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

At OutWellness, our story is rooted in a heartfelt mission to create a sanctuary for Austin’s queer and trans community. Founded by Syd Young, OutWellness is more than a health and wellness center. It is a passion project born from the desire to offer a safe, welcoming, and affirming space where folks can access the care they deserve. Syd envisioned a place where everyone, regardless of their identity or financial situation, could find support and empowerment through holistic health services.


Recognizing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, OutWellness is committed to breaking down barriers to accessing care. We provide a wide range of resources, including expert advice on our Wellness Hub, low-to-no cost workshops, and free weekly workouts for the trans community. Wellness should be accessible to all, and our mission is to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for. Whether you’re seeking guidance, community, or simply a place to belong, OutWellness is here to support you on your journey to well-being.


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.


OutWellness is publicly committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion — in our workplace, in the services we deliver, and in the Austin community we serve. Inclusion is the founding reason this business exists. In practice, that means: we intentionally design services for communities excluded from mainstream fitness and healthcare; we hire and partner with queer providers who reflect the community we serve; we keep core offerings financially accessible; we partner with organizations advancing equity; and we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind in our space. We review this commitment every year, and anyone can raise a concern through our Feedback & Concerns process.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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Theo Gray

(He/they)

Executive Assistant

Theo Gray (he/they), Business Operations

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Rufus

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.

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