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Doris
Walter
Doris was a student in water exercise classes
for six years before pursuing instructor training. She is currently
certified as an instructor by both the Aquatic Exercise Association
(AEA) and the American Aquatic Association
International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA).
Doris has been teaching water exercise for six years; regularly
teaches classes in deep water and shallow water as well as specialty
classes such Abs and Gluts.
Doris has participated in new instructor
training and has assisted in workshops for instructor improvement.
Carroll
Saunders
I joined water aerobics four years ago as a
student under Sharon McCoy. About two years ago I decided to
become a certified instructor on a substituting basis. Within
the last two weeks I have decided to become a regular instructor and
am loving it. I help teach at the Sports and Learning Center
and I am now teaching at Rolling Crest.
Carroll is certified through H2O Fitness in
water aerobics and deep water exercise. She currently teaches at
Rolling Crest Splash Pool and Prince George's Sports and Learning
complex.
Cheryl Harrod
Cheryl is a certified
H2O fitness instructor who currently works at the Wayne Curry Sports
and Learning Complex and Prince Georges
Community College. She has been teaching shallow and deep water
aerobic therapy for approximately 3 years. Her career in water
therapy started after she was forced to begin alternative weight
training due to her past arthritic problems. As a result she now
enjoys helping other students to gain strength and agility and
overall better health through water therapy. She also enjoys
spending quality time with her husband and their dog Masaka (who
loves the water too).
Maxine Kontosis
Maxine has taught a variety of
classes, including Personal Fitness, Circuit Weight
Training/Aerobics, Step Aerobics, and Aerobic Dancing. She has been
a Guest Instructor/Personal Trainer at several resorts, such as
Superclubs, San Sousi, and the Sunset Resort and Beaches Grande in
Jamaica, the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. Maxine
currently teaches at Prince Georges Sports Complex, Prince Georges
Community College, Prince Georges Public Schools and Howard
Community College as an Aquatic Exercise Instructor, Personal
Trainer Certification Instructor, Health and Physical
Education/Recreation Degree and Step Aerobic Instructor.
Kellyann Bukont
Kellyann began taking
water aerobics 5 years ago because of her love of the water. After
two years of taking classes, she decided to become an instructor
when she realized it was a great way of leaving her day job, its
everyday stress, and got to be with other people interested in water
aerobics. Kellyann was certified through H20 Fitness in both Deep
Water and Shallow Water. She currently teaches Shallow Water at the
Piney Branch Pool in Takoma Park, and Deep Water at the Sports
and Learning Complex in Prince Georges County. During her free
time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Edwin and their
dog, Buddy.
Barbara Shammas
Hi, my name is Barb Shammas. I am a water
fitness instructor and I have ALWAYS loved the water. I was a
lifeguard at a State Park in Michigan for 3 summers during college
and continued to swim for fitness until I discovered water aerobics
in 1995 at my summer outdoor pool. From the first moment of my first
class, I loved being vertical in the water instead of always being
horizontal. My head was out of the water, I could look around and
see what’s going on and I could talk to my friends. In 1997, I
started to train for shallow water aerobics with Peggy Brower and
was certified with the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) in
December 1997. I have been a member of AEA ever since. I currently
teach deep and shallow water aerobics, aqua yolates, and aqua
arthritis classes at Martin Luther King pool in Silver Spring, MD
and at Fairland Aquatics Center in Laurel, MD.
I hope to see you in one of my classes! LET’S GET WET!!!
Sharon McCoy
I'm Sharon McCoy and I have been an exercise teacher since 1995.
I am certified to each by the following organizations: AAA/ISMA
(Land), Aquatic Exercise Association, The Arthritis Foundation, and
H20 Fitness.
Once I took an aquatics exercise class, there was no going back
to land. I teach 16-18 classes per week. These include shallow
aquatic classes, arthritis aquatic classes, multiple sclerosis
aquatic classes, and deep water aquatic classes. Although my love is
deep water, I truly enjoy all my students who have chosen aquatic
exercise as a way of life.
I currently teach classes at The Prince Georges Sports and
Learning Center for H2O Fitness, and at Riderwood Retirement Village
for the Prince Georges Community College.
Stephanie Sidella
I was an Army brat and moved
all over the world while I was growing up -- I guess that's
why I love to travel so much!! I went to Agnes Scott College
and graduated with a Major in German and a Minor in French plus a
Teaching Certificate -- which I've never used! After
college I started working for the National Security Agency.
After I married, I worked in Personnel (now Human Resources) for
several years before having children.
My husband was an airline
pilot, so luckily I could stay home with the children until they
were in Kindergarten. But when my first daughter was only a
few months old, I started having problems with my joints, etc., so I
started taking water aerobics.......28 years ago!! (So
maybe it was just natural that someday I would teach it!)
I took the training this summer (2005), and the rest is history!
Peggy Wright
I was a student of Peggy Brower's for more than 5 years prior to
becoming an instructor and have now been teaching water aerobics
over 5 years. I received my training and certification from H20
Fitness and The Arthritis Foundation. I have also attended many
training classes and workshops under the AEA Continuing Education
program since receiving my certification. I teach Senior Water
Aerobics and Aqua Arthritis at Rolling Crest Splash Pool.
Heather Harris
Heather holds many
certifications and teaches many types of classes throughout the
Metro area. Her credentials are: Trainer and Instructor for the
National Arthritis Foundation - AFYAP/AFAP, PACE and ASHC; Trainer
and Instructor Water Fitness for YMCA; Water Fitness Personal
Trainer and Instructor AEA; Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) AFPA
and YMCA; Yoga certified instructor AFPA and Yogafit Level I and
Senior Yogafit; and CES (Cancer Exercise Specialist).
Jewell Webb
A few years ago, as a new nationally certified aerobics
instructor, I was enthusiastic about getting into the fitness arena
and showing what I had learned. What I didn’t know was that
facilities were not eager to employ inexperienced, older
instructors. Willingness, eagerness and energy accounted for
nothing. A little discouraged, I happened upon the pool area of the
Sports Complex in Landover and saw a water aerobics class going on.
As I continued to observe, a very big, bright light bulb went off in
my head and almost immediately I determined that teaching water
aerobics was my destiny. I inquired and was told to call Peggy. In
no time, I started on my journey to become a certified water
aerobics instructor through H2O Fitness. That was almost 3 years ago
and surprisingly, I have not lost my enthusiasm. Water aerobics is
an activity that suits the majority of fitness levels, and with
portion control, and other forms of physical activity, may improve
your health. Added bonuses are better endurance, strength, and
stress reduction. I would recommend that you check the H20 schedule
and find a class in your area and do something good for your health.
Susan
Feller
Unhappy with the cookie-cutter,
one-size-fits-all approaches that she found offered at most gyms,
Susan entered into personal training at the age of 60 with the goal
of helping people achieve the optimal level of health possible
within the unique context of their individual abilities and
circumstances. She is
an ACE and Arthritis certified personal trainer, specializing in
conditions such as Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Diabetes, MS,
breast cancer recovery, weight issues, or injury recovery.
She works with clients to develop a well-balanced and
fulfilling approach that includes sequential cardiovascular,
strength, and flexibility exercises, but also emphasizes the
importance of motivation and drive. This holistic, tailored, and
compassionate approach allows her to do more than just design fun
exercise routines, but to truly motivate, inspire, educate, and
challenge her clients.
Linda Grymes
Linda is an International Fitness Presenter and
Trainer, and founder of LG total Fitness located in Seat Pleasant,
Maryland. She is a certified aquatics instructor and CEC
provider for AEA. Linda teaches aqua aerobics, kickboxing, abs
and glutes and is also an aquatic personal trainer in the greater
Washington, DC area.
Marsha Bisker
Marsha is a retired educator who has lived in
Maryland her whole life. She currently lives with her husband
and three cats in Layhill Village. She has been taking water fitness
classes for years. A few years ago, she suffered a serious
back injury which affected her leg as well. Now stronger than
ever, she credits aquatic physical therapy and exercise classes for
her recovery. Marsha is an enthusiastic teacher who is
dedicated to continuing her education and training in the field of
water fitness. She welcomes feedback and suggestions from
class participants.
Monique Tyes
I have worked out for 8 yrs. concentrating only
on running & weightlifting. A few years ago, I tried a Pilates
class & got hooked so my instructor encouraged me to get certified.
I did and have since been teaching Pilates & other core related
classes. Since then I have become certified to teach ZUMBA and Water
Aerobics.
I believe that working out should be fun and
fulfilling so my goal is to bring the fun to my class no matter what
I am teaching. My motto is, "Life is short, LIVE it!"
Caron Niba
My
Water Aerobics journey began as a student of Sharon McCoy at the
Sports and Learning Complex in March of 2003.
During a casual conversation about supplementing my income, Sharon suggested I consider being an
instructor. Recognizing the
benefit and impact of water exercise on my life, I decided to take
the plunge and go for it.
I
became certified with the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) and H2O
Fitness and have been teaching since October of 2003.
It
was during the certification process that I realized I was walking
into my ministry; a niche for me to motivate, inspire, bless and to
serve those who would cross my path. I love what I do, the positive
impact it has on others lives and my experiences continue to be a
tremendous blessing in my life.
I
currently teach shallow water, power walking and deep water aerobics
at the Wayne Curry Sports and Learning Complex in Largo and shallow
classes at the Martin Luther King Aquatic Center in Silver Spring,
Maryland.
Lane Tapley
Lane got her start via H2oFitness training and has been certified by
the AEA as an Aqua Fitness Instructor since 2004. She teaches at the
Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center and the Silver Spring YMCA. Lane
likes to teach a variety of fast-paced formats including Abs &
Glutes (shallow), Deep/Xtrain, 30-Minute Aqua Boot Camp and Aqua
Kickboxing. In addition to teaching, Lane manages her own marketing
consulting business. She and her husband, Stephen, enjoy kayaking,
biking and traveling.
Julianne Litzkow
Julianne's first summer job was Lifeguarding and
Teaching Swimming to children. Many years after, in 2001
Julianne happened upon a local Water Fitness class. That was her
first Group Exercise class. She continued to round out her
land exercise with water exercise through two fit pregnancies. An
Aqua class was relished as her "break time" when her babies were
small. In 2006 she certified to teach Indoor Cycle. She
loved teaching and inspiring participants to find the support,
challenge and joy of movement through group exercise. So she
went on to certify with AFAA, Schwinn Indoor Cycle/Nautilus
Institute, Spinning and H20 Fitness. She currently teaches
Boot Camp, Aqua, Yoga, Pilates, and Spinning at Silver Spring Health
Clubs, The National Naval Medical Center, for Montgomery County
Recreation and H2O Fitness.
Gina Deavers
Gina Deavers has over 25 years of experience as a personal
trainer, marathon coach, group exercise teacher, and manager of four
health clubs. After rehabilitating an extensive knee injury with
aqua classes she earned her aqua certification from H20 Fitness. She
comes to the pool with high energy, a knowledge of fitness, and a
desire to have fun. She invites you to come get your hair wet!
Michael Cruz
My name is Michael Cruz. I work as a financial
agent helping clients with life
insurance and retirement accounts. Also on the weekends I am a disc
jockey at
weddings, clubs, proms, etc. But one of my biggest passions is the
fitness
industry. Especially the water. I am happy that I found Peggy and
H2O fitness
because I really see how our team can help our community have a
better healthy
life style. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a water
fitness
instructor and hope to have the pleasure to have you as part of my
class one
day.
Sue Stimak
I have loved the water all my life. I grew up in a
small town in central New York. My parents had a cabin on a lake so
I spent my summers in the water. My introduction to water aerobics
began in 2004.
I had recently lost 60 pounds with Weight Watchers and was looking
to add something new to my exercise program. A friend of mine
suggested Peggy’s class, which she was enjoying. After retiring from
teaching elementary school for 28 years it was “me” time. I was a
student in Peggy’s shallow water aerobics class for 3 years before
taking the H2o Fitness training in 2007.
Being a water exercise instructor combines many elements which I
love including; music, movement, teaching, friendship, & fun. I tell
my new students I want them to do two things; move & smile.
I currently teach deep water aerobics at the Martin Luther King Pool
and both shallow and deep water aerobics at the Silver Spring YMCA.
I am certified by the Arthritis Foundation to teach water arthritis
classes.
I also teach land based classes for seniors.
Angel Holliman, BA, cPT
As a mother of two energetic boys (Jo-jo 20 months
and Jaidon due in June), Angel incorporates movement, family and fun
in to all aspects of her daily activities. With a young family,
Pre/Post Natal and Family fitness has become her focus and joy.
Angel is a professionally trained fitness educator with 13 years
experience as a personal trainer and instructor for individual and
group Pilates, fitness, water aerobics and sports classes. Angel
began her professional fitness career in 2005 and served as a
Fitness Director, Youth fitness instructor, Personal Trainer and
Pilates instructor at several Silver Spring, Laurel and Largo gyms
and studio facilities.
Accredited by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) in
certified personal training, Angel has earned her American Aerobic
Association International / International Sports Medicine
Association (AAAI/ISMA) Pilates and Personal Trainer certifications,
and is certified in Mat Pilates I, II and III. She is also certified
by the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) in Group
Exercise and Kickboxing; Water Aerobic certified through H2O
Fitness. Also, Red Cross certified for Adult, Child and Infant
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator
(CPR/AED) techniques and First Aid.
Angel specializes in relaxation, flexibility, postural alignment,
core strength and muscle stability, and intends to pursue her
interests in the senior health, pre and postnatal, and youth
development areas as well. She has facilitated several workshops,
health fair presentations and exercise demonstrations, including
Relaxation and Renewal, Correcting Common Back Pain, Stabilization:
Stronger Abs Without the Sweat, and Flexibility 101, Wii Fit Night,
plus others. She has taught myriad levels of gymnastics for more
than seven years and is a long-time dance student. In addition, she
currently the Fitness Coordinator at Restoration Praise Center
Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Director of Our Kids Room and Us!
An Indoor Playspace and Fitness Studio.
Christina T Lazdins
I'm a Swedish born exercise instructor and moved
to the USA 21 years ago. I started teaching water aerobics and
continued with deep water and water Arthritis classes now going on
11 years. The first 6 years I worked for Columbia Association where
I was also trained. I took my AEA (Aquatic Exercise
Association)certification for group exercise. Since then I've added
on a Personal trainer certification with NASM (National Association
for Sports Medicine), a Yoga certification with Yogafit and lastly a
Zumba certification class.
I have always enjoyed exercise. Before water I was cycling and
downhill skiing mainly in the European Alps. I studied Aikido
(Martial Arts) for 6 years in Sweden with a Japanese master, enjoyed
dance especially Jazz Ballet from my teens on at a studio in
Stockholm with a dancer from New York.
I love teaching classes and the joy in seeing people rediscover what
their bodies can do for them if they ask for it is so rewarding.
Life is all about movement, movement, movement in water or
out-of-water. It keeps you young at heart. Who needs age numbers
when you feel what you feel? Bring on the Joy and Happiness that
movement brings to life and Live life to its fullest.
Camille Bufano
My name is Camille Bufano and I have the Zumba
Fever! I have been teaching for six years and love to keep the Zumba
passion burning! I love to dance, I love to teach and I love to
motivate others. Join the Zumba party with me and celebrate fitness!
Mary Bryant
Mary began her fitness career in 1991. She performs her fun,
exciting, and safe aerobic routines under the name of
“Get-Up-And-Move with Mary”.
Mary is an AAAI Certified Senior Aerobics’ Instructor in Primary and
Advanced and recently received the certifications for, Enhance
Fitness, and H2O Aquatic Fitness.
Mary’s safe routines include cardio fitness, strength conditioning
(hand-held weights), toning exercises (exercises bands) to shape the
body, and stretching. The choreography routines are simple and allow
plenty of time for the student to learn the moves. She uses the
stability ball as well.
Currently, Mary instructs “The Mixed Ages Senior Aerobic Classes” at
the Lake Arbor Community Center in Largo, MD, and the Congress
Heights Senior Wellness Center in Washington D.C. Throughout the
years, Mary has also taught at Bally’s, World Gym, and the Hattie
Holmes Senior Wellness Center, in Washington, DC. She has
volunteered at many scheduled events throughout Prince Georges
County and Washington, D.C., area. In the summer of 2007, 2008 and
2009 she was the requested senior instructor for the senior “Camp
Dynamite” in Hagerstown, Maryland. In addition, Ms Bryant has had
the privilege to demonstrate her fitness expertise at the 2008
Annual NBC 4 Fitness Expo held in Washington D.C.
Mary’s “Mixed Ages” and “Mature Adults” classes are fun at its
best!!!
Shirley
After retiring from nursing & as assistant manager of a health club,
I decided to start my own land & water exercise programs. That was
over thirty years ago. I discovered Peggy quite by accident while
surfing the tv & found her there promoting H2O Fitness. That's when I
gave her a call & became certified in 2003.It has been a pleasure
working for Peggy & hope to continue as long as she will have this
old lady in her employ. I also became certified in Aqua Arthritis &
am currently studying for the AEA exam. I especially enjoy working
with the older adult & hope to prove that age is just a number. I
still teach my own group with some of the original members who
started with me so long ago. Most are in their 70s & 80s, still
working out & looking good.
Rosa
Abdulmalik
I received my training and certification from Aquatic Alliance
International as a water exercise instructor. I begin to participate
in water aerobic classes over six years ago. Right away, I
recognized the wonderful benefits from taking aqua classes. I
experienced a total energized body workout without pain. I gained
muscular strength, endurance, toning, flexibility and cardio-
vascular benefits. I knew right away, this was the class for me.
While working my full time job,
I was able to take a mid day water aerobic class during lunch break.
I begin to noticed that when I returned to my job, I was
non-confrontational, easy going and things didn't seem to bother me
the rest of the day. I was stress free!! My personal interest and
appreciation for water aerobic helps me to stay active and it keeps
me involved with fitness programs. I would like to share and give
back to other participants what I have learned.
Adrienne Williams
Hello! I'm Adrienne Williams, a native of the Washington D.C.
Metropolitan area. I am a devoted wife, mother of two, home school
educator, author, nutrition and holistic health specialist, and a
dance and fitness instructor. I LOVE teaching Zumba classes. The
reason is simple: Every class feels like a party! Come join me and
you'll see what I mean. You don't even have to know how to dance.
Just move your body and follow my lead. It's easy! Currently, I'm
licensed to teach. I have been teaching a variety of dance styles
for the past few years now, but nothing ever measures up to the
Zumba experience! One of my passions in this life is helping people
to realize how living a healthier lifestyle will help increase your
blood circulation, reduce stress and help your heart stay strong, so
you can LIVE and LOVE for years to come. I enjoy living a disease
free life, and make it my business to spread knowledge to people
everywhere so that they too can live a fulfilled life full of energy
and vitality! The Zumba Fitness program is a perfect way to get you
moving! Come try it, I guarantee you will have a blast, burn tons of
calories and feel your best! I look forward to meeting you!