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Group Fitness Instructors

At Waverley Oaks, our talented Group Fitness Instructors will inspire you to achieve your fitness goals while providing expert advice and support in a welcoming and safe environment. Whether you are new to fitness or have been working out for years, you will find our classes challenging, engaging, rewarding and most importantly FUN!


AMY COOK

Amy has been sharing her passion for fitness for over 40 years, with more than a decade here at Waverley Oaks. She brings incredible energy to every class and loves inspiring members to discover their strength.

In addition to leading group classes, Amy is a Certified Personal Trainer who works with clients of all ages and fitness levels.

Beyond the studio, Amy stays active with hiking, cycling, yoga, and traveling. A true New England explorer, she loves day trips to Cape Cod, as well as visiting local coffee shops and microbreweries. For quieter moments, you’ll find her baking, knitting, or working on stitchery projects.

Amy is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certified Group Fitness Instructor.


Alena aniskovich

Alena has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at HYP studio in Wellesley in 2024. Growing up with semi-professional athlete parents, she was involved in various physical activities from a young age, including swimming, running, tennis, and cross-country skiing. Initially, she saw yoga as another way to engage her whole body in physical practice.

However, through continuous practice, yoga offered Alena much more. It provided a creativity boost, a focused and strong mind, stress relief, and a grounding and quieting of her emotions, ultimately building a stronger sense of self-connection. Like everyone else, Alena had to go through numerous life changes: immigration, switching careers, becoming a parent, and dealing with injuries. Yoga helped her maintain fluidity not just in her body but in her life as well.

Currently, Alena is interested in different breathwork techniques, art therapy, and meditation. These interests, combined with her past experiences, contribute to a strong, vinyasa-based yoga practice that enhances body awareness, breath awareness, and mind clarity. In her classes, Alena aims to meet students where they are and encourages students to build their own practice, listen compassionately to their body’s signals, and maintain a sense of humor to honor their uniqueness.

Outside of yoga, Alena is managing motherhood, a full-time job as a user experience designer at a fintech company and pursuing her passion as an occasional abstract painter.


Alon Manela

Alon wasn’t always a fitness fanatic. Back in the day, he was unmotivated to hit the gym, but then he stumbled upon the magic of Les Mills BODYCOMBAT. He suddenly found himself craving that rush of endorphins, that adrenaline-fueled high that only BODYCOMBAT can deliver.

Fast forward five years deep into his BODYCOMBAT journey, he knew he had to spread the love and became an instructor. For Alon, there’s nothin’ like seeing his crew crushin’ it in class.

When Alon is not throwin’ punches and kicks, you’ll find him on the field, coaching Ultimate Frisbee for some rad middle schoolers. Because fitness isn’t just about what you do in the gym; it’s about living your best life, inside and out. So, if you’re ready to unleash your inner warrior, break a sweat, and maybe even crack a smile or two, join Alon in a class!


AMANDA Vallimont

To Amanda, yoga is more than just a sequence of poses. It is a way of life. She initially started practicing because it was a great way to build strength and become more flexible. She found those things and much more. Yoga gives us a greater peace of mind, a tool to manage anxiety, a sense of well being, a supportive community, increased self confidence, connection with others, joy in vulnerability, and a profound spiritual practice. Yoga unites and connects. It meets us in our struggles and amplifies what is going right in our lives while giving us strength to handle what isn’t. It is a source of calm in a chaotic world. Amanda’s goal in her classes is to challenge you and lift you up. You will look within yourself for truth and to your neighbor for support. You will be led through breath, strong poses, and graceful movements, so you can then sit and hear the quiet wisdom of your own mind.

Amanda completed her 200 hour training with Rolf Gates in 2014 and 300 hour training with Jacqui Bonwell in 2018. She is certified to teach Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Meditation. In addition to teaching yoga, Amanda has studied reiki for the past few years in the Usai Shiki Ryoho lineage. She was recently attuned as a Reiki Master and is undergoing her one year apprenticeship to become an independent Reiki instructor. Amanda feels Reiki is the perfect complement to a yoga practice as both work towards balance, wholeness, and overall wellness.


AMI Stix

Ami’s love of dance and movement is an integral part of every class she teaches. As a lifelong dancer, she knows the joy, passion, and freedom that comes from moving the body in a way that makes her students feel successful and empowered. Her Zumba classes are an energetic celebration of world rhythms that are accessible and challenging for all fitness levels from beginner to the more advanced student. Ami’s Barre classes are structured to build strength and flexibility, emphasizing quality of movement and proper alignment. Her extensive knowledge of fitness, structural alignment, and how to build strength in a safe and supported way elevates every class she teaches. Connecting with her students and helping them find success, wherever they are on their fitness journey, is what makes her most happy.


Anne Zimmer

Anne has been in the fitness industry since early 2000’s.  She started as a Kickboxing Instructor and within a couple of years established her own fitness center in Pepperell MA.  It was her passion to work with others to attain their fitness goals, and to build a community around fitness. Anne is a Personal Trainer and has had certifications in Pilates, Boot Camp, TRX, Zumba and other Group-Ex classes. 

Known to say “you can do anything for 20 seconds” during a workout, Anne will motivate you to keep going and finish strong to the end.


BRITTON JOHNSON

Britton grew up loving sports – she played competitive softball from 8 to 23 years old and has done a number of triathlons. As much as she loved playing, once she started coaching, Britton realized that was her true calling. In 2018, a friend encouraged her to join a Body Pump class. After that, she was hooked on group fitness classes and became certified in cycle. Britton loves teaching cycle and is excited to join the team and community at Waverly Oaks. When not at the gym, Britton works as a traffic engineer at an engineering consulting firm in Waltham and travels as much as she can with her husband.


Cara Ward

If you have ever been to one of Cara’s classes, you know that she wears many hats. She is the friend that pulls over when she sees you in the parking lot to see how your day is going. She is the mom that races to her son’s school because he forgot that Wednesday is violin lesson day. She is the spouse that picks up her husband’s favorite pot stickers from Trader Joes. Cara is also your fitness coach!

After Cara’s son was born, she was looking to get back in shape. She had a laptop and ordered some workout DVDs. She jumped around to the routine in her living room and had no idea (at the time) she was planning her future. Strength takes time and that’s exactly what I Cara gave herself: the gift of patience. Working out is a mindset and hard work will pay off. You will become stronger and you will learn the importance of beauty of rest. Committing to fitness is understanding when to push and pull back. Cara knows this because she walks this talk every day.  What was once jumping around her living room is now training for road and obstacle races and cheering on her friends and family as they find their own fitness paths. Join Cara in a upcoming class – all you need to do is show up and together you will figure out the rest from there.


Caroline Vuilleumier

High school math teacher by day, fitness junkie by night (and sometimes before sunrise), Caroline began teaching group fitness in 2017 as a way to relieve stress while pursuing her doctorate in Applied Statistics at Boston College. Leading classes at the campus recreation center became a welcome escape from the solitude of data cleaning and long hours of analysis in a windowless room while completing her dissertation.

Caroline quickly found that group fitness was not just a fun physical outlet but also provided the social interaction she so desperately needed. She found her people at the gym, a community of like-minded individuals who wanted to better themselves in mind, body, and soul. Although Caroline started her journey into fitness teaching step aerobics nearly a decade ago, she has since become certified in five Les Mills formats and has fallen in love with Bodypump and Bodycombat. You can catch her in the cycling studio teaching spin from time to time as well!


COurtney Malcolm

When Courtney was old enough to join a gym in 2010, she tried her first Les Mills Body Combat class and instantly was hooked. She earned her black belt in karate in 2013 and loved how Body Combat incorporated true martial arts into the workout. Courtney particularly loves the science behind the exercises and the passion that Les Mills brings. She became a certified instructor for Body Combat in 2019 and has been actively teaching since 2021. She also became certified in Les Mills Body Pump in 2023. Courtney values the commitment that Les Mills provides to each and every new workout that is released 4 times a year.

Courtney loves inspiring members who are looking to find the strongest version of themselves and encourages them to step out of their comfort zone. She understands that taking that first step into a new group fitness class can be daunting and intimidating, she works to ensure that every member feels safe and successful in her class. Courtney believes that finding a workout that makes you feel happy is the best workout you will do. Her favorite part about teaching group fitness is the community and friendships that are formed. She is so thankful for her committed members that consistently rise to the challenge.

When Courtney is not teaching at Waverley Oaks, she is teaching her 3rd grade students. She loves sharing her passion for teaching across all areas and ages! In her free time, Courtney enjoys reading new mystery books, running, traveling, listening to new music and lounging at the beach! A fun fact about Courtney is that she ran the Boston Marathon in 2023.


Charlotte Zapenas

Charlotte (Char) fully embraces that fitness/exercise isn’t a nuisance, it’s a privilege. Being able to feel strong in your body, gain confidence and strength in your mind and spirit make us better in every facade of our lives. Char has been teaching Spin for almost 10 years, and has found so much inspiration and purpose in facilitating classes and supporting those who attend. She enjoys championing others’ fitness goals, challenging mental/physical barriers that stand in our ways to becoming the best athletes/humans we can be, and working with members to amplify their spinning experience. A class with Char will challenge you in every way, but leave you feeling immensely proud of the effort you put into the workout and the way you showed up for yourself in the process. Positive self talk only!

Outside of Waverley Oaks, Char enjoys strength training, cooking yummy meals, perfecting her sourdough bread baking process, listening to podcasts, reality television, the perfect almond milk latte and spending time with her husband and toddler.


DARREN HAIRSTON

Darren grew up in a multiracial and multicultural household in the Somerville/Cambridge area. This has exposed Darren to various music and naturally was moved by Latin based rhythms as well as hip hop. With several years of experience being on dance teams, he attended a class called Zumba, which led him to falling in love with the Zumba format. Darren has been teaching the Zumba program since 2015!

Darren also has experience working in social services from supporting youth and families to caregivers of elderly and disabled. Darren enjoys watching professional sports as well as traveling to see the New England Patriots play in various cities so he can explore the new city as well as see the New England Patriots play.


DEB DUNCOMBE

In 2003 Deb was helping dear friends open a fitness center for seniors and physically challenged individuals. There was an evident need for Yoga at the club, but she had never taken a yoga class in my life. Her friend was adamant that I would enjoy it and should teach it. It was then that Deb decided to take a ViniYoga training program. The philosophy of ViniYoga is anyone can practice. Surprise – she loved it – from the very first class. Deb taught yoga there for 3 years and became a “sub” yoga teacher at Waverley Oaks Athletic Club.

Yoga is a union, combining the inside and outside, being mindful and in the present. The most meaningful lesson for Deb in her ViniYoga journey has been learning to be in the present and not expending a lot of mental energy ruing the past or worrying about the future. She believes it is important we make our lives with what we have, not what we do not have. Practicing yoga is key to keeping that balance in focus.

Anyone can practice yoga – tall, short, overweight, underweight, young, old – and Deb’s classes are about doing what you can. If your fingers do not reach the floor in a forward bend, that’s ok – you can still reap the benefits of a forward bend to your own ability. Moving through the postures is only one element of the yoga experience. Deb is there there as your yoga guide, the hour is your own personal yoga experience. She offers posture adjustments and alternatives to meet differing ability levels. Deb aims to have the participants in her classes leave feeling more relaxed, centered and in the present moment.


Dory Berman

Once upon a time there was a curly haired girl named Dory who had a two-pack-a-day cigarette habit.  A smoker for 13 years at age 23, she realized her lifestyle HAD to change. A friend dared her to join a health club, which was a big deal since she had always ridiculed health clubs, viewing exercising indoors as a complete waste of time. A few months into her membership, Dory reluctantly joined an aerobics class.  After a lot of struggling, as most do, with the moves, directional changes, and generally keeping up, she eventually got the hang of it. More importantly, Dory saw an incredible change in her body, her attitude, and her energy. Six months later Dory became a certified aerobics instructor.

Dory has been teaching group exercise for nearly 29 years.  She loves all forms of group exercise, but is most passionate about water aerobics. Join Dory for a spirited, joyful water workout at Waverley Oaks. Or attend BodyPump with Dory as she leads you through one of her favorite Les Mills programs with energy and enthusiasm. Come find out why Dory loves what she does so much!


ERIKA RUBIN

Erika brings her wealth of knowledge, outgoing personality and collaborative spirit to the Yoga practice while inspiring others to improve their physical, mental & emotional wellbeing.

She received her 300-hour yoga teacher training certification in 2017, and is trained in Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Restorative Yoga & more.


ERIN CLAIR

Dr. Erin Clair became a yoga teacher in 2017 as part of her professional research on happiness studies; since then, she has taught over 1000 hours of yoga classes. She earned her 200-hour yoga teacher certification and a 100-hour Ayurveda Lifestyle Coach certification through YogaFit Worldwide, her meditation teacher certification through Naropa University, and holds over 200 hours of teacher training in Inside Flow yoga. She is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider and was the second-ever gold-level Inside Flow teacher in the United States. She holds additional certifications in yoga sculpt, sound healing, hot yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Erin is passionate about showing people different tools to help them navigate life with resiliency. She loves to incorporate music into her yoga classes to help students reach a meditative flow state.

Erin earned her bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University, her master’s degree from Texas State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. When not teaching yoga, Erin is an associate dean at Northeastern University. She travels back and forth to Arkansas each month to be with her family, including her two teenage kids. She enjoys going to concerts and going on hikes with her Westie. 


Genevieve Noonan 

As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Genevieve always believed in the power of movement to transform lives. From cheerleading to soccer, her diverse sports background shaped her passion for exercise and well-being at a young age. Working in a high-stress corporate accounting role, she found that exercise became the ultimate outlet. She believes that staying active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Missing the camaraderie of team sports inspired her to start teaching fitness classes in 2017. Since then, Genevieve has thrived on building meaningful relationships and motivating others to reach their goals. Her classes are high-energy and challenging, always bringing something new to the table. Genevieve strives to create a positive environment in her classes where everyone is welcome and can experience the benefits of movement. Each class is designed to push you to your limits, leaving you feeling accomplished and eager for more.

When Genevieve is not in the gym or crunching numbers, you can find her walking her mini Bernedoodle, Boomer, or lounging at the beach with the latest bestseller in hand.


JACQUI SWEENEY

Jacqui has been teaching yoga for 25 years and is both a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500). With her extensive experience, she blends the art of yoga with therapeutic techniques designed to support long-term well-being.

Jacqui is passionate about educating her students in practices that empower them to understand their bodies, improve mobility, and reduce or prevent pain – helping them feel stronger, more balanced, and more at ease in daily life.


Jamee culbertson

Jamee’s earlier education includes study at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in NYC and Berklee College of Music. Jamee’s past work as a documentary filmmaker won an award for the film “How it All Began, Origins of the Universal Tao System”. Along the way Jamee became a Senior Instructor and teacher trainer with the Universal Healing Tao system, (UHT), teaching qigong, ancient meditation techniques and tai chi; the Yang style tai chi short form, long form and sword forms. Jamee’s been part of a team of instructors involved with Tai Chi studies with Harvard and Brown Universities. Jamee is also an Internationally Certified Alexander Technique Instructor and teacher-trainer at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee where Tai Chi is a principle activity to explore dynamic integrated movement.

Jamee uniquely synthesizes ancient Taoist practices, Alexander Technique principles and spiritual healing opening the way for deep personal transformation and self empowerment as people learn and experience these self healing techniques. Over the years Jamee has shared her knowledge and experience with numerous institutions in the Boston area. Jamee also has a private practice around the Boston area where private lessons are available in all disciplines. Nowadays, Jamee also holds live and recorded classes online where she can reach people globally.


JESSICA Rachael SIMPSON

Jessica began taking Zumba classes in college and immediately fell in love with the music, energy, and positivity in the room. For the first time, working out didn’t feel like work! Her mom—a former Aerobics instructor—inspired her to teach. After getting certified in the Zumba program 2016, she decided to grow her fitness repertoire and began teaching cycling.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Jessica moved to the Boston area in 2024. She works full-time in communications and holds an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys bringing that creativity to her classes, whether it’s a themed cycling playlist or a new salsa routine.

More than anything, Jessica is passionate about ensuring that her students feel safe, included, and motivated in their fitness journeys. Group exercise classes are for everyone! When she’s not working, Jessica loves to garden, watch rom-coms, read, and travel. She is thrilled to join the close-knit Waverley Oaks community.


joanne afarian

After a 35-year career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, Joanne is living her dream and teaching yoga. She has been practicing yoga for 27 years and has experienced a changing practice over time. Joanne practiced hot power yoga and Ashtangha yoga for many years, but as she got older, she began listening more to what her body needed so she slowed her practice down. She believes there is a place for all types of yoga, including hot power yoga and Ashtangha practice, but listening to what felt best for her was a priority and this is how she teaches her classes. Joanne encourages folks to always listen and pay attention to how things feel: we are all different and it is not about how flexible we are or if we can put our head to the floor. It’s about paying attention to how your body feels in a posture and meeting your practice where it is without judgement and with compassion. She believes that if you can breathe you can practice yoga – there is a posture for everyone.

Joanne is a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher trained in teaching hatha, yin, restorative, gentle, and chakra yoga through Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA. Kripalu has been training yoga teachers for over 40 years. Kripalu translates to “compassion” or one who is compassionate. It is with this legacy of compassion that Joanne teaches and guides her classes. All are welcome in her class – from brand new practitioners to experienced yogis – and all body types can join Joanne in a practice of mindfulness, meditation, and learning.


Joanie Kelly

From athlete to coach, student to teacher, crossing the finish line of a marathon, to  doing a headstand in yoga, Joanie has always fed off the energy of “do what you love, love what you do”. Being able to support other’s fitness journeys is an absolute privilege for Joanie. She loves seeing the hesitant look of  “what am I doing in a 6am spin class?” to then coming twice a week. Or having a first time yoga student say “I’m not flexible” to finding their breath and moving their bodies into poses they never thought possible. Mornings begin with her daily intention of GRATITUDE, MOVEMENT & LAUGHTER and being able to share that in a community makes her day that much better.


JINYAN DU

Jinyan is passionate about helping you lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain your functional flexibility.

She started to work in cancer research from 1998 and was working very hard to develop efficacious therapeutics for cancer patients. As she learned more about this devastating disease and other chronic conditions, she started to realize the best strategy to relieve people from these maladies is not some silver bullet drug. The best strategy is to delay or even prevent the onset of these conditions by leading a healthy lifestyle. Now she wants to dedicate the rest of her life to promoting wellness.

Jinyan has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Computer Science, both from Harvard University. She has been practicing Taekwon-do since 2005 and has a 5th Degree black belt. Jinyan has been teaching Taekwon-do since 2012, including teaching stretching and flexibility classes since 2018.

She is also certified by NASM as a stretching and flexibility coach, a women’s fitness specialist, and a pain-free performance specialist. Jinyan believes that maintaining our functional flexibility is crucial to living an active, independent, and healthy life. That’s why she has put together a Functional Flexibility Workshop that will teach you the knowledge and techniques you need to improve your flexibility and range of motion.


KALI PATRICK

Kali first came to yoga as a young, hi-tech professional with an interest in exercise who was also looking for a way to handle work-related stress. She enjoyed (and still does!) taking Baptiste-style power yoga/flow classes, which challenge her to become present in her body in a way that settles her wild mind. After years of corporate life culminating in insomnia and burnout, Kali completed Kripalu’s 200-hour yoga teacher training program as a way to reboot her life. Years later—when suffering with chronic pain/illness—she discovered Yoga Therapy and received her 500-hour teaching certification in the tradition of Viniyoga (as taught in the lineage of Chase Bossart/T.K.V. Desikachar).

Kali brings a methodical, yet lighthearted approach to her classes and workshops. She encourages students to stay present and adjust their practice based on feedback from their own mind and body experience. Her yoga-related workshops (including those about Meditation, Yoga for Insomnia, Yoga for Depression & Anxiety, etc.) and series (including “Yoga for Beginners over 40”) have been popular all over the country.

In addition to teaching yoga classes in many different styles and levels of physical difficulty, Kali is also a Nationally-Board Certified Health & Wellness coach who incorporates Yoga philosophy and practices to help busy adults reclaim their sleep, energy, and enthusiasm for life. In early 2023 she self-published her first book, called Mastering Your Sleep Puzzle.

When she’s not teaching or coaching, Kali enjoys writing & reading books, visiting amazing restaurants, and cheering for the Boston Bruins. She’s a long-time resident of Waltham where she lives with her partner and two cats.


KARLEEN FALLON

Karleen has been teaching Cycle for nearly 20 years – and she’s as passionate about it today as when she first started. What began as a way to give her knees a break from marathon training quickly became a new love, as she discovered how endurance, interval, and strength rides could fuel her peak performance as a runner.

She knows your time is precious, so every class is carefully designed to maximize each minute with fresh challenges. Paired with motivating music and purposeful pace work, Karleen keeps you fully engaged from warm-up to cooldown – so you leave every ride feeling stronger and more energized.


Kelly Michaud

Kelly has been teaching yoga since 2010. A lifetime athlete, she loved that yoga was more than just a workout, and how every class could be different. She completed her 200-hour teacher training with Ana Forrest and took a 32-hour adjustment training with Sue Jones. She has also studied with Ame Wren and David Regelin to further her teaching practice.

She is inspired to give students a practice that both challenges them physically and allows them a respite from our busy modern lives. Kelly’s teaching is a vinyasa style, linking breath and movement with compassionate cueing and assists.

When not teaching yoga, Kelly enjoys doing most anything outside, traveling, volunteering at her kids’ schools & sports, and reading. Kelly grew up in Massachusetts and received her BS at Babson College and MBA at Boston University.

“Yoga is one of the few things in life that I never tire of, and I hope my classes provide students something both familiar and novel. I want them to leave class feeling a little better than when they walked in.”


Kayla Brown

Kayla studied Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy at Lesley University, building on her background as a lifelong dancer and former gymnast who also performed in theater during college.

She loves all things movement – whether it’s dancing, biking, skiing, or camping.

Kayla loves group fitness because it brings people together and makes movement feel exciting and enjoyable.


Ken Repp

Ken began his fitness journey by taking up running to quit smoking. At first, running even a single block felt impossible. Over time, it became part of his daily routine, leading to participation in 5-Mile and 10K races. Seeking to complement his running, Ken joined Waverley Oaks Athletic Club and added weight training to his routine.

After 20 years of running, however, chronic injuries forced Ken to seek alternatives. When his physical therapist suggested spin classes, Ken was skeptical—how could anything replace the freedom of running? Nervously, he stepped into his first spin class and was instantly hooked. Soon after, he became a certified instructor, combining his passion for fitness with a love for teaching.

Recently retired from a career in international development, Ken has deepened his commitment to fitness as a NASM-certified Personal Trainer at Waverley Oaks. He enjoys helping others discover their own paths to wellness, inspired daily by the vibrant and supportive Waverley Oaks community.


Kim Clements

Kim has been immersed in the fitness industry for more than 40 years, serving as an Instructor, Program Director, and Studio Owner. She is passionate about making health and fitness accessible at any age, with an approach grounded in safety and long-term well-being.

Drawing on her training in Stott Pilates, ViniYoga, Stretch, Strength Training, and Classical Ballet, Kim designs classes that emphasize strength, balance, and alignment. She believes exercise is a lifelong practice that should be safe, sustainable, and enjoyable.

Kim’s classes blend focus and control with a sense of humor and fun, creating an environment where participants feel both challenged and supported. Her specialties include Barre Basics and Body Conditioning, where she weaves together discipline and playfulness for effective, engaging workouts.

Classically trained at Boston Ballet, Kim brings a dancer’s precision and grace to her teaching.


Melissa & Sheila MacDonnell (The MAC ATTACK)

Melissa and Sheila love group fitness. That is probably because they come from a family of 10 children and two very active parents. They would often workout together and that is why they love co-teaching cycle classes! Their favorite part of teaching is picking out fun and motivating songs to ride to and creating challenging terrains ranging from fast sprints to heavy climbs. Cycle is a perfect way to get a vigorous cardiovascular workout and great strength training in a low impact way. It allows athletes of all fitness levels to participate in class and get an amazing work out. As sisters and best friends, they always encourage each other to hit their own individual fitness goals, and they love helping others do the same! Melissa and Sheila also have a lot of fun and build great friendships in the process. If you’ve never tried cycle or their class before – they would love to meet you!


Nicole Derosiers 

With a lifelong passion for dance and nearly 13 years in the fitness industry, Nicole made the leap to full-time group fitness instruction and personal training in 2023. She began her journey in Zumba back in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since, building a diverse repertoire that now includes Barre, Pilates, Cycle, Strength, MX4, and personal training.

Nicole’s philosophy is simple: movement is for everybody and every BODY. She strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients feel accepted at every stage of their fitness journey. For Nicole, it’s not about achieving a “perfect” body—because all bodies are perfect in their own special way. Her mission is to help everyone love who they are in the present moment.

Nicole has a special focus on supporting BIPOC women, older adults, and people in bigger bodies, ensuring they feel comfortable, empowered, and seen in her classes and sessions. She is committed to being a safe space where all clients can be authentically themselves while achieving their fitness goals.


NANCY Griffiths

With nearly three decades in the fitness industry, Nancy brings a deep passion for movement, strength, and personal growth to every class she leads. She’s been a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor since her college years and has taught Les Mills BodyPump® for over 25 years. Known for her clear, motivating coaching style, Nancy helps members push past perceived limits and build confidence – one rep at a time. As a longtime instructor and mom of three, she understands that showing up is a victory in itself and believes in making every class feel both empowering and approachable.


Nicole von Rekowsky

Literally the last one to be picked in gym class and a complete failure at the 1970s, Presidential Fitness Awards, Nicole started loving exercise in the early ’90s taking Jazzercise and step aerobics classes. Nicole believes that exercise has always gotten her through the inevitable ups and downs of life. She started teaching exercise classes in 2009 because it gave her something uplifting at the lowest point in her life (loss of a parent, divorce, and changing family life). Other than being a mom, fitness instructor is the best job she’s ever had.

Nicole enjoys working with all different age groups and has coached preteen girls to people in their 90s! Because she loves doing all sorts of at-home exercise workouts, she always brings a fresh perspective to her classes. She constantly incorporates the latest findings that exercise is good for both the body and the mind.

Her newest fitness passion is working with people who have Parkinson’s to lessen some of the side effects through certain types of exercise.


PATTY BRENT

Patty has been involved in the fitness industry since she can remember. Trained in ballet and modern dance while growing up, her dance experience evolved to teaching popular group fitness aerobic dance, step, slide, and muscle/sculpt/strength conditioning classes. She expanded her fitness repertoire by training as a cycling instructor when the genre was first introduced in the early 1990s (in the Boston area) and has been hooked ever since. She enjoys matching music to destination rides and invites her fellow cyclists to sing along, and challenge themselves through her interval training classes that include climbs, jumps, flat roads, sprints, and drills to further build upon strength, endurance, and fitness levels and to have fun doing it. Patty would love to meet you and work on reaching and maintaining your fitness goals while enjoying the ride to get there.

Patty holds certifications for group exercise and cycling from the Aerobic Fitness Federation of America and Mad Dogg Athletics (Spinning). Her interests include hiking, walking, running, and travel.


Sandra Greenberg

Sandra calls Pilates a FUNCTIONAL FITNESS  program. Over time it has expanded from a basic concept of enhancing core muscles into a complete low impact workout. This will improve both the body and mind.

During the past twelve years of teaching, Sandra has expanded her training skills to include the latest techniques including Barre and other Pilates equipment, all of which she is certified to work with. Her workouts are all about precise and controlled movements while maintaining proper alignment. Sandra’s low-impact approach has been proven to sculpt strong, lean bodies, improve muscular imbalance, flexibility and posture, as well as help release tension. What more can you ask for? Plus, your body will thank you.


SARA O’Brien

Sara received her 200-hour certification through CorePower Yoga in Newton, MA. While using yoga as a way to build strength in the body, it also enabled her to find clarity and strength of mind. The balance of the physical and mental practice cultivated in yoga inspire her on and off of the mat. The entwinement of the individual and the community, strength and fluidity, body and mind, encourage her practice and her teaching style. Her classes focus on the unity of breath and movement, flowing through thoughtful sequences aimed to strengthen and deepen each student’s practice. Her teaching style is accessible and a variety of modifications are always offered. Detailed cues are given to ensure proper form and safety.


Shannon brown

Shannon grew up dancing competitively and riding her bike everywhere she went. She fell in love with group fitness, yoga, and cycling in college and spent the summer after graduation biking from Rhode Island to California. Despite her degree in engineering, Shannon has a passion for connecting with people through movement, music, and good vibes. She is a certified indoor cycling, yoga, Zumba, and group fitness instructor with over a decade of combined experience teaching at a variety of different studios and gyms. She always strives to find balance in everything in life, especially her fitness routine and offerings. You can almost always find Shannon either singing, dancing, or both while moving throughout her day. 


STEPHANIE ROBINSON

Stephanie’s passion for Zumba stems from a lifelong dedication to dance and fitness. She works hard to make sure her classes offer a great mix of dance styles, music, and intensity levels that leaves participants energized and uplifted. She strives to help you see how fun fitness can be!

Outside of the gym, Stephanie holds a PhD in Psychology. Her research focuses on promoting physical activity and healthy behaviors, especially in those living with chronic conditions. Her work emphasizes the power of taking control of your health through exercise and lifestyle choices to support healthy aging.

In her free time, Stephanie loves weightlifting, indulging in the latest binge-worthy TV shows, and traveling.


TALENE MCCARTHY

Talene is a dedicated yoga instructor and practitioner with over 20 years of experience. She has been teaching for 10 years, guiding students to develop their potential in a safe and supportive environment. With a focus on modifications and alignment, Talene meets each student where they are in their practice while offering the awareness and support to avoid injury. As a mother of three, she understands the challenges of finding time for self-care amidst a busy life. Through yoga, she offers grace and compassion, helping students show up on their mats to breathe, reset, and find balance—both mentally and physically.


TARA VASI

Tara’s athleticism and love of human movement began early in life. Captivated by the mind-body connection, she participated in various sports as a child and throughout high school, including soccer, basketball, and tennis. Her true wellness journey, however, began when she turned to yoga to relieve chronic lower back pain caused by scoliosis. The healing she experienced sparked a deep fascination with movement and personal empowerment, revealing her life’s purpose: to help others – regardless of age or ability – feel good from the inside out.

In 2014, after relocating to San Diego, Tara earned her personal training certification to complement her yoga background and expand her ability to support individuals seeking improved health and well-being. Tara later embarked on her most profound journey yet: motherhood.

After giving birth in 2021, she experienced severe diastasis recti, which inspired her to dive deeply into the Pilates method and core recovery techniques. Her goal was not only to heal her own body, but also to support others navigating postpartum recovery and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Tara Vasi is a Certified Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). She also holds certifications in Yoga (500-hour RYT), Core Recovery, Pilates, Barre, Mindfulness/Meditation, and Sound Healing.


Teri Muller 

Teri’s journey in the fitness world began many years ago during her college years. She was captain of the dance team – think Celtics dancers, but with cassette tapes for music, vinyl knee high boots and red-hot pants! During this time Teri also joined her first health club and before she knew it, she was working there teaching classes and selling memberships.

Zoom ahead to today and while a lot has changed, her love for leading classes has never changed. She is a Fitness Professional with certifications ranging from Pilates to PiYO, Zumba to Body Pump, and Personal Training to Specialization in Corrective Exercise. The industry is always growing, and she is a dedicated, lifelong student. Skiing, biking, swimming, golf, hiking, dancing, and an award-winning actress, these are some of Teri’s passions. However, teaching group exercise remains at the center. She loves encouraging a new member, helping them feel a part of the group and providing the guidance to help them feel successful and wanting to come back. Teri also love the camaraderie of teaching to a member for many years, knowing they keep coming because the class is fun, packed with variety and continual physical challenges. Having great music, a warm smile and being just a little bit silly are Teri’s trademarks.


Vielka Fuentes

Vielka is originally from Dominican Republic. She started at Waverley Oaks as a substitute Zumba Instructor in 2017, and shortly thereafter took on a regular class. She is an upbeat and positive person, and her class reflects her personality. What members enjoy most about her style of teaching is her selection of Latin music, and the contagious moves and energy in every class. She puts in a lot of time and effort preparing for each class with new playlists and choreography. Her Zumba classes deliver a party that boosts our members’ energy for the rest of the week. Vielka also teaches TABATA, Cycle, Senior Fitness, Water Fitness and MX4, where you can challenge yourself, get in great shape and feel awesome. Vielka loves interacting with members and the beautiful connection that fulfills her soul and spirit while she does what she loves most – Teaching.