presenters
THE BEST OF THE BEST
MANIA® Presenters
ABBIE APPEL
Abbie Appel is a recreational therapist and the owner of AbbieFit Consulting. As a fitness education specialist, she collaborates with organizations including YMCA, Crunch, and Equinox. She is an author and program developer who created the SCW Pilates, SCW Barre Education Certification, and the new SCW Stretching & Flexibility Certification. She also contributed to the ACSM Group Exercise Manual and Schwinn Indoor Cycling Certification Manual. Abbie is an acclaimed presenter for ACSM, IDEA, IHRSA and SCW, among others. She delivers fitness education for world-class brands including Nautilus, Schwinn and TRX. Abbie was awarded SCW Fitness Presenter of the Year.
GAIL BANNISTER-MUNN
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist and Core, Yoga, & Pilates Coach with the New York Jets football team. Gail is the owner of The Bannister Method Studio out of Long Island, West Babylon, New York & is the Regional Group Ex Manager of Crunch Fitness Locations (Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn). Gail teaches several different class formats at national conferences and is a Fitness Consultant for professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, NHL, & MLB. She holds numerous certifications in several disciplines, including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage Specialist, Yoga Fit 500+ hrs., and is a NASM & AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
TANYA BECKER
Tanya Becker is the co-founder and creator of the Physique 57 method, a global boutique fitness and media company. Since 2006 the business has expanded to all 50 states and over 120 countries, and on multiple digital platforms. Having gotten her start at the Lotte Berk studio in NYC, Tanya has appeared on QVC, HSN, The Today Show, Martha Stewart Show, and Dr. Oz. She has been featured in Vogue, Shape, Redbook, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Magazine, and People Magazine and has been a guest speaker at Stanford University and Columbia.
KENYETTA BRASHER
Kenyetta Brasher is an alumnus of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II. After suffering stroke in 2008, she used yoga as her rehab for speech and to regain strength. Kenyetta holds certifications in Barre Vida, Mat Pilates, 500 Yoga RYT, Les Mills Body Flow, Silver Sneakers Circuit & Splash, Zumba, POP Pilates and World of Dance U-Jam Fitness. She is a Barre Vida Master Instructor and teaches barre, yoga, and personal training in Richmond, Texas.
BRANDI CLARK
Brandi Clark is a marketing and sales coach and mentor for fit pros helping them build the financially successful businesses of their dreams. With over 25 years in the fitness industry she understands how quickly things change and evolve so she spends her time helping fitness professionals adapt so they don’t get left behind. Her specialty is training others how to create content that connects with their audience so they can build a six-figure training business, making more money to help more people.
CHRISTINE CONTI, MED
Christine Conti, holding a Master’s Degree in Education, is a best-selling author, international chronic disease and fitness educator, motivational speaker, podcaster, and ultra-endurance athlete. She has spent over two decades researching alongside leading doctors, exercise scientists, and nutritionist to prevent and battle disease through healthy lifestyles. Her signature book, SPLIT-SECOND COURAGE, was released in 2022.
DENISE COX, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, YACEP
Denise Cox is a certified yoga therapist and has more than 20 years in the fitness and yoga industry. She has earned the highest-level yoga credentials with over 800 hours of training and 300 hours of clinical studies. For the past 30 years, Denise has led the Customer Satisfaction Team for Fit Bodies Inc., the world’s largest teaching vacation organization working with over 90 resorts across the Caribbean, Central America, and Southeast Asia.
SOHAILLA DIGSBY, RDN, LD
Sohailla Digsby is a registered dietitian, author, and developer of the life-changing 52-day Best Body Countdown program for gyms to provide the missing piece of the fitness puzzle: nutrition with accountability. With over 25 years of experience as a fitness pro and RD, Sohailla provides nutrition coaching and runs an online membership-based group. She has authored three books to help fitness professionals guide their clients to their goals. Her programs are not just about the weight you lose, but the life you gain!
BOB ESQUERRE, MA, NSCA-CPT
Bob is recognized by IHRSA as a subject-matter-expert in personal training. After his tour as the corporate fitness director at Equinox Fitness in New York City, Bob, holding a double masters degree in Business & Economics, became known as “The Green Thumb” because of his ability to consistently create net income profits for clubs, studios, and fitness professionals nationally and globally.
HERSON GARCIA
Herson Garcia is a Level 3 NeuroKinetic Practitioner and ACE Certified Personal Trainer specializing in sports performance and faulty movement correction. As the owner of Truth Health and Performance, and a co-founder of the Garcia Institute of Modern Excellence and Wholota Wellness Company, Herson develops scientific-based programming for competitive athletes and inspires individuals ages 3 to 83 to enhance their innate abilities. Herson is an expert in injury prevention and athletic performance acceleration.
ANDREW GAVIGAN
Andrew is a recognized speaker in the fitness industry, master trainer, and served as Director of Education for Aktiv Solutions. He is the founder of MostFit, a small line of unique workout equipment, a NASM and NFPT Certified Personal Trainer and Behavioral Change Specialist and has developed comprehensive fitness and exercise programs for health club & workplace wellness facilities. Andrew’s passion centers around user engagement and human behavior.
ANN GILBERT
Ann Gilbert is the fitness industry’s premiere educator on exercise and aging. A successful owner and operator of Shapes Fitness for Women, she oversees over 50 Personal Trainers and Group Fitness professionals, coordinating extremely successful fee-based small group training programs including functional training for the older adult involving strength, balance, coordination and independence. As an ACE / IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year, Ann is a featured, sought-after and popular speaker at IHRSA, FBA- Succeed, Club Industry, SCW MANIA®, and IAFC Conventions. Ann is an industry leader and education expert helping to develop and teach the following SCW Certifications: Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training.).
TANISHA (TANI) HAGGARD
Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in dance and psychology, Tani has been involved in various dance, theater, and sports programs since adolescence. Her passion for athleticism carried over through the years into college. Shortly after moving and with a degree in hand she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease. A life-changing move to Florida and 4 autoimmune diseases later Tani is living her passion with a career in health and fitness: bringing electric energy, strength, and endurance to the fitness world. She currently serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.
DR. PARKER HYDE, PhD
Dr. Parker Hyde is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Georgia, where he currently serves as the Human Performance Lab Director. His translational work in oncology, insulin resistance and athletic performance has contributed to the robust scientific support for the therapeutic use of nutritional ketosis and has been featured in numerous media outlets including U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Hyde also has 10 years of experience working in sports performance with elite athletes.
SARA KOOPERMAN, JD
Sara, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION® & S.E.A.T., is a visionary leader who has transformed the fitness education community. A successful business owner and advisor, she is a keynote speaker, published author, podcast presenter, and sought-after industry trailblazer. Sara has a unique ability to share her passion and devotion towards fitness education through her humor, enthusiasm, and her effervescent no-nonsense personality. She serves on the Gold’s Gym Think Tank, was a founding board member of the Women in Fitness Association, is on the canfitpro Advisory Council, is a proud inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, and sits on the ACSM Communication & Public Information Committee. Sara currently served on IHRSA’s Headlight Committees for Facility Standards and is a panelist on the IHRSA’s talk show, Talks & Takes, and has left an indelible mark on the fitness industry.
CHERI KULP
Cheri Kulp has been a certified fitness professional for over three decades. She holds a degree in Special Education and is the Co-Founder of the successful aqua dumbbell program, WATERinMOTION® Strength. Cheri is currently the choreographer for WATERinMOTION® Original and a marathoner, triathlete, and winner of two national bodybuilding competitions. Cheri has starred in over 100 Fit Pro videos and shares her vast experience and passion for teaching by presenting at SCW MANIA® conferences nationwide. She holds certifications in numerous land-based and aqua programs, including AEA, NASM, WATERinMOTION®, ARC, and Les Mills.
MELISSA LAYNE, MED
Melissa is a Kinesiology Department Faculty Member at the University of North Georgia. She has been a well-respected and well-loved fitness and nutrition leader for over 35 years. Having created the SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals Certification, the SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism Certification, and contributed to the SCW Active Aging Certification, Melissa has consistently sold-out educational seminars. Melissa holds a Masters of Education in Exercise Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and an Associates degree in Medical Terminology.
MAGDA LUBOV
Magda Lubov is the co-creator of BARREfusion as well as a Master Trainer for SOULfusion, SOULstrength, and BARREfusion. She holds multiple specialty certifications through NASM and AFAA, as well as a nutritional certificate. She found her passion in helping others discover the best versions of themselves through fitness and nutrition.
IRENE MCCORMICK, MS, CSCS
Irene McCormick, MS, CSCS has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and is an award-winning fitness professional, a published author, a keynote speaker, and a university lecturer. Currently the Regional Director of Group Exercise for Genesis Health Clubs in Iowa, Irene is a Master Trainer for Savvier Fitness, and the former National Group Ex Director of OrangeTheory. As an IDEA Instructor of the year, Irene is a former TRX Master trainer, and focuses her virtual Fit Workouts w/Irene where she exclusively trains women over 40.
KERRIE MELISSARATOS
Kerrie graduated from Cal Arts with a BFA in Dance/Choreography and a minor in Psychology. She has danced professionally in both New York and California. She moved to New York in 2015 and began working with Physique 57 the same year. Kerrie is the Production Coordinator for Physique57’s fast-growing worldwide Video on Demand platform. She believes that you have the strength within; it’s your mind that scares you! Kerrie lives by the quote “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone!”
DR. JONATHAN MIKE, PhD
Jonathan Mike, PhD, currently teaches in the exercise science and sports performance program at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. He has worked as a strength and conditioning coach and has contributed to dozens of online fitness, strength, and consumer outlets in the country. He has been involved with NSCA and previously served on numerous committees and special interest groups and has spoken at over 55 events including many for NSCA, and ISSN, NASM, and numerous other fitness organizations. Jonathan has authored numerous peer-review and scientific publications and has written 10 book chapters related to sports nutrition and strength and conditioning. Jonathan is a sought-after presenter nationally and internationally. He is currently writing a book for Human Kinetics on Strongman Training for Strength and Performance.
PATRICK MUMMY
Patrick earned a baseball scholarship to San Diego State University & graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training. He founded Symmetry for Health & was awarded a patent on a measurable system for postural assessment and corrective exercise – AlignSmart Technology. Patrick has written three books, the latest – “The Physics of Pain; becoming Pain-Free”. He has spoken on the subject of postural assessment at multiple conferences & corporations.
IRENE PLUIMMENTZ, PT
Irene PluimMentz became a licensed physical therapist in the Netherlands before immigrating to the United States. She is the co-owner of One Step Beyond, Inc. Physical Therapy. Irene’s passion for anything “water” led to becoming an AEA certified instructor. She integrates her knowledge of hydrodynamics with physical therapy into all of her sessions. Irene is the inventor and developer of the Aqua-Ω adjustable drag resistance water exercise equipment.
ALLY PONTE
Allyson “Ally” Ponte, is a passionate leader and industry veteran with over 35 years of experience as a national fitness presenter and educator. As CEO of Vibe Fitness, Inc® and Vibe Fitness Studio, Ally excels as a master trainer, choreographer, content creator and program developer for Club Vibe® and Dance Fit Pro™. Her achievements have earned numerous accolades including 2015 SCW Up and Coming Female Presenter of the Year, and Best Fitness Center in Forsyth County Awards for 2022 and 2023.
DANE ROBINSON
Dane is a certified fitness professional through the NASM and created the SCW Marketing and Sales for Personal Trainers Certification. After spending 10+ years working his way to the top, Dane impacts 100’s of people in private and group training classes and 1000’s of people across the country as a fitness coach on “Daily Burn 365” in New York City.
BEATRICE SAVAGE
Beatrice has been a fitness professional for over 23 years. Having led everything from step aerobics to Pilates to cycling and powerlifting, Beatrice specializes in Ladies Night Out dancing. Holding countless certifications, Beatrice is a favorite fitness instructor at Shelton State Community College and has made it her personal mission to help clients feel comfortable with exercising making fitness fun for all.
KELLY SCHUR
Kelly Schur, an award winning national fitness presenter and educator, has dedicated her career to promoting happier and healthier lives through meaningful movement. As COO of Vibe Fitness Inc® and Vibe Fitness Studio, she is a master trainer, choreographer, content creator and program developer for Club Vibe® and Dance Fit Pro™. Kelly has received multiple professional awards including 2015 SCW Up and Coming Female Presenter of the Year, and Best Fitness Center of Forsyth County for 2022 and 2023.
ROBERT SHERMAN
Robert Sherman is President of a personal training and consulting company. He has been a Master Instructor globally for Reebok, SPRI, Schwinn, Bosu, Beachbody, ActivMotion Bar and Total Gym. With 38 years in health and wellness, he is a much sought-after speaker, trainer and program consultant and served on the ACE Industry Advisory Panel. He holds a BS degree in business and is a Gold Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor by ACE, AFAA and ACSM.
DETRIC SMITH
The owner of Results Performance Training studio, Detric Smith has dedicated over two decades of experience to help trainers cultivate fulfilling, lucrative, lifetime careers in fitness. He works as a mentor and consultant for trainers and fitness brands. He’s also written for several well-respected fitness publications. Detric’s credentials include a degree in Kinesiology, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer.
KIMBERLY SPREEN-GLICK
Kimberly has been a leader in the fitness industry for over 25 years, presenting workshops on fitness, yoga, wellness, leadership, and personal growth at conferences around the world. She was the group fitness director for Lifetime Fitness for over 10 years and was the IDEA Program Director of the Year. Kimberly stepped away from her corporate role to create The Inspired Life University which she focuses on helping fitness professionals elevate their careers and become wellness leaders.
REMELYN STANLEY
Remelyn is a favorite MANIA and DCAC conference presenter. A licensed instructor in POUND, R.I.P.P.E.D., Tabata, PiYo, G.E.A.R., Bokwa, and ZUMBA, she has been successfully teaching for the past decade. She has represented Fit Bodies, Inc. traveling to many all-inclusive resorts, co-leading FitCation annually, and spreading the joy of Coconut Beach Camp to many consumers and instructors globally.
JOANNA STONE
Joanna Stone founded and created Barre Vida®, a barre fitness method and a barre instructor certification. She is certified through AFAA and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in Forrest yoga. Joanna created Suspension Trainer and Barre and Balance Trainer and Barre workouts plus leads the Barre Vida Master Instructor Trainings. Joanna teaches virtually and in NYC and is a professional dancer. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in dance.
RACHEL STYS
Rachel Stys is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and fitness instructor at Drip Drop Fitness in Tallahassee, FL. After battling body image issues and Hashimoto’s disease, Rachel is dedicated to tackling the diet culture to foster holistic, functional health. Her nutritional therapy practice helps clients find peace between food and their bodies.
JEFF SWITALSKI
In 2003 Jeff started his training in NASCAR for Motor Racing Outreach. He spent the next 7 years honing his craft, working with weight loss, functional training, and triathlon training clients. Jeff opened two Crossfit Gyms in 2011 & 2013. During this time he also spent 12 years training & coaching the Special Olympic Powerlifting Team. In 2017, Jeff had both knees replaced and hiked the AT. In 2019 he opened an intimate studio where he facilitates in-depth training on clients’ bodies, minds, and hearts.
DORIS THEWS
Doris Thews is an International award-winning Fitness Educator Known for her motivational and athletic coaching style. Doris leads and presents for several fitness brands – a Senior Master Trainer for Core Health & Fitness and is the CEO of Team Thews Fitness, which consults several leading global brands on business, fitness technology, program development and executive strategy. In addition to presenting and lecturing internationally, she is also a Keynote speaker and a RYKA Fit-Pro Ambassador.
AMBER TOOLE
Amber Toole is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health from Georgia Southern University. She has 30 years of experience in the Fitness Industry and loves to share her expertise with other Fitness Professionals. It is her life’s mission to spread the truth about fitness and nutrition through education. She is the owner of The Training Toole – a Fitness and Nutrition Studio in Ocala, Florida, an SCW Educator and Fit Pro Mentor.
TARA TURNER
Tara Turner began her journey in the fitness industry over 20 years ago. She has dedicated her life to helping people achieve their fitness goals. Tara holds several national certifications including Group Exercise, Personal Training, Spinning, and Zumba. She is also a master trainer for ISCA, teaching boxing, kickboxing and kettlebell workshops. Tara encourages people to embrace the beauty, power and wisdom within their spirit, soul and body no matter what shape or size!
LOUIS VAN AMSTEL
Louis van Amstel is a 3x World Dance Champion, an Emmy-nominated choreographer, best known for his ten seasons on the mega-hit TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars. As the creator of LaBlast® Dance Fitness, he shares his passion for dance fitness and uses his Formula, Format, and Philosophy to get people moving through LaBlast® Fitness and LaBlast® Splash (aqua). Louis developed the programs over ten years to ensure quality and accessibility for all, focusing on mental/emotional health and functional fitness.
HELEN VANDERBURG
Founder of helenvanderburg@home, education for movement professionals, and co-owner of The ACADEMY fitness, a yoga/spin studio, and author of Fusion Workouts. With over 35 years of experience in club ownership, consulting and program development, she has been recognized numerous times as Canada’s top fitness educator by CanFitPro, the largest Canadian fitness association and is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She has been awarded the IDEA Program Director, Fitness Presenter of the Year and a Global Top Industry Contributor. Helen is the Commercial Fitness Education Manager for Balanced Body and has consulted for international fitness companies such as NIKE, Total Gym, BOSU, Hedstrom Fitness, SCHWINN Cycling and Core Health and Fitness.
MANUEL VELAZQUEZ
Manuel Velazquez is a WATERInMOTION® Platinum program choreographer and the Faculty Leader of the SCW Yoga 1 & 2 Certifications, as well as the SCW Tai Chi Certification. With over two decades of experience in the fitness industry, Manuel has been recognized as “All Around International Presenter of the Year”. He is also an RYT-200 Yoga certified instructor and is the Head Instructor at Rancho La Puerta Resort & Spa in Tecate, Mexico (outside of San Diego).
MAURICE WILLIAMS, MS, CSCS
Maurice has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology with 25 years of experience in practical fitness training and almost a decade of instructing fitness professionals. Pursuing his Doctoral degree in Behavioral Health, Maurice is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and also owns Move Well Fitness and Move Well Fit Academy. His certifications include NASM-Master Instructor, Master Trainer, CPT, CES, PES, CNC, FNS, WLS, SFS, YES, GPTS & GFS and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with NSCA.
DR. JULIE ZULEGER, PhD, CSCS, RYT-500
Dr. Julie Zuleger has over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Strength, and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specialist, RYT-500 Yoga Instructor, and Human Movement Specialist. Julie promotes self-care using massage tools and stretching-based programs and teaches continuing education courses for yoga teachers, massage therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning, fitness, and wellness professionals. Julie holds a PhD in Education and is the Director of Kinesiology and Education at Tiger Tail USA.
