Sarah Vela
Charleston
Summary
Connection, culture, and member experience are at the core of my leadership approach. With a background in coaching, team development, and studio operations, I strive to create environments where both members and staff feel supported, seen, and motivated to grow. Throughout my time as a Head Coach, I have led with positive energy, authenticity, and a people-first mindset, directly impacting studio performance, culture, and member retention. I am passionate about developing coaches into confident leaders - helping them step outside their comfort zones in pursuit of growth. I recognize that each coach carries a distinct voice that contributes to the team, and I take pride in helping them refine it as they continue to develop their craft. My goal is to create a ripple effect through leadership - empowering coaches who will then go on to inspire and impact countless lives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Coach
Camarillo Fitness Management Holdings LLC
2025.08 - Current
- Create a welcoming, high-energy, and member-focused studio environment where members and staff feel supported, seen, and motivated
- Mentor and support the coaching team through training, development, and being a reliable resource
- Facilitate team workshops focused on coaching development, lead conversion, best practices, and team culture
- Oversee daily fitness operations, including coaching classes, studio cleanliness, and equipment functionality
- Maintain a growth minded approach through continued education and personal development, to continue growing as a coach and leader
- Connect with new, canceling, and freezing members to strengthen relationships, enhance member experience, and support retention
- Work alongside studio manager to support studio KPI growth through intentional member and team engagement, helping develop community events, B2B partnerships, and lead generation opportunities/marketing events
Fitness Coach
Orangetheory Fitness
2024.10 - 2025.08
- Deliver high-energy, science backed group training sessions, combining cardio and strength training using heart rate monitor technology (OTBeat).
- Provide demonstrations, personalized modifications, instructing and motivating members of all fitness levels using the 3 C’s (connect, correct, customize).
- Collaborate with the front desk team to enhance member experience, support membership sales goals, celebrate member milestones, and reach out via ringcentral to members in hopes of making them feel seen & creating a deeper connection to the studio.
- Continuously study and implement new coaching techniques, cueing strategies, and motivational one liners, to keep classes fresh, motivating, and educational.
Sales Associate
Orangetheory Fitness
2024.04 - 2024.11
- Welcome prospective members, clearly communicating Orangetheory's unique value and mission of more life.
- Provide exceptional customer service, creating and maintaining strong member relationships.
- Promote fitness challenges, special events, and referral programs to boost member participation and community engagement.
- Maintain accurate records of leads, member accounts, and daily transactions using studio CRM software and sales systems.
General Manager
Flying Rabbit Adventures
2021.09 - 2023.08
- Manage day-to-day operations, staff scheduling, payroll, gear inventory, created promotions and business collaborations.
- Facilitate group sales, create agendas for large groups of 100+, filling in as an adventure guide when needed.
- Hired and trained new employees for both front desk and adventure guide roles.
- All social media presence, graphic design, working with Google SEO.
- Kept employee morale high with team outings, hikes, and socials.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jackson Memorial High School
01.2018
Skills
- 3 years of leadership and team management experience
- Strong ability to build studio culture and team morale
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills
- Event planning, community outreach, and partnership development
- Confidence in public speaking, team leadership, and staff education
- Ability to foster accountability while maintaining positive team culture
- Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous growth
Certification
- Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
- OTFIT Certified
- CPR/AED
Timeline
Head Coach
Camarillo Fitness Management Holdings LLC
2025.08 - Current
Fitness Coach
Orangetheory Fitness
2024.10 - 2025.08
Sales Associate
Orangetheory Fitness
2024.04 - 2024.11
General Manager
Flying Rabbit Adventures
2021.09 - 2023.08
High School Diploma -
Jackson Memorial High School