Instructor Bios
AJ Lacuesta:
MIDNIGHT DANCE FUSION, CARDIO K.O., BODYPUMP, RPM
Hi, my name is A.J.! I'm that crazy instructor you see in the fitness room! I was born overseas but lived most of my life in the little town of Reedley, CA. I had 10 years of martial arts to pass the time before joining the U.S. Navy. During my six year enlistment, I deployed overseas to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and traveled to many major cities along the east coast. I now attend Fresno State, majoring in the Kinesiology Exercise Science option. I am a member of the Fresno State Triathlon and Salsa Clubs. I discovered the Les Mills programs at the SRC and now can't get enough of teaching! I'm also the card swiper extraordinaire at the front desk so say hi every time you see me All I want to do is to have fun while breaking a sweat, so come on in and bring all your friends to class! Cause we're going to ride it, pump it up, kick butt, and dance our hearts out!
Allie Omandam:
BODYPUMP
Hi, my name is Allie O! I’m currently in the Fresno State Nursing Program and hope to graduate in Fall 2013. I am originally from Fresno and have been active my entire life. I danced for almost 12 years and played tennis all throughout high school. By teaching BODYPUMP, I hope that I can be a great role model for living an active lifestyle while having a great time in class. My goal is to help others look great physically and to also feel great on the inside. I can’t wait to see you in class!
Angelia Arietta:
BODYFLOW
Angie Neathery:
ZUMBA
Hi, my name is Angie Neathery. I am a Liberal Studies major pursuing a career as a Special Education teacher. I danced when I was younger but have devoted the past six years to competitive soccer. Zumba has given me the opportunity to get back into dance and share my passion for it with others. I absolutely love teaching Zumba because it is a fun, exciting way to reach your fitness goals and is very different from your basic cookie cutter exercise routine. I'd love to see you at my class embracing the Zumba motto, "Ditch the workout, join the party!"
Cara Marie Baxter:
WorkIT Circuit
Hello, my name is Cara Marie Baxter and I am a Nursing/Public Health major. I have a track and field back ground and I've always enjoyed working out with a team! I love doing group instructing and having fun people to work out with. I enjoy the circuit style of class, because it incorporates both strength exercises and cardio. It allows me to mix and match exercises, keeping the work out fresh and exciting! So come join me and get your day started right!
Donovan Littles :
RPM, BODYPUMP
Hello, my name is Donovan! I am 21 years old, and a junior. I am a former exercise science major now pursuing Dietetics here at Fresno State. I played sports in high school and loved being actively involved with my peers, which is still evident today. As a group fitness instructor, I hope that participants feel my genuine passion for people, love of coaching, and drive to push people to higher limits in their fitness. See you in class!
Eva Wissner :
BODYFLOW
Hello, my name is Eva Wissner. I am currently working on my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling here at Fresno State. I graduated from Fresno Pacific University, where I was a collegiate athlete, with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. I enjoy teaching BodyFlow because helping others through fitness is my passion. Motivating others to achieve their goals is the reason I am involved in fitness. I am also a cancer survivor and know firsthand that fitness and health play an important role in maintaining a strong body. I enjoy ending my busy days with a fun and interactive BodyFlow session as well as seeing new and familiar faces. For fun I like to hike Half Dome, go on runs, volunteer at my home church, Northwest, and read books.
Joel Wissner:
BODYFLOW
I am a musician first and foremost, so BODYFLOW is a great fit for me. I have a bachelor's degree from Fresno Pacific University in Vocal Performance and Composition, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree at Fresno State in Rehabilitation Counseling. Currently I work full-time for a non-profit substance abuse facility as a vocational specialist, and I love working with my clients. I long for the day, though, when I can dive back into my music full time. I married another BodyFlow instructor, Eva Nunez, on October 1st, so you'll most likely see us together. Please come say hi to us! I am teaching BodyFlow so that I can connect to more people through great music while exercising in a group fitness setting.
Kalyn Vanoni:
BODYPUMP
Kat Bahl:
BODYFLOW
Melanie Keezer:
BODYPUMP, RPM
Hey, my name is Melanie Keezer and I am from Paso Robles, CA. I am a kinesiology major, hoping to become a physical therapist or something along those lines. I've been a lifeguard for over 4 years, so if you drown, I can totally save you! Ever since I was seven years old, my parents have put me into competitive sports, but I found my niche in swimming and waterpolo. I've also been taking group fitness classes since I was a freshman in high school. After my first year in college, I was inspired to become a fitness instructor and help motivate people to better their minds and bodies. Fitness has slowly worked its way up my personal ladder to becoming one of my top priorities in my life. I hope I can inspire some CSUF students to lead a healthier more active lifestyle just as I was!
Melissa Ruiz:
BODYFLOW
Nadine Dubina:
BODYPUMP
Hi! My name is Nadine and I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I moved to Fresno to attend graduate school for Sport Psychology. I graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Athletic Coaching Education. I have been involved in gymnastics my entire life, from competing to coaching. Weight training is a great way to increase metabolism, lose weight and build muscle for that toned look. I am hoping to bring my background in coaching and my passion for exercise together to create an atmosphere in which both you and I can achieve amazing results-getting fit and looking fab! Come out and try my class! I can guarantee you will get a heart pumping, muscle fatiguing, high energy class that will leave you feeling accomplished and wanting to come back for more!
Philip Bondi:
ZUMBA
My name is Philip Bondi and I am a Pre Physical Therapy major here at Fresno State. I like teaching at the SRC because I have a genuine passion for fitness and what better way incorporate that into my life than by helping my peers to stay fit and healthy. I also have a chance to inspire my fellow students to make exercise part of their lifestyle. I also like the fact that I work with so many students who like me have a passion for healthy living and want to bring that passion to others. I want my participants to know that I appreciate any student who gives it their all in my Zumba class. Zumba is not about being perfect and getting all of the moves right, but rather it is about having fun and burning calories in a more innovative way. Rather than running on a treadmill for an hour you can simply dance the fat off. It is that simple. I also want knew participants to know that they don't have to be intimidated by a class like Zumba. My current students and I love knew ones and will make you feel at home. It's time to embrace your inner dancer and try a Zumba class, because it is a fun and a fantastic workout.
Sarah McConahey:
BODYPUMP
HI! I'm Sarah McConahey and this is my last semester as an undergraduate Math major. Next semester I start the credential program here at State. I love high school math and want to be a teacher who inspires her students and shows them that it is possible to like math, even if it's in a dorky way. I'm so excited to become a teacher!
I am a major group fitness advocate and I love being inspired by others I work out with. I am teaching at the SRC to challenge students to go beyond their limits and to achieve their goals. I sometimes envision that fitness classes are a competition; I love being able to work really hard to keep up with other members of the class. I want to challenge students to do their best and work harder than they thought possible. Group Fitness helps me to stay on track and not slack off. Being in front of the class is going to push me farther than I have ever been in BODYPUMP. I can't wait to help other students put the pump in BODYPUMP!!
Sonia Saldana:
BODYPUMP
Hi, My Name is Sonia Saldana. I was born and raised in Watsonville, California. I relocated to the Central Valley after graduating from high school in 2004. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in December 2009 from California State University, Fresno. I am currently attending graduate school and working as a registered nurse. I have an immense passion for fitness and health and hope to share that passion with others. I strongly believe that eating healthy and staying fit is a lifestyle. My goal is to motivate participants to make realistic life style changes and accomplish fitness goals.
Spring Villarial:
ZUMBA
Hey my name is Spring. I'm from Kern Valley. I'm a chemistry major and want to go into forensic science. I started teaching Zumba because I missed dancing and needed to work out. It's so much fun to teach Zumba and take classes. You don't have to be a good dancer to take Zumba as long as you want to move and have fun while working out come check out a class!!
Stephanie Andrade :
BODYFLOW
Hey Fresno State! My name is Stephanie; I am a military spouse and a mom of three kids. I am Liberal Arts major emphasizing in Special Education. It is my belief that there are simply not enough extraordinary teachers in Special Education and I hope to become one of them! The reason why special education is so dear to my heart is because my youngest son is autistic. I see the struggles he has to face and I worry that he will not receive the education he so deserves. My wish is that I will be able to truly make a difference and give both parents and students a newfound hope for a brighter and independent future.
I began taking BODYFLOW as a participant during the fall 2010 semester. I fell in love with the program and became inspired to become an instructor. BODYFLOW is the only class where I leave feeling like I have had an intense worked out…but I don’t leave feeling exhausted. I leave feeling energized and great about myself. I hope you all come and join me and have the same experience!
Taylor Cameron:
ZUMBA
My name is Taylor Cameron and I am currently a junior at Fresno State. My major is Recreation Administration in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. Working at the Student Recreation Center is not only a privilege but also an honor to serve fellow students. Teaching and educating about fitness through ZUMBA brings me great joy! I have been involved in the ZUMBA community for about two years and have been instructing for over one. I am also a ZIN (ZUMBA Instructor Network) member. I am a ZUMBA lover and passionate about my career as an instructor! So, "COME JOIN THE PARTY"!!
Tiffany Ramirez:
ZUMBA
Hi, my name is Tiffany, and I am a Biology major with a Psychology minor. I have been doing Zumba for 2 years and I love it! It is a great way to stay in shape, have fun, and take my mind off stress! Zumba is a great alternative for boring, routine workouts. I love seeing people that hate working out accomplish their weight-loss (or health) goals and actually enjoy doing it!
