MANIA NOW® Presenters

Abbie Appel
Abbie Appel is the owner and CEO of Abbiefit Consulting, Appel Programming Solutions, and the Program Director at Fitspace Studios. As an award-winning fitness educator, Abbie develops and delivers programs for Power Systems, Schwinn Cycling, and many other organizations. She created the SCW Pilates and SCW Barre Certifications and received SCW’s “Best Presenter” award. Abbie has produced and starred in over 30 fitness videos and contributes to fitness publications such as Self, Shape, and Prevention.



Debra Atkinson
Hormone Balancing Exercise Coach and 36-year Fitness Expert Debra Atkinson has helped over 150,000 women “flip” their 2nd half with vitality and energy they want. She is the author of You Still Got It, Girl: The After 50 Fitness Formula for Women, Navigating Fitness After 50 and Hot, Not Bothered. Debra hosts Flipping 50 TV and the Flipping 50 podcast. A TEDx speaker, she is an expert recognized by AARP, Washington Post, Prevention Magazine, and USA Today.

Gail Bannister-Munn
Gail works as Flexibility, FST coach with the NY Jets Football Team and Pro Hoops Basketball focusing on skill sets that can help players improve in all areas of defense and offense. She currently holds certifications in several different disciplines including NASM, Fascial Stretch Therapist L3, ECIT, Yoga Fit, AFAA, STOTT PILATES® Mat 1 & 2, Powerhouse Mat Pilates and is an NASM/AFAA Continuing Education Provider.

Claire Barker-Hemings
Claire Barker-Hemings is a highly regarded aqua fitness exercise specialist, presenter, and Pilates Instructor. She trains people of all ages sharing her passion and knowledge of water, fitness, and wellbeing. She has been teaching since 1997, planning and delivering aqua fitness workshops and new instructor trainings across Australia and Internationally. Her love for the water and Pilates comes through in every session that she delivers.

Emma Barry
Emma Barry is a global fitness authority who advises the innovative edge of fitness: boutique studios, budget clubs, digital workouts, and fit-tech startups. A founding member of Les Mills and former Director of Programming for Equinox, Emma is fluent in what happens next in fitness. She is a sought-after speaker, serves on a number of boards and advisory panels and delights in lighting fires under purpose driven companies. Emma recently authored the #1 Bestseller Building a Badass Boutique, which is available on Amazon.

Paul Bedford
Dr. Paul Bedford is the Fitness Industries’ leading expert in Retention, Attrition, and Customer Experience. Paul has a Master’s Degree in Exercise and Health Behaviors and a PhD from the London Sports Institute, which aimed to identify interventions in a gym environment to increase adherence. With nearly three decades of experience as an operator and academic, Paul has conducted research on 4.5 million customers, 4000 facilities, and on 70 different aspects of customer retention.

Leslee Bender
Leslee Bender BA, PMA, ACSM, NASM, ACE, is a Gray Institute International Presenter, Director of I am Ageless Now, and has been in the fitness industry for over 28 years. Leslee is the creator of the Bender Ball method of safe core training and the co-creator of Barre Above. She has filmed over 50 videos, has a new book called Living Pain Free, and trains and works with the active aging community in Florida.


Brook Benten
Brook is a Texas girl who has been trailblazing fitness for two decades. She champions continuing education and has impacted the field as a campus recreation fitness director, CEC provider, fitness magazine writer, and DVD workout star. Choreographing a few kettlebell videos in 2008 when kettlebells were relatively new to the American market gave her a platform as a group fitness guru in the strength and conditioning world. She has also received RKC & SFGII KB Certifications.

Lawrence Biscontini, M.A.
Lawrence Biscontini, MA, has made fitness history as a Mindful Movement Specialist winning awards from ACE, IDEA & Inner IDEA, Can Fit Pro, and ECA. Lawrence is an SCW Faculty Member and industry Author, Presenter, Keynoter, and Course Development Specialist for various companies, and he serves on the Advisory Board for the ICAA, Power Music®, and People of iSPA. Lawrence also teaches and has experience with multiple certifications.

Jenna Bostic
Jenna Bostic is an international Zumba® Education Specialist for Zumba® Fitness. She has been presenting for Zumba® since 2008 and teaches Zumba® Basic 1, Zumba® Basic 2, Zumba® Step, Zumba® Toning, and Aqua Zumba® instructor trainings. Jenna was the featured ZES for the one-on-one choreography on the ZIN #35 DVD and on ZIN TV for both Aqua Zumba® and Zumba® Toning. Jenna has a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and holds ACE, AFAA, and AEA certifications in group fitness, personal training, and aqua fitness.


Barbie Brown
Barbie Brown is a MASHUP® Master Trainer with a background in Business Administration and Marketing, and she is also a Certified Lifestyle Coach and AFAA PT and Group Exercise Instructor. She has taught Camp Gladiator, Body Pump, Pilates, Boot Camp, Total Body Conditioning, Step Aerobics, Circuit Training, Active Aging, and Kickboxing. Barbie lives in Whitehouse, TX, close to DFW where she teaches several classes a week and works as a lifestyle coach. Barbie is also featured on the MASHUP® app.


Kelly Bullard
Kelly is an International fitness educator and a Zumba® Education Specialist (ZES) since 2009. She holds degrees in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master’s Degree in Sport Administration. Her passion, enthusiasm and experience is for fitness/dance for people of all ages. Kelly specializes in many of the Zumba® Fitness programs, has presented in over 36 countries, is in several Zumba DVD’s, holds a variety of certifications, and is a continuing education provider for AEA, AAAI/ISMA, AFAA, and ACE.


Ross Campbell
Ross Campbell is the founder and CEO of F.I.T Summit. F.I.T Summit is the leading business network for health, fitness, wellness, and sports in the Asia-Pacific. Ross spent his early career in events and media before starting his own MMA and HIIT gym, The Jungle. Ross has been involved in health and fitness since high school. A life-long gym fanatic, he studied Sports Science and Psychology at the University of Glasgow in Scotland before specializing and attaining a BSci (Hons) in Neuroscience, which involved the disciplines ofg physiology, biology, anatomy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.

Marcus Carbo
Marcus, the founder of Tai Chi with Marcus and The ChiCast podcast host, is a public advocate for wellness, veteran issues, and mental health. An OIF/OEF disabled combat veteran himself, Marcus serves other veterans through his positions as Veteran Services Outreach Officer with TaijiFit and as VA Coordinator for the Community Care Tai Chi Program. Marcus is the premier Tai Chi instructor of the Delaware Valley and has hosted several prestigious Tai Chi events.


Mac Carvalho
Mac is a 25-year old Fitness Professional from New Bedford, MA. He has been in Fitness for 7 years with over 18+ years of dance experience. He has been featured in Instructor choreography releases for POP Pilates and WATERinMOTION®. Currently, he is a Master Trainer for several programs and a Champion for WATERinMOTION®. He hopes to spread his sparkle and enthusiasm to help make fitness achievable, accessible, and attainable for all!

Paul Christopher
Paul Christopher is an established fitness professional operating in the Boca Raton area for over 20 years. A graduate of the University of Central Florida in 2000, Paul possesses credentials as a Certified Athletic Trainer (NATA-ATC), Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA), and Certified Personal Trainer (NASM). His experience is a blend of orthopedic rehabilitation, sports performance, and personal training. In 2009, Paul founded the fitness brand/concept Gravity + Oxygen as a grassroots off-season conditioning program for South Florida’s professional beach volleyball players. In 2015, Gravity + Oxygen Fitness opened its tangible doors for the first time. Located in East Boca Raton, the “GO House” aims to provide an experience that exceeds customer expectations. In over 5 years of existence, G + O has helped hundreds of clients reach their desired fitness goals.

Fabio Comana, MA, MS
Fabio is a Faculty Member at San Diego State University and UC, San Diego and a proud SCW Faculty Member. Previously, as an ACE exercise physiologist, he was the primary developer of ACE’s IFT™ model and live personal training educational workshops. Prior experiences include collegiate head coaching, strength and conditioning, and opening/managing clubs for Club One. As an international presenter, Fabio has been featured in multiple media outlets and is an accomplished chapter and book author.

Christine Conti
Christine Conti, CEO of Conti Fitness and Wellness LLC, and the NJ Fitness Director for Orange Theory Fitness, is an international fitness presenter with 20+ years in the industry. As a former all-American athlete, she uses her experience to create and implement functional fitness programs. Christine is the well-known co-host of Two Fit Crazies & A Microphone Podcast. After braving multiple rounds of chemo to treat an autoimmune disease, Christine has completed 30+ marathons, tri-athalons, and the IRONMAN.

Kelly Coulter
Kelly Coulter is a 25-year veteran instructor. She founded the Fit Pros Facebook group, which boasts membership of over 7,500 vetted instructors. In addition to teaching yoga and cycle, she owns Coulter Web Pros specializing in helping website managers create sites that are easy to find and easy to use. Coulter Web Pros serves clients all over the US from Columbia, SC.
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Dr. Bruce Crawford
Dr. Bruce Crawford is a Board Certified Urogynecologist and the creator of The PfilAtes Method of pelvic floor rehabilitation. Dr. Crawford is also the inventor of the VESy Lab; a video EMG system for creating the most optimal way of training a target muscle. Dr. Crawford has extensive experience treating patients with pelvic floor disorders such as bladder and bowel control problems and pelvic organ prolapse.


Amber Cura
Amber Cura, NASM PT, ACE GXI, Silver Sneakers Instructor, and Real Ryder Certified, is a MASHUP® Master Trainer with a background in marketing from Fort Worth, TX. Amber loves certifying other instructors in MASHUP® as well as teaching because it is one of the few formats that allows her to build a functional workout that is both challenging and accessible for all fitness levels to perform. Amber is also featured on the MASHUP® app.


Patrick Curley
Patrick has been involved in the Fitness Industry for over 12 years starting his career as a Personal Trainer for Equinox. Shortly after, he progressed to Fitness Manager and Lead Sales Trainer for multiple corporate locations. When asked to manage a privately owned gym in 2013, he became deeply interested and involved in marketing and customer relationship management software development. Patrick opened his first gym in 2016 and became profitable in less than three months. Neighboring gym owners took notice of his marketing campaigns, and he was approached for his digital marketing skills. Since then, he has created his own software for Lead Management and his agency, Flood Your Business Marketing, is now serving locations all over the United States.


Christine DeFilippis
Christine DeFilippis is the owner of Pop Fit Studio and the creator of FitProEd, an online education platform for fitness professionals looking to expand their expertise. Having grown up in the competitive dance world, she began leading group fitness classes in high school and has enjoyed over 25 years in the fitness industry. After years of struggling with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, Christine is passionate about helping people ditch the diet and fall in love with movement. Pop Fit Studio is a HAES studio with a mission of creating joyful movement.


Sohailla Digsby, RDN, LD, CPT
Sohailla Digsby is a registered dietician, author, and the developer of the life-changing 52-Day Best Body Countdown program for fitness professionals, which brings sound nutrition and accountability to their fitness and wellness facilities. With over 20 years of experience as a fitness professional, presenter, and RD, Sohailla manages an online membership-based coaching group and authored three books to help fitness professionals guide their clients to reach goals and maintain their Best Bodies.

Todd Durkin MA, CSCS
Todd Durkin MA, CSCS, is an internationally recognized strength, speed and conditioning coach, personal trainer, body worker, motivational speaker, and author who motivates, educates, and inspires people worldwide. He is the founder of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, a world-class training and teaching facility. Todd works with a high-profile clientele of elite professional athletes including NFL MVPs, Super Bowl Champions and MVPs, Heisman Trophy Winners and Olympic and X-Game Gold Medalists. He is a 2-Time Personal Trainer of the Year (IDEA and ACE). Greatist has named Todd one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health & Fitness for th

Jennifer Esquer, PT, DPT
Jen Esquer, PT, DPT, is an internationally-renown physical therapist. She is the founder of two transformative programs, The Mobility Method and The Optimal Body. Jen’s easily accessible approach has garnered her more than 600K followers on social media, and Jen recently graced the cover of Oxygen Magazine and was last seen on Good Morning America. She co-hosts The Optimal Body Podcast with her fiancé, Dr. Dom Fraboni, who is also a Doctor of physical therapy.

Amanda Fearheiley, RDN, LD, CPT
Amanda Fearheiley, RDN, LD, CPT, has been a registered and licensed dietitian for over 20 years and has been immersed in the fitness field for over 15 years. Her passion is helping others learn how to use food as fuel and food for improving health. She has worked with both day to day athletes as well as pro athletes. She currently resides in the Austin, TX, area with her husband and 3 children.

Amanda Fitzpatrick
Amanda is an Account Manager for Myzone, an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, and ACE Group Fitness Instructor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Western Michigan University. Amanda has always had a passion for fitness as a Marathon runner and dancer. By turning her passion into a career, Amanda had helped others achieve their fitness goals. Myzone has been a gamechanger in her training by holding her clients accountable and pushing them to achieve more.


Khalid Freeman
Khalid is the founder of Soul Clap Fitness and is a world renown choreographer, dancer and artist with a variety of shows such as: Michael Jackson the Immortal world tour by Cirque Du Soleil, Stomp, Stomp the Yard, Stomp Out Loud, LXD, Young Americans, Molodi, 2015 European Games, Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor, Eminem, and many more. He has been on a total of 12 world tours and has taught in over 30 countries.

Sonja Friend-Uhl


Ronnie Fulton


Daniel Galanto

Kimberly Garcia
Kim is the CEO of the Garcia Institute of Modern Excellence and the Wholota Wellness Company. With 20+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry, she is a specialist in motivating individuals to become their best self. She holds nine national certifications and is a level 3 NeuroKinetic Practitioner, Egoscue Posture Specialist, and Holistic Health Coach. Her educational programs have helped thousands improve their health across the world and her goal is to inspire individuals to ValueSelf™.

Ann Gilbert

Carla Gilfry


Dominic Gili

Ryan Glatt

Trina Gray

Kristen Green, MBA

Mo Hagan

Jenn Hall
Jenn is a former professional dancer who performed with many superstars including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Usher. Her love of movement led her to a career as an international presenter, educator, author, and fitness business consultant. She is also a sought-after choreographer with credits including the Miss America pageant, the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Atlanta, GA, and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Jenn is excited to share her passions of movement and the business of fitness with SCW MANIA®!

Chris Henry
Chris is a WATERinMOTION® Champion and Master Trainer. Chris has been featured in countless videos and is known for his leadership skills and creative abilities. He has worked at ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers for 10 years and managed a team of 75 Group Exercise and Fitness Instructors at their Midlothian, VA, facility. During this time, Chris received ACAC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Leadership Person of the Year, and Service Provider of the Year awards. Chris is certified by AEA and AFAA, and he is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer and a certified BODYFLOW® Instructor through Les Mills.

Marisa Hoff
Marisa Hoff has successfully managed Stevenson Fitness since its inception in 2010. She has worked to build a membership base of nearly 2000 members with high retention rates and customer satisfaction scores. Hoff has ensured that the club has been profitable since Day 1 and the club continues to thrive under her leadership. She has shared strategies for fitness business success at various conferences throughout the country.

Jenn Hogg


Jeff Howard
Jeff Howard is a world-renowned fitness presenter and the Promotional Director of Fitness for Baptist Health and Milestone Wellness Center. As a celebrity trainer, he was a pioneer instructor at the Golden Door Spa, starred in numerous fitness videos, educated fitness professionals at conventions worldwide for more than a decade, and has appeared on several national TV shows. As a Group Fitness Director, Jeff has managed award-winning fitness programs from Equinox in Chicago to Virgin Active in South Africa. He is currently a member of SCW Fitness Education Faculty as well as the health and fitness columnist for The Voice Tribune. Jeff can be seen every Monday on Great Day Live in his segment “Motivational Monday” giving fitness tips and advice.


Jeff Howard
Denise is a well-known media personality and actress in her birth country, Jamaica. After doing a few movies, including How Stella Got her Groove back, Hunt found a new passion in Fitness and Coaching. She owned SizzleFit Gym in Jamaica and soon discovered she had a sweet spot for training Active Agers and so began her Move Your Body program when she relocated to Austin, Texas. Hunt was the 2018 SCW Dallas MANIA® Idol winner and moved on to become a presenter at several SCW MANIA® Conferences.

SGT Ken


Carrie Kepple
Carrie Kepple is the IHRSA Board of Directors Acting Chairman and a senior-level business leader with over a decade of national and international strategic and operational management experience in the fitness industry. She gained invaluable experience as a club operator through former roles in club management for Les Mills as well as through her experience as national director of group exercise for Gold’s Gym International. Carrie’s vast experience led her to become the owner and managing director of Styles Fitness and Wellness LLC in 2018, and her entrepreneurial drive led her to begin working on opening Styles Studios Fitness with a first club in Illinois.

Evelyn Keyes

Greg Keyes

Petra Kolber
Petra Kolber is an internationally renowned wellness leader who is known throughout the industry as a crusader for change and a beacon of authentic happiness. As an author and speaker, she inspires people around the globe to stand up for their lives and live profoundly from their hearts.

Sara Kooperman, JD



Stacey Lei Krauss
Stacey Lei Krauss (SLK) is an industry veteran and visionary pioneering the Foot Fitness category and considers Moving Meditation to be the next dimension of fitness. A student of Shamanism, Transformative Arts, and a Reiki practitioner, SLK explores deep layers of self-awareness through empowering postural feedback. She earned her 500RYT in Mysore, India, but identifies as a “fitness-chick” having represented prominent brands as a Master Trainer and Program Developer: Schwinn, BOSU, Peak Pilates, Nike, Vibram FiveFingers, and VIVOBarefoot.

Cheri Kulp
Cheri Kulp has been a certified instructor for over 30 years. She holds a degree in special education and has previously taught for 18 years. Her areas of expertise include presenting at SCW for 4 years, WATERinMOTION® champion, presenter, personal trainer, ARC lifeguard, swim instructor and Les Mills instructor. She has appeared in over 25 videos.


Sadie Kurzban
Sadie Kurzban is the founder and CEO of 305 Fitness, a music-inspired dance cardio workout with a next-generation voice. Named “the next fitness cult leader,” by the New York Observer, Kurzban, a graduate of Brown University, has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Good Morning America, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, the TODAY show, Vogue, Refinery 29, and Fast Company for her unique ability to turn painful workouts into outrageous fun. After winning a business pitch competition in college, Kurzban bootstrapped 305 Fitness in New York City in 2012. In seven years, Kurzban and the 305 team have grown a tremendous following. Over 100,000 clients have experienced the brand. 305 Fitness currently has 7 locations in New York, Washington D.C., and Boston, with pop-up experiences in Los Angeles and Chicago and 200 certified instructors teaching their method across the US.


Melissa Layne, MEd
Melissa is a Kinesiology Department faculty member at the University of North Georgia. She has 30 years of experience in the fitness industry and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. She taught elementary PE and coordinated fitness programs for Royal Caribbean, Home Depot, and orthopedic surgeons. Melissa is the author of WATER EXERCISE (Human Kinetics 2015), a member of the educational faculty, and a DVD presenter for SCW Fitness. She is an expert at organizing complicated material into easily understood pieces.


Michelle Leachman

Kennedy Lodato

Stephanie Lyons


Connie Martin, MA

Dione Mason

Jessica Maurer


Sheldon McBee, MS
Sheldon McBee has a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition, is an ACE certified Personal Trainer, and has over 18 years of experience in health and fitness. Sheldon is an experienced international presenter, lecturer, business consultant, fitness content developer, and training director. Sheldon is also a passionate and dynamic presenter, and he has been featured in numerous fitness education and training videos. Sheldon is the Personal Training Director for Universal Athletic Club based in Lancaster, PA.

Bill McBride

Irene McCormick, MS, CSCS
Irene McCormick, is the former Senior Director of Fitness for Orangetheory Fitness. She is an IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, a twice-published author for Human Kinetics, and an award-winning conference educator and keynote speaker. Irene holds a MS in Exercise Physiology from Iowa State University, serves as an SCW Fitness faculty member. Irene is the creator of the SCW Foam Roller certification and presents several SCW Fitness certifications. She is also the Lead Conference Educator for WaterRower®, Master Instructor for TRX®, and Master Trainer for Savvier Fitness. As a RYKA FitPro and Subject Matter Expert for Orangetheory, NASM, and ACE, her certifications include ACSM Fitness Leader, NSCA-CSCS, ACE CPT, ACE GFI ACE LWM;, NASM CPT, AFAA Group Ex, TRX, and AEA.


Courtney McWaine, MBA

Marietta Mehanni
A multi award winning fitness presenter, Marietta Mehanni is a successful live and online educator for both land and water-based exercise. She is the Education Coordinator for Gymstick International. Co-Founder of My Group Move, Marietta is passionate about educating group fitness instructors on how to deliver exceptional group fitness classes. Co-Creator of mSwing, a fascia-based group fitness class designed to enhance and improve functional movement patterns, Marietta has always challenged the status quo and worked outside the box.

Colin Milner
Colin MILNER is CEO of the International Council on Active Aging. Milner has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of “the most innovative and influential minds” in the world on aging-related topics. An award-winning writer, Milner has authored more than 300 articles in such journals as Global Policy and the Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Milner has received the CanFitPro’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contributions to the Canadian fitness industry. He is also recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Health Influencers by Optimize Magazine and as one of the “Who’s Who” in the Fitness Industry by Club Industry Magazine.

Elizabeth Mooney


Kevin Mullins, CSCS
Kevin is a Master Instructor and Personal Trainer based out of Washington D.C. His work has included being named a two-time Men’s Health Magazine Next Top Trainer, contributor to major magazines and media outlets, and training over fifteen thousand sessions in ten years. His upcoming book, Day by Day, is a part of the Daily Trainer project, which is an opportunity to redefine education for fitness professionals. He has a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, and he holds multiple certifications such as Pn1, USAW, and Schwinn Cycle. Learn more at KevinMullinsFitness.com.

Mica O’Dell


Ethan Parker


Sal Pellegrino
Sal has been fortunate to be in the health and fitness industry since 1978 as both a club owner and equipment supplier. He is known as a trusted advisor and creator of many deep business relationships. Sal is a wealth of industry knowledge and experience and has a keen eye for new industry trends. Currently, Sal is the Senior Strategic Account Manager for Precor fitness products and lives in South Carolina. Sal is an avid walker, enjoys skiing, and loves to strength train at his incredible home gym (Pellegrino Fitness Institute). He plays a pretty good guitar and is known to make a legendary Italian tomato sauce.

Jason Persaud
Coach Jason Persaud is a Bioenergetic Medicine Practitioner who comes from a background of strength and conditioning, holistic nutrition, and manual therapy. He is currently studying for his PhD in Natural Medicine at the Quantum University and has worked with clients ranging from professional sports to breast cancer and autoimmune conditions. He prides himself on finding effective methodologies to bring optimal health, movement, and performance back to his clients.

Jessica Pinkowski
Jessica Pinkowski holds certifications in both Personal Training and Group Exercise from ACE, AFAA, and AEA and is a Posture Specialist with the National Posture Institute. Jessica’s fitness career spans 25 years and includes experience in personal training, group fitness instruction, fitness education, and group fitness management. Jessica is currently the Group Fitness Supervisor for On Top of the World Communities, a 55-plus active aging adult community, as well as The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa.

Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas
The EXPERT with a PROVEN SYSTEM to get you transformational results. Nathalie is the international No.1 Bestselling Author of eleven books on success and wellness. She has empowered over 100,000 audience members and thousands of clients internationally to get rid of their negative self-talk. She combines over 10 years of experience in human resources, 25 years in sales, and over 30 years in the fitness industry. In 2007, she was the “Fitness Instructor of the Year” for Canada.

Irene Pluimmentz


Ally Ponte


Paula Raphael


Dan Ritchie

Keli Roberts



Dane Robinson


Yury Rockit


Giovanni Roselli


David-Dorian Ross


Sam Roth
Samuel J. Roth, MA, is a PhD candidate in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at the University of California, San Diego in Dr. Christopher Benner’s lab. His research specializes in using next-generation sequencing technologies to understand gene regulation. He received his Master’s Degree at Wesleyan University in 2014 while working with Dr. Michael Weir on developing genome-wide peptide detection techniques. Sam is also a lifelong athlete with two personal training certifications. He was the captain of his college track and field and cross-country teams while earning multiple All New England honors and currently practices Brazilian jiu jitsu under famed world champion Andre Galvao.

Julio Salado
Julio Salado is the founder of Fitness Foundry, a leading resource for health and wellness. For over fourteen years, Mr. Salado has guided countless individuals from all levels of fitness to achieve their body sculpting and personal training goals. His unique blend of western exercise science and holistic arts has been featured in numerous TV shows, print, and online. Mr. Salado is also an author, mentor, and continuing education provider.

Wendy Santiago


Kelly Schur


Matt Segawa
Matt Segawa, BS Kinesiology/Exercise Science, ACE Health Coach, NSCA CSCS, ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist, is the fitness manager for LifeStart Wellness Network. As head of the corporate fitness center, Matt serves his clientele in personal training sessions, small group training, and various group exercise classes (HIIT, cycling, mobility, etc.). His professional focus is to improve movement quality and biomechanics with clients as well as educate people on how to feel better and enhance their workout experience.

Dr. Candice Seti, Psy.D.
Dr. Candice Seti, aka “The Weight Loss Therapist”, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Weight Management Specialist, and Certified Expert Life Coach. This very unique combination of education and training provides the backbone for Dr. Seti’s unique approach to weight loss and weight management. Dr. Seti is able to go beyond a simple diet and exercise plan and address the psychology behind weight loss and weight gain.

Robert Sherman
Robert Sherman has been named one of the top 100 fitness trainers in America by Men’s Journal and Allure Magazine He was also selected by the Washington Post as a best fitness instructor in the Washington D.C. area and recognized as a top local “Power Trainer” by Capitol File Magazine. Robert inspires and his compassion and knowledge lead to success.


Tricia Silverman, RD, LDN, MBA


Emily Sopo, MS


Janell Smith
Janell Vela Smith created and founded Iron Dragon Productions in 2009. An Entrepreneur, Martial Arts Master, Stuntwoman/Actress/Host, Author, and Mother of 2 daughters, Janell is also a coach for an Elite Leadership Team called Signet Leadership Development. She is currently writing a book called “Awakening the Dragon Within”. Janell’s training background is Trainer, Coach, Instructor, and creator of Cardio Combat Fitness classes, which are a combination of martial arts and Kickboxing.

Kathy Smith
Forbes Magazine calls Kathy a “Fitness Titan” for good reason. With her iconic library of exercise videos, Kathy has stood at the forefront of the fitness and wellness industries for more than 30 years. And with her highlyacclaimed podcast and all-in-one workout app, Kathy remains at the cutting edge of a business she helped pioneer. The Kathy Smith empire boasts over $500 million in sales with a collection of New York Times bestselling books, videos, lifestyle products and fitness equipment – along with a spot in the Video Hall of Fame.

Kimberly Spreen-Glick
Kimberly has over 25 years of experience teaching fitness and yoga as well as professional and personal development. She served as the senior director of group fitness at LifeTime for over 10 years and is an IDEA Program Director of the Year award recipient. Through her company, The Inspired Life, Kimberly created the Make A Difference Academy platform to help group fitness instructors find success and fulfillment both in and out of the studio.

Chris Stevenson
Chris is the founder of Stevenson Consulting, a full-service consulting firm helping businesses and entrepreneurs of all types maximize potential. His expertise stems from his past hands-on experience in all aspects of the health club industry. For almost 20 years, Chris and his team successfully owned and operated Stevenson Fitness, a full-service boutique health club in Southern California. The club’s success was based on providing an unparalleled member experience, centered on proper staffing, systematic operations, and world-class leadership. This success was reflected in the club’s NPS, which was consistently in the 90s (industry average is in the 40s). Chris is an international speaker who regularly presents at SCW, IHRSA, Club Industry, IDEA and others. He also sits on the board of directors of IHRSA and the Customer Engagement Academy.

Amy Styles
Amy holds a BA in Exercise Science and recently obtained her US National Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification. She has an extensive background in the fitness industry with over a decade of experience as an owner of a Personal Training business. She is a killer programmer and has worked with clients ranging from ironman competitors to Olympic athletes and marathon runners. Amy has traveled the globe providing education to thousands of instructors and club owners alike. Amy is a sought-after world-renowned expert at club business, group fitness, and the studio experience.

José Teixeira
José Teixeira is the Head of Customer Experience at the 22 Solinca Fitness Clubs in Portugal. Jose began his career as a professional athlete and received a degree in Sports and Physical Education before joining the Solinca Clubs in 2004. Jose started as a sales consultant and worked his way up as a club manager, area manager, operations director, and now head of customer experience for the entire group overseeing the Fitness Project, innovations, and data.

Doris Thews


Eric Thomson


Louis Van Amstel


Helen Vanderburg


Manuel Velazquez


Kim Vopni


Connie Warasila


Billie Wartenberg

Kia Williams, M.S.
Kia Williams, MS, E-RYT 200, is an experienced group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and yoga teacher who holds several specialty certifications and teaches multiple formats including barre, yoga, and others. Kia is a master trainer for Barre above®, Fluid Strength™, and Balletone™. Kia has managed fitness and wellness programs and facilities across the country and is committed to helping others live a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a strong, fit, and balanced mind and body.
