Personal Trainers

Lonnie Arroyo is a graduate Holy Cross High School and attended Louisiana Tech University on a Track and Field athletic scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness and Wellness in 2001. Lonnie has been a Certified Personal Trainer since 2000 and became a Personal Trainer at the NOAC in 2001. In 2015, he graduated from Blue Cliff College as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Lonnie is also the owner of Function 4 Performance where he provides soft tissue treatment sessions.

Lonnie places great value on continuing his education in order to stay on top of the most advanced and most effective training strategies. Lonnie strives to give his clients the tools and knowledge they need to increase their performance and to maximize their potential by: develop strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, mobility, stability and balance.

His clients range from professional athletes, committed fitness enthusiast, “weekend warriors”, chronic pain sufferers, and beginners. He has the knowledge and experience to have an impact on individuals by utilizing advanced techniques that have eliminated pain, improve performance and restore healthy movement for his clients.

At any age you can learn the most efficient way to reach your goals by training smarter and have an effective safe workout.

Contact Lonnie at (504) 301-7600 or info@Function4Performance.com for Training, Stretching Movement Evaluation Sessions.

• Certified Personal Trainer (NESTA) National Exercise and Sports Trainer Association
• Certified (CES) Corrective Exercise Specialist, (NASM) National Academy of Sports Medicine
• Certified (FMS) Functional Movement Specialist
• Certified Gray Institute 3D Maps, Movement Analysis and Performance System
• Certified (PRI) Postural Restoration Institute, Primary Course Myokinematic Restoration
• Certified (FST) Fascial Stretch Therapists, Stretch to Win Institute
• Licensed Massage Therapist LA-8097 , Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
• Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP)
• Certified Hawk Grips Techniques (IASTM) Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Certified (ART) Active Release Techniques, Full Body Certified
• Certified (ART) Active Release Techniques, Complex Protocols
• Certified (ART) Active Release Techniques, Nerve Entrapment
• Certified (ART) Active Release Techniques, Biomechanics, Walking & Running
• Observation and training Project Walk (Spinal Cord Injury Recovery) Austin, Tx

Donny is a 1999 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a BS in Fitness & Wellness/Pre Physical Therapy.  As a Lifetime Certified Trainer through NESTA, he has flourished at the NOAC for over 16 years while displaying his proficiency in:

-weight loss, strength training, rehabilitation, and sport specific conditioning

This diversity has afforded Donny the privilege of being voted among the top 3 trainers in New Orleans by Gambit Magazine for the past 8 years. One of his clients was just named to the USA Today Freshman All American Collegiate Football Team. Whether your goals are to play collegiate football, compete in your first triathlon, or simply lose weight and feel better, Donny has the experience to get you there!

Contact Don at: (504) 214-0558

Tessa Izdepski graduated from LSU in 2006 with a degree in Kinesiology, focusing on Human Movement. She has been a personal trainer ever since.  Her studies included coursework in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and exercise sciences, amongst other related topics. She is also a lifetime athlete, playing soccer and running track and cross country throughout her youth and young adulthood. The combination of her athletic experience and educational background make a great platform for an excellent, well rounded personal trainer. Her personal training style focuses on:

-movement and full body exercises

-mixes of plyometrics, resistance training, cardio, and balance and agility in her routines to maximize physical gains

-fast paced, interval setting that has been proven to be most effective for weight loss

She has had great success with her clients, many losing 20, 30, 40, and even 100 pounds! She has also helped clients train for athletic competitions, models trim up for photo shoots, and the elderly to maintain balance and muscular tone. Her clients range from athletes, to expectant mothers, to gin drinkers, and everyone in between. No matter what your goals are, she will help you meet them. Staying fit in the Big Easy CAN be done!

When she’s not busy whipping people into shape, Tessa can be found traveling… or not found, rather. 41 states, 23 countries, and counting!

Contact Tessa at: (504) 615-8139

Danny Navar began working as a personal trainer in the spring of 2007after he received his master’s degree in neuroscience at LSU Health Sciences Center. His thesis focused on understanding the neural mechanisms associated with meal termination. After receiving his personal trainer certification, he began training individual and group clients at Lakeway Athletic Club and New Orleans Athletic Club. Currently he works primarily out of New Orleans Athletic Club where he trains clients as well as himself. Danny emphasizes a complete, yet individualized fitness routine for his clients and himself by:

-focusing on cardiovascular and muscular fitness, flexibility, balance and coordination, and proper body composition

-basic goals for most include increased functionality, diet awareness, and becoming a more active person.

His own fitness goals include building strength and power for sports, maximizing flexibility, conditioning for sports, maintaining proper weight and body composition, and improving quickness and agility. Danny has been resistance training for most his life and has competitive experience in Olympic and power lifting. He participated in wrestling and football in high school and still enjoys competitive and recreational sports. When not in the gym or being active; Danny enjoy movies and music, traveling, watching sports, reading, beer brewing and consumption, and of course just relaxing.

Contact Danny at: (504) 231-4200

Tim Good is a NASM certified trainer and a long time member of the NOAC. Tim has acquired over twenty years of personal weightlifting experience that translates his successes and passion for the sport into personalized training programs to answer each clients needs and goals. Tim offers small group classes as well as one on one sessions. Tim’s certifications and education include:

-National Academy of Sports Medicine(NASM), Certified Personal Trainer

-NASM Weight Loss Specialist

-TRX Suspension Training Course Instructor

-Krav Maga Self Defense Level 1

-Volunteer Coach with Rocksteady Boxing, a program designed for Parkinson’s patients

Contact Tim at: (504) 343-8356 or tgood504@hotmail.com

Jennifer V. Pearl – Pilates Method Alliance Certified

Jennifer graduated from the University of Vermont with a small business management degree. In her senior year she and three other students opened a Bagel store. Over the next 12 years she helped grow the company to 10 stores in 4 states with over $4m in revenue. Seeking a life change, she took a sabbatical in 2000 and traveled to India where she studied yoga. Upon her return she received the 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification with an emphasis on the Iyengar style.

After teaching yoga for several years she became interested in the core strength aspects of Pilates. The principle of lengthening the torso away from the pelvis while engaging and strengthening the deep abdominals gave her much relief from chronic low back issues. She credits Pilates to keep her healthy for tennis, walking, biking and skiing/snowboarding.

Jennifer is certified with the Physical Mind Institute and the Pilates Method Alliance. She has continued her training with Brent Anderson at Polestar Pilates, Ellie Herman in San Francisco and various PMA workshops & conferences.

Pilates is a practice that can be enjoyed by any body regardless of physical conditioning, it can be practiced anytime and anywhere while standing, sitting or lying down. The benefits are a flexible spine, length of the body and strength of the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles, all are crucial to an independent healthy life.

Jennifer specializes in:

• Clients who want to increase their abdominal strength, address low back pain and gain muscular length and strength
• Clients seeking improved balance
• All ages and athletic abilities who want to increase coordination and mind/body connection
• Post surgery re-hab with guidance from your Physical Therapist

Contact Jennifer at 504-258-5724

Jessica Tzur has a love and fascination for movement. She found an outlet for this in Pilates and she hopes to share these feelings with her clients. Jessica has been a Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor since 2009, originally drawn to Pilates as a way to deal with her personal injuries and improve her own movement abilities. Jessica continues to learn different skills and specialties to expand the client population that she can share her love of movement with. Some of the things she is trained to work with include pre/post natal, osteoporosis, athletes and performing artists and more. She strives to help you find your joy in movement, whether that means the ability to move through daily tasks in a pain free way or to execute demanding physical movements with precision. Jessica spends her free time perusing her own physical prowess as an aerialist and acrobat as is delighted by most physical challenges. She looks forward to the opportunity to help you feel like your strongest self. You can reach Jessica at 415.513.7428 or jstzur@hotmail.com.

Matthew Sabella started weight training about nine years ago. As he learned more about exercise and weightlifting, he also became interested in the health and fitness industry. Eventually he received a job at the Lakeway Athletic Club as a personal trainer and aquatics instructor. He received his first personal training certification through the International Alliance in April of 2004. He is also certified in personal training through AFAA as well as sports nutrition, aqua aerobics and personal training through the Exercise Science Alliance.

Matthew began working at the East Jefferson YMCA in October 2005 as a Personal Trainer and Floor Manager. In 2009, he competed in hid first two body building shows and placed fourth out of seven contestants in both shows. Matthew feels very fortunate to have worked with some of the most respected people in our area such as Buford Jordan, Troy Bourgeois and Mackie Schilstone. By taking aspects of each of their particular styles of training, Matthew feels that he was able to develop his own unique style. His specialties include:

-Weight Loss and Toning, Muscle Mass Development and Bodybuilding, Strength and Sports Specific Training such as Speed, Balance and Agility.

Matthew’s goal is to instill the same energy and excitement that he has for exercising into his clients. He believes if you develop a passion for fitness it becomes a lifestyle that you will never give up.

Contact Matthew at: (504) 812-4218

Shanda Domango trained in Dance, Fitness, Nutrition, and has established and choreographed the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s (ULL) first Hip Hop dance team – Infinity. While at ULL, Shanda taught Hip Hop at P.J.’s Dance Art School and choreographed and danced for recording artists such as Wentrell Thomas, New Cupid (of the Cupid Shuffle), and Dawn Richard of Danity Kane (formerly Diddy Dirty Money). While in Los Angeles, Shanda attained a Master’s in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University and her Personal Training Certification with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Merging her love for dance and fitness, Shanda traveled as one of the leading performers and choreographers of SWEET MANGO and toured her renowned Hip Hop Cardio classes around the country. Shanda has worked with clients across the country from Los Angeles to New Orleans in achieving:

-Weight Loss, Lean Muscle Gain, and Increased Energy

-Creatively designed workouts for clients that are fun, challenging, and encourages growth.

Shanda is known for her passion, motivation, and energy as a Dancer, Personal Trainer, and Health Coach. She currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana where she runs, a company that provides Dance, Nutrition, and Fitness healthy active lifestyle services to corporate, community, and private groups and individuals.

Contact Shanda at: (504) 975-0815 or Shanda24fit@gmail.com

Michael MJ Brown is and ACE Certified Personal Trainer with over 6 years of training experience  with Specialties in Weight Loss Management, Sports Conditioning, Strength and Flexibility and Senior Fitness. MJ has work in fitness and athletics for a variety of professional, Collegiate, and minor league sports teams including LSU Track and Field, Tulane University Athletics, San Jose State University Athletics, and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. Skilled in working with all fitness levels, MJ can help increase you overall health and strength, and help with soreness and stiffness in joints and muscles. If you’re interested in weight loss, athletic performance, living a better healthier life then call MJ and he’ll be more than happy to help you on your fitness journey.

Contact MJ at: (504) 250-4952 or mikeb_fit@yahoo.com

“For over twenty five years, I’ve been helping people get into the bodies they desire, beginning with my own.” – Jonathan Kaufman, the “Everyday Fitness Guru”.

“Now I work hard to help others achieve results by unlocking their own genetic potential through resistance training.”

“I was overweight till the age of 15. I had a 48 inch waist and weighed close to 375 pounds. I was sick and tired of being “sick and tired” and decided to BE BETTER.”

Always motivated, Jonathan began a study of fitness and exercise that continues today.

Having lost over 150 pounds and encouraged by his father’s own military history, Jonathan joined the United States Army Reserve (1986). He completed the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Course (300-91A10) at the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston,Texas (1987). Following this training, he was assigned to the 854th Combat Engineering Battalion, Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh in Upstate New York. Jonathan assisted in conducting fitness testing and physical training for the battalion.

Honorably discharged from service in 1990, Jonathan became one of the first ACE Certified Personal Trainers in 1992.

In 1993, Jonathan received a license in Massage Therapy from the prestigious Swedish Institute in New York City, the oldest massage school in the United States and a part of the Educational Department of the University Of The State Of New York.

Jonathan has owned and operated independent personal training companies in New York and Florida. He has worked closely with leaders in the fitness industry such as Steve Kass, CEO of American Leisure Corporation, Phil Kaplan of P.A. Kaplan and Associates and R.J. Rice of French Riviera Health and Fitness/Parks Health and Fitness, divisions of Rice Industries. He now joins the New Orleans Athletic Club, the oldest operating health club in the United States.

Jonathan is currently certified by the
• NCCPT (National Council for Certified Personal Trainers), (2012 – 2019)

Holds Licenses in Massage Therapy from New York State (Lic. 006296),(1993) and the State of Louisiana (LA7102), (2012)

And has received certifications from;
• TRX – TRX Suspension Training and Sports Medicine Suspension Training (L2) , (2012, 2013) • ACE Certification (American Council on Exercise), (1992 – 2008)
• Certified High Intensity Resistance Exercise Specialist, HITuni. (2017 – )

Hear Jonathan’s podcast “TEMPLE TALK” with the EVERYDAY FITNESS GURU on iTunes.

EXPERIENCE the MOST SOPHISTICATED EXERCISE PROTOCOL ON THE PLANET.

BUILD STRENGTH, IMPROVE BONE DENSITY and PREVENT MUSCLE LOSS with a science based, researched driven workout that delivers the results clients want with only 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISE ONCE (1X) A WEEK!

CALL JONATHAN NOW (954) 257-1075 TO SCHEDULE YOUR RESULTS ORIENTATION

Janna Haller is a Health Educator, former Division I Track and Field Athlete and a national qualifier for the USA Mountain Cycling circuit. She earned her BSE in Health Promotion from Arkansas State University and is certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Additionally, she’s certified in yoga and founded and operated a yoga studio before moving to New Orleans.

With Janna’s experience and course work she’s comfortable educating clients about all aspects of wellness, including nutrition, anatomy, and physiology. She’s confident in conducting health assessments and creating individualized strength training and conditioning programs for a wide variety of clients. This includes endurance athletes to beginners, and specialized populations like aging adults, individuals with injuries, and pregnancy and postpartum. Janna is available for individual instruction and group settings too.

In short, she loves seeing people take interest in their bodies and enjoys helping them meet their goals.  LGBTQIA and BLM

Janna specializes in:

~ Individualized Strength and Conditioning Programs

~ Pregnancy and Postpartum

~ Health & Wellness Education

~ New to Fitness Types

~Training with Injuries

~Stability Training

~Endurance Athletes

~Yoga Instruction

504.657.4535

jannahaller@gmail.com

Chris Tucci was a four year NCAA Division I athlete at Manhattan College, in the MAAC Conference. Chris captained the Varsity Men’s Swim Team his junior and senior year as an academic All-American before starting his coaching career. Tucci’s goal was to help develop strong swimmers, who are confident and capable in the water.

Tucci has worked with a wide range of skill sets and ages, spanning from infants to elderly. He has worked with adults who are terrified of the water, United States’ military forces, both professional and aspiring triathletes, football players with torn ACLs, world class swimmers and more. Chris’ desire to learn more about aquatics has led to a large skill set that allows him to help everyone in the water.

Chris has served as the Director of the Swim School of Boulder, Aquatic Advisor for the Longmont YMCA and the Strength & Conditioning Coach for Manhattan College’s Division I Swim Team.

Tucci is a certified Stress & Rescue Scuba Diver through Scuba Schools International. He is also a certified freediver with a record breath hold of six minutes. Tucci is an American Swimming Coaches Association Level 2 Coach, as well as a member of the World Swimming Coaches Association.

Chris has also been a personal trainer/sports performance coach since 2007. He was the Director of Healthy Lifestyles & Sports at the Westside Family YMCA in Los Angeles. Tucci has held and/or currently holds certifications/qualifications through ACE, TRX, ACTION, Les Mills, POUND, Swim Schools International, American Red Cross, American Heart Association and more.

Tucci recently moved to New Orleans with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He enjoys 5:30 am runs with his pack, gardening, cooking, blogging, traveling and working with animals. Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree and is currently working on his Master’s Degree.

To improve your ability in the water, regardless of your skill level or goals, contact Chris to schedule a time to meet at:

ct@hungryandfit.com or 720.560.8723

Kevin Thompson received his Personal Training certification from the National Academy of
Sports Medicine as well as his Nutrition Coach certification and his Corrective Exercise
Specialist certification. He worked for several years as a personal trainer in Phoenix Arizona
where he regularly earned “Trainer of the Month” for helping clients achieve the most muscle
gain or fat loss. He moved to NOLA in 2020 and has been training at the NOAC since. With his
experience in individual, group and family training, Kevin has guided clients of all ages and
fitness backgrounds to achieve their goals. He is focused on mobility training for increased
physical health in the long-term and has experience in:

-corrective exercises/injury recovery, weight management, strength and conditioning training,
HIIT, Muay Thai, and mobility focused exercise

Kevin is a positive and supportive trainer whose goal is to help people from all levels of fitness
obtain their physical and nutrition goals through customized programing.

Contact Kevin at (928)699-9067 or kevintfitnessnola@gmail.com to schedule a complimentary
session.

Crissie Manfre’s passion for weight lifting began at age 15 when she had reconstructive surgery on her ankle. She got put in the weight room to lift with the football players and never looked back. Crissie, from Bethesda Maryland, holds a degree in Health promotion and Psychology from American University (AU). She acquired her personal trainer certification from the National Strength Professionals Association in 2006, a year before her graduation from AU.

Her training career began at Sport and Health Club of Bethesda, where she trained individuals interested in losing weight, improving strength, power and speed as well as prevention of injury, serving clients of varying ages and abilities from high school to persons over 70. She has taught High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Pilates Mat classes under fitness director Katie Rubio and Claire Danaceau.

In 2012, Crissie became a certified Pilates instructor adding versatility to her training skills. Pilates is an exercise system that builds strength and flexibility, improving all-over fitness focusing on the core musculature with use of efficient breathing. During her career, she has developed outdoor boot camp programs for the NAK training company and circuit training and water aerobics classes for the Montgomery College’s (MC) Wellness program, a community college in the Washington DC area.

For the Wellness Program, under Brenda Salas and Lili Rojas, Crissie managed the campuses’ three gyms for the faculty and staff coaching them on exercise technique, testing their current fitness abilities, monitoring their progress and providing motivation to get them to reach their goals. She was also the strength coach for the MC softball, soccer, basketball, hockey and track and field teams. The MC soccer team won the Junior College Championship during her second year as strength coach. Before becoming a strength coach at MC, Crissie volunteered at Georgetown University as a strength coach under Augie Maurelli and Michael Hill. Most recently, Crissie became a National Master’s Olympic lifter (35+ age group) and participated in Masters National competition in Orlando, Florida in March 2021 and went 5/6 of her snatch and clean and jerk.

She genuinely loves to use her expertise to build confidence, strength and overall fitness for everyone she trains and coaches.

ACCREDITED CERTIFICATIONS:

o  Level 1 Weightlifting Coach, United States of America Weightlifting (USAW)

o  Certified Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor, Balance Body University (BBU)

o  Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA)

o  Certified Personal Trainer, National Strength Professionals Association (NSPA)

o  Certified Professional Trainer, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFFA)

o  American Heart Association: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certified (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator Certification (AED), Adult & Child

You can contact Crissie at 301.938.9413 or crissiemanfre@gmail.com

Rebecca came to yoga as a musician, looking for ways to strengthen, understand and protect her body from the rigor of playing violin. She is a 500 RYT yoga instructor with training in yoga therapeutics, anatomy and alignment, and skillful in both group and individual (private) yoga instruction. Her classes are alignment based, led from the heart and sprinkled with creative flows. She believes that through connecting movement and breath, we arrive in meditative states that slow our busy mind while still getting our bodies moving. Physical alignment is key – as the more we understand our bodies and the specific way we move as individuals, the closer we can tune into the messages it sends us everyday – merging body and mind.

Rebecca offers training in both yoga and stretch. As a one-on-one or small group student of Rebecca, you will learn how specific poses fit your unique body as a means to create openness, awareness, mobility and strength. All classes are tailored to each individual. Rebecca’s private students leave each session with a deeper understanding of the practice and can be given an at-home practice (“yoga practice prescription”)  to work with between sessions.

Rebecca can be contacted at rebeccahopes@gmail.com

Amanda is a personal trainer and certified strength coach with over 7 years of experience. After nearly a decade in mental health, she started her own weightlifting journey as a way to cope with the high stress work environment. She began taking on clients in her free time, ultimately leaving mental health for training full time in 2017. Amanda has worked with a variety of first responders from military to firefighters in addition to strength athletes primarily powerlifters and strongman competitors. She not only coaches,but competes in both powerlifting and strongman while juggling the joys of motherhood.

Amanda loves working with a wide variety of clients and firmly believes that strength training is the fountain of youth. Contact Amanda at 504-259-4932 or bigeasybarbell@gmail.com to begin your strength and fitness journey.

-NSCA certified personal trainer

-NCSF certified strength coach

-National Strength and Conditioning Association professional member

-USPA (United States Powerlifting Association) member

-USS (United States Strongman) member

Kate is originally from Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. She moved to USA in 2017 as a professional ironman athlete. She was introduced to sports early when she was 6 years old. Till 18 years she was a professional ballroom-sport dancer.  Kate has Bachelor and Masters degree in International Economy and Administrative Management.  At the end of 2015, she moved to Cozumel island, a beautiful place that became her second home.

In 2016 with no triathlon background she became a professional Ironman athlete in less then a year. Ironman distance includes – 3.86 km (2.4 miles) swim, a 180.25 km (112 miles) bike and a third 42.2 km (26.22 miles) marathon run. Every segment of an Ironman race occurs in this exact order. There is no break in between them.  Kate was training twice a day. Her Saturday was 6-7 hours of training.

A note from Kate:

I hope that I am able to inspire you in the way others have inspired me. If I reach just one person with my efforts and it helps them to transform him or herself into a happier and better person, then this website and all of my work going into this will be more than worthwhile.

​This fitness life is only the beginning and I hope that you will continue to pursue your dreams like I pursue mine. Your dreams are only a stone’s throw away! Follow me and reach them! Anything is Possible!

You can reach Kate at 817-818-8922 or iamkateboss@gmail.com.

Gionne Celebi is a registered nurse, an integrative health coach, and practices myofascial release (MFR). She has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. While years working in hospitals provided invaluable experience, it also led to frustration with a system focused on disease, medication, and procedures versus prevention and wellness. After multiple injuries and an associated struggle with chronic pain, she sought and found alternatives to medication and surgery for relief. Grateful for her own recovery, she shifted to integrative health and became passionate about helping as many people as she could on the path to healing.

Her work as an integrative health coach is rooted in science and supports what is offered by typical healthcare. She has a special interest in pain relief, destressing, and longevity.  She offers information, strategies, and interventions to optimize health, looking at wellness with a wide lens. Topics addressed include food, nutrition, sleep, movement, and exercise, plus much more. As an integrative health coach and MFR practitioner she is able to do what she enjoys most – spending quality time supporting people on their wellness journeys.

You can reach Gionne at 504-919-3700 or gionnecelebi@yahoo.com

With a background as a trained dancer, Andrea has a passion for movement that feels good. Her approach to personal training is one that gets clients moving and enjoying what they’re doing, while also challenging them. She listens to clients’ needs, and adjusts workouts accordingly. She loves working with folks getting back into movement after a hiatus or folks new to working out. She also loves working with seniors and folks looking to maintain their fitness level for life. This is Andrea’s second time living in NOLA, with a 7 year stint in between in the California Bay Area, where she began her fitness career. During the first New Orleans stint she was a NOAC member! When not working out or practicing yoga, she enjoys long walks with her husband and dog, reading, trying new foods, and travel.

Andrea holds an A.C.E. Personal Training certification and has been working in the fitness industry since 2014. She also holds an A.C.E. Group Fitness certification, and is a 500 HR RYT through Yoga Alliance. Andrea is also TRX Qualified, holds a 20 hr Trauma Informed Yoga CEC, and is CPR/AED Certified. Andrea also has a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law.

You can reach Andrea at andrea.j.rush@gmail.com or 803.920.4615

Having graduated with an undergraduate degree in International Studies and Spanish and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, Emley’s studies brought her around the world — but what always traveled with her was her passion for fitness and people. Upon her return to the US, she became certified in personal training, TRX, yoga, CrossFit, and group fitness, highlighting her belief that movement should be joyful and intentional in whichever way you choose to approach it.

Emley’s multidisciplinary fitness background and anti-restriction mindset have helped clients with diverse needs feel confident, capable, and healthy. Her training interests include hypertrophy, Olympic lifting, metabolic conditioning, functional fitness, mobility and stability training, and sports-performance training. Emley is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes clients of all levels and abilities. Training is available in English or Spanish.

For more information, contact Emley at (504) 858-1567 or at emleykerry@gmail.com

Do you want to learn a particular dance style, interesting choreography, learn general dance technique, social dance, or dance to get fit? Look no further! The NOAC is now offering private dance training sessions with our new personal trainer, Jen Ramos!

Jennifer Ramos, M.Ed is a professional dancer and instructor bringing her mix of expertise in dance to the NOAC. She has taught dance, yoga, fitness and theater arts at cultural arts centers, various dance studios, pre-professional ballet conferences, sports science symposiums, preschool through high school programs, senior living communities and city centers. Some of the dance styles studied and performed include contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, modern, Latin dance, ballroom dance, partnering, belly dance, burlesque, heels choreography, dance fitness, world dance, and more! With seventeen years of experience teaching students of all ages, Jen uses her knowledge of classical dance technique in order to teach various styles, expression, and improvisational skills at any level.

Jen began her dance training at age five, competing in dance at age ten, and teaching at age sixteen by choreographing for local quinceaneras and sweet 16’s; She has not stopped teaching and dancing since! At age 15, she won the city-wide Shakira “Hips Don’t Lie” contest and had the opportunity to meet and dance at Shakira’s Oral Fixation Tour in El Paso, Texas. In her hometown, she has performed at the Hyundai Sunbowl during half-time shows with artists such as Rihanna, Baby Bash, and Diamond Rio. Throughout college, she was involved in the El Paso artist community by performing with Jago Sazu and Mountain Movement Dance Company.

She studied at Santa Monica College working towards an Associate of Arts Degree in Dance Performance. She received her undergraduate degrees from Angelo State University in Kinesiology, Communications, and Music. Jen also received her Master of Education in Coaching, Sports, Recreation, and Fitness Administration. Some of her accolades on the west coast include performing with the Synapse Dance Theater Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Global Motion World Dance Company, and presenting at The American College Dance Association. She has worked with choreographers for film, Broadway, and theater internationally and locally. Before moving to New Orleans, Jen was dancing with the Cuban Contemporary Dance Company Chamacos in Austin, Texas and was teaching at a number of Austin dance studios. Since moving to New Orleans she has been teaching dance at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts, NORD Cultural Camps, St. Alphonsus charter school, and of course acting at the NOAC.

Currently, you can find her teaching dance, yoga, and fitness classes for all ages, working with private clients, or performing professionally as a freelance artist. Get your workout in and have fun learning how to dance!

” I admire how she is able to connect so well with such a wide age range. As a teacher, I see her as attentive, creative, multi-talented, and genuine not only towards her students but to her art form.”

Ada Marquez

Owner of DANZA Center for the Arts in Austin,TX

“Ms. Ramos not only taught a yoga and dance camp to more than 300 high school students from EPISD, but she also mentored and led all the dance teachers for the district. Students and teachers alike felt that Ms. Ramos brought forth an unforgettable energy and expertise that not only made them better dancers and performers, but better people”

Phillip Barraza, M.Ed

Director of Fine Arts for El Paso Independent School District

Jennifer can be reached at jenramos6@gmail.com or 512.721.9299