Meet All of Our Instructors, Trainers & Massage Therapists
They’ll push you forward and pull you in new directions — whatever it takes to make you feel fitter. Meet some of the best trainers and instructors in Baltimore.
Sherri Weinman
Motivating: I am passionate about teaching group fitness. My goal is to connect with the members and learn about their individual fitness goals and then provide an environment that promotes success.
Learn More
Kristy Soltesz
With verbal & visual cuing + modifications, I aim to teach isometric, isotonic & dynamic exercises to gain strength, alignment & balance. “Better Form, Better Results.”
Learn More
Julie Wigley
I’m right in there with you—we have 30 minutes to get in a full body workout—if I’m not tired at the end with you, I didn’t do my job! I want to make sure everyone sees growth with the harder moves of the class- So I will always challenge you to take it to the next level. I think it’s important to remember where you started on your first class and how much you can grow! Your core is so important to all other classes, so don’t forget to give it some love!
Learn More
Suangela Abrams
FUN with an emphasis on form and safety. I teach by physical example and use both spoken and visual cues. My class plans offer adaptations, modifications and more advanced challenges when appropriate to ensure there is always a safe option for each student to practice.
Learn More
Hillary Slade Gras
Fun, encouraging, challenging, will push you to the last beat!
Joyful movement is the key to fitness success. Find what you love and never stop exploring.
Learn More
Lucia Corradetti
My classes are very high energy and motivating! I will push you to add weight, do another rep, or work for another second. I will be by your side every step of the way, sweating with you. We have tons of fun while working hard.
Learn More
Laurie Bishop
My goal is for my class to have fun, use great form and feel successful. My favorite saying is “You never regret coming to the gym, only not coming.” My members are awesome, they make my day!!
Learn More
Lisa Ballesteros
My goal is to have someone leave my class knowing they put in the work. Everyone has a different story and different goals. I love watching people meet and crush their goals, but also having fun while working out.
Learn More
Bob McDowell
I am compassionately committed to making a wellness connection to you. Wherever you are on your wellness trail, I am there with you. I teach people in a fun, safe atmosphere as each pose should have the elements of safety, comfort and stability. All are welcome to yoga and pilates at Merritt.
Learn More
Cory Donovan
I received my E-RYT 200 in late 2016, and have taught over 2000 classes in over three years as a full time instructor. I have a few hundred hours of additional advanced training in yogic philosophy, anatomy, and sequencing various formats, and have experience teaching Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative yoga.
Learn More
Andres Bujanda
My classes are designed to be high-energy, high-intensity, and full of joy! My goal for members is to get them to push their limits while still smiling. I love the feeling of getting lost in the music, and inspiring members to do the same!
Learn More
Julia Mazariegos
Everyone has their own fitness goals. As an instructor, I try to provide the tools that each member needs to personalize their workout and accomplish what they came for! Whether it’s endurance, strengthening, mastering the technique, or just to have fun!
Learn More
Lyndsay Fraser
Trained in Kripalu Yoga. I practice to the mood, energy and level of the group presented to me for that class. Flexibility to the students can transform their practice.
Learn More
Alycia Wepasnick
Always friendly and teaching in the essence of the program. In my classes I like to offer you achievable power and strength. You will be challenged no matter if you are a fitness beginner or fitness pro.
Learn More
Jennifer King
I love to interact with the members and the more I push them, the more they push me! I have been told I’m intense but I love to act a little goofy and use the performance opportunities.
Learn More
Ryan Vandenberge
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, AED/CPR Certified, IDEA Nutrition Essentials Certified
Health is the ultimate motive for exercising. Gaining new or regaining lost pieces of one’s life and achieving higher goals through physical training motivates me to do my best as a fitness professional.
Learn More
Nancy Molimis
ACE Certified Trainer
Working out should be a challenge, but one you enjoy; never a punishment.
Learn More
Ellyn Gildea
B.S. Exercise Science, M.S. Health Sciences, NASM, Tribe Team Training Coach
It’s all about balance.
Learn More
Shane Thompson
B.S. Exercise Science, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization
Combines functional movement patterns and dynamic exercises in order to Prioritize movement over body parts. Work with a purpose in order to be more efficient with your workouts. Shane’s passion for training will inspire and motivate you to push past your limits.
Learn More
Leonardo Angeles
HKC HardStyle Kettlebell Instructor, NSPA Certified Personal Trainer, RKC Russian Kettlebell Instructor, SCC Strength Calisthenics Instructor, WMS Weight Management Specialist
The right training for the right needs.
Learn More
Matt Grafton
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, B.S. Kinesiology/Exercise Science, HKC, RKC-L1, SCC
Train hard, train smart, train with purpose
Learn More
Brooke Peterson
When you are struggling to catch your breath, dreading the next interval, I am there to motivate, support, and encourage you to give it your all. My goal is to make each class as fun as possible. We are going to work hard, but I am going to do my best to make sure you have a good time doing it.
Learn More
Maria Mager
AFAA Group Fitness, Les Mills CXWORX, NASM, Spinning, Tribe Team Training
Good form is the key to success when it comes to cardio or weight training. In time, proper technique will allow you to increase your resistance and speed.
Learn More
Rico Samuel
My teaching style offers levels for all participants. While my goal is to challenge, I want everyone to stick with it, give it a chance and realize their potential – no matter the level. My ultimate goal is for everyone to have an awesome time, sweating all the while and having a sense of accomplishment.
Learn More
Tony Wagner
A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer, A.C.E Certified Youth Fitness Coach, A.L.I.V.E. Coach, Cardio Boxing Certified Coach, Smart Fitness Certified
Activate Tissue don’t Mimic the motion!
Learn More
Kelly Tanner
HKC Certified Hardstyle Kettlebell Trainer, NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer, NCCPT Certified Weight Management Specialist, SCC- Certified Strength and Calisthenics Trainer, TRX Certified Trainer
Keep It Simple!
Learn More
Steve Siewierski
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Movement is Medicine.
Learn More
Heather Jordan
I grew up thinking you needed to play team sports in order to be athletic. It wasn’t until I joined Merritt as a member that I realized being athletic was more than just throwing, dribbling, or scoring goals. As an instructor, I help people unlock the inner athleticism they didn’t know they had!
Les Mills Group Fitness, NSPA, Post Natal Fitness Specialist
If you had to run a marathon in 9 months, you would train for it, right? I help women develop the muscles and stamina needed for labor and ease some common pains associated with pregnancy. After baby (no matter how many months or years that is) I help women regain core strength and become stronger than ever.
Learn More
Tom Martin
AED, CPR, First Aid
Fitness is all about learning the incredible things your body can do! My purpose is to help all of my students to accomplish things that might seem impossible by breaking down each movement into achievable steps, targeting specific muscles to strengthen, and understanding the importance of flexibility in everything we do.
Learn More
Jalal Muhammad
AAAI/ISMA Level II Trainer, ACE Certified Kickboxing Instructor, HardStyle Kettlebell Certified (HKC), Strength Calisthenics Certified (SCC)
Train to be the best version of yourself
Learn More
Jocelyn Wesson
My teaching style is high energy while keeping it fun! I’m here to motivate you to push your limits!
Learn More
Liz Davis
Liz encourages students to grow in their practice physically as well as spiritually and offers themed classes that emphasize proper alignment as well as modifications for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Whether it’s a fundamentals class, a power class or a restorative class, Liz will provide an informative, fun experience in a safe, non-competitive space all the while including meditation and mindfulness.
Learn More
Alison Jones
I try to bring a fun, authentic, and challenging vibe to class. It’s an honor to teach such an amazing Les Mills format. I hope to not only provide a great workout, but for each participant to leave the class feeling valued and inspired.
Learn More
Krissy Anderson
I hope to be fun and motivating- with a focus on self-acceptance and appreciation for each individual journey.
Learn More
Mandy Ferringer
I love including people of all ages and fitness levels in a fun, safe and energizing workout. My goal is to have all members develop a lifelong love of exercise!
Learn More
Keittie Ribadeneira
It’s all about having fun! Whether we’re lifting, running or punching I want everyone to feel the excitement. With that, we’ll hit our max every time. I’m all about achieving that max effort. I’m taking you with me!
CPR, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Les Mills Body Combat, Personal Trainer
Your body is a gift…cherish it!
Learn More
Kara Laurence
I love making exercise fun and showing that it is for everyone! I always show plenty of modifications in all my classes so everyone can get a great workout.
Learn More
Jamie Sullivan
Fun! I try to bring some fun and laughs into my BodyPump classes. Work Hard; Play Hard!
Learn More
Katie Brown
Motivational, challenging and different every week. I teach early morning classes and try to push my members to their edge so they are glad they didn’t hit snooze and got the best start to their day.
Learn More
Amy Cohen
I like to connect to the members and provide a fun, empowering, and strength-based approach to fitness.
Learn More
Jamie Sienko
I’ve been told by members that I am engaging, motivating and energetic. The enthusiasm I have for the workout transfers to members and makes strength training less daunting & more fun.
Learn More
Laura Remaly
I enjoy teaching all levels from beginners to veterans. I encourage each person to live up to their own potential and to always respect their own abilities. It is not my goal to make everyone follow my exact class or to overwork them. They should have a great workout and leave with a smile on their face, looking forward to the next time!
Learn More
Ann-Marie Bruchey
I love to add fun and flair to each class. I want the members to know they can have fun while they are working hard on crushing goals.
Learn More
Eliza Mummert
I try to keep things intense, organized, motivational and empowering! One of my favorite things about teaching is watching members test their limits and go after their personal goals.
Learn More
Nick Granata Jr
My teaching style is passionate and motivating. My classes are hard but you’ll leave knowing you pushed yourself harder than you thought you could and pushed yourself out of your comfort zone. I will guide you there. I care about the relationships I form with members that come to my class and want to be there. I care about people.
Learn More
Homero Bayarena
Homero brings a high energy, Latin-infused flavor to most of his group fitness classes. He focuses on creating a supportive, safe fitness workout for all members.
Learn More
Michelle Petenbrink
I focus on form and enjoying the movement of whatever exercise you are doing. I like to motivate people through movement and let them know that they can customize any workout to fit their needs and achieve success.
Learn More
Kristie Barron
I run a fast-paced, high-energy class and I live for the moments when my participants bring that same energy. I like to push my members to work hard but to have a fun time doing it.
Learn More
JC Montminy
Solid cycle classes start with a strong playlist. The music in my classes tells a story…a voyage through outer space, a celebration on Bourbon Street, or resilience through a challenging time. When the music allows a class to immerse themselves in the moment, it’s easy to give a full physical effort from start to finish.
Learn More
Michael Ballon-Garst
My teaching style scales to the format I’m teaching. Typically, I gravitate to high energy music to match the energy and intensity I bring to class, however, I also enjoy slowing down to focus on fundamentals and a restorative experience.
Learn More
Bashi Olagoke
ACE Personal Training Certificate
Functional strength is the basis of any great exercising program
Learn More
Lameak Barrett
Ace Certified Personal Trainer
Fall in love with the process and be proud of the product.
Learn More
Mike Bentivenga
CPT Certified Personal Trainer, USA Powerlifting, USA Weightlifting
Every day, you have the chance to get better.
Learn More
James Merritt II
ACE
Make your training fun to prevent making it feel like a chore or a task to be done. This will help you exercise more often and improve your fitness goals.
Learn More
Sarah Shea
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
I recognize and appreciate a person’s willingness to put in the work to achieve their goals. As long as one puts forth their best effort, they can be successful and get to where they want to be.
Learn More
Samantha Reynolds
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Proper form is more important than how much weight you lift or how fast you go.
Learn More
Ian Imes
ACE Certification, Nutrition Specialist Certification
My philosophy in training revolves around creating an awareness of the Mind-Body connection. This is specific to each individual thus my training is built around the client’s needs specifically. Cultivating this will increase a client’s intrinsic motivation to push themselves to ensure they meet the goals they set.
Learn More
Patrick Grove
ARC – CPR/AED, NASM – CPT
Focus on technique, strengthen your weaknesses, work hard but don’t burnout and quit
Learn More
Wendy Spradlin
Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialization, Exercise/Fitness Therapy, Fitness Nutritionist Certification, Strength and Conditioning, Youth Fitness Certification
I strive to help my clients understand that fitness starts in their minds. Change your mindset! Be good to yourself and you ‘get’ to work on yourself today! Also, I believe building a strong fitness foundation with proper form is vital to preventing injury, therefore I don’t skip proper progression when it comes to their fitness goals. Lastly, I cater to each individual accordingly. Personalizing not only to their needs, but also their likes. I am here to help them become healthier, happier and ultimately-reach their goals.
Learn More
Andrew Lingelbach
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, B.S. Exercise Science
Exercise is just as diverse as people. There is something out there for everyone to love and enjoy.
Learn More
Heidi Shaneybrook
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, FMS Level 2, McDaniel College M.S. Exercise Science, Original Strength, Salisbury University B.S. Exercise Science
It is your attitude more than your aptitude that determines your altitude.
Learn More
Rose Burgamy
I strive to help everyone, at any fitness level, achieve and maintain a quality lifestyle. I love creating meaningful, exciting fitness programming for the community to feel engaged and committed to.
Learn More
Emily Williams
I love to provide all levels of experience and strength to my classes. Whether you are a first timer or a regular, there’s always a place for you! I like to have fun and treat each class like a fun dance and move to the beat. I want you leaving your class motivated and happier than you arrived!
Learn More
Shannon Speed
My style incorporates both fun and a judgement-free space for everyone to exercise. I am committed to excellence and helping others to reach their fitness goals, while simultaneously creating a safe and effective exercise environment. The only bad workout is the one you don’t do, and movement is the best medicine!
Learn More
Arati Mejdal
I aim to make yoga, mindfulness and breathing practices approachable and accessible for all. I encourage individual agency and choice, and I give options during class. I love to use props, and I incorporate breath practices into every class.
RYT 500
Learn More
Rae Granofsky
Rolling your mat out in my class should feel as though you’ve etched a moment of gratitude for yourself! My classes motivate students to experience renovations of the mind through our harmonious hour of yoga. I design qualitative sequences, which are curated to the everyday human experiencing endurance of the mind or body. My classes are modified for diverse experience levels, with a focus on safety and personal comfort (alignment), while keeping a chill vibe of empowerment.
Learn More
Alison Pack
Challenging, but fun! I aim to motivate and empower my class members to give it their all and achieve new personal records!
Learn More
Omari Jackson Sr.
I aim to facilitate a challenging, but not impossible, ride. We vibe to good music while individually challenging ourselves to grow, in strength and endurance. During class, we listen to our bodies and are always kind to our bodies. Believe me, I want the most “studly” body possible; but I am not willing to injure my body in pursuit of such. LET’S GET IT FAMILY!
Learn More
Shawn Brown
My style incorporates the deep roots of yoga while encouraging students to get in touch with themselves. Yoga becomes more than the physical postures, it is an exploration of the senses and emotions that make each of us unique. Leave your expectations at the door and hopefully you’ll walk out of class with a smile on your face and a feeling of lightness and joy in your body and soul.
Learn More
Tracy Ege
I love pop music from the 90’s, 2000’s and today and like to incorporate that with my class making it a mixture of hills, flats, attacks and racing for every fitness level. I love to motivate my classes and getting to know everyone that takes my classes.
Learn More
Stefanie Jacobs
Go hard or go home! I aim to inspire and encourage my classes through intensity and accountability. We are a team and will struggle and succeed together in the 30 minutes I have them. Giving 100% max effort, letting go of insecurities and self doubt, that’s what my classes are all about.
Learn More
Jennifer Brock
I like to think of my teaching style as inclusive. I aim to provide my classes with plenty of options and encourage members to use them, so that no matter where you are in your fitness journey, you can leave class feeling successful.
Learn More
Kelly Bocskor
I teach Les Mills Sprint which is a HIIT work out on the bike! If you are interested in a intense cycle class this class is for you!
Learn More
Susan Coulson
My style of teaching yoga is a full hour of movement and breathing. I keep a pace of nonstop power flow with a great stretch and full mind and body relaxation.
Learn More
DANIELLE SANDS-DAMON
500 RYT/CYT, Certified Health Coach, Level 2 Usai Reiki, LVL 1 Aerial Yoga, SUP Yoga