Dr. Birgit Reher
Owner/Physical Therapist
The most rewarding thing about what I do is helping women feel healthier and stronger, move better, and get back to doing the things they enjoy.
Many times, being a physical therapist means playing a detective. Clients frequently come in with problems that have developed from compensating for other underlying issues, such as old injuries. It’s my job to figure out the root of the problem.
I love experiencing with my client that moment of insight where she becomes aware and fully understands why her body is having an issue, and that I can help her fix it, as well as give her tools to help herself. That brings me so much joy, even after 20 years of practice.
As an undergraduate, I received a Bachelor’s in Nursing. After working as an RN for several years, I completed graduate studies to become a physical therapist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and later received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana. I have worked in settings ranging from outpatient orthopedics to home health, geriatrics, and aquatics, and love working on resolving pain, restoring mobility, and improving balance.
When not working at Synergy, I enjoy hiking and backpacking, camping (including Prius camping), reading, gardening, cheering my husband on at soccer games, and having fun with my grandkids.
Katharina Reher
Owner/Operator
I love helping women I serve have "aha" moments concerning their health and wellness. After almost a decade in the health and wellness industry, I've discovered that many people consider only one part of the body and forget about the interconnectedness of the body as a whole. This thought process is something to contemplate when focusing on activity, or intake, or even gimmicky fad diets! It's incredibly rewarding to help make a concept "click" when I provide clarity and insight for clients.
My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from North Carolina Central University and a personal training certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I have over seven years of personal training experience and 9 years of fitness management.
When I’m at home, I love spending time with my furry family! I have four cats: Felix, Pipey Piperton, Gilberto, and Bootsie Badass. I also trap and rescue feral kitties - to date, I successfully rescued over 50! Other than that, I love acrylic painting, playing drums, and eating baked goods.
Kira Bishop
Personal trainer
Shortly after graduating from college, I made the decision to pursue a certification in Exercise Science and Personal Training to become an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health Coach.
For 10+ years, I've performed various roles in gyms and corporate settings, facilitating one-on-one training sessions, leading group classes, and coordinating fitness programs and events. However, no matter where or who I'm coaching, I strive to make maintaining regular fitness routines fun and accessible for all.
As a woman in fitness, I love working with women to smash the "women aren't strong" stereotype while helping them build the kind of physical strength and inner confidence they might not have known they were capable of.
Inspiring others to show up for themselves begins with showing up for yourself first. So, after my three pups and the promise of coffee get me out of bed each morning, I aim to set an example by consistently working to achieve my goals, too!
"You can have results or excuses. Not both." — Arnold Schwarzenegger
Sydney Simpson-Vos
Personal Trainer
Who said movement can't be fun and pressure-free?
Since becoming a NASM-certified personal trainer in 2023, it's been my mission to help women feel more comfortable in their bodies, capable in their ability to achieve their goals, and powerful in and out of the gym.
I first immersed myself in the fitness world during my sophomore year of college. I quickly developed a passion for science-based training techniques, and today, I combine safe, effective movement with nutritional guidance to curate personalized training plans that drive results.
No matter where you are along your fitness journey, you deserve to move and sweat without judgment, and together, we'll explore fun and fresh ways to tailor your wellness routines to your unique goals!
When I'm not helping you feel like your most empowered self in the studio, you can find me pursuing my goals at UNC-Chapel Hill, enjoying a hike, playing tennis, or sipping on an iced latte.
“Life keeps moving, and I am blessed to be living it!"
Noahwal Awel
Personal trainer / Small Group Instructor
There's nothing as empowering as achieving your goals, and helping women see and feel the results of their hard work is the most incredible part of my job!
After becoming a NASM-certified personal trainer, I began working in a strength and conditioning facility, creating personalized workout programs for clients. Today, through my 1-on-1 training sessions and group fitness classes, I foster a supportive environment that includes all fitness levels, prioritizes safety, and encourages women to practice healthy movement in and out of the gym.
Continued education is essential in the wellness space. Studying movement science is a passion of mine, as it allows me to continue expanding my knowledge and skill set as a trainer. I have enrolled in multiple certification courses, including FMS (Functional Movement Screening) Level 1, and I am also focusing on a bodybuilding specialization.
I strive to emphasize the importance of functional movement, and all my workouts focus on building mobility, flexibility, and balance.
Alexis Valerius
Personal Trainer / Class Instructor
I do this work because I've experienced firsthand how exercise can carry you through life's most difficult moments. My passion is helping women not only reach their fitness goals, but truly feel the transformative power of movement in their own lives. At Synergy, I'm committed to fostering a positive, supportive environment where every woman feels confident in herself and her abilities.
My background includes a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Health and Wellness, and I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior. I've worked as an F45 fitness instructor and as a child fitness coach for Zing! Kids, where I discovered how rewarding it is to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
When it comes to my own training, I love a good challenge—whether that's running a half marathon or tackling lower body and core work (even though it's my least favorite!). You'll also find me hiking, skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, or playing just about any sport I can get into.
My favorite stretch? A flow from Cobra into Downward Dog with a calf pulse—perfect for releasing tension after a tough session.
Laura O’Flanagan
Personal trainer / Class Instructor
What I love most about my career is meeting new people with different needs—I'm always learning from others, and that keeps me energized and growing every day.
My training style is rooted in science-backed technique and form. I'm not about anything "fancy" or for show on TikTok—just solid, effective movement that gets results. I started out as a runner and discovered bodyweight cross training from there, and it only grew into a passion for helping others move well.
What I love about fitness is its versatility—it fits into whatever life throws at you, and I believe in listening to your body and doing what makes you feel good without always pushing for peak performance. Rest is just as important as the work.
My favorite piece of equipment? A simple yoga mat. Sometimes the best workouts come back to the basics.
When I'm not training, I'm dreaming of traveling to Amsterdam and New Zealand. I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Library Science, and I look forward to learning from people across multiple branches of fitness while being a positive influence in this community!
Molly Spencer
Personal Trainer / Class Instructor
I love being able to help women feel strong and empowered in their bodies—that's what gets me up every morning and keeps me passionate about this work.
I'm a lifelong athlete with 29 years of experience in running, basketball, and soccer, which shaped my training philosophy. As a runner, I use strength training to supplement my endurance and stay strong, and I bring that same balanced approach to my clients. I've been a certified personal trainer since 2021, working with everyone from beginners to experienced athletes.
What I love about fitness? The endorphins, of course! There's nothing quite like that post-workout feeling. My favorite piece of equipment is the squat rack—I'm always working to get stronger in my squatting, and I love helping other women build that same power and confidence.
Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, I hold a Ph.D. in Food and Sensory Science from UC Davis, with a background in human dietary preferences and behavior. I'm passionate about collaborative, client-driven, innovative exercise programs that fit real lives. My style is all about technique and form—no gimmicks, just effective movement that gets results.
When I'm not training, I'm dreaming of traveling to New Zealand or Japan, or enjoying a pint of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food. I believe in creating a non-toxic environment that allows space for humans to be human—patient, stillness, and the ability to pause and think are values I bring to every session.
Elizabeth Simmons
Personal trainer / Class Instructor
I am a dedicated fitness specialist with over 10 years of experience working with diverse populations. Professional, compassionate, and committed to improving the health of my clients, I bring extensive training in multiple disciplines to every session.
My background includes certifications as a NASM Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Senior Fitness Specialist, along with 200-hour yoga training and Pilates Mat I & II through Balanced Body. I hold a B.S. in Anthropology from the College of Charleston, which gave me a deep appreciation for the diversity of human movement and wellness practices across cultures.
What I love most about this work is meeting people where they are—whether that's through tailored one-on-one training, gentle yoga for seniors, or high-energy group classes. I've had the privilege of working with clients of all ages and fitness levels, including those with various medical considerations, and I specialize in creating safe, effective programs that honor each person's unique body and goals.
When I'm not training, you can find me sharing movement tips and inspiration on Instagram at @movementwithelizabeth. I believe in the power of community and love developing supplementary wellness activities—like outdoor walking groups and meditation classes—that help people connect with their bodies and each other.