Team
Owners
Michelle Ladd, Co-Founder
A veteran in nutrition, wellness, and personal training support, Michelle’s career helping others began in 1997, after receiving her BS in Psychology and Exercise Physiology from Ohio Wesleyan University. Michelle provides private training and Nutrition and Lifestyle coaching to The Human Form Community. In 2011 she was named one of the Top Ten Trainers/Coaches in Columbus by Athletics Magazine.
Michelle’s dream is for The Human Form to provide the support, knowledge and inspiration for those looking to create a lifestyle that breeds health and vitality while having fun. She believes that “health and fitness” looks different for each person, and are the building blocks for a long and active life. Her kind and gentle approach allows her connect with and support clients of all backgrounds and ability levels.
Michelle’s certifications:
- CHEK Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach
- Certified Precision Nutrition Coach
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist
- Certified Advanced Metabolic Typing Advisor
- DISC® Certified Behavioral Consultant
- Wellcoaches Health Coach
AKA:
Ellie. From when my brother was too little to pronounce my full name. He promptly named his stuffed elephant after me as well. Nice
Posse:
Cats. Lots of cats. I’m not sure the exact number should be public knowledge though…
Birth Place:
New York, baby!
What does the HF Culture mean to you:
My dream is for The Human Form to provide the support, knowledge and inspiration for those looking to create a lifestyle that breeds health and vitality. And of course, to help them have a great time doing it!
Favorite Exercise:
Barbell hip thrusts, single leg deadlifts, pull ups, kettle bell swings… things that make me feel strong and drive me to be stronger.
Least Favorite Exercise:
Stationary cardio. Why grind away on an elliptical or treadmill when you can have much more fun pushing a sled!
What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:
Cooking, gardening, reading, knitting, cuddling with kitties, spending time with good friends, relaxing in the hammock with Stephen.
Who do you look up to and why?
My mom is a great inspiration – at 73 years old, she is still pursuing her dreams and conquering her fears with a vengeance. She is a constant reminder that age is most definitely just a number.
Guilty Indulgence:
My mom’s chocolate cherry pie, without a doubt.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:
Wonder Woman – while I can’t deflect bullets with my bracelet, I do try to see the best in people and aim to “triumph not with fists or firepower, but with love”.
Can’t get enough of Michelle?
Top Ten Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Michelle <<<— Click Here
Stephen Ladd, Co-Founder
Co-Founder of The Human Form, Stephen serves our community with holistics fitness coaching, bodywork such as Be Activated and Reiki, and nondual coaching (a practice of resting in a state of openness, non-contrivance, and not-knowing). Stephen started The Human Form in 1991, and received his BA in Philosophy, Psychology and Comparative Religion from Miami University.
Stephen launched The Human Form in 1991, envisioning a place that embodies multiple aspects of wellness for everyone, regardless of their current condition, free of both ego and judgment (of others and self). He wanted it to be an oasis from the inherent stress of modern culture; a place where individuals can come together as a community and provide positive support for each other on the journey.
Stephen’s certifications:
- CHEK Corrective Exercise Kinesiologist
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- TPI Certified Golf Fitness Trainer Level 3
- TPI Certified Golf Power Coach Level 2
- TPI Certified Junior Golf Fitness Coach Level 2
- Be Activated (Douglas Heel) Practitioner Level 2
- Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) Coach Level 2
- Reiki Master Practitioner
- Robbins-Madanes Trained Life Coach
- NLP Practitioner and Hypnosis Coach
AKA:
Boss Man. But only as a joke… everyone knows who the real boss is (sigh).
Posse:
Michelle and I rent a room out of a house owned by felines – Sergeant Pepper, Kimmy, Tonto, Rudy, Mr. Grey, and Lilly.
Birth Place:
Beech Grove, IN
What does the HF Culture mean to you:
My vision for HF started about 23 years ago – a place that embodies multiple aspects of wellness for everyone, regardless of their current condition, free of judgment (including self-judgment), and ego. An oasis from the inherent stress of modern culture; a place where individuals can come together as a community and provide positive support for each other on the journey.
Favorite Exercise:
Bulgarian Split Squats, Turkish Get Ups, or any exercise with a “hard-core sounding country” in front of it… in theory.
Least Favorite Exercise:
Bulgarian Split Squats, Turkish Get Ups, or any exercise with a “hard-core sounding country” in front of it… in practice.
What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals:
Reading, laughing, hanging with cats (see answer above), date nights with Michelle.
Who do you look up to and why?
Each and every member here at HF, and ANYONE for that matter, that commits to taking care of themselves- physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s hard work these days, and those that pursue “holistic fitness”, regardless of the specific path, have my admiration.
Guilty Indulgence:
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams… and the show “Children’s Hospital” on AdultSwim.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:
Cat-Man, for obvious reasons. He was originally the arch-villain of Batman (click here for details). And I’ve always been a fan of the Anti-Hero.
Want to know even more about Stephen? Click link below:
Our Team
As a member of The Human Form, you will work closely with our coaches. Get to know them here.
Jeff Lowe, Coach
Jeff is a dedicated personal trainer, born and raised in Columbus, OH. He started his coaching journey in 2014 and joined the Human Form in 2016 with a passion for holistic and functional fitness. His background comes from strength training alongside functional fitness. He takes pride in his ability to correct form mistakes and alleviate pain during workouts, which helps people achieve their goals in the gym and maintain a strong, pain-free body. From teenagers to seniors, Jeff has worked with members of all ages and fitness levels, guiding them toward healthier, happier lifestyles.
Jeff’s certifications:
- TRX Certified
- CFSC (Certified Functional Strength Coach)
- Be Activated (Douglas Heel) Practitioner Level 2
- RPR (Reflexive Performance Reset) Level 2
AKA: JLo (like the singer)
Posse: I spend most of my free time with my husky, Louie.
Birth Place: Reynoldsburg, OH
What does the HF Culture mean to you:
The culture here is like no other. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by supportive members and teammates; it’s awesome to still see and experience this positivity since becoming a coach here. The community plays a large role for me. To see everyone pushing each other in a healthy way and not being overly competitive is a refreshing change to the “normal” gym environment. Everyone here, from the members to the coaches, are all in support of each other and challenge one another to be the best version of themselves. I love it.
Favorite Exercise: The obvious answer is the “Romanian Copenhagen Bulgarian Split Side Deadlifts”.
Least Favorite Exercise: I have a hate-hate relationship with burpees.
What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals: As mentioned above, I spend most of my free time with my dog Louie. We go on daily walks, nap and sometimes even share a meal together.
Who do you look up to and why? I always have and will look up to my mother. I guess you could say I’m a real “mommas boy”. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis around the time I was born. Since then, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve heard her complain about her pain or discomfort. She has supported me in every endeavor I have tried. Through her own hardships, she continues to work, get things done efficiently, and do everything possible to make her children happy. I don’t know how she does it, but I am certainly grateful to have her as my mother.
Guilty Indulgence: Reese’s because it has the perfect chocolate to peanut butter ratio.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why: I have to go with Deadpool. Firstly, he’s played by Ryan Reynolds. I think that’s more than enough reason to pick Deadpool, but I’ll continue… Outside of Ryan playing his role in movie land, Deadpool is the antihero everyone roots for. He’s known as the “Merc with a Mouth” because of his tendency to talk and joke constantly. I aspire to be as carefree as he is in my daily life.
Lauren Miller, Coach, Licensed Massage Therapist
Pittsburgh native Lauren Miller joined the Human Form team in 2019, and has been providing strength and conditioning training, and therapeutic services for more than a decade. She received a BA in Sport Leadership and Humanities from The Ohio State University, became a Licensed Massage Therapist through the American Institute of Alternative Medicine, and became a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at the Bradford School.
Lauren specializes in functional movement, teaching safe, simple and effective tactics to screen and assess conscious movement patterns. When she’s not assisting clients, Lauren spends time with family, friends, and her dog, rides her motorcycle, and tries new coffee shops in Columbus.
Lauren’s certifications:
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
- Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
- Functional Range Release Spine Practitioner
- Mike Boyle Certified Functional Strength Coach
- Rocktape Functional Movement Techniques Certified
- USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
- Poliquin Sports Performance Coach
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
AKA: Miller
Posse: My fur baby, Chuck, my family, and my 3 friends I pay each month to hangout with me.
Birth Place: Pittsburgh
What does the HF Culture mean to you: The HF culture is one of a kind. From the first time I stepped in here I could feel how different it is from any other place in Columbus. Not only is the coaching top notch, but the atmosphere is welcoming and genuine in all ways. The HF truly wants to help each and every person that walks in the door as much as we can.
Favorite Exercise: Kettlebell Swing
Least Favorite Exercise: Burpees. Haven’t done one in years and plan to keep that streak going.
What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals: Spend time with my family and friends, zip around on my motorcycle, try new coffee shops, watch The Office, force Coach Jeff to hangout with me.
Who do you look up to and why? My mother. I’ve seen her overcome so much in her life and come out as an incredibly strong and kick-ass woman. I strive to be like her every single day.
Guilty Indulgence: Coffee…I can’t say no to it.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why? The Hulk. Some people think I have a hard shell before they meet me, but beneath my gigantic muscles (okay, I’m working on that) I’m a very emotional and deep person. I’m always the crier in the movie theatre. Just ask Coach Jeff what he first thought of me.
Patrick Birrer, Coach
With The Human Form since 2018, Patrick Birrer has been providing personal coaching since 2016. He received his BS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, and minored in Nutrition at Otterbein University, where he also lettered in baseball. When he’s not doing Romanian Deadlifts, he’s playing basketball, baseball, or enjoying music and movies with his friends.
Patrick’s certifications:
- ACSM-Certified Personal Trainer
- NSCA-Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist
AKA: Pat
Posse: My old teammates from the glory days (sigh).
Birth Place: Buffalo, NY.
What does the HF Culture mean to you: The HF Culture is something that anyone can have a chance to experience. It does not matter what your history or attitude is as it relates to fitness. The culture has a family atmosphere and all who walk through the door are going to be cared for and pushed to be the best versions of themselves.
Favorite Exercise: RDL
Least Favorite Exercise: Anything involving my core.
What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals: Playing baseball, basketball, or doing anything involving competition, listening to music, watching a movie, or hanging out with my friends.
Who do you look up to and why? My dad is the person I look up to the most in my life. He is someone who taught me to never make excuses for myself and the value of hard work. He is also someone who has always been there and supported me and I hope to be just like him when I am a father someday.
Guilty Indulgence: Any sort of chocolate candy, especially Kit-Kat’s or Reese’s.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why: Captain America. The dude is jacked and is the leader of the Avengers…say no more.
Jade Smith, Coach
West Virginia native Jade Smith has been helping people achieve their fitness goals since 2020. A Personal Trainer and Health and Wellness Coach, Jade received her Associate of Arts degree from Columbus State Community college, and specializes in Macro Coaching. Jade spends her time outside of The Human Form exploring restaurants of all types.
Jade’s certifications:
- NCI Level 1 – Applied Nutritional Coach
- NCI Mindset Specialist
- CPR / AED Certified
AKA: Jady Baby
Posse: My siblings, parents, and close group of friends.
Birth Place: Parkersburg, West Virginia
What does the HF Culture mean to you: From the moment I entered HF, I felt at home. As someone who values holistic health, spiritual/mental healing, and body awareness, I feel HF goes beyond coaching these core beliefs; each person is educated and shown the importance of being more emotionally and physically mindful. From there, their perception of health and fitness is transformed and taken out into the world. HF is truly one of a kind.
Favorite Exercise: Barbell back squats or any row variation.
Least Favorite Exercise: I despise skull-crushers.
What do you do when you’re not coaching members towards their goals: Outside of HF, work, and academics, I love exploring local restaurants. I’m a huge foodie; anything from vegan and vegetarian options to ice cream and donut shops to pizza and burger joints, you name it… oh and don’t forget chips and guac. I also love cooking at home, especially for family and friends. I’ve always loved the way food brings family together.
Who do you look up to and why? Many people view a divorced household as an inconvenience; however, I view it as a blessing in disguise. I grew up with four incredible parents who I greatly admire. They’ve all taught me great lessons in life, but my mom and dad influenced me the most. My mom taught me the importance of work ethic, dedication, and respect. My dad taught me the importance of self-love and connection to the world. I’m eternally grateful for them.
Guilty Indulgence: Donuts, donuts, annddd more donuts.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why:
Although I’m not the biggest superhero fan, I’d have to choose Iron Man. He’s got a good sense of humor and his ingenuities. If I were a superhero, I’d to have two separate lives and Iron Man is able to disconnect from his superhero abilities.
