May 3-5, 2024 • Caribe Royale Orlando
May 3-5, 2024 • Caribe Royale Orlando
VISIONARIES & INDUSTRY LEADERS
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.
MIRIAM BALL
Miriam Ball is the CIO and a licensed property & casualty broker at Alternative Balance LLC. An expert and industry icon, she specializes in developing insurance programs for the health, beauty, and wellness industries. Over the past 20 years, Miriam has been dedicated to developing easy-to-understand policy forms and simple website systems for insureds across the United States. Miriam is also a freelance writer and editor. Based in New Hampshire, Miriam enjoys visiting the ocean, gardening, and traveling to new places.
GAIL BANNISTER-MUNN
Jon Baraglia
Brian Bettendorf, MSM, MA
Brian Bettendorf, MSM (Management), MA (Kinesiology), is the Head of Education for RumbleRoller and a managing partner in Drake Global Strategy, a consulting firm helping fitness and sporting goods companies develop their brand, create new products and accelerate growth. He has been in the fitness industry for over twenty years as a practitioner, operator, educator, and consultant. After selling a physical therapy and fitness company he co-founded, Brian then spent time during the early years at TRX in a variety of product, marketing, education, and business development roles.
JENNA BOSTIC
SIRI CHILAZI, MBA, MA
Siri is the IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year 2023 and a 15+-year veteran of the fitness industry. She is a Master Trainer for Cardio Yoga® and RAQ THE BARRE®, and she teaches formats ranging from Pilates and Barre to Step and HIIT. As an educator, Siri is passionate about training instructors and regularly presents at industry-leading conferences. Besides her fitness career, Siri has a second career as an academic researcher on behavioral science and gender equality in organizations.
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.
Harley Cofield
Harley is an NASM certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She is a strength and conditioning coach and specializes in performance enhancement. She strives to help people reach success in all aspects of their lives from the inside out. Harley is a WATERinMOTION® Champion and has been featured on over 15 releases thus far. She has a background in dance that has transitioned into her fitness career. She has earned multiple certifications over the years, and currently fills her schedule with aquatics, dance, barre, yoga and private training sessions; reaching fitness enthusiasts on land and in the water.
CHRISTINE CONTI, MEd
Christine is an international fitness educator, chronic disease wellness specialist, and recipient of the IDEA World 2023 Fitness Professional of the Year. She is the CEO of CONTI: a woman-owned enterprise that offers keynote speaking, chronic disease wellness, mindset coaching, and continuing education. Christine is a best-selling author, podcast host, co-founder of REINVENTING THE WOMAN INTERNATIONAL, and a 3x IRONMAN. After receiving a life-changing diagnosis at age thirty, this former investment banker and teacher is determined to show the world that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
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.
ELLEN DE WERD, ERYT 200
Ellen de Werd is a 23-year fitness industry leader with extensive experience developing innovative programs. She is the creator of WARRIOR Rhythm™, WARRIOR Strength™, and WARRIOR Combat™. Her unique programs are taught in 13 countries. Since the launch of the WARRIOR Instructor Academy, Ellen has garnered international attention as a featured, favorite presenter and educator for SCW, IDEA, canfitpro, Fitness Fest, and Fitness Conventions Inc. Ellen is the Fitness Director at the Downtown Athletic Club and a Lululemon Legacy Ambassador. She is also a certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist and 200 Hour EYRT.
SOHAILLA DIGSBY, RDN, LD
Sohailla is a registered dietitian, author, and international speaker. She has been a group exercise instructor since she was a teenager. She partners with fitness pros to help them launch 8-week challenges so their clients get the results that workouts alone won’t deliver. Sohailla is a voice of reason – bringing clarity amidst the nutrition fads and myths that abound in the fitness space. She and her husband have 3 teenagers, and lives in Evans, Georgia.
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
MAYA EVANS, MEd, NCSP
CHRISTA FAIRBROTHER, MA, ERYT 500
APY FIGUEROA
JEWELL FOWLER, MA
Holding a master’s degree in Sports & Performance Psychology, Jewel also carries a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education. She is the Resort Operations Supervisor at the Marriott Vacations Worldwide and has been in the fitness industry for over a decade. She is currently the Recreation Program Coordinator for her local county parks and recreation department. Jewell is an ACE certified group fitness instructor and has taught numerous formats throughout her career.
AMIA FREEMAN
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 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, he 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 serves 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.).
JACOB GLASSMEYER
Jacob Glassmeyer is an accomplished, multi-award-winning Master Instructor of Tai Chi and Qigong, blackbelt in Taekwondo and Army veteran with decades of experience in martial arts and the fitness industry. Jacob was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2022 as the result of the culmination of accomplishments in the martial arts and social good through his passion, discipline and leadership to our generations and our nation’s veterans.
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.
MARK HARRINGTION JR.
Mark Harrington Jr. is a dynamic executive with a proven record in fitness and IT consulting. As President of Healthworks Fitness, Republic Fitness, and GymIt, he drives growth by blending technology and vision. Co-founder of First Fitness Management, he’s committed to community health through Healthworks Community Fitness. Mark’s leadership serves thousands of members and employs hundreds of fitness professionals, reflecting his dedication to innovation, team development, and holistic well-being.
MARISSA HOFF, MEd
Marisa is a partner at The Empower Group, a full-service consulting firm based in California. Marisa works with businesses to achieve growth and continued success. Previously, Marisa was GM at Stevenson Fitness, a full-service boutique health club in L.A. She is an Ambassador for the Women in Fitness Association, holds a master’s degree in education and is an international presenter at various conferences, including IHRSA, Athletic Business, and various state Parks & Rec conferences.
JEFF HOWARD
Jeff Howard has a degree in kinesiology, is a beloved international fitness presenter, SCW Faculty Member, and successful entrepreneur. As a highly sought-after fitness consultant, Jeff has managed several facilities in the USA and abroad including 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. Jeff owns and operates “Jeff Howard’s Athlete’s Club”, a successful fitness streaming channel, as well as “Jeff Howard Fitness”, a fitness studio and Personal Training Center in Louisville, KY.
MICHAEL HUGHES
Founder of Gymnazo & Gymnazo EDU, holding a degree in Kinesiology, Michael is a Fellow of Applied Functional Science and certified as a Multidimensional Movement Coach, a Functional Manual Reaction Coach, a Female Chain Reaction Coach, a 3D Movement Analysis & Performance System Coach, plus several more. He is also a Precision Nutrition Coach and Post Rehab Conditioning specialist. He’s spent the last decade pioneering a more sustainable model of training that blends his heart for restoration with the energy of fitness training. Michael’s mission is to elevate the industry’s standards for what quality looks like as a trainer through scientific knowledge and application.
GREG JOHNSON, MS
Greg Johnson is a fitness studio owner and has 20 years of experience in health and exercise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fitness and rehabilitation, with minors in Health and Wellness. Greg also has a Masters of kinesiology from CALU, with concentrations in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA and a Performance Enhancement Specialist through NASM (NASM-PES).
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 an active member of ACSM. 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.
DR. EDWARD LASKOWSKI, MD
MELISSA LAYNE, MEd
TRICIA MURPHY MADDEN
Tricia Murphy Madden is a highly respected veteran of the fitness industry with 30 years of experience. She was awarded Fitness Leader of the Year for IDEA in 2020. Tricia served as the on-set Director for Amazon Halo, directing workouts, and contributing to talent casting and camera skills development. As a National Education Director, she oversees programming and manages a team of 100+ master trainers. Tricia is also the co-creator of Barre Above and a Co-Founder of Homeroom Fit. She actively participates in the IDEA Group Fitness Committee and frequently presents at global events, earning her a reputation as a respected leader in the field.
ROSIE MALAGHAN, MS, ERYT-200
ERIN MANSOUR, MBA
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.
BILL MCBRIDE
Bill is a health club industry veteran with over 25 years of experience leading and managing all aspects of commercial health clubs, medical fitness centers, residential, community, multi-tenant, and corporate fitness sites. He co-founded Active Wellness, LLC and owns a health club consultancy business – BMC3. Bill has served as Chairman of IHRSA, serving on the Board of Directors. He was President of the Mid-Atlantic Club Management Association (MACMA) and served on the Industry Advisory Board for the American Council of Exercise (ACE). He serves on the Medical Wellness Association (MWA) as a Faculty Member and The Medical Fitness Network (MFN) Advisory Boards. Bill also served as Contributing Editor for ACSM’s Health/Fitness Facility Standards & Guidelines, 5th Edition. Bill was recently acknowledged as one of the top 25 Consumer HealthTech Executives for 2020.
IRENE MCCORMICK, MS, CSCS
Irene McCormick MS, CSCS, is an IDEA Fitness Instructor Award, Author and Subject Matter Expert, an international fitness lecturer, an adjunct faculty instructor teaching physiology, and owner of Coaching Services for Women. Author of “The HIIT Advantage for Women ” (Human Kinetics), she’s a subject matter expert for ACE, NASM/AFAA, Orangetheory, Human Kinetics, ISSA, and SCW Fitness certifications. Irene consults, mentors, and is a Lifetime Dynamic Personal Trainer offering “JUST START” Strength, a Virtual 1:1 Coaching program for Women.
LINDA MCDONALD
Linda McDonald is a Fitness Educator, Virtual Studio Owner and Program Specialist for Barre Above®, Balletone® and Extreme HIIT Chaos. A leader in Group Fitness Programming, providing continuing education training at conferences as well as local workshops, she specializes in training, evaluating, and certifying instructors in various formats. Linda has also worked as a consultant to local health clubs, evaluating group fitness instructors and providing up-skilling workshops.
CHRIS MCNALLY, MS
Dr. JONATHAN MIKE, PhD
LAURA MIKSZAN
ELIZABETH MOONEY
KEVIN MULLINS, CSCS
Kevin Mullins, CSCS, is a fitness professional, educator, and author who has coached over twenty-thousand personal training sessions and group fitness classes in the last decade. He is the author of best-selling Personal Training book – Day by Day: The Personal Trainer’s Blueprint. The creator of SCW’s Functional Training Certification, Kevin holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland as well as accreditation through the PPSC, USAW, Precision Nutrition, EQUINOX, NSCA, Trigger Point Therapy, ISSA, and Schwinn Cycle.
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.
JESSICA PINKOWSKI
Jessica is the Fitness Supervisor for On Top of the World Communities and The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa. Jessica has been a fitness professional for over 25 years and holds certifications from ACE, AFAA, FAI, and AEA, and she is a Certified Posture Specialist with the National Posture Institute. Jessica is a presenter for the International Council on Active Aging and SCW Fitness Education.
GUSTI RATLIFF, MED, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
DIVA RICHARDS
DR. DAN RITCHIE, MS, PhD
Dr. Dan Ritchie is the Co-founder and President of The Functional Aging Institute and has a broad background in the fitness industry including training and management in commercial, for-profit, not for-profit, and educational facilities. With expertise in personal training for special populations including athletes, stroke recovery, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s, he worked on state-funded research on exercise for severe dementia, Alzheimer’s type. He regularly presents at national and regional conferences and is active on committees for the American College of Sports Medicine.
JANI ROBERTS
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
YURY ROCKIT
DAVID-DORIAN ROSS
David-Dorian Ross has introduced more students to Tai Chi than any other teacher in America. He has been studying Tai Chi since 1979 from some of the top masters in the world. He’s also a US and world record holder in Tai Chi forms and competitions. He is the founder and CEO of TaijiFit, the creator of the TaijiFit method, and is the #1 best-selling author and creator of 150 Tai Chi educational DVDs and television programs. He is also the National Coordinator for the VA’s Tai Chi for Veterans program.
KYLIE ROSS, MS, MBA
ZORAIDA SEPULVEDA
DOUG SHEPPARD
Having authored, Boutique Studio Blueprint: How to Open and Operate a Successful Personal Training Studio, Doug owns and operates a successful PT Facility. He is certified by ACSM, ACE and NSCA (with distinction,) and is trained in Russian Kettlebell, TRX, Dynamic Variable Resistance Training, Precision Nutrition, Functional Movement Screening and Functional Range Conditioning. He placed in the Men’s Health Next Top Trainer competition, and as a young competitive bodybuilder, Doug won the Junior National Championships. Doug served as the State/Provincial Director for NSCA, and has trained professional NFL, USTA, and PGA athletes.
CHRIS STEVENSON, CSCS
Chris Stevenson, former Power Ranger stuntman, is an international speaker and the founder of The Empower Group. Chris regularly presents at IHRSA, SCW Mania, Athletic Business, The Climbing Wall Summit, and more. He is also a columnist for the Athletic Business Journal and the author of the upcoming textbook, “Fitness Facility Management.” Chris has a unique ability to connect with people instantaneously and present viable, applicable lectures that resonate with every audience.
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.
NICK TUMMINELLO
Nick Tumminello is known as the “Trainer of Trainers.” He has worked with a variety of clients from the NFL and NBA to professional bodybuilders & figure models to MMA fighters and exercise enthusiasts of all fitness levels. Coach Nick is the author of four books, was the NSCA’s 2016 Personal Trainer, is the NSCA’s Personal Training Quarterly journal and is the creator of the Movement Performance Assessment (MPA) certification.
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!
SARA VANDENBERG
Sara has been teaching in the fitness industry since 2010. She grew up dancing competitively which led her towards teaching fitness in her adult life. Sara is a fitness instructor at the YMCA of Cass & Clay Counties and North Dakota State University Wellness Center in Fargo. In addition to being a WATERinMOTION Champion, Sara teaches Les Mills and the SOUL Fitness formats, is a master trainer and content creator for SOUL Fitness and is an ACE certified group fitness instructor.
MANUEL VELAZQUEZ
REENA VOKOUN, MS
Reena Vokoun, M.S., Founder and CEO of Passion Fit, is a best-selling and award-winning author, TEDx speaker, TV host and contributor and certified health coach. She is also a favorite group fitness professional, yoga/mindfulness, nutrition and behavior change specialist, and a wellbeing and professional strength coach through ACE, AFAA and Gallup. Reena is well known as an award-winning ESPN fitness championship competitor and an ACE brand ambassador. She was recently selected as one of LA Weekly’s top health and fitness leaders of 2023.
CONNIE WARASILA
Connie is the choreographer for WATERinMOTION®, faculty member of SCW Fitness Education, and certified by ACE, AEA, AFAA, Balanced Body, The Braining Center, Yoga Fit, Schwinn®, Reebok Cycle, and Moms in Motion. Awarded the Aquatic Exercise Association Fitness Professional of the Year, Connie has over 30 years of teaching experience in the USA and abroad. She enjoys traveling around the world presenting new and creative workshops to make fitness more accessible, professional, and fun.
BILLIE WARTENBERG
RUSTON WEBB, MS
With over 20 years in the fitness industry, Ruston Webb is a luminary in Human Movement, holding a master’s degree in the field. He founded The Mobility Recipe, a revered certification for fitness professionals, and developed transformative programs targeting knee, back, and shoulder pain, enhancing client well-being and performance. Leveraging his expertise as a former college instructor in exercise science, Ruston owned a successful gym for 11 years, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in promoting holistic fitness solutions.
JARED WILLIAMS
SARAH ZAHAB
ROSE ZAHNN
Rose Zahnn is a fitness professional and presenter with over 30 years experience. She started her journey in the world of aerobics and weight training, and has enjoyed teaching a variety of formats at her studio in Sacramento and at conferences and events around the world. She is the creator of several fitness and nutrition programs. Her lifestyle transformation program, AMAZING180, guides participants to a sustainable healthier, happier and fit lifestyle.
DR. JULIE ZULEGER, PhD
