Meet Your Trainers
Wendy M. Vander Velde - Owner/Head Trainer
Wendy has trained in kickboxing for twenty years, beginning in 2003 with Sifu Jack Soderberg at the CDF Academy in Las Vegas, NV. She later trained in kickboxing and self-defense with Mixed Martial Artist, Kevin Jackson. She enjoys hiking, jogging, and weight training, but her favorite workout has always been hitting the bags at Fierce Fitness, where she became a member in 2006 and received her instructor certification in 2012. With a passion for people, kickboxing, and fitness she’s honored to lead Fierce into the future, opening her studio and her heart to its steadfast community of members, both old and new.
After growing up in the scorching desert heat of Las Vegas, Wendy was thrilled to move to the Great Northwest to attend undergrad at the University of Portland. She holds a Master's Degree in Medieval Studies from the University of Edinburgh, and a Ph.D. from Boston University (with a focus on Medieval monsters). Wendy is a board member of ORACUL (the Organization for the Research of Ancient Cultures) who loves the Arthur legends, fairy lore, ancient history, and the monsters of myth. During her studies, she was delighted to discover that her middle name means "Little Warrior." When not kickboxing, her other Fierce hobbies include archery, hatchet throwing, travel, writing, and photography.
She can't wait to see you at Fierce!
Hilary Miller - Kickboxing Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Nutrition Coach
Hilary is ecstatic to be teaching at Fierce Fitness again! An NASM certified personal trainer and former Fierce Fitness Kickboxing and Bootcamp instructor (Multnomah Blvd. location), kickboxing is her favorite group exercise class to teach. When not teaching classes at Fierce, Hilary is a full-time licensed elementary school counselor. The other hat she wears is "Mom" to one human child and one dog child (who happens to be a Boxer as well). She believes that taking care of our physical health goes hand in hand with optimizing our mental health, and she looks forward to hitting the bags with you!
I have never felt more empowered by kicking/punching anything until I came to Fierce Fitness! I’ve tried so many fitness classes, I’ve gone swimming, and running, but I’ve never been more sweaty as when I’ve come here. I’m so happy that I was able to find such a supportive and welcoming environment (and a great workout too!)
- Minhtam T.
