Presenters
DCAC 2011 PRESENTER APPLICATION
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| Ilyse Baker | Ilyse Baker, 2008 Winner of Exercise TV Top Trainer in the Country for Dance Instructor, specializes in dance fitness and choreography. Ilyse teaches numerous classes all over LA and guest teaches internationally as well. She has danced with LeAnn Rimes, Elton John, and Missy Elliot. Ilyse is a Lululemon Ambassador and Reebok JUIKARI Fit to Fly Ambassador. For more information on Ilyse Baker, log onto www.ilysebaker.com. Certifications: AFAA, MG Certification | |
| Leslee Bender | Leslee Bender is the founder of The Pilates Coach and The Bender Method of training. Leslee has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has presented internationally. She has produced over 25 DVD’s and written several articles for IDEA and many other fitness publications. Leslee was the first to bring a safer approach to Pilates training for today’s society in which her work has been published in The Journal of Applied Research. Leslee was the ORIGINAL creator of The Pilates mini ball which is now The Bender Ball voted 2007 best fitness short form infomercial. Leslee is ACSM, NASM ACE AFAA and B.A. University of Nev. And most recently starting her journey as LMT and Body Talk therapist. |
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| Lawrence Biscontini | Lawrence Biscontini, M.A., has made fitness history as a Mindful Movement Specialist by being the first to receive the following awards: Presenter’s Choice Debut Premier ECA Award (2009), Best International Program Chosen for Japan for “Shakti” (2007), Best Corporate Trainer for Xerox Greece (2006), Best Mind-Body Presenter (ECA, 2005), Specialty Presenter of the Year Award (Can Fit Pro, 2004), and Instructor of the Year Awards from IDEA (2004) & ACE (2002). Lawrence’s programming at the Golden Door Spa in Puerto Rico went on to receive Conde Nast Traveler Awards’ tenth place in the world for innovative spa programming. Lawrence has been Spa Consultant and Trainer for leading international spas including Cavo Tagoo Mykonos, Greece (2008), Canyon Ranch (2007, 2008), and Greenbrier, among others. As Nutritional Counselor, Lawrence has created complete nutritional menus for spas from Manhattan to Mykonos. Lawrence has celebrity clients like cast members of ABC TV’s soap opera “General Hospital,” and appears on news (CNN Headline News) and television (“LIVE! With Regis and Kelly”). He is Contributing Author to industry magazines like AFAA’s American Fitness, IDEA’s Fitness Journal, and Spa Asia. His books include Morning Cardiovascular Workouts, by Human Kinetics and, most recently, Running the Show: Excellence in Fitness Customer Service, and Cream Rises: Excellence in Private & Group Education. In the USA, he has created aquatic, yoga, and T’ai Chi programming enjoyed at illustrious fitness chains and spas, including Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, Gold’s Gym International, Bally, and Golden Door Spas. A percentage of all of his website sales goes to charity, and to inspire career wellness development, he has instituted several Biscontini Scholarships for the fitness and spa community and “Yo-Global,” a program to take yoga to the underprivileged. Find Lawrence at www.findlawrence.com. | ![]()
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| Jay Blahnik | Jay is a contract athlete for Nike and an advisory board member for Nautilus®. He serves on the BOSU® development team and is a program developer for the Schwinn® indoor cycling program. Jay is also the group exercise spokesperson for IDEA, the recipient of the 1996 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year award and the 2005 Can Fit Pro Presenter of the Year. His certifications include ACE and AFAA®. | |
| Connie Borho | Connie Borho has over 20 years’ experience in mind/body fitness teaching/coaching, program design and management, and business ownership. A Level III Peak Pilates National Teacher Trainer, Connie is a dynamic, knowledgeable, presenter and is dedicated to teaching the benefits of mind-body fitness. Certifications: Peak Pilates, PhysicalMind, AFAA, ACE, Yoga Alliance RYT-500. | |
| Douglas Brooks | Douglas has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, and is a published author, lecturer, trainer and video personality. He is the consulting exercise physiologist for product research and development for several fitness companies and is currently the Head Physiologist/Strength & Conditioning coach for the Mammouth Mountain Ski and Snowboarding Team. |
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| Scott Colby | Scott is a certified personal trainer and for the past ten years has specialized in helping frustrated and confused men and women finally achieve the toned, tight, sexy body they’ve always wanted. He’s worked with literally hundreds of people both personally as one-on-one clients and in Women’s Only Bootcamps in Dallas, Texas. Plus thousands of men and women he’s consulted with and helped in his online consulting businesses, teleseminars, and other multi-media information products. He’s an internationally known fitness professional, a speaker and author of the popular “Abs Uncrunched” video coaching program. Scott is also creator of the new “My First Six Pack” program. In addition, he’s the owner of AbsUncrunched.com and The AbsExpert.com and creator of the online teleseminar series “My Ultimate Body Makeover”, “Amazing Abs Formula”, “Mommy Abs Makeover” and “Amazing Abs Diet” which have reached tens of thousands of people in over 100 countries around the world. | |
| Fabio Comana | An exercise physiologist and spokesperson for ACE and faculty, teaching courses in Exercise Science and Nutrition at San Diego State University, and UC San Diego. Prior to ACE, Fabio was a head coach, and a strength and conditioning coach at SDSU; and opened and managed health clubs for Club One. A national and international presenter, he is frequently featured on television, radio, internet, and in print publications, and has authored chapters in various textbooks. |
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| Josh Crosby | Josh is the creator of the Indo-Row®, a growing international group fitness program created for an intense, full-body, team-oriented workout using custom-designed rowing machines. Indo-Row has been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal, Shape, on CNN and on Extra! Josh is a multi sponsored Ironman triathlete and world champion rower. He is certified by ACE. |
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| Jay DelVecchio |
Jay Del Vecchio, the founder of W.I.T.S. has been an advocate for establishing national standards for the health and fitness training industry since the early 1980’s. As a manager for Holiday Health and Fitness, now known as Bally’s, Jay’s primary frustration was the incompetence of most professional trainers, which tarnished the image of the industry as a whole. To become certified in the self regulated industry during the 80’s and even currently, would take minimal investment of both money and time. A typical certification process was one of memorizing answers to a written test without any practical application theory or internship. The process was usually completed after only a few hours of class time and self-study. In 1983 Jay established his own health and fitness center in Virginia Beach, Virginia which is now the home of World Instructor Training Schools. Still frustrated with the inadequate training of prospective employees Del Vecchio began establishing his own internal standards and training programs. In 1989 in conjunction with faculty teaching at Old Dominion University, well respected for their Health and Physical Education Department, a curriculum was created that incorporated classroom participation, practical theory application, lengthy internship under professional supervision and credited testing. Now known as the W.I.T.S. certification, the class exceeds 60 hours of total commitment, not including self-study. This new certification process in conjunction with overwhelming industry demand lead to the establishment of W.I.T.S. in 1993. As CEO, Del Vecchio aspired to bring credibility to his company and to the fitness training industry nationwide. His innovative certification has indeed established new industry standards. The curriculum has been approved by The American Council of Education for college credits, The International Association of Continuing Education, The American Occupational Therapists Association and Board of Certification for athletic trainers. The company maintains its leadership role within the industry by participating in numerous nationwide organizations. The class is taught at hundreds of universities, colleges, community colleges and technical schools across the country. W.I.T.S. certifies thousands of students and fitness professionals every year and is an intricate training partner with Bally’s Total Fitness, LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, TSI clubs and many more across the US. Finally, a W.I.T.S. graduate is a commodity within the fitness community. The company assists its graduates throughout the country by filling job requests we receive from fitness organizations. In an industry that still needs qualified professionals and credible standards, it is our goal to continue to expand and improve in order meet the needs of our profession. |
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| Shannon Fable | Top 3 Finalist for 2009 IDEA Instructor of the Year and 2006 ACE Group Fitness Instructor of the Year, 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, as well as the owner of Balletone. Shannon, a Power Bar sponsored athlete, 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, Shannon provides continuing education worldwide. | |
| Teri Gentes | With over 20 years of studies in health, a foundation in natural and holistic health and well-being, enhanced with studies in human nature and psychology, Teri integrates “Whole Self Well-Being” into her coaching sessions. She is a certified Lifestyle Wellness Coach, Nutritionist-Chef, Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. With her engaging heartfelt radiance, Teri is known for her ability to educate, motivate, inspire and empower others. |
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| Jon Giese | Jon has done it all when it comes to being a personal trainer. He has worked for the Mayo Clinic as Operations Manager of patient education and at the Rochester Athletic Club as a Personal Trainer and Staff Education Specialist. Back in the 1990’s he worked for NASM and ACSM in addition to co-owning a Personal Training business in the Twin Cities, which is still successful today. Jon’s degrees and certificates include: MA of Education, BA in Physical Education and Coaching, NASM, ACSM. He loves being a NETA trainer seeing the enthusiasm of the “trainers-to-be”! | |
| Linda Griffeth |
Linda has been in the aquatic industry for 30+ years. She currently is the Water Fitness Coordinator and Aquatic Personal Trainer for the Houstonian Hotel and Spa. She is a frequent contributor to AKWA and an AEA Provider. Her certifications include: AEA, AFFA, ACE, AAAI/ASMI Yoga, Arthritis Foundation, SCW Deep Water Specialist, and American Red Cross Lifeguard. Linda enjoys sharing her special gift of teaching and her love of the water. In 1999, Linda won the USWFA National Championship in Florida and in 1998 nationally acclaimed “Allure” magazine rated Linda’s Houstonian class as one of the top ten fitness classes in the country. For the past 12 years Linda has taken her classes around the world on “Fitness Cruises”. For more information regarding Linda’s Aquatic Workshops or Fitness Cruises, go to her website: www.lindagriffeth.net Email: lindadgriffeth@yahoo.com or lgriffeth@houstonian.com |
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| Jenn Hall | Jen is a fitness professional, dancer and choreographer has a true passion for movement. She had the pleasure of working with Emmy Award-winning choreographers Jamie King and Wade Robson and has choreographed for champion fitness competitors and major television productions including So You Think You Can Dance. Jenn has also performed on stage with several recording artists including Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z. Currently she teaches dance at Georgia State University, is a Guest Artist at Kennesaw State University and a group fitness instructor at Crunch in Atlanta. She is a master instructor for Core Rhythms, the Lead Master Trainer for Balletone, and also trains for Nordic Walking, Core Pole and Urban Rebounding. | |
| Cherry Herzog | Cherry Herzog is a Peak Pilates® Certifying Trainer and a life-long fitness enthusiast and teacher. Her 20+ years include instruction in aerobic dance, step, kickboxing, weight training and Pilates, as well as managing several health clubs in the Dallas area. Cherry is a studio owner and Pilates trainer for the famous Greenhouse Spa in Texas and has successfully launched Pilates programs in area facilities. Certifications include Physical Mind, Peak Pilates, CIAR, MVe, and ACE | |
| Stacie House | Stacie House is a fitness instructor, personal trainer, and entrepreneur with the warmth of your typical girl next door. Stacie is a graduate student at Texas A&M University. She united her love for music and movement with her interest in health and medicine by becoming a certified fitness professional while pursuing her Masters in Public Health. Upon finishing her degree, she moved to Houston where her health and fitness career would blossom. To date, Stacie has taught various exercise formats that include Nightclub Cardio, dance, kickboxing, water aerobics, spinning, yoga, pilates, and strength training. When she is not instructing fitness classes, Stacie works full time, runs her fitness business, and competes in fitness competitions. |
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| Leah Husk | Entering her 21st year in the fitness industry, Leah is an AFPA certified Personal Trainer, an AFAA certified Group Exercise Instructor and a Biometrics certified Nutrition and Strength Training Coach. She owns and operates Fitness, Health & Wellness and specializes in corporate fitness in the Richmond area. Leah is also a former member of the Board of Directors of The White House Athletic Club, The White House in Washington, D.C. | |
| Sarina Jain |
Coined the “Indian Jane Fonda,” international fitness star, Sarina Jain, is the creator of the original Masala Bhangra Workout (TM). An A.F.A.A certified fitness instructor for over 18 years, she teaches a range of classes, including step, kickboxing, cycling, total body conditioning, high/low impact aerobics, cardio salsa, and much more. She has successfully created dance routines for TV commercials, cultural festivals and concerts with her knowledge and passion of Bhangra and Bollywood. You can see her on the Discovery Channel’s Fit TV, Exercisetv.tv and beYOU.tv. With over 6 dvs out, she is recognized as a global fitness icon. |
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| Scott Josephson | Scott holds a M.S., R.D. and 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. | |
| June Kahn | June Kahn is the 2009 World IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year and founder of June Kahn’s Bodyworks, LLC. She is the director of education for BeamFit™, LLC and is best known for bridging the gap between classical Pilates and the fitness industry. Currently, she is the Life Studio coordinator for Lifetime Fitness in Boulder, Colorado where she manages Pilates and yoga programs. A nationally recognized program developer, June is the co-author of Morning Cardio Workouts and has produced several Pilates certificate training programs and appears in numerous mind/body and fitness DVDs. Certifications: ACE, ACSM and AFAA CEC Provider for: ACE and AFAA | |
| Jeff Krabiel | Jeff has been a Master Instructor for the Spinning program since 1995. With two teaching credentials and a Master’s Degree in Special Education, he is a teacher for severely handicapped children and has begun working on a PhD in Childhood Education. He is also an ACE and AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor. | |
| Stacey Lei Krauss |
Stacey Lei Krauss a Nike Elite Instructor with over 20 years as a fitness pro. Specializing in barefoot training, she’s most recognized for her award-winning willPower & grace® program. Stacey is the Lead Fitness Advisor for Power Music, a Master Trainer for Schwinn and BOSU, and a Teacher-Trainer for Peak Pilates MVe. Stacey Lei studies Reiki and is a free-lance writer. Certifications: ACE, ACSM, AFAA. | |
| Len Kravitz | Len has his Ph. D. and is the Program Coordinator of Exercise Science and a researcher at the University Of New Mexico. He is the first person to win the IDEA “Fitness Instructor of the Year” award and is a recent recipient of the Canadian Fitness Professionals “International Presenter of the Year” award. Len is the author of four books, producer of six exercise videos and an international lecturer on health and fitness. | |
| Misha Laird | Since 1995, Misha has woven her architectural past and current state of motherhood along with the gifted teachings of Robert Boustany and Jonny Kest to shape your classes to be among Houston’s most mindfully innovative yoga experiences. | |
| Melissa Layne | With over 25 years in the fitness business, Melissa is a college professor in the Atlanta area, a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor. She holds several degrees including a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology and one in Physical Education. Her numerous certifications include ACE, AFAA and AEA. Melissa is most known for her ability to take complicated scientific principles and break them down into simplified concepts that relate to everyday life. | |
| Becky Martin | Becky is the creator of Christ Centered Yoga™, a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Continuing Education Provider for ACE and AFAA and a Senior Master Trainer with YogaFit®. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology, bringing full circle the mind, body and spiritual connectedness of yoga. She enjoys sharing her passion with others by nationally training, lecturing, and presenting in her unique, warm style. |
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| Irene McCormick | Irene McCormick, M.S., C.S.C.S., holds a Master of Science degree in exercise & sport science. She is a 25-year veteran fitness instructor, published author, and personal trainer. Irene is a subject matter expert for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). As an educator, she has created two certification courses and has been featured in several DVD’s. Irene is a fitness writer as well as an editorial board member for Diabetic Living magazine. She can be reached at: irene@irenemccormick.com or visit her web site at www.irenemccormick.com. | |
| Jeff McMullen | Jeff McMullen, with over 20 years experience in the fitness industry, is a nationally certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor residing in San Francisco California; and is a master trainer for CorePole™, Gliding™, TRX®, Gymstick™; and former Lululemon Ambassador. Jeff is also a member of Sunshine Fitness Resources which provides educational resources to fitness professionals worldwide. | |
| David Mesirow | David Mesirow is the creator, owner and president of Beamfit™, a revolutionary new fitness program designed to integrate physical, mental and emotional balance. This multi-faceted approach to fitness is the logical outcome of David’s 29 years as a recognized leader in the fitness industry. An aquatic exercise expert and choreographer, David has worked as National Assistant Director of Group Exercise Programming for Bally Total Fitness, Reebok Master Trainer and Avia Select Athlete. He is a top educator in the fitness industry and is a member of the Resist-A-Ball training team, a SPRI core team member and a popular presenter at fitness conventions worldwide. In 1990 he founded “Mesirobics,” an instructor training organization providing master classes, CEC-approved workshops and videos to instructors around the world. To date, David has starred in nine fitness videos, produced another five, and launched three successful signature CD’s with Muscle Mixes Music Company. David holds certification with ACE and AFAA, and has won numerous fitness accolades, including the 1994 Windy City Instructor of the Year award, and the Chicago’s BEST program award in 1993, 94, 95 and 96.This Chicago native is dedicated to his field, combining his enthusiasm, dynamic personality, and love of dance to motivate students to achieve their personal best. He is also active in humanistic causes, such as his commitment, as a member of the National Leadership Council, to the Workout for Hope campaign founded by the City of Hope to find a cure for AIDS. In addition, Beamfit™ will be donating a percentage of all revenue to the Special Olympics which is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. |
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| Andrea Metcalf |
Andrea Metcalf is a nationally recognized fitness expert and a popular media personality. In the last decade, Andrea had appeared as a contributor for several national publications including MORE, Self, Shape, Womenʼs World, All You, as well as “The Today Show.” For more than 25 years Andrea has inspired people from all walks of life to feel better and move. As a mother of three, Andreaʼs passions for healthy living and her unique ability to multitask inspires mothers and other individuals with a unique desire for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. In 2002, she fulfilled a dream of owning her own studio and opened mbc Fitness, where she continues to train news anchors, professional athletes and specialized in “Boomer” fitness. These are the stories of real men and women who, despite their busy lives, find time each day to ensure their health. She is the creator of Well Centered Weight Loss program which focuses on the positive choices one makes in the journey. |
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| Mike Morris | Mike holds a B.A. in Health Education and is an NASM certified personal trainer and a Resistance Training Specialist with Resistance University. He has over 21 years experience in the fitness industry and a veteran presenter at fitness educational conferences. | |
| Mindy Mylrea | Mindy Mylrea is the 2008 ECA OBOW Fitness Presenter of the Year, the 2004 Can Fit Pro International Presenter of the Year, the 1999 International IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year, a National and World Aerobic Champion, a PowerBar sponsored athlete, and a five star presenter for IDEA. She is an advisory board member for Oxygen Magazine, an international presenter, author, motivational speaker, video personality, and CEC provider. Mindy is the creator and lead talent behind Gliding, the Gliding discs exercise program. She is a master trainer and on the pro development team for Schwinn Cycling, Body Bar, and Bosu. Mindy is the creator and owner of FitFlix Productions DVD production services. . She has authored numerous articles and stars in over 100 instructional videos. Mindy is currently the host of Orbitrek Elite and Gliding infomercials. | ![]() |
| Cathy O’Donnell | Cathy is our self proclaimed “Fitness Gypsy”. She is the owner of Four More Fitness and teaches a variety of classes and trains clients in private homes, community education, senior housing cooperatives, hospitals and local fitness facilities. She comes to NETA with over 16 years experience and is eager to share her knowledge! Her certifications include: ACE Group Fitness and Personal Training, Stott Pilates, Santa Fe Pilates – reformer and is a Master Fitness by Phone Coach. For Cathy, teaching fitness is like giving people an owner’s manual to their bodies and seeing what they do with it. | |
| Laura Ribbins | Laura was the 2000 AEA Aquatic Professional of the Year and is a certification specialist for AEA, AFAA, ISCA and Resist-A-Ball.® She inspires all ages through her innovative fitness programming International presentations and aquatic fitness videos. | |
| Robert Sherman | Robert holds several certifications and is the President and Owner of FIT Inc. He is a Master Trainer for Reebok International Ltd. and a published author and has appeared in several media events. |
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| Renee Spriggs | An ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, Renee is a 26-year fitness veteran. She is a Russian Kettlebell Instructor, Functional Movement Specialist, and a Master Instructor for Spinning and Resist-A-Ball. Renee holds a B.S. in Health Fitness and Physical Education. Her journey began with a passion to educate and make a difference in people’s lives. Reneé is Pilates Director for Timberline Fitness Studio in Houston. | |
| Josh Taylor | Joshua is a Master Instructor for the Spinning program and a former professional cyclist. A seasoned athlete who has been competing at the highest levels of bike racing for over 18 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. | |
| Jane Vaganek Bahneman | Jane Vaganek Bahneman, M.S. has worked in the fitness industry for more than a decade. Former Associate Director for Fitness/Wellness at Georgetown University, she is now co-owner of Well Equipped educational services. Jane is certified by ACSM, NASM, NSCA, ACE, AFAA , Spinning, and is an RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance as well as a Master YogaFit Trainer. | |
| Janell Vela-Smith | Janell is the CEO of Iron Dragon Productions and the Director of www.FightingStunts.com. She hold certifications from AAAI-ISMA in personal training, and AFAA Group Exercise. She is also a 3rd degree World Tukong Moosul Federation black belt and a world Taekwondo Federation 1st degree black belt. |
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| Manuel Velazquez | Mind & Body Personal trainer he is a presenter and educator for major international fitness continuing education seminars and convention events. Currently a Hydro Fit Team Leader, a master trainer for BOSU and Gliding among others, Manuel serves on faculty for ACE, AFAA, and AEA, and is also an AFAA Examiner. Manuel appears in many internationally-selling fitness DVDs available at www.scwfitness.com and is part of FG2000. Certifications: SCW-EDU, ACE, AFAA, AEA and ISAT. Specialties: Bilateral Latin dance and mind & body fusion mat work classes. | |
| Cheryl Westerman | Cheryl Westerman is known as a National Fitness Professional, Master Trainer and motivator in the Industry. Her passion in life is to achieve success, motivating, educating and making a difference in people’s lives. Creator of the SCULPTmoves™ Fitness Small Group Exercise Program, she owns and operates a Personal Training Studio for women in Texas. She will be launching at Conferences Nationwide, her SCULPTmoves™ Fitness Program and a new training method called TOWELmoves™ … Fitness Fun for All! *Totally *Outlandish *Workout *Everyone *Loves! She is a Presenter and Master Trainer for COREPOLE Resistance Training, NATS Total E Fit Gym and the Gliding Disc Exercise Program. Cheryl is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor with over 25 years teaching experience in the Fitness Industry. She was recognized and featured on the front cover of PFP magazine. She holds numerous National Fitness Certifications including… * ACE * AFAA | |
| Derrick Wilburn | A 12-year veteran of high-tech sales, marketing, and business development, Derrick was very much at the forefront of the “tech boom” of the 1990s, living and working in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley from 1989 until 2001. A former Director in a billion dollar tech firm, Derrick had responsibilities including architecting international distribution and co-marketing partner alliances. A lifelong proponent of healthy, active living, he now draws upon his experience in the academic and corporate arena to encourage teams and individuals to achieve lofty goals in the area of physical conditioning. He uses his formal educational background to aid, coach, and assist fitness professionals in the quest to move beyond being personal trainers to being successful business owners. |
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DCAC Fitness Conventions Inc