At OPEX Morgantown, we believe that through the experience of fitness, we help people live a larger life, and our systems and processes are set up to support this.
Meet the coaches that make it possible.
Kayla Smith
B.S. - Sport Management
M.S. - Exercise Science - Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
OPEX CCP Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Kayla, owner and coach of OPEX Morgantown brings experience to the table with her unique background in a variety of sports as both an athlete and coach.
Kayla graduated from the California University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in sports management and a master's degree in exercise science and health promotion with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention. As an undergrad at Cal U, Kayla was a 4-time letter winner in basketball, garnering All-American honors as a senior. While studying for her master's degree, Kayla was a strength and conditioning graduate assistant, where she developed and implemented strength and conditioning protocols for all of Cal U's athletic teams. Following her time at Cal U, Kayla competed professionally for the Le Havre Al Aplemont basketball club in Le Havre, France. Upon returning to the States, Kayla acted as assistant basketball coach at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, a position where she was responsible for team strength and conditioning programs, recruiting athletes, and coaching. Following her position as the assistant basketball coach at Kutztown University, Kayla was the general manager and head coach at a CrossFit facility for 4 years. Throughout Kayla’s time competing in CrossFit, Kayla was a four-time team member at the Atlantic Regionals competition and received two individual invitations.
Kayla has found that her passion lies in aiding in the development of each individual person holistically. Focusing on strengthening the person’s current abilities, identify and overcoming underlying deficits, and developing a relationship with each member of OPEX Morgantown is what Kayla truly believes is the key to long-term success.
Through the model of Individual Design Programming, Kayla has witnessed the impact it has had on her athletes, of all lifestyles, ages, and varying goals, both within the walls of the gym and in their everyday lives. It is within this model that people are able to express their personal “why” for their journey and unlock untold potential.
“I’m feeling stronger and over time less nagging pain and more flexibility. If I’d learned proper deadlifts years ago, I would have lifted things differently all these years. The coaches have taught me proper movement, not just given me exercises and told me to do it.”
— Carl Schmidt
Chloe Honaker
BMDS West Virginia University
OPEX CCP
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
RYT 200
Chloe brings enthusiasm and encouragement to OPEX Morgantown. Her diverse background as a coach allows her to meet any client where they are today and move towards their goals.
Chloe graduated with a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University where she studied Strength and Conditioning, Personal Training, Sport and Exercise Psychology, and Nutrition and Food. During her time at WVU Chloe made Dean’s List and graduated with honors. Through her pathway of multidisciplinary studies, Chloe has been able to more deeply explore the dimensions of wellness and exercise that are often overlooked.
Chloe has been a lifelong athlete, and her love of movement transitioned into a career of fitness coaching. She became a CrossFit coach shortly after becoming a member of a local box, where she coached for 4 years. Throughout her years as a CrossFit trainer, she taught 3rd-12th grade students, principals of movement, oversaw onboarding classes for new clients and began offering personalized training to older adults who felt their needs could not be met by CrossFit alone. Chloe was also the strength coach for girls’ high school sports teams and completed annual programming for soccer, softball, and track and field athletes. While exercise is a fundamental piece of her life’s work, Chloe quickly realized that one size does not fit all in the world of fitness. She saw clients getting strong but not feeling well at the end of their day. She saw daily PRs and no mobility work. She began to recognize that there were important pieces missing from the puzzle, and for her to be successful as a coach she needed to explore a variety of movement practices that supported wellness. This exploration led her to OPEX.
Her experiences as a CrossFit coach and Yoga Instructor paved the way for her deep belief in the OPEX model of fitness. OPEX has allowed her to support the full spectrum of a client’s daily life, not just the hour spent in a gym. Through the OPEX model, she has seen balance and growth within herself and OPEX Morgantown clients. Her love of connection, community, and intentionality align perfectly with OPEX methodology.
Monica Lewis
Bachelor’s In Psychology- Minor in Spanish- University of New Mexico
Masters In Community Counseling- Wright State University
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Crossfit Level 1 and 2 Certifications
OPEX CCP Coach
Monica Lewis is a mother of four with a diverse background in fitness and education. Monica has been an ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 2011. She has coached several group exercise fitness classes and provided personal training and behavioral coaching to a variety of individuals of all ages, genders and physical abilities. Monica holds a L1 and L2 CrossFit trainer certificate and she recently became specialized in Coaching Behavior Change with the American Council on Exercise. Monica holds an active CPR, AED and First Aid certification.
Monica has been an Opex client for over two years and enjoys the personalized programming and coaching from coaches, Kayla and Chloe. In addition to the many fitness and health gains she has achieved, Monica believes the community and friendships gained during her time at Opex have been invaluable. As a coach, Monica hopes to lead others in committing to and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable FOR LIFE.
Kevin Armstrong
BS - Business Administration, West Virginia University
Certified Maxwell Leadership Speaker, Trainer, Coach
CCP Coach
Kevin is entering his second year as a coach at Opex Morgantown. He approaches fitness optimistically, believing anyone can gain the knowledge and motivation needed to achieve their desired results. Much of his career has included leading others, both in business and in athletics. He has already helped many people reach their goals!
As a certified John Maxwell leadership speaker, trainer and business coach, Kevin knows how to peel back the layers and help people discover the true talents that lie within them. He is a former college athlete who has years of experience coaching high school and youth sports. With his OPEX Coaching Certification completed, his knowledge of fitness, nutrition and overall health will only enhance his ability to serve his clients.
Kevin is married to Cynthia (34 years) and together raised three great kids. He understands that it takes time and effort to raise a family and the conflict that can create: personal health or providing for the family. Pro tip: you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other! Plus, you can be a better provider if you are mentally and physically strong!
Kevin dabbled in various types of gyms to regain his fitness, but didn’t see results until he found OPEX Morgantown in September of 2022. With the help of his coach, Kayla Smith, he has seen great improvement in his overall fitness. He is dedicated to living a larger, healthier life and is committed to helping others do the same.
The OPEX certification – along with his leadership and coaching skills – allows Kevin to determine the needs of his clients, whether they’re a novice or experienced in a gym atmosphere. He looks forward to prescribing a fitness program that will guide his clients to achieving their goals for overall better health!
