Faculty
Leading the way, no matter your direction.

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.

Dave Appel
Dave Appel, Chief Health and Fitness Officer at KORB Health Group, holds a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education and has over 30 years in the fitness industry. For 12 years, he has successfully owned a fitness facility, focusing on wellness strategy, business growth, and community building. Dave’s mission is to empower individuals to achieve optimal health through integrated fitness, nutrition, and advanced medical therapies, all aligned with KORB’s core values.
Evans Armantrading, Jr.
Evans Armantrading Jr., CEO of CNU Stretch and founder of CNU Fit, is a fitness industry leader helping gym owners increase revenue and client loyalty through stretch therapy programs. CNU Fit’s, leading transformation studio, generates over $1 million in annual revenue and has helped thousands achieve their fitness goals. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Executive Board Member of the Central Delaware Chamber, Evans launched CNU Stretch in 2024, transforming 20+ gyms with impactful, scalable solutions.
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 in West Babylon, NY, and serves as Regional Group Ex Manager for six Crunch Fitness locations in New York City. Gail consults for professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB and teaches nationally. She holds multiple certifications, including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+ hours, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
Brandi Clark
Brandi Clark is a marketing and sales coach who mentors fitness professionals in building financially successful businesses. With over 25 years in the fitness industry, she understands its rapid changes and helps others adapt to stay ahead. Her specialty is teaching how to create content that connects with their audience, enabling them to build six-figure training businesses and impact more lives while increasing their income.
Christine Conti, MEd
Christine Conti, CEO of FITFIXNOW, leads a top online continuing education platform for busy fitness professionals. She was the 2023 IDEA World Fitness Instructor of the Year, co-founded the Reinventing the Woman International Group, and guided the first woman with autism to complete the Ironman World Championship. Christine is also a podcast host, best-selling author, international fitness educator, keynote speaker, and chronic disease advocate.
Erica Day
With a degree in Finance, passion for the mental health benefits of fitness and over two decades of entrepreneur expertise, Erica found her calling financially empowering gym owners so they can increase profits and better serve their members. Erica is a middle child, problem solver, and self-proclaimed numbers nerd.
Danielle Dorsey, MS
DANIELLE DORSEY, MS
Danielle Dorsey, MS, is a seasoned fitness and wellness professional with over 15 years of experience, helping more than 1,000 women achieve their health and fitness goals. With a degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s in Recreation Administration, Danielle has excelled in teaching various group exercise formats, managing collegiate and nonprofit fitness programs, operating a successful Bridal Bootcamp and online fitness system, and serving as an adjunct professor for fitness and wellness courses. Her extensive certifications include NASM Certified Nutrition Coach, NASM Personal Trainer, and AFAA Group Exercise, equipping her to guide clients toward lasting success.
Bob Esquerre, MA, NSCA-CPT
Bob is a distinguished professional with over 13 years in Corporate America, excelling in Project and Operations Management. With a wealth of 38+ years in the Health & Fitness Sector, he serves as a renowned Trainer of Trainers, Instructor of Instructors, and Business Coach. Bob's expertise spans GroupEX, Personal Training, and Fitness Direction. As a global lecturer, he guides Club/Studio Owners and Managers, offering insights on achieving financial success while delivering 5-Star Experiences. Bob's impactful career includes roles as Corporate Fitness Director for prestigious establishments like Equinox Fitness Clubs and Genesis Health Clubs.
Ann Gilbert
Ann Gilbert is the esteemed owner of FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women, leading over 50 Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Professionals. Renowned for her expertise in exercise and aging, she coordinates successful programs for adults aged 48-78. An ACE/IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year and a sought-after speaker, Ann is also an industry leader and education expert, developing and teaching SCW Certifications including Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training).
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.
Dr. Edward Laskowski, MD
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., is former Co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Division of Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise in fitness and sports medicine, Dr. Laskowski researches and promotes best practices for general fitness, injury prevention, and injury rehabilitation. From 2006 to 2010, he served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under Presidents Bush and Obama, and he has several hundred publication credits, including scientific papers, abstracts, books, book reviews, and book chapters. He also is a trusted fitness and sports medicine resource for major television and print media.
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.
Dane Robinson
Dane is a Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM) with extensive experience across all facets of the fitness industry. From hands-on personal and group training to regional department management, Dane’s career spans from the ground up. He currently impacts hundreds of clients in Atlanta, GA, through private and group training, and reaches thousands more as a TV fitness coach, appearing on platforms such as Daily Burn, Total Gym TV, MyFitnessPal, QVC, and the TODAY Show.
Kylie Ross, MSM, MBA
Kylie Ross is Owner of VK Professional Services, VRoK Fitness and a Tax Manager with TurboTax. VK Professional Services offers tax planning and preparation, bookkeeping, notary, website design and business consulting. Kylie Ross is a Certified Personal Trainer from SCW, Nutrition Coach and Bariatric Health Expert. She has been in both industries professionally for almost 6 years. She’s a Gastric Bypass recipient of 11 years and works hard to stay healthy and fit now she assists others to prevent obesity-driven conditions via virtual and mobile fitness and nutrition guidance.
Deborah Rothschild, MS, NASM-CPT, ACE-CPT, AFAA-CGFI
Deborah Rothschild, MS, has been a fitness professional since 2003, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her presentations. Deborah's specializations, such as ACE Senior Fitness Specialist & Brain Health Trainer, NFPT Cancer Recovery Specialist, BHOF BoneFit Instructor, and Parkinson Wellness Recovery PWR!Moves Instructor, highlight her commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of the industry. She is the proud owner of Tough Agers, LLC, a virtual and on-location fitness company dedicated to serving older adults of all fitness levels and capabilities.
Jennifer Shaver
Jen, owner of Strong for Life Fitness, created the Strong for Life strength training program tailored for busy midlife women. A NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Flipping 50 Menopause Fitness Specialist, she focuses on strength training for longevity and osteoporosis prevention. With a background in education, Jen simplifies fitness concepts, offers lifestyle and nutrition coaching, and hosts the *Fit News Podcast*, empowering women to achieve lasting health and vitality.
Amber Toole
Amber is a member of the SCW Faculty and shares her expertise in Fitness, Nutrition Coaching and running a successful Studio. Armed with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Education and Health combined with 30+ years of experience in the fitness industry, Amber loves sharing her passion for inspiring others toward healthier, fitter, and more successful lives. Amber owns The Training Toole, a thriving Wellness Studio in Ocala, Florida that exemplifies her commitment to transforming lives.
Ruston Webb, MS, FMS II, TPI-CGFI III
With over 24 years in the fitness industry and a Master’s degree in Human Movement, Ruston Webb is a globally recognized expert in mobility training and pain relief. He co-authored a college-level exercise science curriculum with the American Council on Exercise and successfully owned a gym for 11 years. As the creator of *The Mobility Recipe*, a certification trusted by over 1,600 health and fitness professionals and accredited by NASM, AFAA, and others, Ruston has also developed specialized programs for Knee, Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain Solutions. His mission is simple: to empower fitness professionals to help their clients move better, feel better, and live pain-free.