Thrive Empowerment Center supports the safety and resilience of all people—especially women, children, and marginalized groups—and believes that significant strength and healing can be achieved when given the knowledge, tools, and space to do so. We work for a safer world free from violence, oppression, and fear.

Co-Founders

Lindsey Falcon (she/her)

Lindsey is a multiple martial artist with a black belt in taekwondo from the World Taekwondo Federation and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She is also a rabid hockey fan. She is a passionate advocate of sex positivity and de-stigmatizing sex education and is a sex coach, certified by the American Board of Sexology. Assertive communication is her superpower. She’s also hilarious.

“Consent is a completely mindful, willing, and uncoerced choice to say yes and the ability to revoke that yes at any time without fear of repercussions. Accept nothing less.”

Lauren Bailey (she/her)

Lauren spent two decades in the commercial book publishing industry before realizing her passion for women’s empowerment was actually her vocation. She holds an MSW and is a CSW in the state of Kentucky, focusing on trauma recovery for adults and children. As a martial artist, she has earned a black belt in Combat Hapkido through the International Combat Hapkido Federation, is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and holds rank in Filipino kali. Lindsey constantly teases her for eating protein bars, but they do solve a lot of problems.

“I believe everyone has the right to move through life with confidence rather than fear, and I’m passionate about sharing the knowledge I’ve been given to help them do so.”

Together …

Their Empowerment Self-Defense teaching has been certified by the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, Empowerment Self-Defense Global, and ASSERT Empowerment & Self-Defense. They are approved safety trainers for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP) and the Ohio Human Services Training System (OHSTS). At Thrive, they are the lead ESD instructors and head Storm coaches.

Instructors

Maria Mangione (she/her) * Muay Thai Instructor

Maria is a licensed clinical mental health professional specializing in DBT and EMDR. She holds a black sash in Muay Thai and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She is also a ninja with a Cricut machine.

Meghan D. Klein (she/her) * Assistant BJJ & ESD Instructor, Race Director

Meghan (known on our mats as Rage) spent 10 years as a stage manager wrangling actors, designers, crowds, and everything in between and then moved on to managing lawyers as a paralegal for the last 15 years. Meghan has trained nogi with Thrive’s Storm BJJ team for two years and also trains in the gi at Club MMA. She brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her coaching, as well as to special events like our annual Thrive 5K, which celebrates community and raises awareness for domestic violence survivors. 

Shari Olson (she/her) * Assistant ESD Instructor

Shari has a deep-rooted resilience that drives her unwavering commitment to supporting the healing journey of women and teens who have faced trauma.  Her passion for empowering individuals to overcome their struggles is at the core of everything she does.  She draws upon her diverse professional background that includes domestic violence advocacy and at-risk youth mentorship to make a meaningful impact on those in need. Through her experiences and expertise, she strives to create safe spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity.

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” 

—Shakespeare

Trish Riley (she/her) * Nia Instructor

I discovered the Nia Technique at a really low point in my life—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I had a cathartic cry in my first Nia class; sometimes healing occurs not through traditional therapy but through movement and music that profoundly knocks something loose. I was a student of Nia for about a year, then took the white belt teacher training, with no intent to teach, but for my own personal development. Shortly after that, my Nia teacher needed to step away from the practice, and the other students in the class encouraged me to teach . . . so perfect for me! I would never have had the courage to take that step on my own. With their continued support and encouragement, I grew as a teacher. I am now a certified black belt Nia instructor, and I have been teaching for over 20 years. I teach regular Nia classes, as well as classes for special populations (individuals with developmental disabilities and cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers). Movement and music are magical in their ability to help heal us, body, mind and spirit!

Therapeutic Practitioners

Erin DeSantis * Yoga, Meditation, Reiki

I began my journey on the mat 7 years ago; after my first class I knew yoga was a practice I would hold dear for the rest of my life. Having felt such a healing quality through yoga, I became a yoga teacher to pass on that peace to others. Always teaching with an open mind and heart, my classes center on the breath, finding ease within and appreciating where you’re at in the present moment.

I am a 500-hour registered trauma conscious yoga instructor, a reiki master teacher trainer, and a meditation guide. My dharma is serving those in recovery and people with post-traumatic stress disorder. I use pranayama and other wellness practices everyday with the people I serve as a librarian. Currently I am working on an iRest Meditation certification.

Through yoga a person has every opportunity to come home to themselves, to truly arrive within. As a yoga teacher, it’s my greatest accomplishment to help others on their journey, making it all the more possible to realize the power of yoga and the fact that we have everything already inside that we could ever possibly need. One of my main desires for my students is to “Be free and freely breathe”—on and off the mat.