meet the owners
Hi! We are Beth Baeslack and Theresa Butcher. We are just two sisters living out our literal dream.
We pinch ourselves every day that we get to be in this inspiring place and we get to do it together.
We hope our energy and enthusiasm translates in to your experience. Our hope is that you will enter this space and feel at home, inspired, and ready to get to work on the best version of yourself.
We're so glad you're here.
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Beth Baeslack
Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness. She is passionate about cultivating spaces that inspire well-being and foster an engaging, positive environment for both members and staff. She is uplifted by the members who come every day and inspired by those bravely stepping in to the gym for the first time ever. She is dedicated to providing the equipment and environment necessary to serve both beginners and experts. This is rooted in her own experience as a gym-goer. Her goal is to remove barriers for people who don't know where to start. Everyone has a a place at Riverside Health Club. Beth enjoys running, strength training, and attending group fitness classes. Outside of the gym, Beth loves to read, hike, and explore Washington with her husband and their four children. Beth is the big sister of the duo and it shows. While both Beth and Theresa have a deep work ethic and sense of professionalism, only one of them is consistently on time. For Beth, Riverside is more than a fitness center. It’s a place where people can connect, grow, and feel empowered to live their healthiest, fullest lives. She met some of her best friends as a member of Riverside Health Club, so she knows first hand that this place offers more than just a calorie burn. |
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Theresa Butcher
Theresa’s journey with Riverside Health Club began in high school, when she worked as a Group Groove instructor and a receptionist. What started as a part-time job soon sparked a lifelong passion for connection, community, and helping people live their best lives. Today, she’s come full circle, living her dream as co-owner of the very business that shaped her early years. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a focus in Marketing from Taylor University, Theresa built a career rooted in service. She’s held roles as an executive director in real estate, business and marketing consultant, and graduate of Buckle’s management program, always guided by her belief that great service means meeting people where they are and empowering them to thrive. Her passion goes beyond business: she believes that living life to the fullest begins with the ability to move your body and fuel it well. Whether through fitness, nutrition, or supportive community, Theresa is dedicated to helping others find joy and freedom in their health. Outside Riverside, Theresa’s life is centered on faith, family, and community. She and her husband, Nathan, are raising three wonderful kids (and one energetic Bernedoodle) in Bellingham. She leads worship at CTK, coordinates programs for Replanted Ministries to support foster and adoptive families, and enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, and connecting with friends. As a certified aerial yoga instructor, former Group Groove teacher, and now business owner alongside her sister (and best friend) Beth, Theresa brings energy, vision, and heart to everything she does. She’s endlessly grateful for the opportunity to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to live their healthiest, fullest lives. |
MEET THE TEAM
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Stephen Foster, GM
Stephen has worked in the health and fitness industry since 2014, with experience spanning personal training, physical therapy, sports performance, and EMS. He studied Kinesiology at Western Washington University, where he also played rugby. Early in his career, he focused on training youth athletes, helping them build strength, agility, and confidence. He later worked as an EMT and rescue technician, where he developed an interest in tactical strength and conditioning. Along the way, he held a variety of roles, from physical therapy exercise specialist to warehouse safety coordinator, shaping his well-rounded, problem-solving approach to training and leadership. Stephen was drawn to this industry through his passion for teaching and helping others grow. That passion naturally evolved into leadership, where he now focuses on creating a positive, results-driven environment for both members and staff. He is committed to building a culture where people feel challenged, motivated, and supported. What he values most about Riverside Health Club is the strong sense of community. He appreciates being part of a team that is continuously improving, not just for their clients, but for themselves. Seeing members of all backgrounds pursue their goals and make the gym a meaningful part of their lives makes the work especially rewarding. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys running with his dogs, spending time with family, rock climbing, working on bonsai trees, collecting sneakers, following sports, cooking (especially pizza and steak), and staying active. His training style is always evolving. |
Stephen Foster
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Chris Curbow, Facilities Manager
Chris is a Certified Pool Operator and Certified Personal Trainer with a background in networking, computers, and technology installations. He began his journey at Riverside Health Club as a Personal Trainer and was soon invited to join the Facilities team. Through hands-on experience, he developed a strong understanding of pool operations and maintenance, eventually working under the previous Facilities Manager. His ability to learn quickly, retain procedures, and take pride in his work led him to his current role. What he enjoys most about working at Riverside is being part of a team that creates a welcoming environment where members feel at home, supported, and motivated to improve themselves. He is especially proud of overcoming challenges, continuously learning, and strengthening his communication skills throughout his career. Outside of work, Chris enjoys working out, meal prepping, spending time around campfires, golfing, and hanging out with his dogs. |
Chris Curbow
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Bethany Acton, Swim Director & Group Fitness Supervisor
Bethany is a graduate of the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) and brings strong leadership experience from previous roles, along with well-developed organizational and team management skills. Driven by a passion for fitness and her positive experience at Riverside Health Club, Bethany was inspired to step into her current role. She is motivated by helping others discover the joy of exercise and takes pride in organizing a dynamic group fitness schedule while hiring and supporting exceptional instructors who help members reach their goals. What she values most about working at Riverside is the strong sense of community and the connections built through both aquatics and group fitness. The positive energy from members and staff creates an environment that feels like a true home away from home, and she is passionate about continuing to foster that sense of belonging. She is especially proud of expanding the group fitness schedule and introducing new classes for members to enjoy. Managing a large department of 28 instructors has been a rewarding challenge, and she takes pride in building a strong, collaborative team while learning from those around her. Outside of work, Bethany enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids. If the sun is shining, you’ll likely find her outside staying active and making the most of the beautiful weather. |
Bethany Acton
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Sydney Sweeney, Reception Lead
Sydney joined the Riverside family in 2016 when she started working at our Kids club. In 2018 she transitioned over to the reception team and in 2021 took on the role as Reception Lead. Her favorite part of Riverside is all the connections and friends she has made throughout her time working here. In Sydney’s free time she enjoys traveling, going to concerts and in the summer she likes to adventure around Washington state with her friends. |
Sydney Sweeney
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Kimmie Leger, R24 General Manager
Kimmie brings over a decade of experience in banking in Sedro Woolley, along with the experience of owning and operating her own business, which she continues to run today. Her background has helped her develop strong leadership, customer service, and operational skills. Her connection to Riverside Health Club started as a member, where she quickly grew to appreciate the strong sense of community. Inspired by a desire to make the club even better, she joined the team as a receptionist and quickly advanced to her current leadership role. Her passion for the club and its members continues to drive her work every day. What she loves most about Riverside is the genuine care shared among staff, members, and the community. She values being part of a team that is always looking for ways to improve the member experience, take on new challenges, and bring ideas to life. Seeing the excitement from members when new projects come together is especially rewarding. Kimmie is proud to help create a safe, welcoming environment where members can come together, support one another, and grow stronger, both individually and as a community. Being part of a culture where members encourage each other to achieve their goals is something she finds incredibly meaningful. Outside of work, Kimmie enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves being outdoors and is especially passionate about sprint car racing, motocross, camping, and traveling. She also enjoys visiting Disney whenever she can, because a little reminder that anything is possible never hurts. |
Kimmie Leger
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Jackie Caraballo, Water Fitness Supervisor
Jackie has been a Water Fitness Instructor at Riverside Health Club for over 10 years. She is certified through Water in Motion and continues to expand her expertise by participating in ongoing education with the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). Her transition into the role of Water Fitness Supervisor was driven by a desire to build a strong team and grow the aquatics program. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment for both instructors and members while continuing to expand class offerings. What Jackie loves most about Riverside is the sense of community. Having served as an instructor, worked in customer service, and now as a supervisor, she has built meaningful connections throughout the club. Riverside truly feels like her home away from home. She is especially proud of expanding the water fitness schedule and launching the Aqua Core class in November 2025, which has been a great addition for members. Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and five cats. She loves kayaking, biking, and gardening in the spring and summer, and also enjoys cooking and photography—both of which she has explored professionally. |
Jackie Caraballo
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History Of Riverside Health Club
Our Story
Riverside Health Club opened its doors in 1971 in Mount Vernon. What began as a simple free-weight gym with a Grecian spa theme has grown into Skagit Valley’s most established fitness community. Through the years, we’ve expanded with a full aquatics center, racquetball, a women's only gym, several studio spaces within the gym, and a second location in Sedro-Woolley — always with the goal of serving our members better.
Today, Riverside is proud to remain locally owned and deeply rooted in the community. We’ve been serving Skagit Valley for over 50 years, and we’re just getting started.
A Family Legacy
Riverside isn’t just a gym; it’s a family story. Our mom, Karen Westra, helped guide Riverside as co-owner beginning in 2004, and both of us — Beth and Theresa — grew up working here through high school and college. In 2014, we began a 10-year buyout process of the community-centered, inspiring place we had fallen in love with. On January 1, 2025, we completed that journey and became the sole owners of Riverside Health Club.
Our Leadership Team
Riverside’s success is powered by a dedicated team of leaders who share our passion for people, fitness, and community:
Looking Ahead
Our story is still being written. What won’t change is our commitment: to provide a welcoming, inspiring space where health and community come together. Riverside will always be a place where Skagit Valley can move, grow, and belong.
Riverside Health Club opened its doors in 1971 in Mount Vernon. What began as a simple free-weight gym with a Grecian spa theme has grown into Skagit Valley’s most established fitness community. Through the years, we’ve expanded with a full aquatics center, racquetball, a women's only gym, several studio spaces within the gym, and a second location in Sedro-Woolley — always with the goal of serving our members better.
Today, Riverside is proud to remain locally owned and deeply rooted in the community. We’ve been serving Skagit Valley for over 50 years, and we’re just getting started.
A Family Legacy
Riverside isn’t just a gym; it’s a family story. Our mom, Karen Westra, helped guide Riverside as co-owner beginning in 2004, and both of us — Beth and Theresa — grew up working here through high school and college. In 2014, we began a 10-year buyout process of the community-centered, inspiring place we had fallen in love with. On January 1, 2025, we completed that journey and became the sole owners of Riverside Health Club.
Our Leadership Team
Riverside’s success is powered by a dedicated team of leaders who share our passion for people, fitness, and community:
- Stephen Foster — General Manager
Leads daily operations, ensuring Riverside runs smoothly and members and staff feel supported. - Chris Curbow — Facilities Manager
Keeps our spaces safe, welcoming, and in top condition. - Bethany Acton — Group Fitness Director & Swim Supervisor
Oversees group fitness and swim programs, ensuring classes are motivating, safe, and fun. - Jesse Strong — Pool Operator
Manages our pools, keeping them safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all ages. - Sydney Sweeney — Reception Lead
Welcomes members and guests with warmth, creating the first impression of Riverside. - Jackie Caraballo — Water Fitness Director
Specializes in leading and developing our water fitness offerings. - Kimmie Ledger — Sedro-Woolley Manager
Manages our second location, ensuring Sedro-Woolley members have the full Riverside experience.
Looking Ahead
Our story is still being written. What won’t change is our commitment: to provide a welcoming, inspiring space where health and community come together. Riverside will always be a place where Skagit Valley can move, grow, and belong.
riverside throw-back:
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Behind the logo
designed by Cameron Parker
