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Joie Joie's interest in health and wellness developed during college and grew into a way to manage stress. She was introduced to yoga and running which lead to a new career as a yoga instructor. It was during her pregnancy when she realized how amazing the body is and really began to focus on fitness. Joie is now both a certified yoga and AFFA group fitness instructor. Joie's classes will strive to find the balance between strength and flexibility with a focus on proper alignment and fun. |
Heather Heather believes that participants at every level should feel welcomed in group fitness classes and her unique ability to challenge the most advanced participant, while simultaneously modifying movements for beginners, has made her classes safe, effective and popular. In addition to her bachelor's degree in exercise physiology and master's degree in health and physical education, Heather is an ACSM and ACE Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor and holds several other specialty certifications such as Spinning and TurboKick. Heather is also a fitness ambassador for lululemon and enjoys the opportunity to bring a healthy and fit lifestyle to our Lincoln Park community. Being the busy mom of three small children, Heather is an expert at maximizing class time and her approach is always high-energy to keep you moving and motivated! |
Jenny Jenny has been active in sports and fitness since a very young age. She tried a spin class back in 1999 and was hooked! Jenny enjoys keeping her classes challenging so participants can look forward to something a little different each time. Jenny’s format is more akin to outdoor riding so be ready for hills, sprints, and distance training.
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Meredith Meredith’s long time interest in health and fitness led her to become an ACE, (American Council on Exercise),certified group fitness instructor. Since then, she has completed her Spinning certification. She has also completed a 200-hour certification in teaching Hatha Yoga. Meredith’s knowledge-based, balanced approach to teaching will help you reach your fitness goals safely and effectively, allowing you to enjoy an active lifestyle for years to come. Her classes combine the challenging workout you what you want with the know-how of what you need to leave you feeling your best and motivated to come back! |
Cheri Cheri has been teaching group fitness classes and working with fitness and weight loss clients for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology, is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and is certified in mat and reformer Pilates, Spinning, and yoga. As a busy single mom, she specializes in maximizing results in less time. Cheri brings high energy and enthusiasm to her teaching/training style and is passionate about helping clients realize and reach their full potential. |
ChristinaChristina is a current student at DePaul. Her background as a competitive athlete allows her to instruct a motivating and challenging cycling class. Christina's approach to teaching is energizing and efficient. |
MichaelMichael has been taking martial arts for many years, he trained under a former American Karate Association grand champion. Michael is an amateur kickboxer. His straight forward approach to teaching will leave you feeling pushed to your limit. |
Kara Kara is energetic, passionate, and dedicated to the health and fitness field. She exudes these qualities in her group fitness classes. When not in the group fitness studio motivating participants, she is in the gymnasium at Walt Disney Magnet School motivating kindergarten through 8th grade students to engage in a healthy lifestyle as a PE teacher. In addition to her bachelor's degree in health and physical education, Kara is a ACE certified group fitness instructor, and plans to head back to school for a master's degree in exercise science. Kara's high energy and enthusiasm are sure to get you motivated for a super sweaty work out! |
Katelyn Aside from teaching group fitness at The Ray, Katelyn works full time as a physical therapist. Her deep understanding of anatomy and how the human body functions makes her classes effective and challenging. Katelyn’s outgoing personality is magnetic! She will get you moving first thing in the morning. |
GinaGina, a recent DePaul graduate, is a certified group fitness instructor with the American Council on Exercise. Always a lover of sports and fitness, she found her passion for group fitness as a student regularly participating in group fitness at The Ray. Gina brings her motivating and bright personality to every class she teaches. She would love for you to join in on the fun! |
LaurenOver three years ago Lauren found a way to combine her two passions, fitness and education, into one job: group fitness instruction. Lauren is a teacher with Chicago Public Schools, which drives her passion to be a motivating fitness instructor. Growing up as a competitive swimmer and later a Division I athlete, health and wellness has been part of her daily routine for more than 20 years and has instilled in her a tough work ethic. Lauren's classes welcome all levels of participants while also promising to be rigorous, innovative, and most importantly, effective. |
TinaTina is an AFFA certified fitness enthusiast who enjoys running, Spinning, Pilates, and yoga. As a new mom Tina realizes the importance of exercise in maintaining a balanced life. Tina’s goal is to challenge participants on both a physical and mental level.
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Paula Back injuries brought on by playing rugby, ultimate frisbee, running, and chronic weeping over the Chicago Cubs led Paula to seek the restorative benefits of yoga. She began teaching Pilates and spinning in 2000, blending the best of all exercise methods to create fun and safe classes. Paula is certified by Balanced Body University for mat and apparatus Pilates, NU School of Yoga, Johnny G Spinning, the Healthy Moms Perinatal Certification. |
LizWhether you are a goal-oriented fitness guru or a busy individual working on maintenance goals, Liz B., a 25 year+ fitness and dance “enthusiast”, brings her electric energy to group fitness classes and provides an all around work out while maximizing the fun. Her "Be Fit Be Well" motto promotes a holistic approach to both fitness training and well being. She has an ACE certification in group fitness instruction and serves on various community boards, including the Advisory Board at the Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center. |
LynetteLynette Larsen holds a master's degree in exercise, a bachelor's degree in music, and over a dozen different fitness certifications. Her goal in group fitness is to empower individuals with a higher level of knowledge so they not only learn something as simple as how to modify an exercise, but moreover remain injury-free in order to pursue fitness for a lifetime. “A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time – pills or stairs.” (Joan Welsh) |
WillBio Coming Soon |
KateKate has been teaching spin for the past 7 years. Her classes are known for their high energy and fun music. Kate has been an athlete for most of her life. She was a collegiate swimmer and now is an avid runner and tri-athlete. In addition to teaching classes Kate is also an actor who can be seen on stages around Chicago.
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AnnissaBio Coming Soon |
MelissaMelissa is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor (American Council on Exercise). She instructs cardio-kickboxing, boot camp, spinning, and strength-training. Melissa is presently working towards a 200-hour yoga teacher certification and is a proud member of Crossfit Chicago. |
MayaHaving taught group exercise classes for over 10 years, Maya understands what it takes to make classes fun, effective, and inspiring. She is a constant motivator and encourager. Her teaching style is to get people to believe in themselves and then push a little past their comfort zone to get real results. She loves to incorporate a new exercise into each class. Maya is an AFAA certified fitness instructor and personal trainer. Maya is trained in Bootcamp, Pilates, Kickbox, Aerobics, Abs, Toning, Step, and Stretch Classes - keeping her classes adaptable to accommodate all fitness levels. |
Todd STodd's athletic prowess and desire to compete has taken him around the globe but he feels most at home here at Depaul's spin studio. He exploits his 15 years of endurance training and racing techniques to all capacities while in the cockpit of the spin bike. And his laissez faire approach to teaching enables the student to enjoy while expanding their limitations. |
BarbBarbara has been a member at The Ray since the year it opened. She believes the key to reaching your fitness goals is to pick something you enjoy doing and make sure you have fun along the way. Along with cycling, Barbara enjoys rock climbing (she climbed Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and Ayers Rock in Australia), golfing, and kayaking. Barbara has also done triathlons which led to her learning how to swim at the age of 43. She believes it may not be easy, but you’re never too old to learn. |
BritneyBritney found inspiration in Spin while recovering from a back injury in 2003. She's passionate in helping others achieve their fitness goals and therefore became a certified Spin instructor. Britney's class has a high intensity structure. She believes it is her duty to make every participant feel welcomed and informed, while encouraging that individual to improve and maxmize their fitness potential. |
Todd BTodd is an avid marathoner and triathlete who believes fitness goals can be met through perseverance, hard work, and committing to a plan. Todd achieved a lifelong dream in 2010 by completing Ironman Wisconsin. In every spin class he teaches, Todd offers humor, motivation, positive energy, great music, and cycling expertise to help riders achieve their training goals. |
TamiFifteen years of experience in the fitness, dance, and entertainment fields have made Tami a master of motivation, leadership, and communication. Her specialty is health and fitness lifestyle coaching for people who aim to feel good, look good, and want to start living healthy. Tami teaches in the Physical Education Department at DePaul University, has a B.S. in management from Roosevelt University, and holds certifications in group fitness, personal training, nutrition, kickboxing, Stott Pilates, and CPR.
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Arielle Arielle believes that exercise is not just for the body, but for the mind as well. It's all about positive thinking! In her free time, Arielle, researches new exercises and methods to offer challenging moves and effective exercises for all levels. Arielle's calm and relaxed demeanor set a peaceful, stress-free tone for her classes. Arielle is graduating from DePaul University with a Bachelor's in Business Management in 2011. In addition, she is pursuing a career as a Personal Trainer.
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JamieJamie is a Nia black belt teacher and is currently studying to become a Nia faculty trainer for the white belt training level. Jamie has studied various dance forms including; modern dance, jazz, and tap. She is continuously inspired by Nia’s dynamic blend of dance, martial arts, healing arts (like yoga) and fabulous music from all over the world. Her creative, gentle approach to teaching and movement encourages and empowers students to express their own individuality as they dance, kick, shimmy, shake, stretch, and laugh during this fun workout! |
MichelleMichelle began teaching group exercise classes her sophomore year at Purdue University as a way to work out and pay college expenses, but she soon discovered how much she loved helping others become both healthy and strong. She is now an intensive care nurse in the city and teaches fitness classes with her spare time. Michelle loves that she is able to educate, inspire, and promote healthy lifestyles as both a nurse and a fitness instructor.
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JillA recent DePaul University graduate, Jill discovered early on that yoga is where her true passion lies. Jill began her journey into yoga by attending Cara Jepsen’s yoga classes at The Ray. After realizing the positive effects yoga was having on her overall health, she decided to become a certified instructor. Jill studied in San Francisco, where she lived for a month dedicating her life to the philosophies of yoga. Jill is currently working on her 500 hour certification. Her classes are known for their creative sequencing, flow, and great music selection. Vibrancy and authenticity are what you can find in every class she teaches! |
Michael V.Michael has over 30 years of experience in Martial Arts. As one of only 25 Seniors Instructors of Jeet Kune Do in the world, Michael brings his expert teaching and fighting skills to every class he teaches. After being diagnosed with hypoglycemia at a young age, Michael was forced to become acclimated with fitness in order to lead a healthy life. Since that time Michael has developed cutting-edge training methods that incorporate both fitness and the fighting arts into one continuous flow. At 40, Michael is in the best shape of his life and continues to travel the country teaching all ranges of both public and private groups and individuals. |
AllisonAllison was instantly hooked on indoor cycling after taking her first spinning class in High School. During her sophomore year at DePaul, Allison decided to become an instructor for the purpose of sharing her passion for the sport with others. She received her Maddog Spinning certification in May 2010 and has been teaching at the Ray ever since. Allison loves watching participants reach their full potential during each and every one of her classes while getting a great work out in the process. Allison's enthusiasm for music as well as fitness training combines for a perfect blend of exercise and entertainment! |
Katie DKatie DeSalvo's group fitness career ignited from her roots in dance. For twelve years, she danced with a jazz and ballet company back at home and is currently a part of two dance ensembles, Reveries in Motion and Be the Groove. With a DePaul undergraduate degree in communications and a pending DePaul masters degree in education, Katie understands the importance of personal, heartfelt interactions with her participants and is greatly empathetic with fellow students and staff of DePaul. Her classes incorporate a fusion of balanced exercises, positive energy, humor, and rhythm. Katie is certified through the American Council on Exercise, and her current group fitness craze is water fitness where you can catch her on Tuesday nights. |
Melissa CMelissa first started taking Zumba as a way to spice up her workout routine and quickly signed up for Instructor training to bring this fitness phenomena to others. She finds Zumba to be not only a great cardio calorie burner but also a great way to let loose and destress from the day. Her class is for all levels but certainly come ready to move and shake it to get a high energy workout! |
JuliaJulia was 16 when she started working at Women's Workout World and fell in love with group fitness. Within a year she followed in her mom's footsteps and I became a certified Zumba instructor. She is currently a student at DePaul. Julia loves motivating others and proving that working out CAN be fun. She strives to make everyone feel welcome and encourages particpants to try new things in their fitness routines. Julia's energy is contagious! |
ArielleArielle believes that exercise is not just for the body, but for the mind as well. It's all about positive thinking! In her free time, Arielle, researches new exercises and methods to offer challenging moves and effective exercises for all levels. Arielle's calm and relaxed demeanor set a peaceful, stress-free tone for her classes. Arielle is graduating from DePaul University with a Bachelor's in Business Management in 2011. In addition, she is pursuing a career as a Personal Trainer.
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BrittanyBrittany has been a dancer since she was 3, and studied African dance for the past 5 years. At the University of Wisconsin she learned West African and Afro-Caribbean dance techniques. She studied dance in Ghana, West Africa in the summer of 2008 and spent the 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa studying South African and Afro-Contemporary dance at the University of Cape Town's School of Dance. Her class is a fusion of pan African movements from all over Africa and the Diaspora |
SaraSara loves to dance and loves people and Zumba honors both!!! I believe if you find something you enjoy doing, you’ll keep doing it and that’s what fitness is all about. Zumba is for everyone, whatever state of life you are in, whatever shape of body you have – come join the party!! |
SarahSara first tried spinning as a way to cross train while recovering from a running injury. After her first class she was hooked! She has a passion for teaching, both on the bike and in the classroom, and strives to make sure participants her class are getting the beat possible workout. She loves finding new and upbeat music, keeping you motivated to push through a challenging ride! |
KristyFind something that you enjoy doing...That's the key to fitness adherence! That element of fun is what attracted Kristy to ZUMBA, and she became a licensed instructor in 2007. Now, she is thrilled to be teaching ZUMBA and a new dance fitness format—WERQ—at DePaul's Ray Meyer Fitness & Recreation Center. WERQ(TM) is the fiercely fun dance fitness workout based on pop, rock, and hip hop songs and easy, high-energy dance routines. She says, "You don't have to know how to dance...WERQ is for dancers and non-dancers alike. If you enjoy ZUMBA, you're going to love WERQ!" Kristy has over 14 years of group fitness teaching experience and is AFAA-certified for group exercise and personal training. In addition to teaching ZUMBA, her expertise includes step aerobics, cardio-kickboxing, resistance training, interval training, basic core and stretching formats, SilverSneakers®, and pilates.
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JenniferJennifer has been teaching group and private Pilates since 2006 and is certified through the PhysicalMind Institute. Formerly on the full-time campus recreation staff, Jennifer was inspired to become a Pilates instructor after taking years of Pilates and Yoga classes at DePaul (mostly from current campus rec instructors Wendy and Joie). Jennifer loves how Pilates can truly transform one's mind and body and has seen first-hand how it keeps her clients healthy, strong, balanced, graceful, and ageless. She has experience teaching women and men of nearly all ages and abilities, including pre/post-natal, elite athletes, post-rehab and beginning clients. |
CatCat's passion for dance and fitness began while studying Ballet. She's drawn to the beauty and motion of the human body. Cat has been teaching dance for children, teens and adults since 2006, group fitness since 2008, and is a certified PURE Yoga Instructor. Continuing to advance her teaching skills and strengthen her personal fitness, she regularly attends classes from a variety of instructors and studies health, wellness and Ayurveda. Safe alignment, strength, flexibility and Lady GaGa heavily influence Cat's teaching style. She hopes students walk away feeling young, energized, and confident! |
HaiHai is a recent graduate from DePaul University, and has worked at The Ray for over 4 years. She began teaching group fitness a few years ago, but started her passion for fitness as a dancer at a young age. Aside from her job as a Market Research Analyst, Hai balances her life with yoga and regular fitness. Understanding the importance of a short and effective workout herself, she dedicates her class to challenging yet fun workouts for all her participants. As a lover of music, you’re bound to hear songs that will make you feel energized and motivated to take on the world! |
ElizabethElizabeth believes in a no-holds-barred approach to exercise and loves to encourage participants, no matter what fitness level, to challenge themselves. Her cycling classes are typically interval-style involving sprints, climbing hills and jumps. Elizabeth has been teaching cycling classes for 8 years and is certified by Madd Dog Athletics. |