Coaches
Colleen Phelps, Founder & Coach
A Natick mom of two with a passion for running, Colleen founded the program in 2009. A graduate of Holy Cross College with an MBA from Bentley College, Colleen took up running over 30 years ago. Today she is a qualified Boston Marathon runner, has run eight marathons, and competes regularly in half marathons and 5k races. She is also a member of the Suburban Striders Running Club and was the Race Founder and Director for Natick’s Jingle Bell Family Fun Run and the STRIVERS Mother’s Day 5k. Colleen brings a great deal of experience and dedication to STRIVERS. Colleen is a United States Track and Field Level 1 Coach and CPR certified.
Kathy Landry, Coach
STRIVERS Coach and mother of four kids enjoys running and nutrition. She has been actively running for over a decade and enjoys participating in local road races, including the Boston Marathon and several half-marathons. Kathy was raised in Natick and likes to spend time volunteering at her children’s schools. She’s excited and honored at the chance to help your daughters learn and grown into healthy young ladies. Kathy is CPR certified.
Laura Lapolla, Assistant Coach
Laura is a physical therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Center in Framingham. Through the clinic’s participation with the Striver’s Running Club over the years, it was a perfect fit to have her join the coaching staff. Laura enjoys staying active, playing sports, and giving back to the community. ”One of the many things I love about the Striver’s Running Club for Girls is that it encompasses all of those things.” Laura earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and CPR certified. Being part of the club also allows Laura to share her educational knowledge with the girls and hopefully foster a lifestyle of healthy decisions through fun and rewarding experiences.