Carolyn Varndell

Carolyn

Carolyn was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. After a BS degree from James Madison University and then a MA degree from Michigan State University (Go Green) she spent 18 years working (in Michigan) in Physical Therapy in an out-patient clinic and building Athletic Training programs in the area high schools.

It was in Michigan that she became involved with a local running store (Playmakers)……sending many patients and athletes to that store for shoes and orthotics. After seeing how much better people were getting when in the correct shoes and support she decided to work with Playmakers and learn the shoes and products to help prevent injuries and educate runners and athletes about exercises and mechanics to allow for less injury and more activity. So she went to Dr Sholls, and became a Certified Pedorthist.

The opportunity came to purchase The Foot Store and so over the last 15 years she has been training staff and and educating customers about shoes and other products to keep people walking, running, working and active..

Carolyn has been very active with the ATP over the last 30 years working with players on the Pro Tour at numerous US tournaments. This involved working with players pre and post matches and practices on treatment and stretching.

When not working, Carolyn enjoys walking, the beach, history of Charleston, and kayaking. And of course eating lots of seafood.

The Staff

Robyn Glassman
Tricia Gross
Howie Schomer
Mark Knowling
Stephanie O’Rourke
Carrie Wilkerson
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Robyn Glassman

Has worked with The Foot Store since 2007. AA from Essex Community College. BS from Towson State University where she played soccer and played/coached softball. 25 yrs experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping practices. 20 yrs experience in Medical Insurance Management. She spends time with her grown children Coaching Sports, enjoying outdoor activities, cooking and listening to music.

Tricia Gross

Tricia was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH and has lived in the Carolinas for more than 15 years. She now calls Charleston home. She played and coached volleyball at Wright State. She has two grown children, and she stays active walking and riding bikes. Tricia has worked at The Foot Store since Jan 2013. She says the positive learning environment created at The Foot Store has certainly complimented her own personal outlook – always look for the good and strive to help others do the same.

Howie Schomer

I’ve been running for years, racing every distance from 1 mile to 50K I’ve helped out with or directed dozens of races in the low-country and am the cofounder and director of the Charleston Marathon and Montague Mile, and the announcer for the Kiawah Island Marathon. A running related highlight was having the opportunity to do the finish line announcing for the 2000 US Women’s Olympic Marathon Team Trials.

Mark Knowling

Transplants from the Midwest, Mark and his family have been in Charleston for 12 years now…and he is still acclimating to the heat. He has been running since grade school in some manner or another, swam a bit in college, moved to the marathon distance many moons ago, delved into some sprint triathlons, and quickly became addicted to ultra marathons and trail running. You will see Mark at our groups runs, GFR classes, hanging out at the store, and participating in most any race sponsored by the store. The rest of the time is our behind-the-scenes guy taking picts and helping out with social media.

Stephanie O’Rourke

Original from Tulsa, Oklahoma and has lived in the Charleston area for 22 years.

Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Coordinator for Select Fitness where I teach 8-10 classes a week.

Trained under Carolyn for 4 years before moving full time into the fitness industry.

Currently training for fitness competitions.

Carrie Wilkerson

Carrie grew up in a small, rural town in Ohio. With the calm country roads, she learned to enjoy running. Ash she entered high school, cross country was the sport for her. With the competitive nature of her town, it was the perfect atmosphere to further push her running experience. To continue with her interest in running and other sports, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training. Throughout her education, she continue to run no matter the location or climate. She enjoys teaching people about the good of a well-fitting shoe all while learning some new information herself.