Scroll down to Learn About Our Staff!
Derek Anderson
Owner
“I’m a big kid deep down (okay, and maybe on the surface too…), and I believe that movement should be fun! So many of us stop prioritizing playtime as adults and start thinking of exercise as a chore. My mission is to change that.
I have a background in acrobatics, Kung Fu, parkour, and Ninja Warrior training. I am also a certified yoga teacher with a focus on trauma-informed mindfulness, and I volunteer with the Daya Foundation, teaching incarcerated women to become yoga instructors.
My passion is helping people who may have a difficult time with traditional exercise regimens. I know that working out may pose extra challenges for individuals who are transgender, neurodivergent, or living with chronic conditions, and I want to help alleviate that. Everyone deserves to have a healthy body that they feel at home in.
Outside of work I love comics, video games, dressing in costumes, and medieval lore. Tell me about your favorite superhero or DND class! I’m here for all things nerdy.”
Qualifications
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Sports Conditioning Specialty
- 200 Hour Yoga Training
- TIBS level 1 + 2 (Trauma Informed Brain Sensitive Mindfulness)
- Level 3 Parkour Certified (WFPF)
- First Aid, CPR/AED certified
Makaela Montgomery
Gym Director
“My athletic journey is rooted in the world of competitive gymnastics. I rose to success in Sport Acrobatics becoming a US Champion, a member of the US National Team, and an international medalist. I’ve also left my mark at the national level in Trampoline and Tumbling, showcasing my commitment to the various sports of gymnastics.
But my passion goes beyond personal achievements. I am ignited by the successes of the athletes I’ve had the privilege to coach. From gymnasts as young as 1 year old to adults rekindling their childhood dreams of being a gymnast or even a superhero, I’m dedicated to helping everyone realize their aspirations.
Beyond the gym, I’m an adventurer at heart. You’ll often find me gliding (mostly) gracefully on roller skates, downhill skiing in winter or paddle boarding during summer! I share my life with my husband, Justin, and our cat, Jack.
My mission is simple: to empower individuals to make their dreams come true, both in the gym and in life.”
Qualifications
- USA Gymnastics Instructor
- Safe Sport
- Safety and Risk Management
- School of Judging : Women’s 4/5
- Preschool Fundamentals and Theory
- School Age Hands on Training
- First Aid / CPR
Jason Budd
Coach
“As a dedicated practitioner of parkour, I’ve devoted 17 years to mastering this dynamic discipline. My journey began with a fascination for movement in parks and playgrounds, but it took a transformative turn when I met my influential coach, Joey Adrain. Under Adrain’s guidance, I wholeheartedly embraced parkour, leaving behind other pursuits.
During my high school years, I prioritized training and eventually founded Revolution Parkour Gresham. Later, I relocated to New Jersey, where I joined the prestigious VertiQuest, competed in American Ninja Warrior, and earned a degree in Health Science with a focus on sports injury therapy from Rutgers University.
Currently, I am a valuable member of Superhero Fitness, bringing creativity and coaching expertise to a new community. I’m passionate about teaching parkour both indoors and outdoors, leveraging natural environments for engaging sessions. Eager to share my knowledge, inspire others, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the parkour community, I continue to evolve in the world of movement.”
Qualifications
- Wfpf cert 1-4 Intermediate Coach lvl 2
- Ace Personal Trainer certification
- Safe Sport Certification
- Leap to Lead Leadership Training
- First Aid, CPR/AED certified
Sydney Schommer
Coach
“My movement journey began with ten years of gymnastics, during which I competed at the Junior Olympic level. After leaving gymnastics, I spent eight years as a dancer, specializing in ballet and contemporary. I’ve studied at and performed with many studios at a pre-professional level, such as Open Space Dance and Northwest Dance Project.
In 2023 I started combining my gymnastics and dance background to pursue acro dance, while also training in martial arts tricking and various circus disciplines. For the past two years I’ve been teaching acro dance, strength training, and hand balancing here at Superhero Fitness.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I’m passionate about bugs, fashion, and Fortnite.”
Qualifications
- Night Flight Aerial’s 2024 “Fright Night”
- Northwest Dance Projects 2019“Winter Wonders”
- USA Gymnastics Oregon 2015 Level 7 State Champion
- USA Gymnastics Oregon 2012 Level 5 State Champion
Liam Petite
Coach
Qualifications
- CPR certified
- Host of PDX Summer Jam 2025
- Ashland Spring Jam 2025
- Photographer
Raymond Van
Coach
“I have always dabbled in movements and action sports, but my passion is martial arts tricking. I am a self-taught practitioner of Tricking for over a decade. I have dabbled in lots of martial arts such as
- Taekwondo
- American KickBoxing
- Muay Thai
- Escrima/Kali
but since gravitated to tricking. I love the creativity and flow of tricking and has been the biggest outlet of expression for me. My journey of tricking has led me to travel across the country, compete, and make lots of connections with people all over the world, and now has led to teach to the new generation here at Superhero Fitness.
I also enjoy playing video games, movie theaters date with my partner, and cooking.”
Qualifications
- 2nd Dan ITF Taekwondo
- 2nd Dan STO Taekwondo
- 2016 Mighty River Classic Lightweight Champion
- PDXtricking community leader
- CPR/AED Certified
- Vietnamese Speaker
Specialty Coaches
Hans Tabb
Flexibility Coach
Hans, originally from upstate NY, spent the first 20 years of life exploring movement and mobility through dance, yoga, and gymnastics. Since relocating to Portland in 2015, she has developed a passion for contortion training and performing. With a degree in kinesiology and health science, Hans offers valuable expertise in optimizing the balance between flexibility and strength. Since graduating in 2020, she has been dedicated to teaching, empowering others to understand their bodies and achieve flexibility goals safely.
Cory Sylvester
Handstand Coach
After 10 year journey of following a dream, Cory landed the role as the artist of the German Wheel for Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam”.
For another decade, Cory performed around the world for over 2 million people, through the closing of the classic show in 2016.
Trained at the National Circus School in Montreal, and now with over 2 1/2 decades of being involved the the circus world, Cory shares his disciplines and helpful insights to help develop skills of aspiring students.
Lauren Risting
Icarian Acro Coach
Lauren specializes in the exciting realms of dynamic L-basing and icarian acrobatics. Her teaching emphasizes the combination of strength, precision, and trust required to master these high-energy movements. Whether it’s soaring through the air in icarian or navigating the dynamic interplay of L-basing, Lauren helps students safely push their limits while using her decade plus of experience to help build a solid technical foundation. Each class is an opportunity for students to explore, grow, and enjoy the thrill of acrobatics in a safe and encouraging environment.
Beyond technical skills, Lauren is deeply passionate about cultivating a sense of community within the acro world. Her classes create a space where partnerships flourish and connections are made both on and off the mat. Believing that acro is about more than just physical movement, Lauren fosters trust, communication, and camaraderie among practitioners. Together, they build a supportive, inclusive community where everyone can grow, from beginners to advanced acrobats.
Vadim Avakyan
Acro Yoga Coach
Vadim is an Acro Yoga coach with over 4 years of experience guiding practitioners of all levels in this dynamic discipline. He blends elements of balance, strength, and flexibility to cultivate a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. His approach emphasizes trust, communication, and community, helping students develop not only their physical skills but also meaningful connections with their partners.
Dedicated to fostering a sense of playfulness and exploration in every class, Vadim inspires others to embrace the joy of movement. Outside of coaching, he deepens his practice through classes and workshops, collaborating with others to create innovative teaching materials and explore new methods for skill development. When not practicing Acro Yoga, you can find Vadim enjoying nature through hiking, gardening, and biking.