Strength Union Coaches

Jordan Stanton - Owner

Jordan Stanton RN, PBC, PN1 is the owner of Strength Union, owner of Next Level Barbell, and World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Judge and Meet Director. Elite powerlifter, competitive BJJ athlete, coach to multiple world champions and world record holders. Previously a critical nurse, Jordan utilizes his extensive medical knowledge to the benefits of his clients. He believes that looking strong and being strong are awesome and worthy of pursuit.

Bjorn Nelson - Staff Coach

Bjorn Nelson is the Head Strength Coach of Next Level Barbell. He is a veteran math and physics instructor by trade. Bjorn is a graduate of the Barbell Logic Academy. Strength training changed his life and he is committed to sharing that passion and pursuit with others. When Bjorn isn’t in the gym he can be found exploring nature, nerding out on video games, music, and more.

McKenzie Tarkalson -
Staff Coach

McKenzie Tarkalson is a dedicated strength athlete and coach. McKenzie is an account by day and powerlifter by evening. She seeks to use her experience and knowlege to help others on their own strength training journeys. She specializes in training women both in powerlifting and general strength.

Miranda Ramsey - Independent Coach

Miranda has been a trainer since 2020, certified with NASM in personal training, nutrition coaching, and behavior change. She takes a particular interest in helping people who struggle with motivation or other barriers to fitness.

She first found her own love of lifting and powerlifting in 2018, shortly after coming out as transgender. Her experience navigating fitness as a trans woman has helped her train not only other transgender people, but anyone who has felt intimidated or alone in fitness spaces.

You can learn more about Miranda by visiting www.oddfitpdx.com, or you can email coach@oddfitpdx.com for services and availability.