Our Staff

Our Certified Personal Trainers:

 

Becky Ackerman has been a certified personal trainer for over six years and she loves what she does! With a focus on women's health, her goal is to help her clients become fitter, healthier, happier, and more confident. She strives to help her clients “find the fun” so that exercise becomes something to look forward to instead of something to dread. Becky is an ACE certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, as well as a Spinning and STOTT Pilates matwork instructor.

Marla Altberg is certified by East Coast Instructor Training School (ECITS) as a Personal Trainer and by Power Pilates as both a Beginner and Intermediate Mat Class Instructor, Marla likes to train her clients with “props.” She believes, “Incorporating fitness tools makes the workout more fun and interesting, so you don’t even realize you are being challenged. And time flies. As a result, you really look forward to exercising instead of it being a chore.” Marla looks forward to customizing your fitness routine into a thoroughly enjoyable exercise experience.

Marc Andresen holds a Fitness Certification from the Raritan Valley Community College, and is a Certified Kettlebell Functional Movement Specialist.  Marc also holds a Level 1 Pilates teacher certification accredited by the Pilates Institute of America, as well as past certifications with American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a Clinical Exercise Specialist, and the International Sports Science Assoc (ISSA).  His areas of interest include improving peak performance and in physical rehabilitation and prevention of injury. He believes that everyone has the capacity to improve, and with personalized instruction, encouragement, and practice, that capacity can be optimized.

Sue Brown is certified personal trainer accredited by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a personal trainer.  She has a B.Sc. in Wellness from CUNY Brooklyn College where she combined studies in Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Psychology.  She is a certified massage therapist, certified Reiki II practitioner, and also certified in the body/mind technique Zero Balancing®.  With over 20 years in fitness and wellness which includes competitive bodybuilding, modern dance, teaching, and herbal studies, she brings a variety of valuable tools to her training sessions. Her area of expertise include: total body conditioning, strength and flexibility training, therapeutic exercise, and special populations such as older adults.
 

Michelle Crawford is a certified personal trainer accredited by the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), and has certifications in both Pre & Post Natal training. She is also certified by USAW. Michelle has experience working with special populations, post-rehab clients and athletes alike. She enjoys inspiring and teaching clients of all ages and conditions towardsbetter health.

 

Eugenia (Gena) D'Ambrosio holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Women's Studies: Health, Fitness and Social Issues.  She is a certified personal trainer with certifications from American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Marymount Manhattan College Fitness Program.  Additionally she is a trained dancer whose background comes out of the Alvin Ailey School of Dance.Her areas of specialization are post-rehabilitation and exercises for special populations.   In addition she is able to teach clients how to work to lessen or relieve stress using stress management and mediation exercises.

Reyna Franco, MS, RD, CDN, CPT  is a registered dietitian with a MS in exercise physiology and nutrition from Columbia University.  She combines a holistic approach with science-based nutrition and exercise research.  Areas of expertise include nutrition for diabetes, heart disease, GI disorders, pre and post natal, renal, weight loss, and sports nutrition.  Her clients range in age from young children to older adults.    Reyna is also the renal dietitian and the cardiac rehab nutrition educator for New York Downtown Hospital.  She takes pride in her work and is an enthusiastic coach, dietitian & exercise physiologist.  When Reyna is not counseling clients, performing workshops or writing articles, you may find her bicycling, running, swimming, skiing, or rock–climbing.

Ingrid Griffith is an ACE Certified trainer and has been a fitness professional for over 10 years. She also has a Masters in English and teaches public speaking in the CUNY system. Her goals as a personal trainer are to encourage and inspire clients to exercise consistently, to incorporate good eating habits and to live a balanced life. Ingrid has written articles on health and fitness and about her running experience in Kenya. She helps her clients achieve their fitness goals by making sure they focus on form while stretching, breathing, weight training, doing cardio and Pilates.

Shirleyann Kaladjian has been an American Council on Exercise(ACE) certified Personal Trainer for over nine years. She uses a combination of yoga, Pilates, free weight and body weight exercises for strength, alignment, core stability, flexibility and weight management.  Shirleyann has been a professional performing artist for over 15 years and has extensive training in jazz, ballet, modern and tap dance, as well as capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial arts).  In the theatre world, Shirleyann developed a specialized physical training program for a movement-oriented classical theatre touring company.  She also worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee to help American athletes prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

Maddie McGee is a certified personal trainer accredited by the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), received her Yoga certification from Yoga master Alan Finger, founder of ISHTA Yoga and is a graduate of Equinox Fitness Training institute. Maddie holds specialties in Pre Natal Post Partum, Weight management, and Exercise for individuals over 55. Maddie challenges her clients with diverse tasks at an upbeat tempo, and incorporates instability to strengthen the core and improve posture. She strives to create fun workouts that yield results. Maddie delights in watching her clients achieve their goals. She is also teaching both private and group yoga classes in the New York metropolitan area.

 

Sara Phillipshas over 15 years experience in fitness, including specialized training in Pilates, Yoga, Alexander Technique, and Post-rehabilitation. She is certified by NASM, IFT (Integrated Flexibility Training), MELT, and AAAI (Pre/Post Natal). After college, she attended the National Circus School of Paris for acrobatics and trapeze. She also has a background in modern dance and professional downhill ski racing. With an emphasis on improving alignment, muscle balance, and posture, Sara has helped many people get relief from chronic back pain and sports related injuries. Designing programs that enhance core strength and stabilization, her eclectic, holistic approach integrates mind and body to assist clients in achieving their fitness goals.  Sara is fluent in French & Italian.

 

Vivian Rodriguez is triple talented. She is a certified personal trainer with certifications from American Council on Exercise(ACE) , National Academy of Sports Medicine(NASM), and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFFA), a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) certified with Integral Yoga Institute and Yoga Alliance specializing in Hatha Yoga, and a Mat Pilates instructor certified by PhysicalMind Institute. For the past 16 years, Vivian has been specializing in alignment, core strength and functional training, incorporating Yoga and Pilates to the workouts. She has experience with seniors and those with osteoporosis. She also holds a BA from Tufts University.

 

Jill Wais has been a personal trainer for over 14 years. She holds certifications from Marymount Manhattan College, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Jill specializes in functional training. She has experience working with seniors, pregnant women and those with osteoporosis.  Jill has a passion for her field and tries to stay current on the latest trends in fitness.

 

Alphonso White is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer with over 10 years experience in the Health and Fitness industry. He is currently working toward his Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. His specialties include weight loss, fitness, strength training, and flexibility.

 

 

Our Yoga Instructors:

Adele Loux-Turner has been teaching yoga since 2001.  Her initial yoga training is from Integral Yoga Institute, where she holds certificates in Hatha I and II, yoga for labor and delivery, and postpartum yoga.  She has additional certifications in prenatal yoga through New York Yoga and  children's yoga through Karma Kids.  Currently, Adele is studying body-mind centering based "embodied asana" at the Breathing Project.  Aside from yoga, Adele is a professionally trained dancer (BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase, 2001), an active performer, and a trained doula through DONA International.

Christina Reich has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for the past eleven years and began teaching in 2004. Since her early teens, she has been devoted to deepening her understanding of the healing arts, studying herbalism, energy work and meditation. That same passion brought her into the heart of yoga. She became certified to teach Hatha and Prenatal Yoga at the Integral Yoga Institute of New York. She began studying with Sri.K Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath Jois in 2003. She has had the pleasure of teaching Ashtanga Yoga in Mexico, Sweden, Thailand and Goa, India. She continues her lifelong yearly pilgrimage to Mysore, India to study with her teacher, R. Sharath Jois at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.
 

Ilana Stone was certified in Vinyasa yoga at OM Yoga Center and practices Ashtanga with her teacher and guru Christopher Hildebrandt. As a poker player and sports fanatic, she is eternally grateful that every morning she can step onto the mat where she finds a balance to her fiery nature. Ilana’s style has roots of physically challenging Ashtanga that is both powerful and grounding, but she always teaches with a playful touch.

 

Mark Wolz is a registered yoga teacher (RYT-500) whose training is primarily through Integral Yoga Institute, along with Om Yoga. He holds a BS in psychology from Michigan State University and an MA in anthropology and Southeast Asian studies from Cornell University. He teaches hatha yoga in a range of styles from gentle and restorative to challenging vinyasa and advanced poses. His practice includes therapeutic yoga, and he is a certified practitioner of Thai yoga massage.

 

Our Mat-Pilates Instructor:

Karen Mann received her Pilates Certification from the well-respected Kane School in NYC. It is a rigorous training program combining the classic principles of Pilates with a modern, clinical perspective on the human body. She, also, received a certification from the Hunter College Fitness Instructor Program which teaches heavy dosages of Anatomy, Exercise Physiology and Nutrition along with various exercise disciplines. She has further attended courses focusing specifically on the Anatomy and movement of hips, knees & feet. She has a BA in literature.

Our Massage Therapists:

Alexandra Cohen is a massage therapist and personal trainer.  She works one on one, or in conjunction with a support team to meet client wellness goals. She is a graduate of the Swedish Institutes Massage Therapy and Advance Personal Training Program.  Specializing in orthopedic, sports, and prenatal massage as well as corrective exercises for injury and postural dysfunction. She has been a competitive athlete in downhill skiing and is currently competing in kettle bell sport and indoor rock climbing.  In addition, she currently is co- coaching a team of 70+ to run the New York marathon.  Prior to her work as a Massage Therapist, Alexandra has earned a BA in individualized studies at NYU. 

Tonya Kostenko is a second-generation massage therapist and an avid believer in the healing power of touch.  She works frequently with physical therapists, personal trainers, chiropractors and other health care professionals to achieve the most complete and effective treatment plan possible for her clients. She commonly treats chronic pain issues in the upper back/shoulder/neck and low back/pelvis/hip regions. Tonya’s sessions often include myofascial release as well as trigger point work, and incorporate stretching and energetic to help facilitate a sense of balance and overall well-being.
 

Marie Lerch has been a licensed massage therapist for over twenty years. Much of that time has been spent alongside the physical therapists of West Side Dance, with whom she works at New York City Ballet. Among dancers Marie is known for her deep tissue work. She also provides massage at American Ballet Theater. In private practice Marie serves clients from all walks of life including writers, doctors, musicians, designers and office workers. Marie always adjusts her approach to suit individual needs and encourages the client to become active participants in guiding the massage experience.

Howard Montes is a New York State licensed massage therapist. For over thirteen years he has treated acute injuries and helped manage chronic pain for a diverse population including professional dancers and athletes. He is known for his effective, cause-targeted, client-centered medical and sports massage, utilizing deep tissue, myofascial and neuromuscular techniques. His work incorporates range of motion and stretching, and is a collaborative effort with clients, as he tries to educate and make them an active part of their therapy.

Brian Skar is a massage therapist, new father and step-dad to an amazing boy. He trained at the Swedish Institute developing a practice that is based on Western anatomical theory with a nod to Eastern and energetic bodywork. Brian specializes in Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release with techniques taken from Swedish relaxation massage, Shiatsu and Tui Na. His practice begins with working the soft-tissues of the body then moving on to help relaxing the emotional body as well. For healing to occur, the body needs to relax; for relaxation to occur, trust needs to be established as well. Brian builds a trusting atmosphere with his clients in order to help their bodies do what they're designed to do: heal.

Our Registered Dietitians:

Allison Becker, RD is a Registered Dietitian who graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Nutrition then went on to complete her Dietetic Internship from New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association.  Allison focuses on lifestyle changes to optimize each individual’s nutritional status.  Her specialties include weight loss, diabetes management, allergies and food sensitivities, as well as maximizing optimal nutrition when coping with various diseases and or treatments.

Sylvia Betesh, RD is a Registered Dietitian who focuses on making realistic lasting lifestyle changes to optimize health for clients of all ages. She trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian and Morgan Stanley  Children's Hospital. Sylvia believes in science and research based nutrition and is certified in childhood and adolescent weight management. Her specialties are oncology, cardiology, weight loss, pre-post natal nutrition and pediatric and adolescent nutrition.

Reyna Franco, MS, RD, CDN, CPT  is a registered dietitian with a MS in applied physiology and nutrition from Columbia University.  She combines a holistic approach with science-based nutrition and exercise research.  Areas of expertise include nutrition for diabetes, heart disease, GI disorders, pre and post natal, renal, weight loss, and sports nutrition.  Her clients range in age from young children to older adults.    Reyna is also the renal dietitian and the cardiac rehab nutrition educator for New York Downtown Hospital.  She takes pride in her work and is an enthusiastic coach.  When Reyna is not counseling clients, performing workshops or writing articles, you may find her bicycling, running, swimming, skiing, or rock–climbing.
 

Janice Wen, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Nutrition and Public Health from Columbia University. She completed her clinical dietetic training at NY Pres Hospital of Columbia and Cornell and has worked in many community nutrition organizations developing nutrition education programs. Janice is an active member of the American Dietetic Assoc. and the Greater NY Dietetic Assoc. Her areas of focus are Weight Management, Disease Prevention, Cardiovascular disease/Hypertension, Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance, Digestive Disorders, Allergies, and General Nutrition and Wellness. Janice provides sound nutrition advice that is tailored to each individual’s needs. 
 

Lisa Ronco MS, RD, CDN, CHHC is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Holistic Health Counselor (CHHC) and Madd Dogg Certified Spinning Instructor, Lisa has studied nutrition extensively and received her Masters Degree in Nutrition from New York University. And is certified as a CHHC from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) specializing in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the study of the "science of life." It is a system of traditional medicine native to India. Her areas of focus include: sports nutrition, eating disorders, cardiovascular, HIV, oncology and diabetes.

 

Kate Melei, MS, RD, LD  is a Nationally Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a Masters in Sports Medicine. She completed her undergrad in clinical nutrition at Syracuse University and her internship at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio TX. She recently relocated back to the northeast to continue passionately changing lives with nutrition. Most of her expert experience is in weight loss, diabetes management (gestational, type I type II), sports nutrition, eating disorders, and life style changes. She is nationally published on the Style Network's program, Ruby. She enjoys creating realistic meal planning for busy life styles at affordable costs. Her passion lies in finding nutritional change through redefining the ground work of food knowledge and one’s personal need.

 

Our Zero Balancing Expert:

Sue Brown is certified personal trainer accredited by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a personal trainer.  She has a B.Sc. in Wellness from CUNY Brooklyn College where she combined studies in Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Psychology.  She is a certified massage therapist, certified Reiki II practitioner, and also certified in the body/mind technique Zero Balancing®.  With over 20 years in fitness and wellness which includes competitive bodybuilding, modern dance, teaching, and herbal studies, she brings a variety of valuable tools to her training sessions. Her area of expertise include: total body conditioning, strength and flexibility training, therapeutic exercise, and special populations such as older adults.

 

Our MELT™ Specialists:

Edya Kalev began her MELT studies in 2006 with Creator Sue Hitzmann, and is now one of the senior teachers of this unique method of “hands-off bodywork.” MELT uses specialized foam rollers and rubber balls to hydrate connective tissue and quiet the nervous system.  Edya "MELTs" her clients to relieve chronic pain, improve balance, reconnect to the core and build body awareness . In addition to MELT, Edya also teaches gentle, breath-centered yoga. Edya studied yoga extensively both in the U.S. and India. Since the birth of her daughter, Edya has added prenatal and postnatal exercise into her repertoire, and looks forward to helping other moms prepare for birth and get their body back post-delivery.

Sara Phillipshas over 15 years experience in fitness, including specialized training in Pilates, Yoga, Alexander Technique, and Post-rehabilitation. She is certified by NASM, IFT (Integrated Flexibility Training), MELT, and AAAI (Pre/Post Natal). After college, she attended the National Circus School of Paris for acrobatics and trapeze. She also has a background in modern dance and professional downhill ski racing. With an emphasis on improving alignment, muscle balance, and posture, Sara has helped many people get relief from chronic back pain and sports related injuries. Sara is fluent in French & Italian.