The Story & Faces Behind OutWellness
Read about the vision that founded OutWellness and meet the passionate folks who bring it to life
Our Story
What Sets Us Apart
OutWellness exists to make health, fitness, and wellness genuinely safe, accessible, and affirming for the LGBTQ+ community of Austin, Texas. We work to close the gap in health outcomes experienced by queer and transgender people by providing inclusive gym facilities, physical therapy, gender-affirming care support, and community programming in an environment where everyone can come as they are.
Our Commitment to JEDI
OutWellness publicly commits to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) — in our workplace, in the services we deliver, and in the Austin community we serve. Inclusion is the founding reason this business exists: we were created to give LGBTQ+ people a wellness space where they are safe, seen, and celebrated.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Syd Young
(They/Them)
Founder & Lead Physical Therapist
Dr. Syd Young (they/them), Founder & Physical Therapist
Professional Credentials:
- Residency- and Fellowship-Trained Physical Therapist
- Running Rehab Specialist
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Certified in Dry Needling
- USA Weightlifting Coach
Experience: Dr. Syd Young brings extensive expertise to their practice, with a focus on providing inclusive and compassionate care to the queer community. With a strong foundation in physical therapy, Syd has specialized training in running rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and dry needling, making them a versatile practitioner capable of addressing a wide range of wellness needs.
Role and Responsibilities: As the founder of OutWellness, Dr. Syd Young is committed to creating a welcoming and affirming environment where queer individuals can pursue their health and wellness goals. They lead a team dedicated to delivering holistic and personalized care.
Philosophy and Approach: Dr. Syd believes in empowering clients to take charge of their wellness journey, using a combination of evidence-based practices and individualized care plans. Their approach emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and goals, particularly for those undergoing gender-affirming surgeries.
Areas of Expertise:
- Lower back treatment
- Shoulder rehabilitation
- Pre- and post-gender-affirming surgery support
Personal Story or Motivation: Syd founded OutWellness three years ago with the vision of providing a safe space for queer individuals to achieve their health and wellness objectives. They are passionate about offering tailored care that acknowledges and respects the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
Personal Interests: Outside of work, Syd enjoys exploring the intersection of movement and identity, often participating in community events that celebrate and support queer wellness.
Dr. Sienna Mander
(they/them)
Physical Therapist
Sienna Mander (they/them), Physical Therapist
Professional Credentials:
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy
- High Honors - University of St Augustine
- Adjunct Faculty: Physical Therapy Assistant Program at South University
- Evidence in Motion Dry Needling I
Experience: Dr. Sienna Mander brings thoughtful expertise when addressing the health needs of the queer community and people recovering from surgery/injury. Their career focus has been outpatient orthopedics and sports rehab, with supplemental experience in treating clients who are recovering from gender affirming surgery and people with neurological conditions (such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis).
Role and Responsibilities: As a full-time physical therapist and trainer at OutWellness, Sienna shares their expertise in a variety of settings. They not only provide 1:1 services for clients, but also lead group classes so that LGBTQ+ folks and allies can connect through movement (including a Sunday Trans Masc Workout and Wednesday Community Workout).
Philosophy and Approach: Sienna believes in not only giving clients the tools to work toward their goals, but to provide education on the “how” and “why” of getting there. They believe in the power of knowledge and understanding physiology as a motivator for clients to achieve and maintain their goals.
Areas of Expertise:
- Hypermobility/EDS
- Chronic pain
- Sports and weightlifting related injuries
- Pre and post-op gender-affirming care
Personal Story or Motivation: Sienna's journey into physical therapy started when they experienced an ACL tear while playing collegiate rugby. This injury and the subsequent recovery process sparked their desire to help people facing similar challenges. As a former athlete, Sienna is passionate about treating sports related injuries and pain, understanding firsthand the physical and emotional hurdles clients may face during rehabilitation.
Personal Interests: In their free time, Sienna enjoys hiking and cycling throughout Austin’s many trails. They are also currently learning how to speak Spanish and play the guitar.
Maria Dee
(she/her)
Social Media Director
Maria Dee (she/her), Social Media Director
Experience: Maria brings her expertise in building vibrant, inclusive online communities to the forefront. With more than 10+ years of experience, she specializes in crafting social media strategies that amplify the mission and values of companies.
Role and Responsibilities: Maria leads the social media efforts at OutWellness, curating content that resonates with the community and promotes the diverse range of services offered. She is responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive engagement, build community, and showcase OutWellness’s commitment to holistic health with the ultimate goals of client satisfaction and acquisition.
Philosophy and Approach: Maria is passionate about creating social media content that feels genuine and accessible. She believes in the power of storytelling and aims to share the unique journeys of OutWellness members and staff. Her approach is all about fostering connection and making wellness feel approachable for everyone.
Personal Interests: Outside of work, Maria loves hiking, traveling, and reading Whether she’s exploring new trails or discovering new places, she brings a laid-back, adventurous spirit to everything she does.
Kelly Marshall
(They/Them)
Yoga Instructor
Kelly Marshall (they/them), Yoga Instructor
About Kelly: As a certified yoga (C-IAYT) and massage therapist, Kelly utilizes a diverse array of techniques to meet people's wellness goals. They facilitate a safe space for folks to reconnect with their bodies and drop into a deeper state of rest in order to heal, with an emphasis on the nervous system via verbal breathing and embodiment cues.
Bella
(she/her)
Chief Security Officer
Bella (she/her), Chief Security Officer
About Bella: Meet Bella, our spirited gym dog who may start off with a bark but quickly becomes the best friend you'll ever have. This small, gray, and white bundle of energy has a big personality and an even bigger heart.
Role and Responsibilities: As the Chief Security Officer, Bella takes her job of greeting new faces very seriously. Her enthusiastic barks are her way of making sure everyone knows she's on duty, but once she gets to know you, she transforms into a loving companion who adores being around people.
Personality and Traits: Bella is fiercely loyal and protective, but underneath her initial excitement is a sweet and affectionate friend. Once she warms up to you, she'll be your constant companion, ready for cuddles and playtime.
Personal Interests: Bella enjoys exploring her surroundings, chasing after toys, and receiving lots of attention from her favorite humans. Her favorite activity is curling up next to you after a day of gym adventures.
Grizzly
(him/he)
Honorary Gym Companion
Grizzly (him/he), Honorary Gym Companion
About Grizzly: Meet Grizzly, our lovable teddy bear dog who, while not technically Syd's, spends plenty of time hanging out at OutWellness. With his soft fur and gentle demeanor, Grizzly brings warmth and smiles to everyone he meets.
Role and Responsibilities: As an honorary gym companion, Grizzly’s role is to spread joy and relaxation to all visitors. His calm presence and affectionate nature make him a favorite among gym-goers looking for a furry friend to brighten their day.
Personality and Traits: Grizzly is as cuddly as they come, with a sweet and laid-back personality that endears him to everyone. He’s always ready for a snuggle and happy to provide comfort to anyone who needs it.
Personal Interests: Grizzly enjoys lounging around the gym, meeting new friends, and taking leisurely strolls. He’s always up for a petting session and loves to bask in the attention of his human companions.
Rufus
(he/him)
Chief Cuddle Officer
Rufus (he/him), Chief Cuddle Officer
About Rufus: Meet Rufus, our beloved gym dog, known for being a big, fluffy, gentle giant and the goodest dog around! Rufus brings joy and comfort to everyone at OutWellness with his friendly demeanor and calming presence.
Role and Responsibilities: As the Chief Cuddle Officer, Rufus is responsible for providing unconditional love and companionship to all gym-goers. Whether you're finishing a tough workout or just need a little extra motivation, Rufus is always ready with a wagging tail and a gentle nuzzle.
Personality and Traits: Rufus is the epitome of a gentle giant, offering a sense of tranquility to everyone he meets. His super fluffy coat and warm eyes make him the perfect companion for anyone in need of a little TLC.
Personal Interests: When he's not busy being the goodest dog, Rufus loves to lounge in the sun, play with his favorite toys, and receive endless belly rubs from his human friends.