NETA trainers are exceptionally qualified professionals who are dedicated to fitness education. They have Bachelors or Masters degrees in the exercise sciences and years of experience in the fitness industry. They are also personable, approachable and devoted to making fitness training an enjoyable experience. Their hands-on approach to training offers plenty of individual attention. They have a relaxed, friendly style that creates the ideal atmosphere for learning. If you want to expand your knowledge and have fun in the process you can depend on NETA to give you the best hands-on training in the fitness profession.
Ashley Artese
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
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.
Kim Nix
Kym started teaching group fitness in 1988. She is an ACE certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Training. She has completed 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 Baker
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)
Sarah Cheffy
Colleen O’Neil
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 Cheffy
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 Chenier
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 Crespo
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 Giese
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 Gray
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
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 Hill
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 Iserman
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 Johnson
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 Johnson
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 Johnson
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 Keller
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
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 Kimmel
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 Kranitz
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 Kruse
Darci is NETA’s Education Director. She 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 Larson
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)
Julie Logue
Julie Logue has a BS in Exercise Science and Masters in Public Health. Her background includes extensive work in fitness management, adult education, and community outreach. She characterizes herself as both self-motivated and highly creative. She is a natural born teacher and has logged over 5,000 hours of training delivery in fitness education and staff development. She brings experience as a yoga teacher trainer, group exercise instructor, personal trainer, and master presenter for multiple national health and fitness organizations. She is certified by ACE, AFAA, AEA, YMCA and holds E-RYT designation from the Yoga Alliance. She’s been featured in print with Yoga Journal and Brava Magazine and had regular local appearances as a fitness personality on Wisconsin’s own WKOW and Channel 15 news.
Michael Lucchino
Mike has a B.S. degree in Fitness Management and earned his M.Ed. in Health Education from Pennsylvania State University. He is a certified CSCS with NSCA as well as has his Primary Group Exercise Instructor certification. Before working in the corporate fitness profession, he was an experienced collegiate strength and conditioning coach. Mike’s ultimate professional goal is to help everyone he works with attain the confidence, discipline and ability to achieve their full fitness potential.
“Michael was interesting and the way he taught reminded me of the little things I often overlook that is necessary when training an inexperience individual”
(Anonymous, Morgantown, WV 07-21-2013)
Kelly Lundvall
Kelly has been involved in the fitness industry since 1993. Her professional credentials include a BS in Kinesology, ACE Group Exercise Instructor, BodyPUMP®, BodyVIVE®, SilverSneakers®, Spin®, and working towards her 200 hour YogaFit certification. Kelly’s strength is in biomechanics and teaching others to understand the WHY behind the movement. She loves to educate others, so each student has a better understanding of their bodies.
“Kelly made the class fun, she knew her stuff and she made it a productive learning environment”
(Megan Vanderkolk, Waterloo, IA 10-26-2013)
Linda Magee
Linda started her education getting a BS in Physical education, and continuing on to UCONN to receive a MA degree in Exercise Science. She is a Master Trainer for BOSU, and a continuing education provider for AFAA and NASM. She is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Certified Group Ex and Personal Trainer, and STOTTT Pilates certified mat and reformer. Linda’s passion is to provide cutting edge materials to professionals, as well as educate them on how to develop their own teaching skills. Linda is also an adjunct professor at Eastern Connecticut State University and Manchester Community College, as well as maintains her own personal training and Pilates client base.
Tina McAlpine
Tina started her fitness journey in 1995 on the University of Minnesota Dance Team and teaching group fitness while obtaining her BS degree. She is currently the LifePower Pilates Coordinator, as well as a trainer and group fitness instructor for Life Time Fitness. Her passion is to inspire others to be the best they can be and help them gain confidence in themselves. Her certifications include: ACE, NASM CPT and Corrective Exercise Specialist, STOTT Pilates full certification and Group Cycle.
“Tina was very interesting and provided us with even more suggestions and information than was on the outline”
(Anonymous, Beaumont, TX 06-02-2013)
Nicole Griffin
Nicole has been with the NETA team since 2004. As Vice President of Operations she is responsible for the Customer Service team and the day to day operations as well as planning Fit Fest Events. Nicole came to NETA with a B.A. in Sport Management and Minor in Exercise Science. She truly enjoys working with our customers and looks forward to many more years with NETA.
“Customer Service are always willing to do whatever needs to be done to create a successful workshop.”
(Anonymous, Saint Paul, MN 1-15-2011)
Sharon Moskowitz
Sharon absolutely loves the joy of helping others find new ways to improve their movement quality and performance in and outside of the gym. She has a B.A. from Northeastern University and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Northern Illinois University with an additional graduate certificate in Adapted Physical Education. Sharon has been working in various sport and fitness industries between marathon training, rugby, CrossFit, personal training group exercise and more since 2002 and is currently the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for USA Wheelchair Rugby.
Cathy O’Donnell
Cathy started teaching group fitness in 1991. She is an ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer and a STOTT Trained Pilates Instructor. Cathy has been a National Presenter for NETA since 2006. In 2010, She began leading Laughter Yoga sessions and is now a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, training others to spread health and hilarity. Cathy believes in life-long learning and loves to share her passion for movement with people.
“Very thorough, very informative, very enthusiastic and very energetic.”
(Savannah Pollock, Cloquet, MN 10-27-2013)
“She was very in-depth, energetic and helpful!”
(Alexandra Marcelli, Hermitage, PA 12-19-2010)
AmberLynn Pappas
AmberLynn has been certified since 2004 and currently holds ACE Personal Trainer, ACE Group Fitness Instructor, and YogaFit certifications. She received her B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Iowa State University and her M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science (Sport Administration) from East Carolina University. AmberLynn enjoys educating people on all levels and is passionate about the PERSONAL aspect of fitness for both the trainer/instructor as well as the client/participant.
“I loved that AmberLynn was knowledgeable and personable.”
(Jessica Taylor, Suffolk, VA 09-22-2013)
Riley Peterson
Riley has a B.A. in Exercise Science and a M.A. in Exercise Physiology. He began his fitness career in 2002 as a strength and conditioning coach. He has held positions at the collegiate level and the minor league baseball level. He presently works as a personal trainer in Minnesota. Riley is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. He enjoys educating and helping to change the lives of people he guides toward their fitness goals.
Deanna Reiter
Deanna started coaching in 1996 and became certified as a personal trainer in 2004. She has a B.S. and Master’s degree, and her certifications include: USATF Coach, ACE Personal Trainer, Group Exercise, Pilates, Yoga, BOSU and Kettlebell. She has been a master trainer with NETA since 2005. Deanna has written many NETA home study programs including: Dancing with Divinity, Movement through the Chakras, Running A to Z and the Ultimate Guide to Wellness.
“Deanna was very knowledgeable. She’s a good presenter, informative and good with the course.”
(Kathleen Schultz , Chaska, MN 10-13-2013)
“She is very respectful and explained the running A to Z workshop very well. I loved it!”
(Anonymous, Prior lake, MN 2-17-2011)
Lisa Schneider
Lisa has a BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and has worked in the wellness industry, for over 10 years. Throughout that time, she has worked as a personal trainer, a wellness coach and coach trainer, helping to develop new coaches. She has done advanced training various coaching techniques like motivational interviewing, Intrinsic coaching and positive psychology. Throughout her career, she has coached thousands of clients and trained over 100 coaches.
Angie Schroeder
Angie became certified with NETA in 2001 and has certifications in both Personal Training and Group Fitness. She is a 2013 MBA graduate with a concentration in Sports Management. She is a faculty member at a community college where she has developed and is currently teaching their HPE classes. Angie is also licensed to teach Zumba, Tai Chi Easy, and Self Defense. Angie loves to share her devotion to health and fitness because she knows what a profound effect it can have on others.
“The day started off by warmly being welcome. She made a point to learn and address each of us by name. Angie assured all that “failure was not an option” and we all would do well! All material was covered very thoroughly. Angie was witty, sincere, caring, patient and incredibly professional. Her knowledge base was very impressive. She explained and demonstrated the poses flawlessly. I can only strive to reach her level of expertise.”
(Kim Stevens-Len, Chelsea, MI 02-22-2014)
“Angie, always energetic and awesome.”
(Kerry Bollech, Rochester, NY 10-12-2013)
“All questions were answered at the workshop and all the options to modify movements were shown at the workshop!”
(Anonymous, Scotch Plains, NJ 01-22-2011)
Jon Staton
Jon has been teaching for NETA since 2002. Currently he is the Department Chair/Assistant Professor of PHED at Odess College. He holds a Master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. He also has 50 graduate credits towards his doctorate. He is an active member in NSCA & AAPHERD. Jon’s love of fitness and college teaching allows him to do two things he is extremely passionate about.
“Jon was passionate about the topic which made it contagious.”
(Anonymous, Chattanooga, TN 09-29-2013)
“The basic information that wasn’t understood in the manual were brought up and clearly explained. Well done!”
(Mohammad Ali, Southern Pines, NC 01-30-2011)
Susie Supper
Susie has been in the fitness industry since 1987 working in every part of the fitness industry; as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, program director, education director and a national fitness presenter. She has a BS degree in Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy and NETA certifications for Group Exercise and Personal Training. Today Susie works with individuals who have eating disorders in a rehab gym. She spends her free time enjoying time with her husband and children.
“Susie really explained the dynamics of HIIT training very well, great stuff to bring to any class.”
(Willman, MN 04-12-2013)
Sabrina Svard
Sabrina is an international fitness presenter and holds her degree in Nutrition & Wellness Counseling. Well known throughout New England and beyond before relocating to Santa Fe, Sabrina has worked for over twenty years as a Certification Specialist training and certifying fitness instructors in aerobics, kickboxing, step, personal training, resistance training, yoga, core conditioning, and Pilates mat work all over the world.
Stephanie Thielen
Stephanie Thielen, B.S. dedicated to quality education, travels nationally and internationally presenting continuing education workshops that teach logical methods for class construction, providing the “tools of the trade” to assist instructors develop their professional teaching skills. With a career that spans over 25 years, Stephanie has extensive experience in group fitness instruction, program development, and staff management at the corporate, community, and collegiate level. Stephanie is a two-time IDEA presenter, an AEA Training Specialist, NETA Trainer, and works with additional fitness companies such as BOSU and ACE. Certifications: ACE, AFAA, AEA.
“Stephanie made my time and money feel like it was well spent, thank you for presenting.”
(Anonymous, Omaha, NE 09-07-2013)
“She was fun, entertaining, very knowledgeable and easy to listen to!”
(Anonymous, North KC Hospital, MO 01-22-2011)
Jennifer Turpin Stanfield
Jennifer Turpin Stanfield, M.A., (Exercise Science) ACSM EP-C, is a Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She is an ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor, certified personal trainer, registered yoga teacher, and a national presenter for NETA. Jennifer has more than 17 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and is passionate about helping others live healthier lives through the adoption and maintenance of positive health behaviors.
Amara Viaene
Amara is the Marketing & Events Director at NETA. She is responsible for scheduling, promoting & organizing NETA workshops throughout the US. She enjoys working on advertising, marketing and promoting fitness workshops through trade shows and email campaigns. She holds a BA degree in Liberal Arts from Holy Cross College. She enjoys working in the fitness industry and loves to teach group fitness classes.
“Amara rocks and sold me on NETA! I loved the workshops at Fit Fest! I like the fact that NETA is being represented at the fitness conventions.”
(Jenna Batchelder, Prior Lake, MN 2-18-2011)
Mou Xe Yang
Mou Xe is a Fitness Education Consultant at NETA. He is one of the knowledgeable and friendly voices you hear when you call the NETA office. He graduated with a bachelors in Human Health and Performance, Psychology, and Biology with a minor in Health Education from University Of Wisconsin River Falls. He is currently pursuing a MBA in Healthcare management and Human Resource/Business emphasis. He recently relocated from River Falls, WI to St Paul, MN and enjoys being active on his free time.