Presenters
Leading the way, no matter your direction.
ABBIE APPEL
Abbie Appel is a recreational therapist and the owner of AbbieFit Consulting. As a fitness education specialist, she collaborates with organizations including YMCA, Crunch, and Equinox. She is an author and program developer who created the SCW Pilates, SCW Barre Education Certification, and the new SCW Stretching & Flexibility Certification. She also contributed to the ACSM Group Exercise Manual and Schwinn Indoor Cycling Certification Manual. Abbie is an acclaimed presenter for ACSM, IDEA, IHRSA and SCW, among others. She delivers fitness education for world-class brands including Nautilus, Schwinn and TRX. Abbie was awarded SCW Fitness Presenter of the Year.
DR. AARON ASLAKSON, PhD
Aaron Aslakson is the Director of Exercise Science and Assistant Professor at Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN., overseeing the Human Performance Lab. He previously directed fitness centers for Walker Methodist, supporting 11 locations focused on older adult fitness. He is active in the American College of Sports Medicine, serving on the CCRB Exercise Physiologist sub-committee, and was on the International Council on Active Aging’s conference committee from 2020-2022.
MILANA ASTORINO, MS
Milana Astorino is the Fitness Director at Advocate Condell Centre Club in Libertyville, IL, and a LaBlast Master Trainer with over 30 years in dance, fitness, and athletic performance. With a degree in Sports Management/Exercise Science, she fell in love with LaBlast after winning the certification at Midwest Mania®. Milana is passionate about helping others feel happy, confident, and strong through this fun, easy-to-follow ballroom dance fitness program.
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 in West Babylon, NY, and serves as Regional Group Ex Manager for six Crunch Fitness locations in New York City. Gail consults for professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB and teaches nationally. She holds multiple certifications, including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage, and YogaFit 500+ hours, and is a NASM and AFAA Continuing Education Provider.
JENNA BOSTIC
Jenna Bostic is an international Zumba® Education Specialist who has been presenting for Zumba® Fitness since 2008. She leads instructor trainings for Zumba® Basic 1 and 2, Step, Toning, and Aqua Zumba®. Featured on ZIN™ #35 and ZIN™ TV, Jenna also holds a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and certifications from ACE, AFAA, and AEA in group fitness, personal training, and aqua fitness
SIRI CHILAZI, MBA, MA
Siri is the IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year 2023 and a 15+-year veteran of the fitness industry. She is a Master Trainer for several programs and she teaches formats ranging from Pilates and Barre to Step and HIIT. As an educator, Siri is passionate about training instructors and regularly presents at industry-leading conferences. Besides her fitness career, Siri has a second career as an academic researcher working at Harvard on behavioral science and gender equality in organizations.
ERIC D’AGATI
Eric D’Agati holds a degree in Exercise Physiology and brings over 25 years of experience to the fitness industry. Eric has trained Olympic Gold Medalists, All-Americans, National and World Series Champions, and Pro-Bowl athletes. Eric is the co-founder of “Principles of Program Design”, educational courses delving into the art and science of creating effective training programs. He hosts “The Principles of Performance Podcast,” where he shares insights for optimizing health, fitness and athletic performance.
SOHAILLA DIGSBY, RDN, LD
Sohailla is a registered dietitian, author, international speaker, and faculty in the Nutrition graduate program at Augusta State University. She has been a group exercise instructor since she was a teenager. Sohailla partners with fitness pros to help them launch 8-week challenges so their clients get the results that workouts alone won’t deliver. Sohailla is a voice of reason – bringing clarity amidst the nutrition fads and myths that abound in the fitness space. She and her husband have 3 kids, and live in Evans, Georgia.
BOB ESQUERRE, MA, NSCA-CPT
Bob is a distinguished professional with over 13 years in Corporate America, excelling in Project and Operations Management. With a wealth of 38+ years in the Health & Fitness Sector, he serves as a renowned Trainer of Trainers, Instructor of Instructors, and Business Coach. Bob’s expertise spans GroupEX, Personal Training, and Fitness Direction. As a global lecturer, he guides Club/Studio Owners and Managers, offering insights on achieving financial success while delivering 5-Star Experiences. Bob’s impactful career includes roles as Corporate Fitness Director for prestigious establishments like Equinox Fitness Clubs and Genesis Health Clubs.
APY FIGUEROA
Apy is a LaBlast® Master Trainer with a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science and a background as a national synchronized swimmer for Puerto Rico. Passionate about dance on land and in water, she instantly connected with LaBlast’s ballroom-based, partner-free format. Created by Emmy-nominated choreographer Louis van Amstel, LaBlast blends real dance skills with high-energy fitness, set to music from all genres and eras.
MYKALA FORTIER
Mykala Fortier is a passionate Group Fitness Instructor and SOUL brands Master Trainer with nearly 15 years of experience. An ACE-certified pro and Michigan State alum, she brings dynamic energy to every class—from SOULfusion and BARREfusion to strength and cardio dance. Mykala uses music, community, and experience to make fitness not just effective, but truly fun.
AMIA FREEMAN
With nearly 20 years of experience, Amia has been inspired to practice, promote and teach diverse health and fitness programs to keep clients motivated, and increase spiritual, physical, and mental strength. Amia has presented in various capacities to a wide range audience with specialties in faith-based fitness, aging and memory care. She maintains her healthy lifestyle with her family as a wife and mother to 3 adult children. Bridging the gap between faith and fitness is the reason behind her passion.
HERSON GARCIA
Herson Garcia is a Level 3 NeuroKinetic Practitioner and ACE Certified Personal Trainer specializing in sports performance and movement correction. As the 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 individuals ages 3 to 83, focusing on injury prevention and enhancing athletic performance.
ANN GILBERT
Ann Gilbert is the esteemed owner of FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women, leading over 50 Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Professionals. Renowned for her expertise in exercise and aging, she coordinates successful programs for adults aged 48-78. An ACE/IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year and a sought-after speaker, Ann is also an industry leader and education expert, developing and teaching SCW Certifications including Active Aging, Aquatic Exercise, Group Fitness, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. (Supported Exercise for Ageless Training).
JACOB GLASSMEYER
Jacob Glassmeyer is a highly decorated Master Instructor of Tai Chi and Qigong, holding a 3rd Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do. As an Army veteran with extensive experience in martial arts and the fitness training, Jacob has been recognized with numerous awards. In 2022, he was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding achievements in martial arts and his commitment to social good. Jacob is also the author of “Finding your Taiji, the Grand Ultimate Version of You,” a compelling account of his life’s challenges and how Taiji aided in his healing journey, particularly during his battle with cancer.
LISA GREENBAUM, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Lisa is the founder of Sangha Yoga Collective, a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, international presenter, and author. With over 20 years in the fitness and wellness industry, she has earned multiple honors, including Presenter of the Year. A Global Ambassador for WIFA and a Top 100 Health and Fitness Influencer in Canada (2017–2021), Lisa is committed to creating authentic, inspiring experiences.
JOANNE GROVES
Joanne Groves, Head of Education at Faster Health and Fitness, brings 30 years of expertise to the fitness industry. Based in Wimbledon, England, she is an international speaker, author, and businesswoman. Joanne built a thriving 4,500-member fitness support group and leverages the FASTER process to mentor trainers. With a background in acting, she emphasizes empathy and excellence. Serving on the IDEA Personal Training Committee and CIMSPA, she excels in boosting business performance and offers valuable insights through seminars, workshops, and podcasts.
TANISHA (TANI) HAGGARD
Tani holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Psychology and has been active in dance, theater, and sports since adolescence. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and other autoimmune conditions, she pursued a career in health and fitness. Now based in Florida, Tani brings her passion, energy, strength, and endurance to the fitness industry. She currently serves on the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.
ASHLYNNE HOWE
Ashlynn Howe is the Program Specialist for all Fit Pro Programming (FPP) formats, develops musicality-driven choreography for Barre Above, and serves as the FPP Marketing and Communications Director. She is the creator of The Recovery Barre, a movement community supporting those who are sober, sober-curious, or in long-term recovery. Ashlynn holds an M.Ed. in School Counseling and blends mindful cueing with beat-driven energy to create joyful, empowering fitness experiences.
MICHAEL HUGHES
Founder of Gymnazo & Gymnazo EDU, holding a degree in Kinesiology, Michael is a Fellow of Applied Functional Science and certified as a Multidimensional Movement Coach, a Functional Manual Reaction Coach, a Female Chain Reaction Coach, a 3D Movement Analysis & Performance System Coach, plus several more. He is also a Precision Nutrition Coach and Post Rehab Conditioning specialist. He’s spent the last decade pioneering a more sustainable model of training that blends his heart for restoration with the energy of fitness training. Michael’s mission is to elevate the industry’s standards for what quality looks like as a trainer through scientific knowledge and application.
GREG JOHNSON, MS
Greg Johnson, a fitness studio owner, has 20 years of experience in health and exercise. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Rehabilitation with minors in Health and Wellness, and a Master’s in Kinesiology from CALU, focusing on Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. Greg is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through NSCA and a NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES).
JUNE KAHN
Greg Johnson, a fitness studio owner, has 20 years of experience in health and exercise. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Rehabilitation with minors in Health and Wellness, and a Master’s in Kinesiology from CALU, focusing on Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. Greg is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through NSCA and a NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES).
JENNY KAUFMAN
Jenny Kaufman, a seasoned yoga teacher from Chicago, teaches primarily on the North Shore. With 25+ years of experience, she has led many yoga teacher trainings and over 25 international retreats. Jenny values how yoga offers feedback on energy, balances effort and ease, and teaches patience, kindness, and humility—all while providing a challenging workout.
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.
CHERI KULP
Cheri Kulp is a certified fitness professional with 35+ years’ experience in step, weight training, cycling, and aqua fitness. She’s been a personal trainer for 25 years and is the choreographer and Master Trainer for all WATERinMOTION® programs. A former pro-natural bodybuilder, marathoner, and triathlete, Cheri presents at SCW MANIA® and holds certifications from AEA, NASM, Les Mills, and more. She co-founded the WATERinMOTION® Strength program.
DR. EDWARD LASKOWSKI, MD
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., is former Co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Division of Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise in fitness and sports medicine, Dr. Laskowski researches and promotes best practices for general fitness, injury prevention, and injury rehabilitation. From 2006 to 2010, he served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under Presidents Bush and Obama, and he has several hundred publication credits, including scientific papers, abstracts, books, book reviews, and book chapters. He also is a trusted fitness and sports medicine resource for major television and print media.
MELISSA LAYNE, MEd
Melissa is a Kinesiology Department Faculty Member at the University of North Georgia. She has been a well-respected and well-loved fitness and nutrition leader for over 35 years. Having created the SCW Nutrition Coaching for Fitness Professionals Certification, the SCW Nutrition, Hormones & Metabolism Certification, and contributed to the SCW Active Aging Certification, Melissa has consistently sold-out educational seminars. Melissa holds a Masters of Education in Exercise Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and an Associates degree in Medical Technology.
ROSIE LEMONS, MS, ERYT-200
With over 20 years of experience in teaching and counseling fitness, yoga, leadership, and organizational development, Rosie holds a Master’s in Human Development and has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Rhode Island. She is an ERYT, C-RYT, ACE CPT, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist with multiple SCW certifications. Currently, Rosie is part of the Fitness Team at Trilogy Orlando, an active aging community in central Florida.