CONVENTIONS - MIAMI '08 - presenter bios Abbie Appel is ACE, AFAA, NASM certified, a PIA Pilates Master Trainer, and a Reebok University Master Trainer. Trained in dance and vocal performance, she has moved those skills in her work within various television programs, including Kiana's Flex Appeal on ESPN. Heather Anderson, MS, RD, holds a BS in Communication from Boston University and MS in Nutrition from Stony Brook University. Heather is an ACE and AFAA certified fitness professional whose passion is educating peers in the fitness industry. Heather has been sharing her experience and expertise in nutrition, movement, and management with fitness professionals for over 9 years. She currently practices cutting edge medical nutrition therapy at world-renowned Columbia NY Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Nicki Anderson, NASM, is the President of Reality Fitness, Inc. in Naperville, IL and a 25-year fitness veteran. She is the author of numerous books and health and fitness columnist for Suburban Chicago Newspapers. Geoff Bagshaw is one of Canada's most energetic and inspirational fitness leaders. Having been involved in the fitness industry for more than 24 years, Geoff has now presented in 15 countries. Through his regular class schedule, workshops and master classes, Geoff reaches over 30,000 people annually. He has been seen in several fitness training videos, magazines and television programs and was named Can-Fit-Pro's Canadian Fitness Presenter of the Year in 2004. The Toronto Star newspaper also heralded Geoff to be one of Toronto's top instructors. Geoff is Can-Fit-Pro certified and a BCRPA Supervisor of Fitness Leaders. Gail Bannister-Munn has her finger on the pulse of fitness enthusiasts and the club industry because of her widely varied fitness background. She is the regional area group fitness manager with XSport Fitness. She presents both workshops and lectures at internationally attended conferences, and teach aerobic choreography as an instructor with East Coast Instructor Training School. Leslee Bender is the founder of The Pilates Coach with over 25 years in the fitness industry presenting internationally. Leslee is ACSM, AFAA, ACE and NASM certified and is the creator of the Pilates mini ball program. Lawrence Biscontini, M.A is an SCW Faculty Member who has won Instructor of the Year Awards from ACE (2002), IDEA (2004), CanFitPro (Specialty 2004), and Best Mind-Body Presenter ECA (2005). Lawrence works as a trainer and Wellness and Spa consultant for his company FG2000, Golden Door Spas, Reebok AFAA, Resistaball® International, and Gliding and has created Yo-Chi®. Connie Borho has over 20 years' experience in the fitness industry, holding certifications through Peak Pilates, PhysicalMind, AFAA, ACE, and Yoga Alliance RYT-500. Affiliated with Sunshine Fitness Resources, Connie is a Peak Pilates National Teacher Trainer dedicated to teaching mind-body fitness. Michael Boyle is one of the most sought after coaches and speakers in the area of performance enhancement and athletic rehabilitation. Mike's work has been featured on HBO, ESPN and in USA Today. In addition Mike has produced 27 instructional DVD's through Perform Better. Myrna Brady has more than 15 years of combined Human Resources Management and fitness experience. She has a B.S. in Music Performance & Education K-12, is certified by ACE, NASM, Spinning, PowerHouse Pilates, ECITS and the YMCA to name a few. She is a licensed teacher for the East Coast Instructor Training School, and currently owns and runs her own company Qameliyan Fitness & LifeStyle Consulting, LLC. Gerard Calvo is not only a presenter at ECA Miami, Gerard is also the on-site Co-Event Director for ECA conferences. Gerard resides in New York City where he currently teaches classes for Equinox Fitness Clubs and New York Sports Clubs. He was the former Director of Operations for Training & Development for Town Sports International, the parent company for the NYSC, BSC, PSC and WSC health club chains. Having taught Group Exercise classes and workshops for nearly 20 years, Gerard's work has been seen on television and in the media including ABC News, The New York Post and at several AIDSWALK NY events. Gerard also runs special events for many high-powered clients and corporations. Anna Carbonell learned her first shoulder stand when she was about 4 years old from her father, Rolando "Swami Deva Leelananda" Carbonell, who helped pioneered yoga in the Philippines. Her passion for yoga grew immensely that she became driven to study under yoga masters such as Sharon Gannon, David Life, Yogeswari and many others in order to share her love and knowledge of yoga to all. She now heads the yoga department and teaches at Exhale in New York City. In addition to being a yogini, she is also a professional Polynesian dancer for over 15 years as seen on commercials such as "Dove Body Wash" and "The Travel Channel" featured as a Polynesian dancer. Sherry Catlin has presented in 25 countries and 23 states. She's a Continuing Education Specialist for ACE, the Director of Program Development for Body Bar Systems and a member of the Elite National Training Team for Systematic Touch Training. Matthew Comer, MS has excelled in making a name for himself in the Miami Beach fitness community and throughout the United States. Matthew is a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, and founder and co-owner of Pilates South Beach. Having taught in the Bahamas and throughout the US, Matthew continues to be a sought-after presenter and Pilates instructor for both clients and those persons wanting to learn to teach Pilates. His true love within the Pilates teaching world is post-rehabilitation. He prides himself on teaching his clients how to modify exercises to cater to every kind of injury, including injury maintenance. Matthew blends his love and knowledge for performance enhancement, movement analysis, dance, physical therapy, and Pilates into one practice. Jennifer Dahl is a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor and Instructor Trainer based in Toronto. She teaches courses, examines students for certification and has presented workshops for STOTT PILATES in Canada and internationally. A graduate of the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre, Jennifer also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto. Jennifer also continues to work as a professional dancer and choreographer and has performed across Canada with various dance and theatre companies. Dalien, E-RYT, is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter whose background in health, yoga, music, therapy, mind-body and Shamanism spans 20 years. He is certified at the 500 hr level by Starseed Yoga and Wellness and serves as an adjunct professor of Yoga and Meditation at Montclair State University as well as using yoga and sound application in supporting children with Autism. His memoir, "How To Become A Rock N' Roll Yoga Jedi Knight" documents his life long process of rebuilding his entire immune system from head trauma to crones, all through natural and alternative methods. For more info about Dalien, his yoga and music career, stop by www.myspace.com/13hands. Fred DeVito is the vice-President of Movement Classes + training. He co-founded the company's proprietary Core Fusion® class program and teacher training program. Fred directs the Core Fusion® program, teacher training strategy and certification program, and teaching academy infrastructure to support a multi site roll out. He also personally teaches many weekly classes. Marcelo Ehrhardt is the group fitness recruiting manager and area group fitness manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs in Chicago and Florida. His classes have received accolades including the "Best New Class 2004" by New York Magazine's "Best of New York" issue. Featured in media outlets including Good Morning America, E News with Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest, CBS, ABC, Metromix, the WB, Vogue, Fitness Magazine, Time Out New York, Time Out Chicago, The New York Times, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Social, Windy City Sports, RedEye, Marie Claire, Cosmo Girl and New York Magazine. Jessica Exposito, an international presenter from Spain, is known for her charisma and creativity. She studied physical education at the University of Barcelona and she has her own school; X2 Fitness Academy and is the Batuka Master trainer (her own dance program). She has sold 1,500,000 dvds in Spain and was awarded the "diamond disc". She has taught at conventions in Portugal, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Israel, Switzerland Russia, Mexico, Argentina, Taiwan, Korea, Turkey, Siberia and Brazil. Shannon Fable was named the 2006 ACE GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR. She is the founder and CEO of Sunshine Fitness Resources, a fitness consulting firm experienced in providing services for instructors, aspiring presenters, fitness manufacturers and managers. Fable is an international presenter for several well-known companies including the Nautilus Institute, BOSU, Power Systems and ACE. As a program developer and educator for more than a decade, Fable provides continuing education worldwide. Michael Fritzke is a certified Pilates Teacher Trainer, an international presenter and co-creator of the TRIADBALL™. For over a decade, he has collaborated with Ton Voogt. Together they co-own ZENIRGY, LLC, a company devoted to promoting the Pilates method and raising awareness of its benefits. Lisa Gaylord works as an instructor at Crunch in Miami Beach, is AFAA certified and a fifth degree black belt in karate. She is a weapons expert, a Women's National Kickboxing Champion, and a spokesperson for Hitman. She has appeared in and choreographed numerous videos and movies as a featured performer and stunt fighter. Rob Glick was named the 2006 International Presenter of the Year by CanFit Pro and the 2005 Best Male Presenter by ECA. He holds a B.S. in exercise science and continues to bring cutting-edge education, programming and choreography to the fitness industry as a member of the creative team for EFI Sports Medicine's GRAVITYSystem and continuing education provider for both ACE and AFAA. He is a master trainer on the Schwinn Cycling, BOSU and Body Bar teams as well as co-creator of the 5 Star Instructor Development program. Patrick Goudeau is a NIKE Elite Fitness Athlete and celebrity trainer. This former U.S. National Aerobic Champion is a featured instructor on "All-Star Workouts", the hot fitness show from The Discovery Channel/FitTV! In addition, he has released 16 highly acclaimed workout videos and is a frequent contributor to several national magazines including Fitness, Women's Health and Health. Clay Grant has been successfully competing, performing, coaching and teaching in the aerobics and fitness industry for almost 20 years. Clay is a Silver and Bronze Medalist in the US National Aerobic Championship. Certifications include: AFAA, ACE, Step Reebok and Pilates Allegro. Elisabeth Halfpapp co-founded Core Fusion® plus has developed Core Energy Flow and Core Fusion Sport for Exhale. In addition to leading workshops nationally and teaching over a dozen Core Fusion® classes a week at all of the different Exhale properties, Elisabeth designs and administrates Exhale's movement programming strategy for yoga and Core Fusion® classes, workshops, and retreat offerings. Elisabeth works with Fred DeVito to create and administer a unique class program and teacher-training program that balances the highest quality of teaching without sacrificing individuality and talent. She directs nationally the company's extensive workshop and retreat program, which provides over 250 yoga, healing and Core Fusion® workshop offerings a year at the various Exhale locations, led by nationally and regionally recognized teachers. She also co-developed with Fred DeVito, the first 2 long awaited Core Fusion DVDs, which are scheduled for release end of 2008. Dan Hellman MSc (Physical Therapy), BS (Athletic Training), C.H.E.K Practitioner Level 4, CHEK HLC Level 3, Certified Golf Biomechanic, MTA Advanced, NMT 1-5 Dan holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. He is also a certified athletic trainer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. With over eighteen years of professional experience, Dan combines orthopedic rehabilitation, evaluation, creation and implementation of fitness programs, golf-specific conditioning biomechanics and nutrition and lifestyle programs with his clients. He is also a member of the CHEK Faculty. Elizabeth Hoffman is a Master Instructor for the Spinning program, AFAA certified aerobics and personal trainer and AFAA presenter. Liz holds a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of South Florida and currently teaches dance studies at the Mougins International School in France. She certifies instructors to teach at the 200hr level through her school of Yoga Urban Bliss, Inc. Sarina Jain, America's first cross-cultural fitness star is the creator of the Masala Bhangra Workout. She is an energetic fitness innovator, music-video choreographer and international television/radio personality. She hosts her own TV segment on Discovery Channel's Fit TV and has a show on Exercise TV. Her regular appearances on NBC's Today, ABC National News and other major media have catapulted her to fame across mainstream America. Scott Josephson, M.S. is the Director of Operations at Hippocrates Health Institute, a premier life changing property in West Palm Beach, Florida. Scott is a national level conference speaker throughout the United States and Canada, a recipient of numerous awards and is frequently published covering a wide range of industry topics. In addition to several certifications, he holds a degree from the University of Miami and is on the advisory board of the American Fitness Professionals and Associates. His work portfolio includes Geraldo Rivera, Wimbledon Champion Chris Evert and athletes from the New York Giants and New York Mets. Jim Karanas is Head of Education and Training for Johnny G's new Kranking® program, as well as Club One's Chief Fitness Officer, directing the company's overall fitness philosophy and new programming. With a Master's Degree, Jim is a CEC provider for ACE and was named to Men's Journal "America's Top 100 Fitness Trainers" for 2005 and 2006. His views on fitness have been published in Fitness Business News, the NY and LA Times as well as San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego magazine. Paul Katami is currently a Group Fitness Manager for Equinox. His background includes Personal Training, the Katamibar program, and national programs like Band Camp! Paul has been featured in numerous videos, publications, and television shows as a fitness expert. Petra Kolber is a Reebok University Master Trainer and ACSM, NASM (CGT), ACE, AFAA certified. She's winner of 2004 and 2003 ECA Best Female Presenter of the Year, 2001 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, the 2000 Canadian Fitness Professionals International Instructor Of The Year and awarded 1999 Fitness Crusader of the Year by Health magazine. Petra has numerous videos on the market, and has been a Contributing Editor for many women's health magazines and has appeared on television as a fitness expert. Stacey Lei Krauss is a Nike Elite Instructor with 10 years of dance training and over 20 years in the fitness industry. A Reiki practitioner, she specializes in barefoot training and lifestyle integration techniques. Stacey Lei is a master trainer for Nautilus and BOSU and a Teacher Trainer for Peak Pilates. Certifications: ACE, ACSM, AFAA. Len Kravitz, Ph.D., is the Program Coordinator of Exercise Science and Researcher at the University of New Mexico where he recently won the "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" award. Len was honored with the 1999 Canadian Fitness Professional "International Presenter of the Year" and the 2006 Canadian Fitness Professional "Specialty Presenter of the Year" awards and chosen as the American Council on Exercise 2006 "Fitness Educator of the Year". Melissa Layne, MSEd, is on the NGCSU faculty in the Exercise Physiology Department. For over 20 years she has taught elementary PE, coordinated fitness programs and managed an exercise facility for a team of orthopedic surgeons. Melissa is on the educational faculty of SCW, SFR, HYDROfit and is a featured presenter on several DVDs. She is certified by ACE, AFAA, AEA, SCW, several specialty organizations, and the state of Ga. as a Health/PE teacher for grades K - 12. Christina Leon began her fitness career in 1986 and holds certifications in Spinning, Yoga, Kickboxing and more. She holds certifications from NASM, AFAA, and NCSF as a Certified Personal Trainer. Christina's mission to integrate holistic health and fitness led her to also become a Color Therapist and Reiki Master. She is the creator of Colorgized Wellness. Marietta Mehanni is an award winning Australian presenter (Aquatic Exercise Leader of the Year 2003, Author of the Year 2007) with over 18 years of teaching experience in both land and water based group exercise. Recently quailed for international instructor accreditation (AFAA, ACE and AEA), Marietta presents regularly at prestigious national and international conventions on group fitness trends and programs. Katharine McLarty, BPAS, C.K., CEP, CSCS, WaterFit™, AEA, CFP-PT. Katharine is a kinesiologist and exercise physiologist providing water exercise programs to a variety of clientele at her facility in Toronto, Canada. She has presented workshops around the world and is the creator of several water fitness DVDs. In her spare time, she enjoys competing in triathlons. Mindy Mylrea is the 2004 CanFit PRO International Presenter of the Year, and the 1999 International IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a National and World Aerobic Champion and is the creator and lead talent behind Gliding. Mindy is also a master trainer for Schwinn Cycling and is on the pro development team for Bosu, CorePole and Body Bar. Suzanne Nottingham is a spokesperson and continuing education provider for ACE and is on the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. She was IDEA's 2000 Fitness Instructor of the Year, and has been credited with spearheading popular fitness programming trends including Outdoor Cross Training, Winter Sport Training, Adult Play Fitness and Balance Awareness & Conditioning. Presently, she is North American Director of Nordic Walking Education for LEKI USA. Wendy O'Lenic is the owner of Wendy Fit Yoga, Pilates and Personal Training Studio in Tampa Florida. Wendy has been a leader in the fitness world for over 23 years. A USF graduate in the Fine Arts with extensive training with many of the top yoga masters. She is a certified Yoga, Pilates and Group Fitness and Personal Trainer. Sonia Rodriguez, Peak Pilates Master Trainer, is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and a registered massage therapist. She has been involved in the Pilates and fitness industry since 1991. First introduced to Pilates at Texas Woman's University through the dance program, she went on to complete a comprehensive Pilates certification through Good Body's PilateSystem. Sonia teaches Peak Pilates courses in Spain, Mexico, South America, and the United States. She holds a B.S in Political Science with a minor in Dance from Texas Woman's University. She also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Ginger Schirmer, PhD, obtained her doctorate degree in nutrition with a specialty in biochemistry. She is a nationally recognized speaker and has written over 70 educational courses. Dr. Schirmer has been selected for Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who's Who in America for over five consecutive years. Scott Schlesinger is a Master Instructor for the Spinning Program and an ISSA and AFAA Certified Personal Trainer with over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry. He is the co-creator of Synergy Circuit which specializes in functional and core training, and is the Director of Spinning at Pinecrest Health & Fitness. He has served as a fitness and Spinning consultant for several facilities in Miami and has coordinated several charity spinning rides with up to 200 participants. In addition, he enjoys mountain biking and competing in adventure races. Robert Sherman is president and owner of F.I.T., Inc., focusing on yoga, personal and athletic training. Robert is recently published in the January 2008 Self Magazine and can be seen in numerous exercise videos and television appearances. Robert was named as one of the top 100 fitness trainers in America by Men's Journal and Allure Magazines and was selected by the Washington Post newspaper as one of the best fitness instructors in the Washington D.C. area. Capital File Magazine recognizes Robert as the "Power Trainer" in Washington, D.C. He holds a BA degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Maryland, and is a Gold Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor by ACE, AFAA and ACSM. Julie Sieben is a personal trainer and international presenter for AFAA. Her degree is in Exercise Science. A group exercise instructor at heart Julie teaches yoga, kickboxing, strength, aerobics, boot camp and running programs. Robert Steinbacher is a former gymnast who started his career as a dancer and choreographer at one of the most popular dance academies in New York City. Since then he has gained over 15 years of experience internationally as an educator, presenter and choreographer. As a movement therapist, he created the body art training system 15 years ago and is the owner of one of Europe's biggest movement and mind-center schools which educates over 3000 instructors and body-workers worldwide (www.bodyartschool.com). Lacey Stone is the Founder of Lacey Stone Fitness and Creator of TheBigGAME! - a class which brings an athletes mentality to life. A certified Tier 3 EFTI Trainer, ACE, Pre and Postnatal, Kettlebells, Schwinn Cycling, and Heartsaver AED. Mark Stone is one of the teaching faculty for the C.H.E.K Institute as well as a presenter with Team CHEK. For six years, he also lectured as an instructor with the Nike Personal Training Education Program. Mark is co-owner of North Shore Smart Bodies, a specialized training clinic in Northbrook, IL. He holds a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry and was close to completing medical school before he decided his passion lay with the fitness industry. Joshua Taylor is a Master Instructor for the Spinning program and a professional cyclist. A seasoned athlete who has been competing at the highest levels of bike racing for over 15 years, Joshua is a two-time PA state road race champion and has raced against some of the top international cyclists in the world in events such as the San Francisco Grand Prix. Josh is currently the team manager/rider for Rite Aid Pro Cycling Team. Shaun Thompson started his dance/fitness training at Rowan University where he received a degree in Sports Science. He has danced and choreographed for artists such as Mariah Carey, Deborah Cox, Val Kilmer and Angie Stone. Thomas the Promise is the founder of ISCA (International Sports Conditioning Association) and Promise Enterprises, the world's largest sports conditioning association, which has certified thousands of instructors around the world. ISCA/Promise Enterprises was the first organization to establish boxing and kick boxing written standards and guidelines for safe, effective group and personal training exercise programs. A world class athlete, trainer of trainers, spokesperson, and international presenter who focuses on teaching sport-specific exercises and athletic style workouts. Misty Tripoli, creator of Tribal Fitness, is a Nike Elite Instructor and one of the worlds most innovative and engaging fitness instructors, dance choreographers and personal trainers. Misty is well-known for her many revolutionary fitness classes that explode with her passion for dance, yoga, martial arts, Pilates, self expression and meditation. Ton Voogt has been in the fitness field for over 20 years. The Dutch-born international presenter is a Certified Pilates Teacher Trainer. In collaboration with Michael Fritzke, he created the TRIADBALL™. Their work is featured on two Pilates DVD lines, an educational line for Pilates and Fitness professionals and one at-home practice. Brandi Woodard MEd, ERYT is a Master's level professional with over twenty years experience as both an educator and presenter on mind body fitness, yoga, and dance. Brandi's innovative techniques are "fun, effective, and exciting ways to address mind, body, and spirit." Self Magazine. |
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