OUR TEAM

Our Team: Committed to Making a Difference

Our team is made up of exceptional individuals who have chosen to make a positive impact by helping others. We pride ourselves on having some of the best in the industry. With our certified, activity-based trainers, you're in great hands. We guarantee that you won’t find a more dedicated, skilled, and passionate team. Together, we're here to help you achieve your goals.

KAREN THOR

FOUNDER

Karen Thor worked in banking for over 20 years, holding positions as Director of Treasury Management, Small Business, Group Banking and Credit Cards.  She completed her career in banking as CIO and Executive Vice President at National Commerce Financial, a $26B financial institution.  She also ran a successful consulting company, Revenue Enhancement Associates, teaching community banks how to establish high performing treasury management and group banking divisions.  Karen then joined Deluxe Corporation’s Treasury Management Solutions division as a national sales manager, leading a nationwide team selling complex payments software.  In 2015, Karen’s son was hit by a car and suffered a C2 break, paralyzing him from the neck down.  She and her family immediately moved to Atlanta so that Michael could rehab at the Shepherd Center, one of the top SCI rehab centers in the country.  It was there she saw the immense benefits of activity-based therapy.  After 2 ½ years, it was time to come home to the Raleigh area, but we found that the opportunity to continue aggressive activity-based therapy was very limited.  We decided to open NextStep Raleigh to allow our son to continue his recovery while giving this same opportunity to others.

Jeramie Gray

Site Director

Jeramie Gray is a driven and accomplished fitness professional, hailing from Indiana, where he earned his degree in Exercise Science from Indiana State University. With a passion for sports and a knack for pushing boundaries, Jeramie excelled both on the track and on the football field, becoming a formidable force in athletics. His time as a student-athlete was marked by impressive achievements, including being a three-time 60-meter sprint champion, which showcased his dedication, speed, and competitive spirit.

Upon graduating, Jeramie channeled his expertise and enthusiasm for fitness into entrepreneurship, opening two personal training and fitness class facilities. Through these ventures, he has transformed his passion for exercise into a thriving career, helping individuals of all fitness levels achieve their health and wellness goals. Jeramie's enthusiasm for helping others led him into the Neuro Recovery field, helping those living with paralysis regain function and improve their quality of life.

Sam Pasnon

ACTIVITY BASED TRAINER

Sam was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, and developed a deep passion for health and fitness from an early age. He attended Valdosta State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology. Sam is a certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and his educational journey has been complemented by hands-on experience in various settings.

While in school, Sam worked in a medical rehabilitation clinic, supervising medically cleared individuals as they navigated their exercise programs. This experience deepened his understanding of the importance of individualized exercise protocols, especially for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. During his final semester of undergrad, Sam interned at NextStep Raleigh, where he developed a strong passion for helping others through the principals of Activity Based Therapy. He officially joined the NextStep team in December 2020, where he continues to help individuals in their recovery,

Sam’s passion for exercise and training others comes from his personal journey of weight loss and the profound impact that exercise had on improving his own quality of life. Having seen firsthand how movement can transform physical and mental well-being, Sam is dedicated to helping others experience the same benefits and live healthier lives.

Oluwole “O” Thompson

ACTIVITY BASED TRAINER

O grew up in Raleigh North Carolina . In 2017, he earned a Bachelors degree in Exercise Sports Science from UNC Chapel Hill.

During his time at UNC Chapel Hill, O gained hands-on experience working as a strength and conditioning intern with the football team, volunteering as an assistant in the UNC Spine Center’s physical therapy department, and serving as a lab assistant in an exercise physiology lab. These experiences ignited his interest in rehabilitation and injury treatment, leading to a commitment to using that knowledge to help people recover, rebuild, and thrive.

 When not training clients, O stays active as a group fitness instructor and enjoys powerlifting, watching movies, following sports, and spending time outdoors.

Demonica Stanley

ACTIVITY BASED TRAINER

Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Demonica is a passionate fitness professional with a strong background in exercise science and sports performance. She graduated from Meredith College in 2019 with a degree in Exercise Science, concentrating in Health and Wellness. Driven to deepen her knowledge, Demonica earned her Master's degree in Exercise Science from Liberty University, with a concentration in Fitness and Performance.

As an athlete, Demonica excelled in Track & Field at Meredith College, setting multiple records and earning a conference championship title in Javelin with a conference record. Her competitive spirit and dedication to performance led her to return to her alma mater as an Assistant Coach for the Cross Country and Track & Field teams.

Her journey in health and wellness has been shaped by her personal experience with physical therapy due to athletic injuries, sparking her deep commitment to helping others achieve optimal health and fitness. With years of experience in training and coaching, Demonica brings a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on the importance of physical activity, rehabilitation, and overall well-being.

When she’s not coaching or training, Demonica enjoys photography, beach trips, attending concerts, and staying active with sports.

Travis Jones

ACTIVITY BASED TRAIning Assistant

Travis was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended the University of Mount Olive where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and was a member/captain of the UMO Men’s Soccer Team. While in college, Travis spent time working in the wellness center and as an intern with the Sports Medicine department. He also gained experience developing personal training programs for clients and coaching youth soccer clinics within the community. Travis developed an interest in helping others rehabilitate after being treated by a Physical Therapist for a severe ankle sprain. He also has a passion for alternative medicine and nutrition, which blossomed during his experience working at the Vitamin Shoppe and aspires to further his education and training in physical therapy. 

Travis has always been an athlete and was running before he could walk.  He started playing soccer when he was three and moved up to a higher level right away.  Over the years, Travis learned a lot from being on travel teams and earned a spot with the NC ODP (Olympic Development Program). 

In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, watching basketball, and taking trips to the beach. 

Jayne Marlow

ACTIVITY BASED TRAIning Assistant

Bio Coming

Our Interns