Our Coaching Team
Margaret Beck
Owner & Head Coach
Certifications: CF-L2, CF Gymnastics, Burgener Strength WL-L1
Specializes in: Gymnastics Strength and Skill, Functional Bodybuilding
With over a decade in strength and fitness, Margaret brings a background in powerlifting, bodybuilding, and functional training to the coaching floor. Her journey into fitness began as a way to build the strength and conditioning needed for a physically demanding outdoor job—and it quickly became her primary training method.
After moving to Portland in July 2021, Margaret became Head Coach and Programmer at CrossFit Primal Energy. In May 2022, she stepped into ownership, officially rebranding the gym to CrossFit Risio in September 2023, and then once again making a shift to Risio Athletics in September 2025.
Margaret specializes in coaching individuals who want to blend aesthetic goals with strength and performance. She particularly enjoys training athletes in gymnastics and bodyweight strength, and loves working with a wide range of clients—from runners and outdoor adventurers to beginners looking to build muscle, change body composition, and get strong for the first time.
Jeff Franzen
Certifications: CF-L2, USAW L2 Advanced Weightlifting, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
With more than 9 years of coaching experience, Jeff has trained hundreds of people through all different experience levels. His passion for training has always driven him to continue to learn and grow to best be able to help others on their fitness journey.
Jeff didn’t grow up as an athlete and spent much of his early life avoiding physical activity. That all changed in his early 20s when he realized that he no longer felt comfortable or confident in his body. Unsure of where to start, he signed up for a membership at a commercial gym and hasn’t looked back since.
After a move to Denver, Colorado, Jeff began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. On the side, he started doing functional fitness to get stronger for Jiu-Jitsu. Jeff’s focus quickly turned to CrossFit after finding a deep enthusiasm for strength training. In 2012, he realized we wanted to be a leader in the gym space and help others find their own passion for movement. He began interning and eventually became a full-time coach. Since then, Jeff has coached at multiple gym locations in Denver, Los Angeles, and Portland. He continues to be driven by his dedication to help people meet their strength, movement, and fitness goals.
Paula Waltz, CF-L1, CF-L2
Paula is passionate about helping others experience the life-changing impact functional fitness has had on her—building strength, confidence, and resilience both in and out of the gym. Her favorite athletes to coach? The ones just getting started. She loves working with people who are new to lifting weights or group fitness, creating a welcoming environment where progress feels exciting, not intimidating.
With a focus on encouragement, proper form, and celebrating small wins, Paula is here to help you feel stronger every time you walk in.
Taylor Lawson, CF-L2
With a background in distance running and nearly a decade of functional fitness experience, Taylor brings a deep understanding of how all aspects of fitness—endurance, strength, and skill—work together to build well-rounded athletes. Whether you're chasing your first pull-up or dialing in your engine, Taylor knows how to get you there.
His coaching style is fun, focused, and straight to the point. You’ll leave his class fired up, clear on your goals, and ready to put in the work. Taylor’s passion lies in helping athletes tap into their potential, combining Risio’s programming with hype-you-up energy that keeps you pushing forward every session.
Sydney Hirth, CF-L1
Sydney is the coach who will have you laughing while you’re squatting or doing a pull up, pushing you to dig deep while making you feel like you’re part of a community, not just a workout. With a knack for making the hardest workouts feel like the most fun part of your day, Sydney knows what it’s like to start from scratch. She’s been in your shoes and understands how overwhelming starting CrossFit can be. That’s why she’s great with both beginners and experienced athletes, providing a supportive and fun environment where everyone can thrive.
Sydney has an incredible ability to balance the fun with the hard work, knowing that Risio Athletics is about progress, one step at a time. Whether it’s your first box jump or you’re working on a personal record, Sydney will be there every step of the way, walking the walk and showing you that consistency is key.
Bethany Henriques, CF-L1
Bethany brings serious strength, years of experience, and unstoppable energy to the gym floor. Recently relocated from Seattle to Portland, she was involved in gym ownership and community-building back home—and now she’s bringing that same passion to our local Risio Athletics family.
With years of coaching under her belt, Bethany is known for her commanding presence, infectious positivity, and ability to inspire everyone around her. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or chasing big performance goals, Bethany will meet you where you’re at and push you to where you want to go.
When she’s in the gym, you feel it—she leads by example by lifting heavy and living big. You won’t just get fitter under her guidance—you’ll get fired up about it, too.
Eileen Rui, CF-L1
Eileen brings a unique blend of athleticism, discipline, and passion to the Risio community. With a background in competitive figure skating, she developed a strong foundation in balance, coordination, and mental toughness from a young age. Her transition into functional fitness came naturally, and she’s been hooked ever since.
After years of dedicated training and personal growth within the sport, Eileen earned her CF Level 1 certification in 2024. She’s committed to helping others unlock their full potential through functional fitness, emphasizing proper movement, consistency, and confidence.
Whether you're stepping into the gym for the first time or looking to take your training to the next level, Eileen’s supportive and energetic coaching style will help you feel empowered and capable every step of the way.
