presenters
THE BEST OF THE BEST
MANIA® Presenters
CHRISTINE ALEXANDER
Christine is a nationally certified water fitness instructor through the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). She is the author of Water Fitness Progressions and of Water Fitness Lesson Plans and Choreography and a blog. Christine has been teaching water fitness and mentoring other instructors for 30 years. She currently teaches 8 classes a week at Oak Point Recreation Center for the Plano Parks and Recreation Department.
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.
ANDREA AUSTIN
Andrea Austin is the Creator and CEO of BeatBoss™ Indoor Biking & Consulting. With over 35 years in the fitness industry, Andrea brings long standing expertise in group exercise, indoor cycling, mind/body applications and personal training when creating and presenting the BeatBoss™ Methodology. She loves to positively share her insights with those learning from her. Andrea holds multiple fitness and wellness certifications including NASM Personal Trainer with specialty focuses on STOTT Pilates, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, the study of fascia and movement, and active aging.
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.
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.
PAUL CHRISTOPHER, CSCS
Paul Christopher is Founder/Owner of Gravity + Oxygen Fitness in Boca Raton, Florida. Holding degrees in Health Science, Athletic Training and Health Care Administration, his skill base is a culmination of over 20 years of personal training and sports performance experience. Paul is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Personal Trainer. A favorite MANIA® presenter, he generously pays forward his knowledge to the next generation of fitness professionals.
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.
REBECCA CONSER
Becky Conser has been in the Health and Fitness Industry for over 20 years. She has been a club operator, a Master Trainer for an International Fitness Brand, a Studio Leader for Life Time, a member of Film Talent teams and much more. She got her beginnings as a Professional dancer who traveled the Country with Marching Auxiliaries, and was a K-12 Physical Education, Health and Dance Teacher in the Public School Sector. She has spent the last 5 years leading a team of instructors in Gainesville, VA as the Studio Leader and is versed in everything from barre to conditioning to yoga. Her versatility and creativity has put her in a place where she can lead with love and sprinkle Magic throughout her community.
ELLEN DE WERD, ERYT-200
Ellen de Werd is a 22-year, fitness industry veteran. She is the founder of WARRIOR Rhythm™ and WARRIOR Strength™and co-creator of WARRIOR Combat ™ . 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 10 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 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!
SORAYA DOHERTY, MA
Soraya Doherty has over 19 years in the fitness industry and a lifetime as a belly dance practitioner, both culturally and as an enthusiast. She is the creator of the nationally accredited RAQ THE BARRE™ program. Additionally, she has successfully taught new students of belly dance how to perform and cue fundamental isolated hip precision with the step by step RaqiSa® method. Soraya drew from her Lebanese-American roots, her many years in the professional acting and musical theatre industry, and her award-winning belly dance style, to create RaqiSa®, an engaging and empowering brand for women! She is ACE, AFAA, and AEA certified; she holds a BA from San Jose State University, and an MA from San Francisco State University, in the Theatre Arts, and is a Screen Actors Guild Member.
MARYBETH DZIUBINSKI
MaryBeth is a highly respected global fitness industry leader with over 30 years of experience in group exercise programming. She is currently a Senior Fitness Specialist and was a former National Trainer with the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program. MaryBeth was honored by AEA as Global Aquatic Fitness Professional of the Year. 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
JENN HOGG, MA
Jenn Hogg is a 5-time US National Aerobic Gymnastics Champion, holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and is a driving force in the fitness & wellness space. As the Director of Group Exercise Programs for East Bank Club in Chicago, Jenn’s mission is to elevate talent & programming through education. Jenn is a Master Trainer for CORE Health & Fitness representing Schwinn Indoor Cycling, StairMaster HIIT, Nautilus Strength, Star Trac Cardio, and Throwdown.
SARA KOOPERMAN, JD
Sara Kooperman, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION® and S.E.A.T. Fitness, is a visionary leader that has transformed the fitness education community. A successful business owner and advisor, she is a keynote speaker, published author, webinar host, podcast presenter, and sought-after industry trailblazer. Kooperman has launched seven successful live MANIA® fitness professional conventions, another six streaming conferences, and more than 40 live and online certifications. Her company has touched more than 100,000 fitness professionals face-to-face, engaged another 300,000+ in virtual connections, and produced over 600 fitness instructor training videos. Kooperman currently serves on IHRSA’s Headlight Committees for Facility Standards, is a co-host of IHRSA’s Talks & Takes Monthly Talk Show and sits on the ACSM Communication & Public Information Committee. She also is part of the Gold’s Gym Think Tank and the canfitpro Advisory Panel and was a founding board member for the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA). Recently nominated for the 2022 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award, Kooperman won the 2022 Most Innovating Fitness Pro by Fitness Industry Technology Council. She is also an inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, an Illinois State Businesswoman of the Year, and a winner of AEA’s Global Award for contribution to the aquatic industry.
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. Nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise in fitness and musculoskeletal and sports medicine, Dr. Laskowski studies and promotes best practices for musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 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, book chapters, and popular media and multimedia.
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.
ROBERT LEADLEY
Robert’s love of movement and fitness began at a young age. After studying dance at The University of Minnesota Twin Cities and dancing professionally for many years, Robert naturally discovered a newfound passion for movement through fitness and indoor cycling. Catching the instructor bug, he eventually discovered BeatBoss™. The BeatBoss™ Methodology was revolutionary for him in many ways and as Senior Director of BeatBoss™️ he now passes this knowledge on to others. Robert holds certifications and trainings through Schwinn, Stages, and is certified in Group Fitness and Personal Training through ACE. He also proudly leads multiple BeatBoss™️ Classes, Trainings and Coaching in person and virtually across the world.
ELIZABETH LENART, MEd
With over 25 years in the fitness industry, Elizabeth is an international fitness educator, content creator and fierce advocate of mental health. She’s known for explosive intervals, electric coaching & innovative programming. Elizabeth has an MEd in Educational Psychology, is a licensed counselor, and a wellness and life coach. She uses counseling and coaching to help clients get out of their heads and into their bodies. She’s the National Program Education Director for Balletone, and a Program Specialist for Barre Above, Tabata Bootcamp, WaterRower, and Chaos. Elizabeth is the Fitness Director at Yale University Payne Whitney Gymnasium and the owner of Studio E Fitness.
ROSIE MALAGHAN, MS, ERYT-200
Rosie has almost 20 years of experience teaching and counseling, both virtually and live, all aspects of fitness, yoga, leadership, and organizational development. She holds a Master of Science degree in Human Development and served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Rhode Island. She is an ERYT and C-RYT, ACE CPT, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She holds several SCW certifications from Group Ex to Personal Training and Aquatics and is the Creator of the SCW Aquatic Personal Training Certification. Rosie currently serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.
SHELDON MCBEE, MS
Sheldon holds a Master of Science degree in human nutrition. He is Executive Director at Universal Athletic Club, and is an ACE certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with over 19 years of experience in health and fitness. Sheldon is an experienced international presenter, lecturer, educator, business consultant, and fitness content developer. He has presented at IHRSA, IDEA, Canfitpro, MACMA, SCW, and other industry conferences. Sheldon has been featured in numerous industry publications and sits on the Canfitpro and Club Solutions Magazine Advisory Panel.
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.
MICHELE PARK
Michele Park has been a mentor in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years. She has owned her own personal training company, worked with large fitness corporations on program development, trained and mentored thousands of fitness professionals around the country, developed a virtual teaching course and created her own fitness program, SOULfusion. Michele creates a class experience that allows movement and music to come together bringing magic to the room. Working with Beachbody LIVE as a MASTER TRAINER for PiYo and the PiYo Live Program Director allowed Michele to do what she loves to do… INSPIRE , MENTOR & CREATE.
DIVA RICHARDS
Diva Richards is one of the top, most influential life coaches on the east coast, with over 15 years of experience within the entrepreneurship sector. She is the Founder and President of Hard Work No Excuses, LLC., which includes the 10,000+ sq foot facility located in Marlton, NJ. Diva is a former Pennsylvania State Golden Glove Boxing Champion, and an American Open Powerlifting Champion. She is the creator of The Do Work Method Motivational & Life Coaching Program, and You vs.You Production company. Diva co-created the powerful WARRIOR Combat Program integrating boxing and group exercise for a knock-out experience!
KELI ROBERTS
Keli Roberts was named IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the Year award, awarded the SCW Best Female Presenter, Lifetime Achievement OBOW Award, and was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Keli was also honored as Presenter of the Year, as well as the Inspiration Award winner for Empower! Conventions. Keli is an ACSM EP, an ACE Senior Fitness Specialist and is FAI CPT Certified. Keli is an SCW Faculty Member, a Schwinn® Senior Master Trainer, and a Ryka Ambassador.
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.
JASON SCHNEIDER
Jason is a professional endurance and multisport coach with certifications in triathlon, running, cycling, distance and masters swimming. A 4x Ironman with over 18 years personal triathlon, cycling, ultra-distance, marathon and multi-stage racing, he translates his experiences, the fundamentals of training and endurance racing into challenging, high-intensity, goal and results-oriented indoor training and group fitness classes. ACE & AFAA Certified Instructor, Schwinn Master Trainer and CrossFit Certified Instructor, Jason is also trained in many functional strength modalities including ViPR, Kettlebells, TRX and IndoRow.
DUSTY SOLIS
With 15 years of fitness and 30 years of dance experience, Dusty has a strong passion for her field and is excited to spread the LaBlast love! Dusty earned her B.S. in Health Promotion, Minor in Dance from the University of North Texas. Certified through ACSM, ACE and AFAA, Dusty’s goal is to educate and raise awareness of the health/wellness benefits of LaBlast while keeping in mind that variety, fun, and authenticity are just as important.
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.
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® Dance 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.
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).
BILLIE WARTENBERG
Billie has over 28 years of experience in the fitness industry and is currently the Fitness and Wellness Director at the Trilogy Resort 55+ Community and Resort in Orlando, FL. Managing almost 100 sessions per week focused on healthy active aging, Billie has authored the SCW Aqua Barre certification and is also a master trainer for SCW’s WATERinMOTION(r) and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training) programs. Drawing on her experience as a former competitive cheerleader, Billie brings high energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement to everything she does.
NATALIE WHITAKER
A FitBodies Vacation Leader, Natalie Whitaker is a certified fitness instructor and yoga teacher with a passion for helping others develop renewed hope and skills to achieve the life of their dreams. Natalie helps her clients achieve this through multiple healing modalities including, wellness coaching, private/group sessions as well as, yoga, mind/body and fitness classes. Natalie believes that true transformation stems from an inward belief in ones unique divine creation, from soul-centered healing outward transformation is accomplished.
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.
