THERESA ALINI
Theresa has been a leader in the fitness industry since 1989, training clients and fitness professionals nationwide in boxing, kickboxing, Pilates, senior fitness, and more. Her deep education and passion for boxing have allowed her to work with enthusiasts, competitors, and older adults alike. Theresa has certified thousands through ISCA/Promise Enterprises and is the founder of UNLEASH’d Fitness, a form-first company dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and unleashing one’s spirit through inspired teaching.
JAYSA ANGELES
Jaysa Angles is the owner of All Angles Fitness, LLC and an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor. A Master Trainer for The SOUL Brands and contributor to S.E.A.T. BEATS!—a new chair-based rhythm workout—she has presented at IDEA World and Midwest MANIA® for SOULkickboxing, SOULfusion, and S.E.A.T. A Global POUND Ambassador, Jaysa is currently developing her at-home virtual studio.
GAIL BANNISTER-MUNN
Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist and Core, Yoga, and Pilates Coach for the New York Jets. She owns The Bannister Method Studio and manages Group Ex for six Crunch locations in NYC. Gail consults for pro athletes across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. She holds certifications including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
LESLEE BENDER
Leslee Bender, BA, PMA, ACSM, NASM, ACE, and Gray Institute-certified, is an international presenter and Director of I Am Ageless Now with over 28 years of industry experience. She created the Bender Ball Method for safe core training and co-created Barre Above. Leslee has filmed over 50 videos, authored Living Pain Free, and currently trains active agers in Florida.
SIRI CHILAZI, MBA, MA
Siri is a nearly 20-year veteran presenter, educator, and group fitness instructor, and an IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year. She is a Master Trainer for Human Reformer Pilates, RAQ THE BARRE, and Mobility Fitness Academy, teaching Pilates, Barre, Step, and HIIT both in person and online. In her second career, Siri is a behavioral science researcher at Harvard, global speaker on gender equality, and coauthor of Make Work Fair (HarperCollins, 2025).
GEORGE CORSO
George Corso, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, is a personal trainer and owner of FORZA studio in NY. Over the past 24 years, he has been at the forefront of the evolution of the fitness industry teaching people to “move more human” to gain strength. Holding numerous certifications, he is an Animal Flow Regional Leader, a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Trainer, a StickMobility Coach, Bodybell Coach Level 3 and a TRX Certified Coach.
MARIE CRICHLOW, RN
Marie Crichlow is an experienced Oncology Registered Nurse turned entrepreneur, passionate about holistic health and wellness. As CEO and founder of LemonAid Organics, she creates natural solutions that promote healing and vitality. She is the creator of Ortho Jelly for pain relief and DMAE skincare, combining science and nature to support a healthier, more radiant lifestyle.
LIZZIE DOLAN
Lizzie Dolan is certified in SHiNE Dance Fitness, SHiNE Light, and Uplift Strength Fitness. Since joining SHiNE, she has served as mentor, evaluator, choreographer, and co-developer of the Uplift Strength format. With over a decade as an AFAA-certified group fitness instructor and NASM-certified personal trainer, Lizzie brings expertise, energy, and heart to the stage, making every class unforgettable.
JENNIFER ESKRIDGE
Jennifer Eskridge, holds a degree in Exercise Science, brings more than 20 years of experience as a fitness educator, presenter, personal trainer, and wellness leader. She serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Neumann University, where she develops and teaches college-level fitness curriculum, and as a Wellness and Group Exercise Coordinator at the YMCA, overseeing more than 200 weekly classes, developing programming, mentoring instructors, and leading staff education. Jennifer specializes in Pilates, functional training, mobility, and innovative exercise programming, inspiring participants to move with confidence, strength, and purpose.
HERSON GARCIA
Herson Garcia is a Level 3 NeuroKinetic Practitioner and ACE Certified Personal Trainer specializing in sports performance and movement correction. As owner of Truth Health and Performance and co-founder of the Garcia Institute of Modern Excellence and Wholota Wellness, he creates science-based programs for competitive athletes. Herson works with clients aged 3 to 83, focusing on injury prevention and boosting athletic performance.
SALLY HEAD, MA, RYT-500
Sally Head is a seasoned 500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher with a focus on alignment and pelvic floor strengthening. She holds a Master of Arts in Bilingual Education from Columbia University. Sally owns and operates successful yoga offerings, including live classes, on-demand, and live-stream sessions. She also teaches diverse fitness classes, including strength training, aerobics for seniors, and Pilates. Additionally, Sally is a certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.
CHARLYN HUSS, MA, NCPT
Charlyn Huss, MA, holds degrees in Psychology and Theatre & Film. A Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and Certified Practitioner of Natural Health (CPNH), she founded Playhouse Pilates in 2007. She blends Pilates, CoreAlign, TRX, and Yamuna Body Rolling into her programs. Charlyn is the creator of CoreSpring®, a unique method combining Pilates spring work with mat-based movement for strength, control, and versatility.
EARL JENKINS
Meet Earl Jenkins, founder and CEO of Core Champion Inc. and inventor of the patented Core Unlimited Body Trainer. After 35+ years of training with dumbbells, an elbow tear inspired him to create a bodyweight-based system that builds metabolic and core strength while reducing joint stress. His multi-grip design minimizes sprains and pain. Earl holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in Theology and brings innovation, resilience, and practical wellness strategies to every session.
CONNOR JONES, DPT
Connor Jones, DPT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, fitness mentor, and movement coach dedicated to helping both fitness professionals and clients; bridging rehabilitation, movement science, and health training. As the Personal Training Manager at Life Time, he has developed nationally recognized coaching and stretch programs, mentored high-performing trainers, and consistently ranks among the company’s top fitness professionals. His approach translates complex science into practical systems that coaches can immediately apply with confidence.
MEGHAN KHANNA, JD
Meghan earned her bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and her Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law before completing her 200-RYTT through yogaview Chicago, becoming a Certified Meditation Teacher through Chill Chicago, and a Certified Breathwork Facilitator through Breathmasters. Combining analytical thinking with evidence-based wellness practices, she helps participants reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance physical and mental wellbeing through movement, breathwork, and mindfulness.
SARA KOOPERMAN, JD
Sara Kooperman, JD, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. Fitness , Founder of the MANIA® Convention, sits on the canfitpro Advisory Panel and the Gold’s Gym Think Tank and was a founding board member for the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA). Recently nominated for the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award, Kooperman won the Most Innovating Fitness Pro by FIT-C (Fitness Industry Technology Council). Sara is the best-selling author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, an inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, an Illinois State Businesswoman of the Year, esteemed panelist for multiple Webinars & Podcasts, and sits on the ACSM Communication & Public Information Committee.
MELISSA LAYNE, MEd
Melissa, Kinesiology faculty at the University of North Georgia, has over 35 years as a respected fitness and nutrition leader. She created SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals, SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism, and contributed to SCW Active Aging Certifications. Melissa holds a Master’s in Exercise Science, a Bachelor’s in Physical Education, and an Associate’s in Medical Technology. Her educational seminars are consistently sold out.
ELIZABETH LENART, MEd
Elizabeth holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and is a nationally recognized presenter, movement educator, wellness coach, and program creator redefining strength through movement, mindset, and wellbeing. With more than 30 years of experience, she has directed programs at World’s, Gold’s, Bally’s, nonprofit organizations, the spa industry, and the collegiate arena. Often called the “fitness guidance counselor,” Elizabeth is known for mentoring clients, colleagues, and staff while inspiring healthier, more confident lives.
OLIVER LOPEZ, MS, RDN
(BOSTON 2026 STAR SEARCH WINNER)
Oliver Lopez , MS, holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science and completed a comprehensive Dietetic Internship with more than 1,300 hours of clinical, community, and food service experience. A personal trainer with the YMCA of Greater New York since 2014, he combines expertise in nutrition, fitness, and behavior change to help clients achieve healthier, more active lifestyles. Oliver is also TRX and AFAA certified and is passionate about educating and motivating others through evidence-based fitness.