Jennifer Maraist was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Today not only is she a female entrepreneur, founder of the Triumph Tighten Up brand, but also a wife to Brett, and her most valuable role as MOM to Angel Grayson and girls, Avery and Addison.

After graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Performance and Choreography, Jennifer became interested in how the human body performed thus pursuing a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. During this time, she found herself 45pounds heavier and as she says, “uncomfortable in my own skin” – Jennifer knew that this wasn’t the way she was meant to live. Between her ongoing interest in how the body performed and her own journey of being unhealthily overweight, she started dabbing into ways to exercise and eat right. This lead Jennifer on a path to figuring out not only who she was but, becoming the most authentic version of her. Through her health journey and recently her fertility journey, she has learned many ways of how to overcome adversity.

By gaining the COURAGE to open Triumph Fitness this has led to many opportunities to help others live their best life through a healthy lifestyle. What motivates Jennifer the most is when she sees the “Light bulb” moment go off for people- or specifically when a person “Triumphs” through adversity. As Jennifer puts it “yeah, the 5-10 pound weight loss is great, but it is so much more gratifying when a person gets out of their own way, starts living the life of their dreams and is truly happy”

Certifications and Education

• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• Precision Nutrition Level 1
• B.A. Dance Performance and Choreography

Angela Mitchell, more widely known as Ang, was born and raised in Marrero, Louisiana. Living life with the love of her life, Dwayne, and their eight children, she is pursuing her passion in health and fitness. Ang has been an active member of Triumph Fitness since the beginning in 2017, and recently became an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer. Along with her love of strength and conditioning workouts she is an avid runner, participating in 5k, 10k, and half marathon races. Ang’s mission is to connect with people on all levels, bringing her knowledge and experience to help them be the best version of themselves and live up to their full potential. “My ultimate goal is to remove all self-doubt, and help people believe in themselves. I am that cheerleader, that motivator to push you to the next level, that supporter that will constantly tell you how incredible you are and that you are capable of accomplishing amazing things. We are all #triumphstrong!”    

My name is Susan Gordon. I’ve been happily married for 42 years, the mother of four, and the grandmother of six. I’ve been an active person, playing sports and exercising most of my life. I started the Triumph Tighten Up Challenge in July 2020 knowing I needed the accountability to “tighten up” my food choices. I lost nine pounds during the challenge and began to learn how to fuel my body for better workouts. During my second challenge, I focused on learning how macros
(protein, fat and carbs) and carb cycling played a role in each type of workout I did, such as Tabata, MOVE and HIIT. I’ve just completed my third challenge and although my physical appearance did not change, I am more conditioned and stronger. One thing I’ve been able to accomplish is to run 3 miles and actually enjoy it (running wasn’t my idea of fun). I look forward to working with you and accomplishing the goals you set for yourself.

My name is LaDonna Jeanmarie, and I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. I am a wife and a mother to three beautiful girls. I’ve always been active but working out, finding a routine, and eating right was hard after having my last two kids back-to-back. I joined Triumph Fitness Gym in 2017, and when I started, I could not do a simple squat due to arthritis (genetics) and an injury. Now, I can perform vigorous workouts at my own pace and ability. I started the tighten-up challenge in October 2019. Since joining the tighten-up challenge, I have increased my weekly number of workouts (on average) and, most importantly, have better control of my diet. After completing the Tighten-Up Challenge as a member, I became an accountability coach to help others along the journey. I can relate to the challenges we face together to create a new lifestyle. It takes time and many “ups and downs” along the journey, and I am on this journey with you!

Bonnie has been a Zumba instructor since 2013. She has worked all over the greater New Orleans area, including leading official tailgate dance parties in Champion Square for Saints games!  Bonnie is a firm believer in the healing power of movement/dance. She loves creating relationships with her “fitness fam” and incorporating what they love into classes. She enjoys choreographing, learning new rhythms, and finding fun songs to incorporate into class.  Along with Zumba, Bonnie also teaches kindergarten and is a travel agent for Disney properties. You can find Bonnie on the parade route dancing with The Sirens of New Orleans. When not dancing she is spending time with her husband Brett and daughter Lydia.

Brittany Bailey (B.B.) considers herself to be a mother/teacher/creator. Being of a growth mindset, one vision led her to another and today she is a passionate yogi. When initially introduced to yoga, it was the yogic lifestyle, meditation, and inner work that she was drawn to. As it aligned with her life and she learned the physical practice of yoga, teaching yoga to others became her new pursuit. Today, she shares with both children and adults the practice of yoga asana. “Yoga is a practice that teaches us to listen and learn about our bodies, but also love ourselves for what we are capable of.” Brittany’s other passion is aerial arts. If she’s not practicing yoga, she’s most likely suspended on a silk, creating body shapes and moving through the air.  Also certified in Yoga Trapeze, she found inversion therapy greatly beneficial in her life and practices YT regularly, as well as aerial hammock. She believes that we are powerful creators, capable of anything; when we set our intention, action naturally follows.

Certifications & Education

• RYT 200 Hour
• Yoga Trapeze

Brett was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and found his purpose on this earth after graduating from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Engineering. He has a scientific mind and is fascinated by biomechanics, the study of humans in motion. Although after college, he felt like he was called to do more and be more through the power of inspiring others. He is now determined to not just help people reach their fitness goals but to inspire them to be successful and fulfilled. Along with his wife, Jennifer, they persevered and opened Triumph Fitness to make that vision a reality!

Certifications & Education

• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• B.S. Biological Engineering

Sarah was born and raised in Harvey, Louisiana. She attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School here in New Orleans. Then, she went to Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond where she received her degree in
psychology. From there, she went to the University of New Orleans and received her elementary teaching certification. She is married with one daughter who loves competitive all-star cheerleading.

Sarah was tired of being on the hamster wheel with her eating and exercise habits. Thankfully, she found Triumph Fitness and fell in love. The staff and members were extremely welcoming. She finally found a
judgment free place to exercise, learn about making better food choices, and improve her mindset.

Sarah taught at St. Rosalie School for 19 years. Unfortunately her school closed, so she made the decision to come out of the classroom but still wanted to help others.

Even though her title at Triumph Fitness is the Member Experience Coordinator, you can find her doing all the things. Most importantly, she keeps Jennifer’s head on straight, but sometimes you can find her making shakes
at Tighten Up To-Go. She’s looking forward to helping people tighten up their lives!

My name is Victoria Bourg. I’ve been happily married for 14 years, and am a mother of two. Most of my early life I was sedentary.  I didn’t start exercising until my mid 20s and only did cardio when left to my own devices. I started training with the Triumph Staff in 2016 after a bed rest pregnancy. I lost all muscle tone, and at 27 years old, was struggling to even get up (without assistance) from sitting to standing. So, I searched for professional help, and I found my tribe! I learned so much about fitness, nutrition, and overall health.  Even after seeing major success, life happened, and I found I needed to reset my motivation and focus again.  I began participating in the Tighten Up Challenge in July 2020 and completely redirected my health and nutrition goals, specifically shifting my mindset. After completing a few challenges as a member, I became a coach to help other members reach their goals. I am excited to continue being involved with the Triumph 30 Day reset and any new events to come.

Carmen was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. she served in the U.S. Army for 3 years as a 92A (Automated Logistics Specialist). She also served in Kuwait for 6 months in 1998 and was honorably discharged in 1999.  During her service in the Army, she earned The Army Commendation Medal for her diligent duty throughout her enlistment. She also earned The Army Achievement Medal for her support and accomplishments during her deployment to Kuwait for Operation Desert Thunder, with the 209th Military Police Company. Afterwards, she received her Paralegal Certificate at UNO in 2003 and in Political Science at UNO, a Bachelors Degree in 2010. On top of all that, she is an outstanding certified Zumba® Instructor that has a zest for life like no other and strives to make every moment one of a kind! She looks forward to helping you keep fitness fun!  

Certifications & Education

• Certified Zumba® Instructor
• B.A. Political Science
• Certified Paralegal

Elizabeth Arbaugh, Liz, is a native of Harahan, LA.  She is the wife of a JPFD firefighter & mother to 3-year-old son.  She has been a member of Triumph Fitness since May 2017. Liz has been working behind the scenes with Triumph Fitness since 2020.  Her background is in biological sciences, specifically Clinical Laboratory Science, but she loves working the creative part of her brain to engage members and keep them updated with all things Triumph!

On September 16th 1978. God gave to earth his greatest achievement. Timothy James Harris Jr.A man of quick wit, charming intelligence, alluring eyes, handsomely rugged face and the best mustache this side of the equator.

Tim has worked at many places in his 20+ years in the industry. He was worked with La Bella’s Catering, on the Steamboat Natchez, at Grand Isle Restaurant, and recently at Ace Hotel in New Orleans. Chef Tim has always been excited about good of food, so the menus & meals he creates for Tighten Up To Go reflect that.

Madison Henderson was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She is a full time student at the University of Holy Cross, pursuing a Bachelors degree in Social Counseling. She is a fur mom to an Orange Tabby named Harley! Madison has been a member of Triumph Fitness since 2019. She started this job with the Tighten Up brand in October of 2021. She says “This job has given me an opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people, and watch them as they become the best versions of themself”. 

Taylor Leon is a registered dietitian. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, it’s inevitable that she loves food. She is a wife and fur-mom to 2 German Shepards. She loves working out and cooking! She is a full-time NICU dietitian and the owner of Your Daily Bite, where she offers personalized nutrition coaching services. She have been working with Triumph Fitness & The Tighten Up Challenge since December of 2020. She loves being part of the Triumph community and helping others reach their goals. She teaches our members how to enjoy their favorite foods, eliminate unnecessary dietary restrictions, and create balance in their diets and life!