This week, we get to meet Susan Toombs, owner of Allegheny Athletic Club.

For Susan Toombs, Warren isn’t just a hometown–it’s a legacy. Her roots run deep into the very soil of the community, tracing back seven generations on the same stretch of farmland. Raised on a sheep farm in a rural setting, Susan’s early years were marked by a deep connection to nature, community, and the simple beauty of Western Pennsylvania’s landscapes.

That foundational love for her hometown has shaped every chapter of Susan’s life–from her pioneering career in fitness to her passionate advocacy for animals, and now, her mission to bring healing and resilience to others through yoga and ministry.

Susan became one of Warren’s first Certified Fitness Trainers 33 years ago, earning her credentials through the International Sports Science Association. In 1992, she opened the Allegheny Athletic Club, a professional gym where she empowered residents to take control of their health. For a decade, she thrived in the environment of encouragement and transformation. Even after selling the gym in 2002, Susan remained in the wellness field, creating corporate wellness programs for Northwest Bank and continuing to coach individuals on their health journeys.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Susan Toombs horseback riding.

As the fitness world evolved, Susan embraced new modalities to better serve her community. In 2014, she became a certified yoga instructor, diving deep into six levels of YogaFit training. It was here that she discovered what she calls the most impactful branch of her profession: trauma-sensitive yoga, particularly a military-developed style known as Warrior Fit, which is designed to support those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders.

“Our community has a culture of optimism and yet there is often a yearning that seeks resilience in the face of a changing world,” Susan said. “I see this strength in action in the people who link arms in my classes. They have become my most treasured friends and my personal heroes.”

Taught through the lens of athleticism and anatomy, Susan’s classes are held at Grace United Methodist Church, where she also serves as Lay Leader and teaches a Bible study now in its eighth year. Her welcoming spirit and affordable pricing have opened the doors to people from all walks of life–especially those who once believed that improving their health was beyond reach.

“My heartfelt desire is to be an encourager and to champion for people who need support and motivation,” she said. “My community has become my mission field for those who feel as though it’s too late or too difficult to attain greater fitness.”

Never one to sit still, Susan extended her reach beyond the church walls and into the woods. A few years ago, she invited her yoga students to join her in hiking local trails, and thus, a vibrant hiking club was born. The group meets twice a week year-round, celebrating the stunning beauty of the Warren area while strengthening both bodies and bonds.

One of Susan’s most heartfelt commitments has been to the welfare of animals. Over the past 30 years, she has rescued nearly 70 animals, primarily neglected domestic rabbits. Seven years ago, she launched a pet food pantry at Grace Church to help support animals living in poverty.

“As an animal advocate, I serve as a beacon of hope for abandoned animals in our community,” she said. “One of my greatest accomplishments in my hometown is to care for those who have no voices.”

Susan shares her life with her husband, Ray, a woods foreman whom she calls “a true gift from God.” The couple lives on a small horse ranch, where they care for her 98-year-old mother, who still lives independently. A lifelong equestrian, Susan spends countless hours in the saddle and enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing with equal passion.

“I deeply appreciate the lessons I have learned from listening to others and witnessing the evidence of God’s grace in all of our lives,” she reflected. “Our hometown is a crown jewel.”

With unwavering energy, grace, and compassion, Susan Toombs continues to be a guiding light in Warren. Whether she’s leading a yoga class, caring for animals, hiking through the woods, or lending a hand to those in need, her life is a testament to the power of roots, resilience, and reaching out.