Meet The Team
MITCH SHOOKS
Personal trainer, nutrition coach, and owner of GRIP Center, Mitch holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and has been certified by NSCA, ACE, NASM, PIMST, and FST. He is also a Level 3 Poliquin International Trainer and a specialist in Biosignature Modulation, an effective fat loss system that addresses hormone imbalances and other health concerns including poor sleep, low energy, and impaired cognitive function. Mitch has worked as a personal trainer and strength coach in the Grand Rapids area since 1999, and throughout his career he has helped people of all ages achieve their health and fitness goals. He specializes in providing customized nutrition and exercise programs that result in optimal health. He is committed to educating his clients and holding them accountable to ensure their success.
BRAD STEENWYK
Brad graduated from GVSU with a finance degree but decided to pursue his passion for fitness and helping others. He is a certified trainer and has a strong interest in program design. He has completed the DTS Level 1 and Kilo Program Design certifications to better understand how to best assess and program for his clients. In his free time you can find him hiking, playing with his dog, or enjoying the outdoors. He has a strong desire to help people achieve a long, happy, healthy, and pain-free life through fitness.
CONNOR HOLLEMANS
Connor truly enjoys helping others reach their fitness goals. After completing two years at Calvin University, he acquired his NASM certification and worked in Holland as a personal trainer. His favorite part of training is seeing how the body reacts to different types of workouts, and he loves to teach others about how to fuel and support the body with optimum nutrition. When Connor's not in the gym, he enjoys golfing, soccer, cooking, and masonry.
NATE KUIPER
Nate studied Kinesiology at Mississippi State University and later at Grand Valley State University. He holds certifications in NASM CPT7, USA Weightlifting (USAWL), USAPL, Precision Nutrition, RPR (Reflexive Performance Reset), and Acupressure. Since 2020, he has helped clients build a sustainable balance between high performance and long-term health. Outside the gym, you’ll find Nate grilling, lifting, or spending time with his dog, Horse.
JAMIE MILLER
Jamie's passion for an active lifestyle is evident from the moment you meet him. His desire to teach others about the physical, psychological, and social benefits of exercise led him to the National Academy of Sports and Medicine (NASM) where he became certified as a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist. Jamie also works as a fine artist and singer/musician, and in his free time he loves taking advantage of what nature has to offer.
EMILY BARRY
Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from The University of Alabama. With nine years of experience coaching youth athletes and gymnasts, and two years of adult personal training during college, she knows how to design engaging, effective programs for clients of all ages. Emily is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and CPR/AED certified. As a competitive powerlifter, she brings a strong personal understanding of strength training and goal-setting to every session. Outside the gym, she enjoys reading, photography, and chasing her own lifting goals.
CHELSEA LAWRENCE
Chelsea is a kind and encouraging trainer who focuses on building lasting training habits and positive lifestyle changes. A lifelong athlete and certified personal trainer through ACE, she completed the GRIP Internship program and now blends strength, mobility, and flexibility training into her approach. With over six years of experience as a yoga instructor, Chelsea helps clients connect to their bodies, listen to what they need day-to-day, and find the balance between challenge and recovery. Even if you’re not working directly with her, don’t hesitate to say hello—she loves meeting new people.
SEAN HALVERSON
Sean graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Exercise Science. His background spans both clinical settings and sports performance, giving him the ability to work with a wide range of clients. A former collegiate wrestler and Olympic weightlifting enthusiast, Sean is passionate about helping people move past chronic pain and discover strength they’ve never experienced before. He brings a smart, results-driven approach to improving athletic performance and total-body resilience.
GARREN CARREL
Garren is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, MI40 Level 1 Certified Coach, and Certified Nutrition Specialist. He found his passion for fitness through his own personal transformation and now dedicates himself to helping others unlock their potential. Garren believes in the power of consistency, smart training, and a clear plan to help each client achieve lasting results.
RYAN MAPES
Ryan is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach with a strong passion for helping others build stronger bodies and more confident lives. After going through his own personal transformation, he pursued formal education in health and fitness and further sharpened his skills through GRIP’s in-depth internship program. Ryan believes that real progress comes from consistency, curiosity, and a growth mindset—principles he brings to every session. He aims to make fitness both approachable and rewarding. Outside the gym, you’ll find him lifting, exploring the outdoors, or diving into something new to learn.