Our Fitness Instructors

April Booras has Bachelors degree in Education and continuing education in exercise and fitness. She holds certifications in Yoga, Pilates, PiYo, Ramping, Kickboxing, Pilates Reformer, Geriatrics, Water Aerobics, Bosu, Balletone, Nordic Walking, Kettelbell and Spinning, is a certified group fitness instructor through ACE, and holds two personal training certificates. April has been teaching for over 20 years.

Donna Cook holds fitness certifications including Zumba Basic, Zumba Toning, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. An educator by background and degree, Donna combines her experience in high school and college dance, choreography, and her love of music creating a not-to-be missed Zumba experience. 

Jodi Doty is YogaFit certified, AFAA certified, and Zumba certified with ZumbAtomic and Zumba Toning as her specialties. She is also a Kukkiwon certified third degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Jodi teaches a variety of group fitness classes to both adults and kids.

Kendra Dicker-Deutsch fell in love with Nia in the summer of 2005. While taking classes in the community, she became inspired to share her joy with others. Since then, she has achieved her white belt and will be completing the intensive for her green belt in June 2011. 

Laura Edward was encouraged to go for her instructor training after attending several classes, and has since received her aqua certification and Keiser cycling certification. She has taught aqua for two years and cycling for one year and looks forward to working with participants at the Oswegoland Park District.

Joyce Fornek danced for 18 years before sustaining a knee injury which ultimately led her to the field of fitness. After receiving her certification as a Group Fitness Instructor from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 1998, Joyce started teaching classes for the Park District. 

Karen Glasgow has been a certified group fitness instructor since 1986. She currently holds certifications through AFFA, YogaFit, and Keiser Cycling and continues her fitness education by attending various workshops, seminars, and retreats. Karen uses her experience in the fitness industry to lead safe and effective classes in a motivating atmosphere.

Emily Goergen recently graduated with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences and became a certified Zumba instructor after participating in Park District classes for a year. She has a strong dance background and a passion for health, fitness, and baking!

Linda Hamilton started attending classes at the Oswegoland Park District as a participant before deciding to become an instructor. She has been ACE Certified since 1994 and teaching for over 15 years. She has also received certification as a Personal Trainer and is certified in several different formats including YogaFit, PiYo, Spin, KickFit, Kettelbell, Balletone, Water Aerobics, and Nordic Walking.

Tammy Heck has been instructing group fitness classes since 2006. She holds certifications through the National Exercise Trainers Association, Les Mills, Maddog Athletics, and Rep Reebok. Her goal as an instructor is to provide her class with a room full of  energy and encouragement to help each participant work towards achieving their ultimate health and fitness goals.

Jessica Hix has been practicing yoga for over five years and is YogaFit Level 1 certified. She loves being able to share all the benefits of yoga with her students.  She is also passionate about health and nutrition and is currently working towards her certificate as a Health Coach.

Steve Huebner has been studying and practicing Tai Ji Quan for the past 15 years. He received his second degree Black Sash from the "Tai JI- Shaolin Association" in 2004. Steve is currently studying with Master Yang Chen from the Shaolin Temple where he was a Buddhist Monk and instructor.

Annette Laughlin began teaching yoga in 2003 as a way to share with others the joy she experienced from yoga classes. Annette’s preferred style of yoga is vinyasa flow, linking breath and freedom of movement as a means for releasing stress and tension. Annette is YogaFit certified and continues to study through participation in workshops and classes.  

Dena Maniates is a dance instructors at the Oswegoland Park District whose love for attending fitness classes lead her to dance fitness. She is certified in Zumba Basic and has been dancing our participants through the decades in the 80’s Cardio portion of our Dance Fitness Mixer class. She is very excited to begin instructing her own Zumba class this winter!

Kristen Martzan was inspired to begin teaching yoga after experiencing its healing effects first hand. She believes anyone can benefit from yoga practice and strives to create a class environment that is welcoming, safe, and appropriate for all levels. A YogaFit certified instructor, Kristen continues her yogic education through regular participation in workshops, trainings, and reading.

Debbie Monnett is ACE certified and has 21 years of experience teaching a variety of exercise classes. She specializes in low impact aerobic and step classes here at the Park District.

Lisa Parr has been teaching group fitness for the past nine years. She has various certifications through the YMCA, SCW, and YogaFit. She is passionate about helping people stay healthy and active, and works to keep her classes new and challenging.

Tamie Pryor began studying Belly Dance in 1992 and has studied Egyptian, Turkish, and American Classic styles of Belly Dance, American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion, along with Gypsy Style and Flamenco. Tamie also has experience in the mind-body health arena as an EFT and Stress Management Coach, Reflexologist, and Certified Reiki Practitioner.

Annette Reese has a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from Illinois Benedictine, has been teaching a variety of fitness classes for 25 years. She is also ACE certified. Annette teaches cycling, yoga, and pilates and is certified in each of these disciplines as well.

Deanna Steinke has been certified by ACE, the American Council on Exercise, since October of 1989 and has been a group fitness instructor for the Park District for over 20 years.

Amy Shannon has been an enthusiastic fitness advocate for over 30 years and enjoys working with a variety of groups in both a group exercise and personal training capacity. Amy holds a group exercise certification from the National Exercise Trainers Association and currently teaches Water and Land Boot Camp, Body Toning with weights, Cycling, Kickboxing, Pilates and Prenatal Exercise.

Amy Walters has bachelor degrees in Recreation Administration and K-12 Physical Education from Aurora University. She began working in the fitness industry in 1994 and has been at the Park District since 2005. She is ACE certified.

Stephanie Whitesitt is a lifelong sports and fitness enthusiast. She has enjoyed teaching cardio, strength, and cycling classes over the past year and has been certified in both Group Exercise and Healthy Lifestyles through the YMCA. Stephanie strives to help her participants achieve their fitness goals and does so with an approachable teaching style.

Melissa Yackley is a certified Group Fitness Instructor through the National Exercise Trainers Association. She currently holds certifications in Silver Sneakers, Indoor Cycling, and Step Technique. She has also completed courses in First Aid, Defibrillation, and CPR through the American Academy of Orthopedics Surgeons.