STAFF

Emily Roan

General Manager

Emily made the move to Pittsburgh in 2019 from Central Pennsylvania,
where she was born and raised, but also completed her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management (Fitness concentration with a Business minor) at Lock Haven University. While in Lock Haven, she gained extensive hands-on experience in the fitness industry—working as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor across town and playing a key role on several facilities and operations teams.

After graduation, Emily transitioned into Campus Recreation, managing many large-scale recreation facilities at both Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh’s main campuses. During her time at Pitt, she also earned her Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Leadership Development Studies. Seeking a broader range of fitness industry experience, Emily stepped into the commercial recreation world, where she managed operations at FA Climbing & Fitness.

Her passion for movement runs deep—she was a powerlifter in college, has
been a climber on and off over the years, enjoys biking along rails to trails systems, kayaking, and taking her two dogs on hikes. Emily has since explored countless training modalities throughout her work as a fitness professional for over 10 years!

No matter the setting, she brings energy, knowledge, passion, and a people-first approach to everything she does. She’s excited to work with clients of all backgrounds and help them reach their healthy lifestyle goals!

Email: emily@unionfitness.com

 

Raven Thornton

Personal Training and Community Engagement Coordinator

Raven is a dedicated personal trainer with a strong foundation in human
performance, currently studying Exercise Science at Pennsylvania Western University. A retired military veteran with over eight years of coaching and training experience, Raven brings discipline, adaptability, and a deep understanding of physical preparation to every client. Growing up an athlete, Raven played basketball, ran track, and cross-country, building the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and performance. As an adult, Raven has competed in functional fitness competitions (CrossFit), marathons, and shorter-distance races.

Raven is still pushing her limit at 30 and is currently competing as an amateur boxer. Raven holds certifications through NASM and the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE), earning a Level II Speed & Performance credential. With a strong background in strength training, mobility, and conditioning, Raven focuses on helping individuals move at their best and feel like athletes no matter their starting point. Raven’s coaching style emphasizes proper movement, confidence, and creating a performance-driven environment where every client can succeed.

Email: raven@unionfitness.com 

Tristan Hillebert

Head Personal Trainer
Tristan is originally from Topeka, KS but has been in the Pittsburgh area since 2019. His passion for strength and conditioning stems from a long career in hockey. He graduated from Chatham University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition while competing on the Men’s Ice Hockey Team all four years. Before joining the Union Fitness team, he was a strength coach at Shape Training in East Liberty, where he compiled over 3,000 one-on-one and semi-private training sessions. Bridging fitness with nutrition, he also works with Commonwealth Nutrition in the North Hills. He is still involved with the hockey community and is dedicated to helping people achieve athletic goals, live a healthy lifestyle, and anything in between.

 

Email: thillebert@unionfitness.com