Our Team

Ashley Artese is currently pursuing a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Florida State University with a research focus in resistance and functional training for older adults and special populations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the College of William and Mary and her master’s degree in exercise science from the University of South Carolina. She has studied martial arts for 21 years and is a certified ACE GFI & PT, licensed Zumba, registered yoga teacher (RYT® 200).

Emily Ellison, MA, has been working in the fitness industry since 2004 teaching fitness classes and managing group exercise and fitness programs within campus recreation. She holds both undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and is currently pursuing Certification in Applied Functional Science from the Gray Institute. National certifications include Group Exercise & Personal Training, Spinning®, SPINPower®, and AEA. She is the Associate Director of Fitness Programs for Cornell Fitness Centers, where she oversees the Group Exercise and Personal Training operations, as well as fitness programing for the Cornell University community.

Kym started teaching group fitness in 1988. She is an ACE certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Training. She is currently working on her 200 hour RYT yoga certification. Her background includes work in fitness management, personal training, older adult and youth programming and has years of experience leading a variety of group exercise classes including small group training, yoga, Pilates, TRX and kettlebell.

Libby began teaching aerobics in 1981 and became certified with ACE in 1991. She has her B.S. degree in Physical Education and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science. She has taught and trained at various facilities throughout the years and currently teaches group exercise at Lifetime Fitness and Normandale Community College (NCC). She is currently a full time faculty member in the Exercise Science Department of NCC and loves sharing her knowledge, education and passion with others.

“The class was good because of Libby’s attitude and professionalism”
(Nikki Marrion, Prior Lake, MN 06-02-2013)

“Libby knew her stuff! I felt very confident learning from someone with her experience and intelligence.”
(Stella Maines, Inver Grove Heights, MN 10-23-2010)

Colleen O’Neil is PhD student in Health and Human Performance at Concordia University, Chicago, where she also earned her M.S. in Exercise Science. She has worked as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for over 20 years. She holds accredited Personal Training certifications through ACSM, and NASM, and Group Fitness Instructor and specialty certifications for Yoga and Pilates through NETA, YogaFit, and the YMCA. She worked in corporate fitness for 12 years, and now runs a personal training business, and is a Presenter for NETA. Her goal is to help clients enhance their health through exercise and education, and by incorporating a variety of exercise formats in personal training and group exercise.”

Sarah began teaching group fitness classes in campus recreation at Elon University in 2003. Through this experience, Sarah discovered that helping others through the avenue of fitness was her calling. She continued her education at James Madison University to earn a Master of Science in Kinesiology. Currently, she holds various certifications including 200 RYT (through YogaFit), ACE Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, Keiser Cycle, Zumba, Kickboxing and TRX Suspension Training. Sarah’s passion is helping her clients and participants develop and maintain healthy habits to facilitate an active and well balance lifestyle.

Sheila has been in the fitness industry since 1989. She has earned a B.S. in Sports Med Rehab and is a NASM certified Personal Trainer and Exercise Specialist & Corrective Exercise Specialist, and an ACE & NETA Personal Trainer and Group fitness instructor. She is also certificated in Yoga, Pilates; Reformer, Chair & Mat, Barre blend, KB, TRX, Cycle. Sheila has a true passion for fitness and feels blessed to be able to share this passion with others.

“Sheila was very effective in making sure we understand the matrials and prepared us not only to be able to do everything but how to properly teach it.”
(Brigitte O’Brien, New Paltz, NY 10-27-2013)

“Awesome instructor! Sheila was very knowledgeable and very helpful!”
(Julie Kirk West Burlington, IA 12-12-2010)

Mario, NETA’s Executive Director, joined the team back in 1994. With great vision for the company, he directed the creation of continuing education programs expanding into all areas of fitness. Mario has been the key ingredient to NETA’s unparalled success. He is always ready to take the company on its next business adventure. In his free time, he spends time fishing, working on his horse farm and horseback riding with his wife.

“I like how the Personal Trainer Certification is NCCA accredited. The e-mail updates and the new catalog that’s been sent out is great!”
(Anonymous, Saint Paul, MN 1-15-2011)

Jon has a M.Ed. in exercise science from the University of Minnesota and has been in the wellness industry for over 25 years. Jon currently works as a Wellness Coach at OptumHealth where he has delivered over 7,000 telephonic wellness coaching sessions. He has integrated the stages of change model, self-efficacy theory, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing into his practice to help his clients achieve lasting lifestyle change.

Marzell has a B.A. in Kinesiology and an MBA from Concordia University. He is currently working towards a DrPH in Public Health. He also is a certified massage therapist. Marzell currently holds accredited certifications through NASM and NETA and also holds specialty certifications in TRX and Kettlebells. He currently is a sole proprietor of a massage and personal training studio and teaches at Concordia University (St. Paul, MN) in the Exercise Science Department.

“Marzell had a great ability to break down information and present it so everyone could understand.”
(Kyle Crable, Blaine, MN 10-20-2013)

Samantha Hackbart, M.S. Ed. has a fitness career that spans over 8 years with experience in group fitness training and management in the community and collegiate setting. As an ACSM-HFI, ACE Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, published research in the International Journal of Exercise Science, she brings a great deal of knowledge, creativity, and energy to the NETA team! She looks forward to developing and providing fitness professionals with innovating continuing education opportunities.

Lauri is thrilled to share her passion for fitness and healthy living with NETA participants. Having Lauri in the front of the room guarantees an energizing, inspiring workout. Teaching Group Fitness since 2004 and coaching in the Mahtomedi School District since 2010 her degree and certificates include: BA Communication/Dance from the University of Minnesota, NETA Group Fitness, TRX Suspension Training, Senior Fitness, Barre Fusion, RPM , Indoor Cycling, Rollga, Bodypump®, Bodystep®, Bodyvive®, Bodyflow, CXWORX, Zumba and Aqua Zumba.

“Lauri was very fun, she created a friendly, encouraging and great atmosphere”
(Anonymous, Bemidji, MN 07-27-2013)

“Great growth and continued development of class. She had so much energy! I loved it!”
(Anonymous, Prior Lake, MN 02-19-2011)

Michael is NETA’s Director of Certification. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a B.S degree in Kinesiology and a M.Ed. degree in Applied Kinesiology. He holds accredited certifications through ACSM, NSCA, NASM and ACE. He has previously served on ACE’s Industry Advisory Panel and as the Chair of NETA’s Certification Board. In addition, he is a Past-President of the Minnesota Distance Running Association’s Board of Directors.

“Mike was a very professional speaker that put information in terms for me to understand. Because of that, I was able to learn more.”
(Laurie Budduck, Weston, WI 10-26-2013)

Alex graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS degree in Kinesiology. She has been working in the fitness industry since 2008 when she first began teaching group fitness classes to students and faculty at the University of Minnesota. Alex holds both her group fitness and personal training certs through ACE. Alex has experience teaching many different fitness formats; her most recent format she is taking interest in is Yoga. She is currently earning her 200-RYT through YogaFit.

Jan has been teaching group fitness and yoga classes since 1997. She is a Life Time Fitness Master Yoga Trainer delivering training and certifications both nationally and regionally. As a ACE, AFAA and NETA certified group fitness instructor and CEC provider, Jan has a passion for sharing her love of yoga and serves as a Teacher Trainer and Facilitator for Life Power Yoga.

“Jan was easy to understand, she’s knowledgeable, likable, easy to relate to and made good use of our time”
(Catherine Schumtsch, Merrill, WI 07-28-2013)

“Master class was fun and instructor was very knowledgeable!”
(Steph Pipal, Lake Crystal, MN 01-09-2011)

Jimmie entered the fitness industry in 2001, conducting personal training sessions and teaching group fitness and martial arts. His expertise and passion is educating and empowering his clients, and inspiring future personal trainers through NETA. He currently owns and operates Cambridge Mixed Martial Arts, offering professional martial arts training, Boot Camp and personal training. His certifications include NETA PT and GX, CrossFit Level 1 coach, and Physical Mind Pilates instructor.

“Jimmie is a very good instructor who is well organized and very informative”
(Daniel Howell, Lowell, MA 10-20-2013)

“Jimmie was very knowledge and personable. He explained everything very well.”
(Anonymous, Edison, NJ 01-09-2011)

Alex is passionate about the harmonious joy brought by dedication of mind body health, as expressed in both her professional and personal life. She holds a BS in biology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s of Public Health. She has been teaching group fitness classes and personal training since 2009. Alex is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor, an E-RYT 200, RYT 500 Yoga instructor registered with Yoga Alliance, Power Pilates Certified Mat instructor, and ACA SUP Yoga Endorsed. Sharing fitness is what makes her life great!

Tiffani Kelly, BA, RYT, is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance and holds her NETA Group Fitness Certification. She has been practicing yoga since 1998 and started teaching in 2002. Tiffani’s studied with yoga gurus Doug Swenson, Barron Baptiste, and Bryan Kest. She’s visited several Yoga Ashrams including a Sivananda Ashram in Southern India. Tiffani resides in Pinehurst, NC and teaches yoga for Pinehurst Golf Resort. She loves sharing her yoga experiences and passion for the practice.

“Tiffany is an amazing instructor, easy to be with in the class setting. She is also very informative and overall good.”
(Tina Provw, Cle Elum, WA 08-18-2013)

“She was great and I enjoyed what I learned at the workshop!”
(Anonymous, Ravenna, OH 1-29-2011)

Carolyn has been in the Health & Fitness Industry since 1983. Her accomplishments range from owning her own Fitness Studio to teaching at a Big Ten University. Carolyn’s knowledge, versatility and passion for Group Fitness is her first love. She also is a Wellness Coach for one of the country’s Top 10 Athletic Clubs. She has a B.A. degree from Hillsdale College and her certifications include ACE, AFFA, Spinning, BodyPump, KettleBell and Piloxing.

“Carolyn explained the subject matter in a way that was easy to understand”
(Kari Wedge, Midland, MI 10-19-2013)

Suzanne began teaching in 1994. She earned group exercise instructor certifications through NDEITA (now NETA) in 1995, ACE in 1996, and AFAA in 2008. Her Bachelor of Science in Management was achieved in 2000, but she attributes much of her real world knowledge to on the job training in both business and fitness. She believes wellness is an ongoing evolutionary experience that directly affects an individual’s quality of life.

“I always love these workshops, Suzanne helped us perfect our yoga poses. I always learn something from Suzanne.”
(Karen Wern, St. Cloud, MN 03-02-2013)

“I appreciate the newsletters and updates that are regularly sent out. I love the classes and content of each class. I feel like I really am learning as well as getting my money’s worth. Love the onsite classes and personalities.”
(Anonymous, Saint Paul, MN, 1-15-2011)

Darci holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, and a post–graduate certificate in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation from California University of Pennsylvania. She began working in the fitness industry in 2008, training at the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni Japan. Darci holds certifications through the NSCA, ACE, and NASM. She is currently the Combat Fitness Coordinator at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.

Matt has earned a B.S. in Sports Medicine and a M.S. in Sports Administration with a focus on Exercise Science. He has been NSCA-CSCS certified since 2004 and has held positions including division I strength coach, personal trainer, and wellness director, Faculty-level trainer for the YMCA of the USA’s Foundations of Strength and Conditioning course, and adjunct professor for a local college. Matt has a passion for helping others to reach their goals.

“Matt’s high level energy kept the day moving along”
(Kimberly Clarke, Richmond, OH 09-08-2013)