MANIA® PRESENTERS: A-L
SARAH APGAR
Sarah Apgar is the Founder of FitFighter, an Iraq War Veteran, an All-American Collegiate Athlete, Fitness Professional, former Volunteer Firefighter, and mom of 2 girls. In addition to her Shark Tank debut, Sarah and FitFighter were featured in Rolling Stone, Men’s Health, Muscle and Fitness, ABC News, and Oxygen Magazine. She has performed for clients such as ESPN, FDNY, and the United States Military. Sarah lives in New York with daughters Emory and Arlyn and a puppy named Louisiana.
ABBIE APPEL
Abbie Appel is the owner of AbbieFit Consulting and collaborates with organizations including YMCA, Crunch, and Equinox. As an author and program developer, she authored the SCW Pilates and SCW Barre Education Certifications, 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.
DEBRA ATKINSON, MS, CSCS
Debra is a wellness coach, hormone balancing fitness expert, and bestselling author with over three decades of full-time fitness experience. As the founder of Flipping 50, she has helped over 250,000 women “flip” their second half, achieving desired vitality and energy. She is a 2x podcast host with almost 3 million downloads, TEDx speaker, and international presenter at prominent industry conventions. As a recognized contributor for outlets such as HuffPost, ShareCare, and Medfit.org, Debra continues to share her wealth of knowledge to inspire women 50+ and the trainers who serve them to live their best and healthiest lives.
GAIL BANNISTER-MUNN
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist, 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.
KELLY BULLARD, MS
Kelly has been an international fitness educator and a Zumba® Education Specialist (ZES) since 2009. She holds degrees in Exercise and Sports Science (Health and Physical Education) and a Master’s degree in Sports Administration. She shares her enormous passion, enthusiasm, and experience in fitness/dance with people of all ages. Kelly specializes in many Zumba® Fitness programs and has presented in over 36 countries. She is in several Zumba DVDs, including being featured in Aqua Zumba® Vol. 6. Kelly holds a variety of certifications in fitness and is a continuing education provider for AEA, AAAI/ISMA, AFAA, & ACE.
MAC CARVALHO
With over 10 years of fitness experience & 18+ years of dance experience, this New Bedford, MA native is no stranger to movement. He has been featured in instructor choreography releases for POP Pilates, WATERinMOTION®, and is featured on the HIGH Fitness Live App. He hopes to spread his sparkle and enthusiasm to help make fitness achievable, accessible, and attainable for all!
PAUL CHRISTOPHER
Paul Christopher is the founder and owner of Gravity + Oxygen Fitness in Boca Raton, Florida. Holding degrees in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine and Health Care Administration, he is also a NATA Certified Athletic Trainer, a NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Paul is one of the favorite SCW Webinar presenters and MANIA® presenters and has also led successful sessions for the International Society of Sports Nutritionists.
FABIO COMANA, MA, MS
Fabio is a Faculty Member at San Diego State University SDSU and NASM, along with being a medical advisor board member/scientific advisor for OrangeTheory Fitness, Core Health and Fitness, Caloric Responsibility, and FEA-Asia. He also works with several international agencies to build fitness throughout Asia. Previously, with ACE, he was the original creator of ACE’s IFT™ model and their live educational workshops. Other prior experiences include Division I collegiate head coach and strength-conditioning coach, opening/managing clubs for Club One, and president of Genesis Wellness Consulting. He is an award-winning national and international presenter, media spokesperson and accomplished author. Fabio has also authored the SCW Sports Nutrition Certification and the SCW Weight Management Certifications.
ELLEN DE WERD
Ellen de Werd is a 21-year, fitness industry veteran. She is the founder of WARRIOR Rhythm™ and WARRIOR Strength™. Prior to the launch of the WARRIOR Instructor Academy, Ellen garnered national attention as a presenter and educator for Beachbody. In 2021 her WARRIOR formats spread internationally to 9 countries. She re-entered the conference scene, taking the nation by storm. Ellen is the Fitness Director at the Downtown Athletic Club and a Lululemon Ambassador in Eugene.
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 20 years of experience as a fitness pro and RD, Sohailla provides nutrition coaching and runs an online membership-based group that’s not just about the weight you lose, but the life you gain! She has authored three books to help fitness professionals guide their clients to their goals and maintain their Best Bodies.
MARYBETH DZIUBINSKI
MaryBeth is a highly respected global fitness industry leader with over 30 years of experience in group exercise programming. She is a Senior Fitness Specialist, a former National Trainer with the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, was honored by AEA as Global Aquatic Fitness Professional of the Year and has advanced training in older adult exercise. MaryBeth is an R.Y.T. and the co-creator of YOQUA™. As a skilled health and wellness professional, she inspires others to commit to long-term health and fitness goals.
BOB ESQUERRE
Bob Esquerre is both nationally & internationally recognized as a Business Planning Consultant, a Fitness Manager, Educator, Author, Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. As the CEO of the Esquerre Fitness Group International [EFGI], is an active participant in both the national & international lecture circuits as a sought after speaker in the following areas: Personal Training, Business and Management Development, Program Design, Customer Service and Membership Retention.
AMANDA FEARHEILEY, RDN, LD, CPT
Amanda Fearheiley, RDN, LD, CPT, has been a registered dietitian for over 20 years and immersed in the fitness field for over 15. She is in private practice, owner, and CEO of Afnutrition Services, where she empowers her clients of all ages to improve their health through nutrition and movement. In particular, she incorporates food as fuel, food as medicine, and mindful eating approaches. Amanda also teaches group fitness classes that include cycling and strength building. In her spare time, she loves spending time outdoors exploring parks and nature with her husband and three children.
RACHEL FINLEY-NORWOOD
Fourteen-year fitness veteran Rachel Finley-Norwood is the creator of Instrumentalcize® Brain & Body Fitness, where active agers (typically 70-100 years young) are motivated to move using musical instruments & props. Her ACE and AFAA-accredited program specializes in assisting those with Alzheimer’s/dementia and has been taught in the U.S. and Canada. Rachel is an ACE CPT, an AFAA and Silver Sneakers group exercise instructor, and an SCW Active Aging Movement Coach. Senior fitness is her passion.
RONNIE FULTON
Ronnie Fulton is a Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, a Certified Personal Trainer, and a Licensed Massage Therapist with a passion for helping people to feel better in their bodies. Ronnie uses massage tools to increase flexibility, minimize pain, and improve performance & has taught thousands to embrace simple self-care strategies. With over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, she regularly hosts sold-out workshops.
HERSON GARCIA
Herson Garcia is a Level 3 NeuroKinetic Practitioner and ACE Certified Personal Trainer & specializes 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.
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 the operations of 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, coordinator and independence. As the 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 for decades. Ann is an industry leader and education expert teaching the following Certifications: Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training.)
CARLA GILFRY, MA
Carla, aka Frankie G, is a psychologist turned pole fitness business owner who has over 20 years of business & fitness programming experience. She combines her two worlds by highlighting the fun of pole fitness with the essence of yoga & mindfulness. She helps people step outside their comfort zone or social norms and step onto the pole. She has helped over 100,000 people improve their lives through her classes, programs, workshops, and events.
LISA GORSLINE
Lisa has over 35 years’ experience in the Health Club Industry and over 20 years of management experience. Lisa started as a Group Ex Instructor, moved into Membership Sales, promoted to Marketing and Sales Manager then Assistant GM and now President of her club. The club is over 110,000 square feet with almost 200 employees. Lisa has been a speaker for IHRSA and Dallas MANIA® for over 10 years and previously served as chairperson for THRSA.
JENN HOGG, MA
Jenn Hogg, MA, is a 5-time US National Aerobic Gymnastics Champion, co-founder of H.E.R.O. Fitness in Chicago, and holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. As a former GX Manager for Equinox and the current Director of Group Exercise Programs for East Bank Club, Jenn’s mission is to elevate talent & programming through education and create space for fitness professionals to step into their shine. Jenn is a Master Trainer for CORE Health & Fitness representing Schwinn Indoor Cycling, StairMaster HIIT, Nautilus Strength, Star Trac Cardio, and Throwdown. Jenn also donates her valuable time to coach the Special Olympic athletes.
JEFF HOWARD
Jeff Howard has a degree in kinesiology, is an international fitness presenter, SCW Faculty Member, and successful entrepreneur. As a highly sought after fitness consultant, Jeff has traveled extensively, living abroad to elevate fitness standards for Virgin Active in South Africa and Puerto Rico where he founded the Golden Door Spa, as well as managing facilities in the U.S., such as Equinox in Chicago. He has been featured in numerous fitness videos and is a world-renowned celebrity trainer, appearing on several national TV shows, including Bravo’s popular Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. During the pandemic, Jeff launched “Jeff Howard’s Athlete’s Club”, a successful fitness streaming channel, as well as “Jeff Howard Fitness”, a fitness studio in Louisville, KY. Passionate about education and inspiring fitness professionals to reach their fullest potential, he has spent the last decade as a premier educator at industry conventions, including IDEA World, and a proud, long-standing SCW Faculty Member leading the GX Certification and Aqua Certification.
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 on the Women in Fitness Association Board of Directors and is a proud inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Sara currently serves on IHRSA’s Headlight Committees for Facility Standards 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 from Wester Chester University and is the Co-Founder of the successful aqua dumbbell program, WATERinMOTION® Strength. Cheri is currently the choreographer for both WATERinMOTION® Original and Strength programs, 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.
NICHOLAS LAMBE
Nick Lambe is a long-time coach and educator in the industry who specializes in helping fitness professionals implement health principles to improve impact. Notably, this approach focuses on sleep and recovery. Nick is a Clinical Sleep Health Educator and created the comprehensive Sleep & Recovery Coaching Certification, a course that provides a framework for improving clients’ recovery. Partnerships with Nick’s work include The US Marines, The US Olympic Committee, and Google.
DR. EDWARD LASKOWSKI, MD
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., is the former Co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and is nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise in fitness and sports medicine. Dr. Laskowski studies and promotes best practices for general fitness and injury prevention & injury rehabilitation. From 2006 to 2010, he served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under Presidents Bush and Obama. His goal is to provide accurate, reliable exercise recommendations for all.
MELISSA LAYNE, MEd
Melissa is a Kinesiology Department Faculty Member at the University of North Georgia. She has 35 years of experience in the fitness industry and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. Melissa is the author of WATER EXERCISE (Human Kinetics 2015), a member of the SCW educational faculty, and wrote the SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals Certification, the SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism Certification, and contributed to the SCW Active Aging Certification.
MICAH LOGAN
Micah Logan has been an entrepreneur for the last 15 years. He is the Founder/CEO of MELD Fitness + Wellness, a fitness concept that focuses on delivering high value, high ticket personal training to members in small groups. Micah is also the CEO, inventor, and manufacturer of HushFrame connectors, a soundproofing device that is disrupting the landscape of soundproofing in the construction industry.
