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.
DEBRA ATKINSON, MS, CSCS
Debra is a wellness coach, hormone balancing fitness expert, and bestselling author with over 3 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 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.
DEBBIE BELLENGER, MS
Debbie Bellenger is the Senior Vice President of Healthy Living for South Florida YMCA Association and is responsible for creating new medical wellness programs in partnership with healthcare systems. Debbie also trains and develops the full team of GX instructors and PTs.and launches new corporate wellness program to businesses in Downtown Miami. Debbie is a World IDEA Program Director of the Year, and a TRX and Reebok Master Trainer. Debbie is a favorite presenter for MANIA®, World IDEA, Can Fit Pro, ACSM, and NASM.
PAUL CHRISTOPHER, CSCS
Paul 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.
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, MA, NSCA-CPT
Bob is both nationally & internationally recognized as a Business Solutions Consultant, a Fitness Director, Educator, Author, Personal Trainer, and Group Exercise Instructor. Known as the “Green Thumb” for successfully making money for his clients, he is the CEO of the Esquerre Fitness Group International [EFGI]. Bob is an active participant in both the national & international lecture circuits as a sought-after speaker in the following areas: Personal & Small Group Training, Business and Management Development, Program Design, Customer Relationship Management 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 Nutrition AF 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.
APY FIGUEROA
Apy is a LaBlast Master Trainer holding a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science, and is a former national synchronized swimmer for Puerto Rico who loves dancing whether in water or on land. She went to a LaBlast® master class, and instantly fell in love with this exceptional program. LasBlast is a ballroom dance format created by Emmy-nominated choreographer & Dancing with the Stars pro, Louis van Amstel. LaBlast is ballroom-based, partner-free dance exercise program including all components of fitness, and uses music from every era & genre. Apy feels it’s the best dance format where you can learn the true skill of dance while blasting calories.
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, 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.
SUAAD GHADBAN
Suaad Ghadban is CanFitPro’s 2021 Fitness Professional of the year and a leading fitness and health expert in Canada. She is also the creator of the hottest award-winning workout called Hot Booty Ballet™. She has 20 years of teaching, training, and public speaking experience. Suaad is the fitness correspondent for Global TV Montreal for the past 8 years and has been featured in countless media and print outlets such as The Huffington Post, The Gazette, CTV News, TVA, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Salut Bonjour, Radio Canada, Women’s Health, I Heart Radio, Q 92 Radio and many more.
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 nations veterans.
TANISHA 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, 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
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 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.
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. 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.
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.
KARLA MEDINA, MS
Karla is a passionate Latina who has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years. She is highly respected for her no-nonsense innovative approach to faith, fitness, business and life. Karla is the owner/master trainer of Sudor Taino® Group Fitness and holds many local and national press, book publications and video production credits. Karla holds a master’s degree and many specialized certifications in the fitness, police, and business fields.
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.
ALISON ROBBINS
Alison Robbins has ultimately found a unique way to bridge the gaps between corrective exercise and higher movement performance in the highly applicable, turn-key program called The MESO Method™. As the creator of the program, she blends her innate curiosity about movement science and her background in ballet, yoga, barre, Pilates, and indoor cycling—as well as her avid interest in wholesome nutrition and wellness lifestyles–to help design this holistically integrated restoration/activation training program. Alison has also dedicated time to other initiatives such as opening the Meso Fit R & D Fitness Studio, in Boca Raton. Alison is NASM-CPT/CES-certified and shares her many gifts internationally at numerous conferences.
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.
DEBORAH ROTHSCHILD, MS
Deborah Rothchild, MS began her career as Certified Personal Trainer and has worked as a Group Fitness Instructor, Pilates Instructor, Lead Trainer, Group Fitness and Pilates Manager, Fitness Director, and Sports and Wellness Director. She holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Fitness and Wellness. Her Personal Training Certifications are from NASM and ACE with specializations in Senior Fitness and Cancer Exercise. Deborah holds a Fitness Instructor Certification AFAA along with numerous specialty certifications and is the owner of Tough Agers, LLC. Currently, she specializes in training 55+ clients on-location, and virtually through Zoom, with her Deborah Does Fitness app and online portal.
ANDRE SANTOS
Born and raised in Belem, Para, Brazil, Andre spent several years dancing in bands touring across Brazil and teaching Brazilian dance fitness classes. He moved to Rio de Janeiro in 2014, where he met his now wife, Mariana. In 2018, he moved to Canada to start working on Brazily Fitness, which aims to transform lives using the magic of Brazilian music, dance, fitness and lifestyle.
MARIANA SANTOS
Born and raised in Canada, Mariana moved to Brazil as a teenager where she was introduced to the Brazilian approach to dance, fitness, and lifestyle. This experience propelled her into her career as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She returned to Brazil at 25 years old, where she fell in love with Brazilian culture even more and also met her now husband, Andre. Together, they created Brazily Fitness which aims to share the unique Brazilian vibe with the rest of the world through fun and dynamic Brazilian inspired fitness programs.
DOUGLAS 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.
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.
DR. TRACY TECLAW, ND
Tracy Teclaw is a Board-Certified Naturopathic Doctor achieving the highest level of training in Applied Kinesiology. Tracy is a Certified NES Bioenergetic Practitioner, Intuitive and Energy Healer, Master Herbalist, Licensed Massage Therapist, along with many other certifications. After not finding the answers in traditional education she sought out non-traditional education in the healing arts and Quantum Physics. With over 25 years of combined education and hands-on experience she has developed a comprehensive system of complete wellness. Her trademark moto is “Helping Your Body Heal Itself”.
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.
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.
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.