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Abbie Appel, a recreational therapist and owner of AbbieFit Consulting, is a fitness education specialist and program developer. She created SCW Pilates, Barre, and Stretching Certifications, and contributed to ACSM and Schwinn manuals. A presenter for ACSM, IDEA, IHRSA, and SCW, she delivers education for brands like Nautilus, TRX, and Schwinn. Abbie was honored as SCW Fitness Presenter of the Year.
Aaron Aslakson is Director of Exercise Science and Assistant Professor at Crown College, overseeing the Human Performance Lab. He previously led fitness centers for Walker Methodist, supporting 11 sites focused on older adult fitness. He serves on the ACSM CCRB Exercise Physiologist sub-committee and was part of the International Council on Active Aging’s conference committee (2020–2022).
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist and Core, Yoga, and Pilates Coach for the New York Jets. She owns The Bannister Method Studio and manages Group Ex for six Crunch locations in NYC. Gail consults for pro athletes across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. She holds certifications including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
Leslee Bender, BA, PMA, ACSM, NASM, ACE, and Gray Institute-certified, is an international presenter and Director of I Am Ageless Now with over 28 years of industry experience. She created the Bender Ball Method for safe core training and co-created Barre Above. Leslee has filmed over 50 videos, authored Living Pain Free, and currently trains active agers in Florida.
Dr. Greg Caldwell is a nationally recognized educator and health speaker with a strong foundation in clinical science and human performance. With a residency in primary care and ocular disease and a background in health sciences, he brings a unique, clinical perspective to wellness. He has delivered over 300 lectures across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, empowering professionals with evidence-based strategies to enhance strength, energy, and overall well-being from the inside out.
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.
Christine Conti is CEO of FITFIXNOW,one of the leading online continuing education platforms in the world, an international fitness educator, and IDEA World’s 2023 Fitness Instructor of the Year. A best-selling author, 4x IRONMAN, and coach for Special Olympic athletes, she specializes in chronic disease education. After a life-changing diagnosis at 30, this former banker and teacher now inspires others through ContiFit, her podcast, and her book SPLIT-SECOND COURAGE, proving that “anything is possible.”
Eric D’Agati has spent over 25 years in the fitness industry as a coach and educator, working with an Olympic Gold Medalist, All-Americans, and National and World Champions. Today, he trains men over 40 through Eterno Athletics and his Ageless Athlete Blueprint. Eric is also the co-founder of Principles of Program Design, a leading education platform on training program design, and hosts The Principles of Performance Podcast, where he interviews top experts in the field.
Ichell Davis is a dedicated fitness professional specializing in post-rehabilitation training, stroke recovery, and Parkinson’s support. She launched her career at Tampa General Hospital as a Fitness Instructor and Post-Rehab Therapist, helping patients regain strength and confidence. Now the Fitness Manager at a 55+ community in Florida, Ichell also serves as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, empowering older adults to move safely, rebuild function, and improve quality of life.
Cammy Dennis, BS, is the Wellness Director for On Top of the World Communities and holds ACE, AFAA, Brain Health Trainer, and Parkinson’s certifications. She is an ICAA presenter, NAFC Master Trainer, Age Bold Master Trainer, and serves on the Mind and Motion for Parkinson’s Advisory Board. Cammy received the 2019 NAHB 55+ Lifestyle Director Silver Award and the 2023 and 2025 ICAA NuStep Wellness Beacon Awards.
Holly Fidanzo brings over 30 years of music-and-movement experience, 13 years in the fitness industry, and three years as a Master Trainer. She leads instructor trainings, workshops, and lectures that inspire confidence, creativity, and professional growth. As part of the SOUL Fitness Collective creative team, Holly is passionate about pushing the industry forward. Educating—and learning from—fitness professionals remains the spark that fuels her work.
Dillan Foss, MS, ATC, is a Board-Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer based in Palm Beach County, FL. A former collegiate basketball player, he earned his Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and Master’s in Nutrition for Human Performance from Lasell University. Founder of Limitless Theory LLC, Dillan provides concierge wellness services, including movement efficiency training, recovery, myofascial release, personal training, and nutrition coaching, both in-person and online, helping clients of all ages, especially busy parents and professionals, optimize health and performance.
Lauren George is the Co-Owner of Fit Pro Programming, a successful Fitness Education organization. Lauren has created multiple fitness formats, trained thousands of instructors, and launched several successful businesses, including Clemson Fitness Company, The Fit Biz Club, Pulse Pointe Barre, and LG Fitness Virtual Studio and app. Lauren is the program creator of Pumped Up Strength, Human Reformer, and The Musicality Method, and the co-creator of Barre Above.
Ann Gilbert owns FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women, leading 50+ trainers. Expert in exercise and aging, she coordinates programs for adults 48-78. An ACE/IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year and sought-after speaker, Ann is an industry leader and education expert. She develops and teaches SCW Certifications including Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training).
Lisa is the founder of Sangha Yoga Collective, a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, international presenter, and author. With over 20 years in the fitness and wellness industry, she has earned multiple honors, including Presenter of the Year. A Global Ambassador for WIFA and a Top 100 Health and Fitness Influencer in Canada (2017–2021), Lisa is committed to creating authentic, inspiring experiences.
Elian is a bestselling author, TV host, and speaker with a strong fitness and wellness background. A Certified Professional Coach, she owns a yoga-fitness studio and private practice in Texas, specializing in Executive and Transformation Coaching. Known for her straightforward “Coach Approach,” Elian blends life lessons with humor and energy. She develops fitness programs integrating body and mind through trauma-informed expertise.
Tani holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Psychology and has been active in dance, theater, and sports since adolescence. After a Hashimoto’s and autoimmune diagnosis, she pursued health and fitness. Now in Florida, Tani brings passion, energy, strength, and endurance to the industry. She serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.
Billy Hofacker has over 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and is the owner and CEO of Total Body Boot Camp and Performance Center in Long Island, NY. Passionate about helping fitness professionals succeed financially, he authored *Fitness Profits* and hosts the *Your Fitness Money Coach Podcast*. Despite living 1,000 miles from his facility, Billy continues to thrive in the hyper-competitive Long Island market, offering valuable financial insights to fitness professionals through his coaching and podcast.
Dr. David Hopper is a practicing chiropractor and doctorate-level professor at the National University of Health Sciences, where he teaches anatomy, physiology, and advanced spinal manipulation. A national health and wellness presenter and co-owner of a heart rate variability technology company, he also holds multiple U.S. patents in health and ergonomics. Passionate about his mission, Dr. Hopper is dedicated to helping people realize their health potential through simple, natural means.
Charlyn Huss, MA, holds degrees in Psychology and Theatre & Film. A Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and Certified Practitioner of Natural Health (CPNH), she founded Playhouse Pilates in 2007. She blends Pilates, CoreAlign, TRX, and Yamuna Body Rolling into her programs. Charlyn is the creator of CoreSpring®, a unique method combining Pilates spring work with mat-based movement for strength, control, and versatility.
Sara Kooperman, JD, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. Fitness , Founder of the MANIA® Convention, sits on the canfitpro Advisory Panel and the Gold’s Gym Think Tank and was a founding board member for the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA). Recently nominated for the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award, Kooperman won the Most Innovating Fitness Pro by FIT-C (Fitness Industry Technology Council). Sara is the best-selling author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, an inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, an Illinois State Businesswoman of the Year, esteemed panelist for multiple Webinars & Podcasts, and sits on the ACSM Communication & Public Information Committee.
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., former Co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in fitness and sports medicine. A professor at Mayo Clinic Rochester, he researches fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. From 2006-2010, he served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr. Laskowski has hundreds of publications and is a trusted media resource on fitness and sports medicine.
Melissa, Kinesiology faculty at the University of North Georgia, has over 35 years as a respected fitness and nutrition leader. She created SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals, SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism, and contributed to SCW Active Aging Certifications. Melissa holds a Master’s in Exercise Science, a Bachelor’s in Physical Education, and an Associate’s in Medical Technology. Her educational seminars are consistently sold out.
Rosie has 20+ years teaching fitness, yoga, leadership, and organizational development. She holds a Master’s in Human Development and was adjunct faculty at the University of Rhode Island. Certified as ERYT, C-RYT, ACE CPT, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Rosie holds multiple SCW certifications. She currently serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.
Robert Linkul is the owner of TOA (TrainingTheOlderAdult.com), a personal training studio and online continuing education provider for fitness professionals. He holds a master’s degree in personal training, was named NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year (2012), inducted as an NSCA Fellow (2017), served on the NSCA Board of Directors, and is the Director of Education for Fit Body Boot Camp.
Roberto has over 30 years of experience as a fitness professional and is a featured presenter at IDEA World and speaker at ECA, DCAC, and SCW conferences. Specializing in Active Aging, Movement Longevity, and Barefoot Training, he is a Master Trainer for EBFA/NABOSO and the Bender Ball Method. Roberto holds NASM, ACE, FAI, and EBFA certifications and serves as Regional Programming Manager for In-Shape Family Fitness, supporting 300+ coaches and trainers.
Andrea Metcalf has over 30 years in fitness, empowering individuals and businesses. Featured on NBC’s Today Show, Steve Harvey, Oprah.com, and USA Today, she owns Heat 3.0 Pilates, The Pilates Experience, and FLX Stretch Training. Specializing in recovery, mobility, and instructor training, Andrea is a best-selling author and trusted by top health organizations. Join her to elevate your fitness and business journey!
Jessica Moyer is an international TEDx Speaker, Integrative Wellness Coach, and founder of The R.E.A.L. Wellness Academy. She is a Certified Ziglar Legacy Coach, John Maxwell Coach/Trainer, ACE Personal Trainer, and Certified Integrative Nutrition & Hormone Coach. With a B.S. in Personal Training, Jessica blends science-based strategies with compassionate coaching to empower women and Active Agers to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Dr. Erin Nitschke, NFPT-CPT, NSCA-CPT, ACE Health Coach, and ACE-CPT, is a college professor specializing in health and human performance. A nationally recognized presenter and writer for IDEA, NFPT, and Fitness Education Online, she also serves on the ACE Scientific Advisory Panel. With extensive experience in exercise science, Erin promotes holistic, evidence-based wellness and empowers individuals to achieve vibrant, healthy lives through education, accountability, and sustainable behavior change.
Ruben Pereyra Thickstun is a dynamic leader in the fitness industry with over 17 years of experience. He holds a degree in Kinesiology and has worked extensively in personal training, group exercise, senior fitness, sports performance, health education, and corporate wellness. In 2024, he received the prestigious IDEA World Emerging Trailblazer of the Year award. Passionate and mission-driven, Ruben is dedicated to helping individuals reach their full fitness potential with confidence.
Jennie Phillips is a certified fitness professional, educator, author, and speaker who empowers others to live with vitality and intention. With a background in teaching and curriculum design, she blends education and fitness to support personal growth. Jennie owns Vitality Fitness Studio in Illinois, wrote Yellow Light Moments.
Jessica Pinkowski is the Director of The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa at Colen Built Development, where she has been a dedicated leader since 2009. With more than 26 years in the fitness industry, she brings broad expertise in group fitness, personal training, fitness education, and program administration. She holds certifications from ACE, AFAA, AEA, NPI, and FAI and is recognized as an Active Aging Specialist.
Gusti Ratliff, Med, has spent over a decade developing chair yoga protocols for seniors, the physically challenged, and therapeutic yoga for multiple sclerosis. A former studio owner, she facilitated 200-, 300-, and 500-hour YTT programs and helped pioneer one of the first recognized yoga therapy programs in the U.S. For 20+ years, Gusti blends humor and lightheartedness with transformational yoga to empower her students.
Dr. Dan Ritchie, PhD, is a leading expert in functional aging and fitness. With a background in Fitness and Sports Medicine, he earned his master’s in Health & Physical Education and a PhD in Kinesiology. Named the 2014 PFP Trainer of the Year, he co-founded the Functional Aging Institute with Dr. Cody Sipe. Since 2007, he has owned and operated Miracles Fitness, empowering individuals to stay strong and active through evidence-based training for aging populations.
Keli Roberts, an ACSM Exercise Physiologist, is a decorated fitness professional with ACE certifications in GFI, HC, CPT, and Senior Fitness, plus NASM Corrective Exercise and FAI Aging Specialist credentials. A National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee, she has earned awards such as IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the Year, Best Female Presenter, Lifetime Achievement, and the Inspiration Award from Empower! Conventions.
Yury Rockit brings a fresh approach to fitness, appearing on the circuits of SCW, IDEA, AFC, and CanFitPro. Specializing in both traditional and mindful fusion training, Yury blends movement, mindfulness, and creativity to help clients and instructors achieve results. Known for his engaging style, he inspires participants to move with purpose, connect mind and body, and elevate their fitness experience.
Kylie Ross is Owner of VK Professional Services and VRoK Fitness, and a Tax Manager with TurboTax. VK offers tax planning, bookkeeping, notary, website design, and consulting. Kylie is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Bariatric Health Expert with nearly 6 years of experience. An 11-year gastric bypass recipient, she supports others in preventing obesity-related conditions through virtual and mobile fitness and nutrition coaching.
Master Phil Ross, M.S., is a distinguished professional with a wealth of expertise in martial arts, fitness, and education. As a 9th Degree Black Belt and Master Blade Wielder, he has achieved mastery in various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Master RKC. With a Master’s in Sports and Exercise Science, Phil is also a published author, accomplished actor, and college professor at American Public University Systems. His extensive experience as a professional presenter and bodyweight specialist makes him a respected figure in both the martial arts and fitness communities.
Deborah Rothschild, MS has been a fitness professional since 2003, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her presentations. Deborah’s specializations, such as ACE Senior Fitness Specialist & Brain Health Trainer, NFPT Cancer Recovery Specialist, BHOF BoneFit Instructor, and Parkinson Wellness Recovery PWR!Moves Instructor, highlight her commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of the industry. She is the proud owner of Tough Agers, LLC, a virtual and on-location fitness company dedicated to serving older adults of all fitness levels and capabilities.
Dr. Emily Splichal, Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, is Founder of EBFA Global and Naboso Technology, and creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist® Certification. Author of Barefoot Strong, she brings 20+ years in fitness focused on barefoot science, postural alignment, and foot-to-core sensory integration, advancing human movement and performance through innovative research and training.
Kimberly brings 30+ years of experience in fitness, yoga, leadership, and personal development. She served as Senior Director of Group Fitness at Life Time for over a decade and was named IDEA’s 2015 Program Director of the Year. Kimberly founded The Inspired Life University, providing online programs, certifications, and coaching to empower heart-centered fitness professionals to thrive, boost income, and expand their positive impact.
Amber Toole is a valued SCW Faculty member with over 33 years in the fitness industry. She holds a degree in Physical Education and Health from Georgia Southern University and specializes in fitness, nutrition coaching, and business development. Amber owns The Training Toole, a thriving fitness and nutrition studio in Ocala, Florida, and recently expanded to open a successful Pilates studio. Her passion continues to inspire healthier, fitter lives for all.
Sara, a Minnesota-based fitness presenter with nearly 15 years of experience, began as a WATERinMOTION Champion in 2021 and has since appeared in numerous WATERinMOTION and S.E.A.T. videos. She is a choreographer for S.E.A.T., head choreographer for WATERinMOTION Strength, and a Master Trainer for SOUL Fitness Brands. A member of the LES MILLS TAP Team, Sara holds certifications from ACE, SCW, and BogaFit.
Manuel Velazquez is a WATERinMOTION® Platinum choreographer and SCW Faculty Leader for Yoga and Tai Chi Certifications. With over 20 years in the fitness industry, he has been honored as “All Around International Presenter of the Year.” An RYT-200 certified yoga instructor, Manuel also serves as Head Instructor at Rancho La Puerta Resort & Spa in Tecate, Mexico, where he continues to inspire through movement, mindfulness, and education.
Billie brings 28+ years of fitness experience and currently serves as the Fitness and Wellness Director at Trilogy Resort 55+ in Orlando, FL. She oversees nearly 100 weekly sessions focused on healthy aging and is the author of the SCW Aqua Barre certification. A master trainer for WATERinMOTION® and S.E.A.T., Billie blends her cheerleading background with high energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement in every class.
With 24+ years in fitness and a Master’s in Human Movement, Ruston Webb is a global expert in mobility training and pain relief. He co-authored a college curriculum with ACE and created The Mobility Recipe, a certification trusted by 1,600+ pros. Ruston also developed targeted programs for joint pain solutions. His mission: to empower fitness professionals to help clients move better, feel better, and live pain-free.