Active Aging Summit Presenters
Gail Bannister-Munn
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist and Core, Yoga, and Pilates Coach for the New York Jets. She owns The Bannister Method Studio in West Babylon, NY, and serves as Regional Group Ex Manager for six Crunch Fitness locations in New York City. Gail consults for professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB and teaches nationally. She holds multiple certifications, including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+ hours, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
Leslee Bender
Leslee Bender, 2024 CanFitPro Specialty Presenter of the Year and 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, holds certifications from ACSM, NASM, FAFS, NPCP, and ACE. With over three decades in the industry, she created the Bender Method of Core Training and the Bender Ball. A 2007 Fitness Commercial of the Year recipient, she authored Vital Core Training and directs the Ageless Training Academy, specializing in functional longevity training for all ages and abilities.
Jackie Carroll
Jackie has been teaching in the fitness industry since 1998. Formerly a Body Training Systems and Les Mills instructor, she is now focused on classes geared for Active Agers. Jackie has a true passion for aqua fitness and is WATERinMOTION® certified, AEA certified, and S.E.A.T. certified. She also holds certifications in Aqua Basics, Aqua Advanced, ZUMBA, and SCW Active Aging. She teaches WATERinMOTION® Original, freestyle Aqua Fitness, S.E.A.T., and Senior Boot Camp formats at the YMCA of Southeast Florida.
Dr. Gregory Charlop, MD
Featured on ABC, CBS, and FOX, Dr. Gregory Charlop is one of the leading experts in health & wellness. He is a physician, author, and anti-aging coach for retired athletes and middle-aged professionals. He is the author of Why Doctors Skip Breakfast: Wellness Tips to Reverse Aging, Treat Depression, and Get a Good Night’s Sleep.
Raina Childers-Richmond, MS, RDN, CHC
Raina is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach. She developed, facilitated, and managed outpatient adult, pre-surgical, adolescent nutrition, and weight loss service lines in medical fitness centers south of St. Louis, MO, for 15 years, where she trained, mentored, and managed a team of Registered Dietitians and Health Coaches. Raina has also helped health organizations around the country establish or expand nutrition and weight management offerings. She holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics.
Lindsey Coleman, MA
Lindsey Coleman is a fitness professional with nearly 20 years of experience. She has served as a Master Trainer, national conference presenter, and content creator. She is currently the Director of Education for the SOUL Fitness brands as well as the Format Expert for SOULkickboxing. With a Master’s Degree in vocal performance, she is passionate about creating engaging and music-driven group fitness experiences.
Christine Conti, MEd
Christine Conti, CEO of FITFIXNOW, is an international fitness educator, chronic disease advocate, and 2023 IDEA World Fitness Instructor of the Year. Founder of ContiFit and COO of Reinventing the Woman International, she also leads the Two Fit Crazies and a Microphone podcast and authored Split-Second Courage. As a marathoner and IRONMAN competitor, Christine inspires as a keynote speaker and corporate wellness consultant.
Eric D’Agati
Eric D’Agati holds a degree in Exercise Physiology and brings over 25 years of experience to the fitness industry. He has trained Olympic Gold Medalists, All-Americans, National and World Series Champions, and Pro-Bowl athletes. Eric is the co-founder of Principles of Program Design, educational courses focusing on effective training programs. He also hosts The Principles of Performance Podcast.
Charlyn Huss, MA, NCPT
Charlyn Huss, MA, holds a degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Theatre & Film. She is a certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and a Certified Practitioner of Natural Health (CPNH). In 2007, she founded Playhouse Pilates and most recently created CoreSpring®, an innovative approach to Pilates Spring Apparatus training.
Sohailla Digsby, RDN, LD
Sohailla is a registered dietitian, author, international speaker, and faculty member in the Nutrition graduate program at Augusta State University. She has been a group exercise instructor since her teenage years. Sohailla partners with fitness pros to help them launch 8-week challenges so their clients achieve results beyond workouts alone. She is a trusted voice in the fitness space, bringing clarity to nutrition amidst widespread fads and myths.
Brendan Fox
Brendan Fox, with an honors degree in Kinesiology, is the Head of Education for the Exercise Therapy Association. He has over 30,000 hours of experience working with Olympic Gold Medalists, pro athletes, celebrities, and CEOs. A former Head Trainer at a medical clinic, Brendan now trains professionals to create pain-free clients and has served as Team Canada’s Kinesiologist at the 2006 Torino Olympics.
Lauren George, MS
Lauren George is the Co-Owner of Fit Pro Programming, a company that provides education and consulting for fitness instructors and clubs. With 16+ years in the industry, she has created multiple fitness formats and launched successful businesses, including Clemson Fitness Company and Pulse Pointe Barre. Lauren is also the program creator of Pumped Up Strength and Human Reformer.
Ann Gilbert
Ann Gilbert is the owner of FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women, leading over 50 personal trainers and group fitness professionals. Renowned for her expertise in exercise and aging, Ann develops successful programs for adults aged 48-78. An ACE/IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year, she is also an industry leader in SCW Certifications, including Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T.
Lisa Greenbaum, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Lisa is the founder of Sangha Yoga Collective, a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist, international presenter, and award-winning yoga teacher. She is a Global Ambassador for the Women in Fitness Association (WIFA) and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Health and Fitness Influencers.
Elian Haan
Elian is a bestselling author, TV show host, and speaker with a distinguished career in fitness and wellness. A Certified Professional Coach, she owns a yoga-fitness studio in Texas, specializing in Executive and Transformation Coaching. Elian is known for her dynamic “Coach Approach,” combining life lessons with humor and energy.
Joseph Han, CSM, PMP
Joseph Han, CSM, PMP, has over two decades of experience in MedTech and digital health, focusing on body composition analysis. As Director of New Business Development at TANITA, he educates professionals on emerging trends and applications in body composition for fitness and healthcare.
Billy Hofacker
With over 25 years as a personal trainer, Billy Hofacker is the owner and CEO of Total Body Boot Camp and Performance Center in Long Island, NY. He is passionate about helping fitness professionals succeed financially, having authored Fitness Profits and hosting the Your Fitness Money Coach Podcast.
Sara Kooperman, JD
Sara Kooperman, JD, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. Fitness, is the founder of the MANIA® Convention and sits on multiple advisory panels. A nominee for the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award, she was recognized as the Most Innovative Fitness Pro by FIT-C. Sara is a best-selling author, National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee, and keynote speaker.
Cheri Kulp
With over 35 years of experience in fitness, Cheri Kulp is a certified instructor specializing in step, weight training, cycling, and aquatic fitness. She has been a personal trainer for 25 years and serves as the choreographer for all WATERinMOTION® programs. Cheri also co-founded the WATERinMOTION® Strength program.
Dr. Edward Laskowski, MD
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., is a former Co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and a professor at Mayo Clinic Rochester. An internationally recognized expert in fitness and sports medicine, he has served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and is a trusted media resource for major television networks.
Rosie Lemons, MS, ERYT-200
Rosie Lemons has over 20 years of experience in fitness, yoga, and leadership. Holding a Master’s in Human Development, she has taught at the University of Rhode Island and is an ERYT, ACE CPT, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Rosie currently works with Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community.
Tricia Murphy-Madden
Tricia Murphy-Madden is a highly respected 30 year veteran of the fitness industry. She was honored with the prestigious Fitness Leader of the Year award by IDEA and is the Co-Founder of FIT PRO PROGRAMMING (formerly Savvier). Formerly the on-set Director for Amazon Halo, Tricia successfully directed a multitude of workouts across various modalities. Tricia is renowned for her gracious energy and ability to motivate individuals at any stage of their fitness journey.
Roberto Melani, MBA
Roberto has been a leading presence in the fitness industry for over 3 decades, working for major national fitness companies, and has been a featured presenter at national and international fitness conventions. He is the Regional Group Fitness Manager for In-Shape Family Fitness providing education, training, and development for 300+ coaches. Roberto has an MBA in Sports & Fitness Management and holds fitness certifications through NASM, FAI and EBFA.
Erin Metcalf
For more than three decades, Andrea Metcalf has been a prominent figure in the fitness industry, empowering individuals & business alike. Featured on NBC’s Today Show, Steve Harvey, Oprah.com, and USA Today, Andrea owns Heat 3.0 Pilates, The Pilates Experience, and FLX Stretch Training. Specializing on recovery, mobility, and instructor training, she’s authored a best-selling book and is revered by prestigious health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Chest Surgeons. Join Andrea today to elevate your fitness and business journey!
Elizabeth Mooney
Country Fusion® was created and founded by Elizabeth Mooney. Elizabeth has been a dancer since the age of 2 and has taught fitness for over 10 years now. She has produced and directed her own Off-Broadway show and has owned her own dance studio in NY. She recently moved to Nashville, TN, where she now resides and has opened Country Fusion® Headquarters. Founder of Burlesque Booty Camp as well as Country Fusion®, Elizabeth is a successful Entrepreneur with instructors all over the world teaching Country Fusion, a professional dancer, choreographer, and a highly experienced dance instructor. You can catch her dance choreography with some of today’s top Country Artists and dancing on Broadway in Nashville.
Patrick Mummy
Patrick Mummy, a former collegiate athlete, founded Symmetry for Health and developed AlignSmart Technology, a patented system for postural assessment and corrective exercise. He is the author of The Physics of Pain: Becoming Pain-Free and presents at numerous conferences on postural assessment.
Mindy Mylrea
Mindy Mylrea is a fitness industry leader, author, and TV personality. She co-owns The Move Mentors and has created innovative programs like MyFIIT, Gliding Discs, and Tabata Bootcamp. Mindy is also a master trainer for Schwinn Cycling, Take it Outside, and Silver & Fit.
Dr. Erin Nitschke, MS, EdD
Dr. Erin Nitschke is a tenured Exercise Science Professor, industry writer, and presenter. She holds certifications from NFPT, NSCA, and ACE, specializing in behavior change, personal training, and health coaching. Erin contributes regularly to IDEA, NFPT, and ACE publications.
Gusti Ratliff, Med, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Gusti Ratliff, Med has worked over a decade with her late business partner developing chair yoga protocols for seniors, the physically challenged, as well as therapeutic adaptive yoga applications for multiple sclerosis. In addition, Gusti is a recovering studio owner where she facilitated 200, 300, and 500 hour YTT programs and one of the first recognized yoga therapy programs in the country. For over 20 years, Gusti continues to blend humor and lightheartedness with the work of transformational yoga.
Dr. Dan Ritchie, MS, PhD
Dr. Dan Ritchie is co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute and was named PFP Trainer of the Year. With a PhD in Kinesiology, he has developed specialized training programs for older adults to improve functional movement and longevity.
Keli Roberts
Keli Roberts, an ACSM Exercise Physiologist, is an award-winning fitness professional with certifications from ACE, NASM, and FAI. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee, Keli has been recognized as IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the Year and a leader in aging and corrective exercise.
Dane Robinson
Dane is a Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM) with extensive experience across all facets of the fitness industry. From hands-on personal and group training to regional department management, Dane’s career spans from the ground up. He currently impacts hundreds of clients in Atlanta, GA, through private and group training, and reaches thousands more as a TV fitness coach, appearing on platforms such as Daily Burn, Total Gym TV, MyFitnessPal, QVC, and the TODAY Show.
Yury Rockit
Yury Rockit has specialty training in the fields of Yoga, Pilates and various other modalities possessing specialty experience from India, Nepal, Thailand & USA. He is incredibly versatile as a certified group fitness instructor (AFAA, GFIT), personal trainer (ACE), mindful movement & meditation specialist, and continuing education provider for these organizations. Yury is a much sought-after dance-based choreographer who has presented at many key international professional fitness conferences like MANIA®s, IDEA World Fitness, and AFC (Bangkok). Yury formerly owned the Ki Mind Body Studio in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Dr. Renee J. Rogers, PhD, FACSM
Dr. Renee J. Rogers, PhD, FACSM, is an expert in bio-behavioral intervention design, specializing in engaging approaches that leverage her 20+ years of experience in exercise physiology, behavior change, and obesity treatment. Her current work focuses on the role of exercise and body composition in modern obesity treatments. Dr. Rogers is considered a leading expert in researching and translating information related to obesity medications and the impact of exercise and lifestyle.
David-Dorian Ross
David-Dorian Ross is a world-renowned Tai Chi expert and the creator of the TaijiFit method. He holds multiple U.S. and world records in Tai Chi competitions and serves as the National Coordinator for the VA’s Tai Chi for Veterans program.
Kylie Ross, MSM, MBA
Kylie Ross is the owner of VK Professional Services, VRoK Fitness, and a Tax Manager with TurboTax. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through SCW, a Nutrition Coach, and a Bariatric Health Expert. A gastric bypass recipient of 11 years, Kylie now helps others prevent obesity-related conditions through virtual and mobile fitness and nutrition guidance.
Deborah Rothschild, MS
Deborah Rothschild, MS, has been a fitness professional since 2003, specializing in training older adults. She holds certifications including ACE Senior Fitness Specialist, Brain Health Trainer, NFPT Cancer Recovery Specialist, BHOF BoneFit Instructor, and Parkinson Wellness Recovery PWR!Moves Instructor. Deborah owns Tough Agers, LLC, a fitness company dedicated to serving older adults of all fitness levels.
Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, MS
Dr. Emily Splichal is a Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist. She is the founder of EBFA Global, the creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist® Certification, and CEO of Naboso Technology. With over 20 years in the industry, Dr. Splichal specializes in postural alignment, barefoot science, and foot-to-core integration.club management.
Kimberly Spreen-Glick
With over 30 years in fitness, yoga, leadership, and personal development, Kimberly Spreen-Glick has presented at conferences worldwide. Formerly the Senior Director of Group Fitness at Life Time, she was named the 2015 IDEA Program Director of the Year. She is the founder of The Inspired Life University, providing coaching and certifications for fitness professionals.
Lyndsay Syverson
Lyndsay Syverson is a passionate fitness professional dedicated to helping others achieve a balanced life through movement. As the Director of Operations & Trainings and Director of Cardio Sculpt for SoulBody Fitness, she leads a team of Master Trainers and instructors, inspiring others to live healthier and happier lives.
Amber Toole
Amber Toole is a faculty member at SCW, specializing in fitness, nutrition coaching, and studio ownership. With a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health and 30+ years in the industry, she shares her passion for inspiring others toward healthier, more successful lives. Amber owns The Training Toole, a thriving wellness studio in Ocala, Florida.
Nick Tumminello
Nick Tumminello, the “Trainer of Trainers,” has worked with clients ranging from professional athletes to fitness enthusiasts. He is the author of multiple books and was named NSCA’s 2016 Personal Trainer of the Year. He developed the Movement Performance Assessment (MPA) certification.
Sara Vandenberg, MS
Sara is a Minnesota-based fitness presenter with nearly 15 years in the fitness industry. She is a WATERinMOTION Champion and has appeared in WATERinMOTION fitness videos since 2021 as a lead presenter. Sara is a Master Trainer, Presenter, and Content Creator for the SOUL Fitness Brands and a member of the LES Mills TAP Team. Sara has a degree in Human Services, a Masters in School Counseling and holds certifications through numerous fitness programs including ACE, SCW, and BogaFit.
Manuel Velazquez
Manuel Velazquez is a WATERinMOTION® Platinum choreographer and SCW Faculty Leader for Yoga and Tai Chi certifications. With over two decades of experience, he has been recognized as “All Around International Presenter of the Year.” Manuel is an RYT-200 Yoga certified instructor and the Head Instructor at Rancho La Puerta Resort & Spa in Mexico.
Billy Wartenberg
With 28+ years in the fitness industry, Billy Wartenberg is the Fitness and Wellness Director at the Trilogy Resort 55+ Community in Orlando, FL. Managing nearly 100 sessions per week focused on active aging, Billy is the author of the SCW Aqua Barre certification and a master trainer for WATERinMOTION® and S.E.A.T.
Ruston Webb, MS
With 24+ years in the fitness industry, Ruston Webb holds a Master’s in Human Movement and is a global expert in mobility training. He co-authored a college-level exercise science curriculum and created The Mobility Recipe, a certification accredited by NASM, AFAA, and more. Ruston specializes in knee, back, neck, and shoulder pain solutions.
Cosmo Wollan, MA
With 30+ years in health, fitness, and medical fitness consulting, Cosmo Wollan is a Senior Executive at Synergy Cubed, specializing in medical fitness integration. He served as chair of the MFA Education Advisory Panel and sits on the MedFit Network Education Advisory Board. Cosmo is an expert in business optimization, revenue growth, and health club management.