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Who we are

Our leadership & board

We're neighbors who believe health and healing belong to everyone. Meet the people who keep our classes free and our doors open.

Monique Dupard-Dayries, Vice President and Executive Director
Monique Dupard-Dayries
Vice President & Executive Director

Monique has been passionate about community building her whole life. Inspired by the impact of fitness on a community's quality of life, she brings her experience in banking, nonprofit organizing, and athletics together to lead GNO Health and Wellness.

Monique is a John Curtis alumna and was honored as a Hall of Fame inductee in 2023. She is a CrossFit Level 2 trainer, specializing in making fitness accessible to all ability levels.

CrossFit L2 TrainerPersonal TrainerHyrox CertifiedStrongman
Dominique Dupard-Elphage, President and Board Chair
Dominique Dupard-Elphage
President & Board Chair

Serving others has always been at the heart of who Dominique is, and it has guided both her personal and professional journey. She holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Capella University, and for more than a decade she has worked as a Support Coordinator, advocating for and supporting children with disabilities and their families.

A collegiate athlete at Dillard University, Dominique now serves as President of GNO Health & Wellness. She is passionate about inspiring others to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, regain motivation, and create spaces that promote peace and productivity through organization and decluttering.

"I believe everyone deserves a fresh start, a supportive community, and a judgment-free space where they can grow, heal, and thrive. Through GNO Health & Wellness, my mission is to encourage healthier lifestyles, build stronger communities, and empower people to become the best version of themselves."
Laura Owen, Director of Fundraising
Laura Owen
Director of Fundraising · Board

Laura has over twenty years of experience in public education. Her current role involves supporting students with disabilities and their families. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Northwestern State University. A multi-sport athlete since childhood, she is deeply moved by GNO Health & Wellness's commitment to financially and physically accessible fitness. In her spare time, she practices fiber and ceramic arts.

Danielle E. Smith, Secretary
Danielle E. Smith
Secretary · Board of Directors

Danielle serves as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for GNO Health and Wellness, bringing a powerful combination of healthcare expertise and a deep commitment to community vitality. She has worked in the healthcare industry since 2018.

She leverages her professional experience to help guide the organization's health initiatives, working directly with community members and providing hands-on support during fitness classes.

Danielle actively champions the organization's local health campaigns and community outreach. She firmly believes that functional fitness and strength training are the ultimate keys to living a long, healthy life.

Batini Green-Brown, Member Outreach
Batini Green-Brown
Member Outreach · Board of Directors

Batini has 27 years of experience in public education. She holds a Master's degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). Currently she works as an Early Literacy Leader, coaching teachers and administrators on effective literacy facilitation.

Batini began her health journey in 2014 with the NORD fitness classes, where she met Monique. GNO Health and Wellness holds a special place in her heart — her mother (and their mascot dog) attend the community class every Saturday. Batini was instrumental in coordinating the very first Moving with Monique functional fitness class in April 2022.

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