OUR TEAM

JACOB + AUDREY

We are the Stevenson Family! Both Jacob and I grew up playing sports. Jacob dabbled in a little bit of everything and ended up channeling all his time into basketball. He set records at WWU, played in Portugal and finished his career playing for the Bellingham Slam until 2014. You can still find him dominating local leagues with his brother Jared. We have a hoop at the gym if you ever want to see if he's still got it!

I spent most of my life playing soccer and then pivoted my focus to dance. I trained in every style of dance; ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, and then spent a few years on a competitive hip-hop team. I actually danced for Bellingham Slam during Jacob's last season in 2014, but this was long before we found ourselves running JD Elite Fitness. Naturally we were drawn to the benefits of strength training to replace the time we had been putting into our athletic careers.

Which is where our gym came into the mix. If you haven't met us yet, you can find Jacob at the early AM classes, either coaching or working out. He runs the programming and all the heavy lifting at the gym. I manage the gym and try to keep things running smoothly, while also getting some workouts in myself at the 9:30am class. (Mom’s Club)

Jacob and I are dedicated to helping you feel your best by creating a space where everyone feels welcome, while also prioritizing quality time with our two kiddos, Earl and Iris.  Whether we are working out alongside you, welcoming new members to the gym, or chasing our kids around this space, we are constantly reminded of the love and support of this community. It's been a dream raising our kids here and watching all the growth within our family and JD Elite over the last last ten years. 

Jacob - ISSA CPT

Audrey - NASM CPT , ICE Pelvic L1

tawnie burks

I am a fun loving, adventure seeking Oklahoman who moved to the great state of Washington with her German Shepherd, Bane. I just recently joined the JD Elite Fitness team in March, 2024! Since I began my fitness journey I have fallen in love with the entire health and fitness lifestyle. I enjoy nothing more than helping others to become the healthier versions of themselves and to achieve their own personal fitness goals. In my off time I enjoy lifting weights, hiking, backpacking, camping, and really anything else that involves the outdoors.

-Certified personal trainer

-Pre/Postnatal coach

-Certified nutrition coach

-Corrective exercise specialist

zoe moeller

I was born and raised in Bellingham. During my childhood, I had a wide variety of athletic interests but quickly narrowed my focus to Track and Field at Sehome High School. My success at the long jump gave me the opportunity to become a scholarship-athlete at Washington State University. During my collegiate career, I struggled with multiple injuries and ultimately the sport that once gave me confidence and joy began to cause more mental and physical strife than good. After graduating from WSU with a degree in Psychology and Humanities, I moved back to Bellingham and began working as a personal trainer as I evaluated my future goals. I found aptitude and joy working directly with clients to improve their own physical and mental health through exercise and movement. In 2019, I was introduced to the Institute of Structural Medicine, where I fell in love with structural integration therapy because of the “full-body” (physical, mental and historical) approach used to evaluate, treat and cure 'dis-ease" of all kinds. I enrolled in the 4-year program with passion and strive to become the type of practitioner I wish I had found during my collegiate athlete days. I graduated in 2023 and opened my own practice, Big Cat Bodywork. Strength and explosiveness are my primary athletic background, but my education in structural integration has made me increasingly interested in combining strength and power exercises with more mindful, slower, and stretchier practices. I love all movement and get great satisfaction out of challenging my body in new ways, exploring my mind-body connection, and helping others do the same.

LMT, Structural Medicine Specialist

Jacob kaepernick

My name is Jacob Kaepernick and I grew up in Bellingham, Wa. I got my degree in kinesiology at the University of Utah. I have been fortunate to be a part of collegiate athletics which has made strength and conditioning a natural part of my life. Outside of training, I also coach football which has allowed my passion for fitness, performance, and helping others to grow.

I keep up with my own fitness in the gym as well as on bikes, both mountain biking and road biking. I will also be taking classes this fall to continue my educational journey in the realm of health and science.
You will usually find me in the outdoors whether that’s on a bike or backpacking in the mountains. Staying active and connected to nature brings me great peace and keeps my life balanced.

I’m always looking for a new adventure and hope that I can use what I’ve learned to help people better their own lives.

-Kinesiology Degree

aliya hunter

My name is Aliya Hunter, I am from Fife Wa, and I lived in the Bay Area for 5 years! I studied Sports Management and Marketing at Menlo College in Atherton, Ca. I fell in love with fitness while I played basketball in college. This became a key part of my mental health journey during and after my collegiate career. I have always loved the feeling that I get during and after a workout! I also love to inspire and encourage others to prioritize health, fitness, and wellness!

I played soccer and basketball growing up, and played basketball in College. Outside of the gym I love to hike, do yoga, listen to music, read, and watch shows with my fiancé!

CPT - NASM

DEREK ALUMBAUGH

Hello everyone!  My name is Derek Alumbaugh.  I am a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and nutrition coach.  I grew up in Winthrop, Washington, but have been in Bellingham the past 3 years.  When I am not in the gym, I am pursuing my other passions of skiing, fly fishing, and skydiving.  I commercial fish in Alaska, guide fly fishing on the Methow River, and coach skydiving in my free time.  I love being in the gym and helping others reach their fitness goals so that they too can pursue their passions and hobbies with vigor and confidence.

-Certified Personal Trainer

-Corrective Exercise Specialist

what people are saying

  • "Fantastic place to get a good workout! The trainers walk you through the circuit and help correct your form during the workout. Look no further if you want to connect with terrific people who are in it with you, even when you're feeling the hurt 💪 These classes will push you physically and mentally. I've been going for a month and I've been loving it. Let's goooo

    -Erika R.

  • "JD Elite is hands down the best gym I’ve ever been to. The workouts are both challenging, yet accommodating to everyone, no matter your experience. The trainers and owners are incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and put so much effort into making this such an uplifting space. I was fairly new to Bellingham when I joined JD Elite, and I’ve really appreciated the sense of community that JD has brought into my life. If you’re looking for a place to find community, or just get a high quality workout in, JD is the place to go."

    - Madison J.