CEO – Ryan Schmid

Ryan is grateful each time he gets to run, cycle, or move his body without pain.  After playing offensive line, and weighing 290 pounds, at the University of Oregon in college, Ryan believed he’d never be able to enjoy all of the physical activities he does today.  He is committed to helping other experience the same joy and freedom that he now does.

Promoting wellness is Ryan’s passion.  He moved from Eugene to Seattle and cofounded a nonprofit gym, Rainier Health and Fitness.  Ryan then cofounded Vera Fitness while earning his MBA from Seattle University. Currently, Ryan is the President and CEO of Vera Fitness and Chairman of the Board for the Urban Impact Community Health Center, a free medical clinic in Seattle’s Rainier Valley.  Ryan has a personal training certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, is a Wellness Coach, and thrives seeing clients achieve their goals.

Ryan’s life goal is helping enough people change behaviors and live healthy lifestyles that we become the healthiest nation in the world, and our healthcare system reforms to encourage the same.

CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) – Valerie Burlingame

Valerie is an accomplished teacher, mentor and coach in the area of women’s health and wellness.  As the Chief Visionary Officer for Vera Wellness Inc. Valerie has helped to create wellness communities where clients and health professionals thrive.

Valerie moved to Seattle after owning and operating a yoga studio and a not-for-profit theatre company in Chicago from 2001-2008, her passionate dedication to personal enrichment and courageous entrepreneurism helped her to find a happy match with the founders of Vera Fitness when they met in 2008.  Since then her creativity, passion for wellness, and love of all our clients is felt in everything that Vera Wellness is and does.  Monthly Kinesis routines, Wellness Coaching, Wellness Journals, Trainer and Wellness Coach Certifications are all manifestations of Valerie’s deep desire to ‘esteem people.’

Regional Director – Erin Usher

Erin has been joyfully involved in the field of health and wellness for over a decade as a massage therapist, Pilates instructor, personal trainer and yoga studio owner from 2003-2007.   In 2010 her studio became a part of Vera Wellness Inc. and she is thrilled daily to be working as a part of a team that shares her passion for esteeming people and creating sustainable wellness careers.

In either her role as director or instructor – Erin intends to offer and support gathering places for people to play, grow, heal and strengthen mind-body connections – she hopes to help people individually and the community at large.