Indiana Township Woman Balances Fitness and Probation Officer Career in Allegheny County

Building Strength: How Fitness Transforms Lives and Careers

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining both physical and mental well-being is more important than ever. For many, fitness provides not just a way to stay in shape, but a crucial outlet to cope with the demands of life. A prime example of this is Amy Roenker, a dedicated juvenile probation officer and personal trainer from Indiana Township, who uses fitness as a powerful tool to enhance her life and the lives of others.

Amy Roenker, 49, hails from Rochester, New York, where she grew up in a family of teachers and nurses. Although law enforcement wasn’t in her bloodline, an internship with the Rochester Police Department during college proved to be a pivotal moment in her life. Despite her college adviser’s skepticism about her prospects as a woman in this field, Roenker approached the summer of 1997 with determination.

“I was told not to expect too much, that I might only be busy typing,” she recalled. Undeterred, she embarked on an internship that turned into a life-changing experience. Roenker found herself going on ride-alongs with police officers, witnessing firsthand the complexities and challenges of front-line law enforcement. “They welcomed me with open arms, involved me in everything but kept me safe,” she said, reflecting on the sometimes-harrowing experiences she encountered during that summer.

This exposure to the realities of police work solidified her desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. Roenker later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, followed by a master’s in marriage and family therapy. Her career path eventually led her to Pittsburgh, where she worked as a victim advocate and, later, became a juvenile probation officer, a role she has embraced since 2006.

Indian Township resident and probation officer Amy Roenker wears a bulletproof vest during a training exercise. (Courtesy of Amy Roenker)

Roenker’s role involves working with male and female juvenile sex offenders ranging in age from 10 to 21, guiding them toward more positive life choices. She finds great fulfillment in witnessing her clients succeed: “When I see juveniles from my cases doing well and making positive changes, it makes me feel that I’ve imparted some motivation in them,” she said. Her work spans across various socioeconomic backgrounds, making the challenges both diverse and significant.

Given the stresses associated with her job, Roenker turned to fitness as a critical coping mechanism. “I use fitness as my outlet,” she explained. Understanding the importance of mental and physical health, she also pursued qualifications as a personal trainer. Now part of the Lauri Ann West Community Center in O’Hara, she conducts various fitness classes while focusing on empowering young girls through strength training.

Dorseyville Middle School students participate in fitness training with instructor Amy Roenker at the Lauri Ann West Community Center in O’Hara. (Courtesy of Amy Roenker)

Roenker’s one-hour strength training classes are designed to instill confidence and promote healthy movement among teenage girls. “The program focuses on proper technique, functional strength, and overall fitness while fostering a positive body image and encouraging lifelong healthy habits,” she noted.

Many people are often surprised to learn about her dual roles. “They can’t believe I’m a probation officer,” she said, revealing that her fitness coaching brings a unique perspective to her training style. “I push my clients as hard as they want to be pushed and then a little further,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of challenging oneself in fitness. This approach makes workouts enjoyable and less intimidating.

In addition to her personal training credentials, Roenker is a certified spin instructor and has completed the Pittsburgh Marathon. Looking ahead, she plans to become certified as a Parkinson’s disease fitness instructor, inspired by her father’s battle with the condition. “I hope to implement such a class in the future,” she shared.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by colleagues. Cassie Conti, the fitness center’s manager, praised Roenker for her unparalleled commitment to her clients, especially young girls. “She helps them get stronger while building their confidence and self-esteem. It’s inspiring to see,” Conti said.

Trainees participate in a fitness class led by instructor Amy Roenker on Jan. 13 at the Lauri Ann West Community Center in O’Hara. Roenker of Indiana Township works part-time as a fitness trainer while also serving as an Allegheny County juvenile probation officer.