. While I was recuperating, I discovered Full Out Barre. At the barre, I’ve gained the strength and endurance I had lost while also allowing my body to completely heal.
I am raising three daughters, I grew up with sisters, and I come from a long line of a whole lot of strong ladies! Empowering women with the confidence and strength we all need to make it through whatever this life throws our way is incredibly important to me. At FOB we’re working to get that strength!
Barb McDonald, DNP, FNP-BC, Instructor
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I am a first generation American born and raised in New York City. I grew up with a love of sports, running cross country and then swimming in High School and my first year in college. I moved to NC and decided to join the Navy which I then separated from so I could go on to get my Nursing Degree.
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I am a single mom with 5 wonderful kids (4 boys and a girl) who are my love
and joy. After 9/11 happened I decided to go back into the USAF and ultimately moved to Little Rock to finish my last tour (retired). During my time in the military, I was afforded the opportunity to get my Master’s in Science Family Nurse Practitioner.
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I have always enjoyed helping others. I believe that preventative medicine is an integral part of being a provider. Encouraging others to improve their health through fitness and following good dietary habits. The USAF allowed me to do this by becoming a PTL (leading physical fitness sessions) to our Active Duty members. I have coached my kids in soccer and swimming which has lead them to develop a love of sport and health. I currently work as a Family Nurse Practitioner at UAMS as the lead APRN in the COVID screening unit.
When I retired I lost my sense of community and sense of family, until another swim mom (Melanie Smith – instructor) invited me to try out a FOB class. Everyone was so kind, receptive and the work out was amazing. FOB helped me get stronger physically while nourishing my soul and need for community. I couldn’t sign up to be an instructor soon enough because it is providing another avenue to make a difference in our community. I hope that you are able to
feel the love and support that this community has provided for me.
lydia lucien, Instructor
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Hey there! My name is Lydia. I’m a wife, a mom and an educator. I grew up in Pignon, Haiti and have lived in Little Rock the last several years. I found Full Out Barre fresh out of grad school when I moved to Little Rock. I was trying to balance being a first year teacher while also finding time for myself. Walking into a gym used to intimidate me so much. I felt like I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. After trying a few classes at FOB, I wanted in! I loved how each class I took was different and how they always turned my day around. When I got the opportunity to train as an instructor, I was SO nervous. I’m so glad I pushed my nerves aside and decided to go for it. I am a better person as a result of the love and coaching that has been poured into me by this team. I love how I’ve been able to keep Full Out Barre as a part of my life through so many different seasons. I was able to keep instructing throughout my pregnancy and am so grateful.I now have a precious son named Theo (6 months old) and he’s the sunshine to my days. In my classes, be prepared for all the jokes my elementary students tell me and lots of fun music! I can’t wait to sweat with you!
KATHERINE 'KAT' WRIGHT, Instructor
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Hi! My name is Kat Wright, and I am a med student at UAMS (class of 2026)! I am originally from Helena, Arkansas, and attended undergrad at SMU in Dallas, Texas. I also whipped out a quick Master’s in Business Management at SMU prior to starting med school, with hopes of one day opening (or taking over) a private practice in my home state!
During undergrad, I worked as a fitness instructor at our campus rec center and absolutely LOVED the creativity + body positivity that this experience fostered. I loved programming interdisciplinary HIIT classes that aligned with feminine body ideals and holistic health goals (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle lengthening, strengthening, stability, flexibility).
When I moved to Little Rock for med school, I didn’t immediately sign up for a fitness studio membership. I was quite content with my apartment gym, bedroom yoga mat setup, and nearby running trail. However, when I attended my first FOB class back in May 2023, I was HOOKED. I had never a met a more empowering group of women nor a more innovative + effective fitness format. I was genuinely SORE for days after my first class, hurting in muscle groups I didn’t know existed. That hurts-so-good post-class feeling has remained consistent throughout my time with FOB, as has the genuine exhilaration I feel during each class. The programming, playlists, and people make this studio unlike any other. I’m SO honored to become a more official member of the “tribe” that made me feel so welcome from day one!
KINYATA GREY, Instructor
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Kinyata originally hails from Searcy, AR, but has called Little Rock home for the last year. She currently serves as the Chief People Officer at CJRW, the state's largest full service advertising firm. Her credentials include a bachelor’s in business administration from Harding University, a master’s in business administration from the University of Central Arkansas and over a decade of experience in human resources leadership roles.
When she’s not working, you can find her rooting for her beloved Chicago Cubs, traveling for concerts, attending Broadway shows and performing in local theater, solo traveling - then finally giving in and binge watching a show once it’s already gained popularity. Most notably, she enjoyed acting as a featured extra in the number one Hallmark movie of 2018, Christmas at Graceland.
After being on an intense yet extremely rewarding health journey, Kinyata has found a home amongst the Full Out Barre community. She is looking forward to giving motivation, spreading love and dancing it out as an instructor!
