Presenters
THERESA ALINI
Theresa has been a leader in the fitness industry since 1989, training clients and fitness professionals nationwide in boxing, kickboxing, Pilates, senior fitness, and more. Her deep education and passion for boxing have allowed her to work with enthusiasts, competitors, and older adults alike. Theresa has certified thousands through ISCA/Promise Enterprises and is the founder of UNLEASH’d Fitness, a form-first company dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and unleashing one’s spirit through inspired teaching.
JAYSA ANGELES
Jaysa Angles is the owner of All Angles Fitness, LLC and an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor. A Master Trainer for The SOUL Brands and contributor to S.E.A.T. Beats!—a new chair-based rhythm workout—she has presented at IDEA World and Midwest MANIA® for SOULkickboxing, SOULfusion, and S.E.A.T. A Global POUND Ambassador, Jaysa is currently developing her at-home virtual studio.
ABBIE APPEL
Abbie Appel, a recreational therapist and owner of AbbieFit Consulting, is a fitness education specialist and program developer. She created SCW Pilates, Barre, and Stretching Certifications, and contributed to ACSM and Schwinn manuals. A presenter for ACSM, IDEA, IHRSA, and SCW, she delivers education for brands like Nautilus, TRX, and Schwinn. Abbie was honored as SCW Fitness Presenter of the Year.
ANGEL BALLANCE
Angel Ballance is a leadership-focused ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, WARRIOR Master Trainer, and WARRIOR Presenter with over a decade of local and online teaching experience. With a background in psychology, she mentors instructors who love teaching but struggle to fully own their presence beyond the class hour. Angel helps fitness professionals strengthen class culture, sharpen cueing, and transform in-class energy and connection into authentic visibility and community—from the studio to social media.
GAIL BANNISTER-MUNN
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist and Core, Yoga, and Pilates Coach for the New York Jets. She owns The Bannister Method Studio and manages Group Ex for six Crunch locations in NYC. Gail consults for pro athletes across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. She holds certifications including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
LUCY BARRETO
Lucy Barreto is a Brazil-born, Los Angeles–based STRONG Nation Master Trainer, presenter, and active instructor known for delivering high-energy, music-driven training experiences that connect movement, performance, and purpose. As a global and virtual spokesperson, Lucy leads workouts where every move is synced to music for maximum results in minimal time—reflecting her commitment to longevity, intentional movement, and putting health first.
FABIO BARROS
Fabio Barros has been a ZIN™ Member since 2008 and has presented workshops at Zumba® Instructor Convention since 2009, including Brazilian Carnival, Flamenco Fever, LambaZouk, and Hips Revolution. With over 33 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor, Fabio has traveled the world performing, teaching, and choreographing across a wide range of dance styles and fitness platforms.
LESLEE BENDER
Leslee Bender, BA, PMA, ACSM, NASM, ACE, and Gray Institute-certified, is an international presenter and Director of I Am Ageless Now with over 28 years of industry experience. She created the Bender Ball Method for safe core training and co-created Barre Above. Leslee has filmed over 50 videos, authored Living Pain Free, and currently trains active agers in Florida.
DR. GREGORY CHARLOP, MD
Featured on ABC, CBS, and FOX, Dr. Gregory Charlop is one of the leading experts in health & wellness. He is a physician, author, and anti-aging coach for retired athletes and middle-aged professionals. He is the author of Why Doctors Skip Breakfast: Wellness Tips to Reverse Aging, Treat Depression, and Get a Good Night’s Sleep.
RAINA CHILDERS-RICHMOND, MS, RDN, CHC
Raina is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach. She developed, facilitated, and managed outpatient adult, pre-surgical, adolescent nutrition, and weight loss service lines in medical fitness centers south of St. Louis, MO for 15 years where she trained, mentored, and managed a team of Registered Dietitians, and Health Coaches. Raina has also helped health organizations around the country establish or expand nutrition and weight management offerings. Raina holds a Masters degree in Nutrition and a Bachelors of Science degree in Dietetics.
SIRI CHILAZI, MBA, MA
Siri is a nearly 20-year veteran presenter, educator, and group fitness instructor, and an IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year. She is a Master Trainer for Human Reformer Pilates, RAQ THE BARRE, and Mobility Fitness Academy, teaching Pilates, Barre, Step, and HIIT both in person and online. In her second career, Siri is a behavioral science researcher at Harvard, global speaker on gender equality, and coauthor of Make Work Fair (HarperCollins, 2025).
LINDSEY COLEMAN, MA
Lindsey Coleman is a fitness professional of almost 20 years and has served as a Master Trainer, national conference presenter, and content creator. She is currently the director of education for the SOUL Fitness brands as well as the Format expert for SOULkickboxing. With a Masters Degree in vocal performance, creating incredible and FUN group fitness experiences that are elevated by music as well as watching people grow professionally are her passions.
CHRISTINE CONTI, MED
Christine Conti, CEO of FITFIXNOW and 2023 IDEA World Fitness Instructor of the Year, is an international educator, chronic disease advocate, and keynote speaker. She founded ContiFit, co-leads Two Fit Crazies and a Microphone, and authored Split-Second Courage. A former teacher and banker turned IRONMAN and wellness consultant, Christine empowers others to believe that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE—especially after receiving her own life-changing diagnosis at age thirty.
JOSHUA CRADDOCK
Joshua Craddock holds dual degrees in Exercise Science and Sport Studies and has 23 years of experience in the health, fitness, and wellness industry. He is a skilled yoga, qigong, and meditation teacher, as well as a strength and conditioning coach for young athletes. Joshua’s diverse background includes roles as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, martial arts and boxing teacher, running coach, facility manager, and fitness educator.
HOLLY FIDANZO
Holly Fidanzo brings over 30 years of music-and-movement experience, 13 years in the fitness industry, and three years as a Master Trainer. She leads instructor trainings, workshops, and lectures that inspire confidence, creativity, and professional growth. As part of the SOUL Fitness Collective creative team, Holly is passionate about pushing the industry forward. Educating—and learning from—fitness professionals remains the spark that fuels her work.
LIZ FILIPPONE
Liz Filippone is a multi-certified fitness professional dedicated to helping people move with confidence, strength, and ease. A NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, 500-hour Yoga Teacher, and specialist in Corrective Exercise and Women’s Fitness, she blends science with compassion and practical coaching. Currently pursuing a Geriatric Fitness & Lifestyle specialization, Liz empowers adults to stay strong and independent through studio classes, corporate wellness programs, and online movement communities.
DILLAN FOSS, MS, ATC
Dillan Foss, MS, ATC, is a Board-Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer based in Palm Beach County, FL. A former collegiate basketball player, he earned his Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and Master’s in Nutrition for Human Performance from Lasell University. Founder of Limitless Theory LLC, Dillan provides concierge wellness services, including movement efficiency training, recovery, myofascial release, personal training, and nutrition coaching, both in-person and online, helping clients of all ages, especially busy parents and professionals, optimize health and performance.
BRENDAN FOX
Brendan Fox, with an honors degree in Kinesiology, is Head of Education for the Exercise Therapy Association. With 30,000+ hours working with Olympic Gold Medalists, pro athletes, and CEOs, he spent 14 years as Head Trainer at a medical clinic. Brendan has presented at international fitness conferences, served as Team Canada’s Kinesiologist at the 2006 Torino Olympics, and now trains others to help clients live pain-free.
RACHEL FRIEDMAN, MSW, E-RTY 500
Rachel Friedman is the founder of The Soma School, somaPWR, and Soma Power Yoga. A spiritual entrepreneur with over 25 years in the wellness industry, she helps visionary leaders build profitable businesses through yoga, somatics, and transformational strategy. As a multi-six-figure business owner, Rachel merges embodied practice with clear, results-driven tactics to support clients in stepping into authentic leadership. She specializes in dismantling outdated models of success and guiding purpose-driven professionals to lasting personal and financial transformation.
HERSON GARCIA
Herson Garcia is a Level 3 NeuroKinetic Practitioner and ACE Certified Personal Trainer specializing in sports performance and movement correction. As owner of Truth Health and Performance and co-founder of the Garcia Institute of Modern Excellence and Wholota Wellness, he creates science-based programs for competitive athletes. Herson works with clients aged 3 to 83, focusing on injury prevention and boosting athletic performance.
LAUREN GEORGE, MS
Lauren George is the Co-Owner of Fit Pro Programming, a successful Fitness Education organization. Lauren has created multiple fitness formats, trained thousands of instructors, and launched several successful businesses, including Clemson Fitness Company, The Fit Biz Club, Pulse Pointe Barre, and LG Fitness Virtual Studio and app. Lauren is the program creator of Pumped Up Strength, Human Reformer, and The Musicality Method, and the co-creator of Barre Above.
ANN GILBERT
Ann Gilbert owns FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women, leading 50+ trainers. Expert in exercise and aging, she coordinates programs for adults 48-78. An ACE/IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year and sought-after speaker, Ann is an industry leader and education expert. She develops and teaches SCW Certifications including Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training).
KURT GILLON
Kurt is a nationally recognized fitness speaker specializing in active aging and cancer exercise. He believes trainers must understand aging and recovery to safely support these populations. From youth to older adults, he is dedicated to helping clients reach their health and wellness goals, bringing out the best in every individual he trains.
LISA GREENBAUM, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Lisa is the founder of Sangha Yoga Collective, a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, international presenter, and author. With over 20 years in the fitness and wellness industry, she has earned multiple honors, including Presenter of the Year. A Global Ambassador for WIFA and a Top 100 Health and Fitness Influencer in Canada (2017–2021), Lisa is committed to creating authentic, inspiring experiences.
ELIAN HAAN
Elian is a bestselling author, TV host, and speaker with a strong fitness and wellness background. A Certified Professional Coach, she owns a yoga-fitness studio and private practice in Texas, specializing in Executive and Transformation Coaching. Known for her straightforward “Coach Approach,” Elian blends life lessons with humor and energy. She develops fitness programs integrating body and mind through trauma-informed expertise.
TANISHA (TANI) HAGGARD
Tani holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Psychology and has been active in dance, theater, and sports since adolescence. After a Hashimoto’s and autoimmune diagnosis, she pursued health and fitness. Now in Florida, Tani brings passion, energy, strength, and endurance to the industry. She serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.
KRISTEN HERLIHY, MSW
Kristen Herlihy is a licensed psychotherapist, certified health coach, and fitness trainer with over 25 years of experience helping women over 40 get stronger, leaner, and more confident. She holds an MSW from Boston College and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in MA and RI. Kristen blends clinical expertise with real-life tools to make wellness sustainable—and fun. Her motto: consistent progress beats occasional perfection.
JODI HEYWOOD, MPH
Jodi Heywood is a veteran Health, Wellness, and Positive Psychology Educator with over 30 years in the fitness and healthcare industries. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration and Public Health from NYU, plus certifications in Applied Positive Psychology, Positive Education, and AFAA. Jodi creates evidence-based programs that foster resilience, mind-body well-being, and professional growth for individuals and fitness professionals alike.
DR. DAVID HOPPER, DC
Dr. David Hopper is a practicing chiropractor and doctorate-level professor at the National University of Health Sciences, where he teaches anatomy, physiology, and advanced spinal manipulation. A national health and wellness presenter and co-owner of a heart rate variability technology company, he also holds multiple U.S. patents in health and ergonomics. Passionate about his mission, Dr. Hopper is dedicated to helping people realize their health potential through simple, natural means.
ASHLYNNE HOWE, MEd
Ashlynn Howe is the Program Specialist for all Fit Pro Programming (FPP) formats, develops musicality-driven choreography for Barre Above, and serves as the FPP Marketing and Communications Director. She is the creator of The Recovery Barre, a movement community supporting those who are sober, sober-curious, or in long-term recovery. Ashlynn holds an M.Ed. in School Counseling and blends mindful cueing with beat-driven energy to create joyful, empowering fitness experiences.
TRACY JENNINGS-HILL, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Tracy is the founder of LiveURYoga studio in Roswell, GA, and a lead trainer for Sangha Yoga Collective. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry, including 15 years as a Yoga Teacher Trainer, her focus is on fostering transformation, empowerment, and growth. Tracy’s mission is to meet individuals where they are and provide them with the tools to thrive.
EMILY JOHNSON
Emily is the Founder of StrongerU Senior Fitness, an organization born from her mission to innovate and elevate senior fitness worldwide. With a Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Movement Science and a Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS) certification from canfitpro, she possesses deep expertise in the field. Her prior corporate experience supporting fitness professionals in retirement communities has established her as a sought-after international trainer and conference presenter.
GREG JOHNSON, MS
Greg Johnson, a fitness studio owner, has 20 years of experience in health and exercise. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Rehabilitation with minors in Health and Wellness, and a Master’s in Kinesiology from CALU, focusing on Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. Greg is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through NSCA and a NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES).
INGRID KNIGHT-COHEE, MSc
Ingrid, MSc in Health & Exercise Psychology, is a visionary leader in health, wellness, and fitness who empowers communities to move joyfully and live healthier lives. With over 30 years of experience in health management, fitness leadership, and exercise psychology, she champions a holistic, equity-centered approach to well-being. As Director of Chronic Disease Programs at YMCA BC, she leads innovative initiatives and is the founder of MSINGI® – Elemental Movement, the world’s first Afrocentric functional movement practice.
SARA KOOPERMAN, JD
Sara Kooperman, JD, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. Fitness , Founder of the MANIA® Convention, sits on the canfitpro Advisory Panel and the Gold’s Gym Think Tank and was a founding board member for the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA). Recently nominated for the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award, Kooperman won the Most Innovating Fitness Pro by FIT-C (Fitness Industry Technology Council). Sara is the best-selling author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, an inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, an Illinois State Businesswoman of the Year, esteemed panelist for multiple Webinars & Podcasts, and sits on the ACSM Communication & Public Information Committee.
CHERI KULP
Cheri Kulp is a certified fitness professional with 35+ years’ experience in step, weight training, cycling, and aqua fitness. She’s been a personal trainer for 25 years and is the choreographer and Master Trainer for all WATERinMOTION® programs. A former pro-natural bodybuilder, marathoner, and triathlete, Cheri presents at SCW MANIA® and holds certifications from AEA, NASM, Les Mills, and more. She co-founded the WATERinMOTION® Strength program.
DR. EDWARD LASKOWSKI, MD
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., former Co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in fitness and sports medicine. A professor at Mayo Clinic Rochester, he researches fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. From 2006-2010, he served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr. Laskowski has hundreds of publications and is a trusted media resource on fitness and sports medicine.
MELISSA LAYNE, MEd
Melissa, Kinesiology faculty at the University of North Georgia, has over 35 years as a respected fitness and nutrition leader. She created SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals, SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism, and contributed to SCW Active Aging Certifications. Melissa holds a Master’s in Exercise Science, a Bachelor’s in Physical Education, and an Associate’s in Medical Technology. Her educational seminars are consistently sold out.
ROSIE LEMONS, MS, ERYT-200
Rosie has 20+ years teaching fitness, yoga, leadership, and organizational development. She holds a Master’s in Human Development and was adjunct faculty at the University of Rhode Island. Certified as ERYT, C-RYT, ACE CPT, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Rosie holds multiple SCW certifications. She currently serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.