WELLBEING TEAM

Christine has been in the fitness industry since 1984 and teaching Yoga since 1998. She has a 500hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification and is a Level 1 Yoga Therapist. She has training in reiki, energy exercise, group exercise and spiritual leadership certification. Christine is owner of a yoga studio and creator of YES- Yoga for Emotional Support. Her favorite thing about teaching yoga is guiding people to heal and to feel and be their best. She enjoys teaching dynamic flow classes that suit each individual on that day!

Martha has been at the University for 20 years and is a Professor in Human Development and Family Studies, and the Director of the Delaware Institute of Excellence in Early Childhood. Martha teaches Zumba and Aqua Zumba.

Chelsea is the Fitness Coordinator for the UD Employee Health and Wellbeing Program and is certified to teach BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, and SPRINT. For Chelsea, group fitness to her is one of the most empowering programs to be involved in. As an instructor, you have the power to motivate and challenge participants to give their best absolute effort in everything they do. The best feeling is when you give your energy off to your participants, they give it right back, and all of you realize nothing is stopping you from completing this workout. That community “feel” is what draws Chelsea back each class.

Polly is the Director of Conference & Event Services at UD and an adjunct professor in Hospitality Business management. With 30 years of fitness class teaching experience, Polly loves to have fun engage with her participants, while also improving their confidence, strength, health, and mindset at the same time.

Maryann is certified to teach Pilates, barre, Les Mills BODYFLOW, Les Mills BARRE, Aerial Yoga, and Meditation. Outside of fitness, Maryann is a paralegal and loves to travel and cook. Her favorite thing about teaching group fitness classes is the opportunity to connect with members and help inspire them on their wellness journey.

Bridget holds a bachelor’s degree in Fitness Management from the University of Delaware.  She is an ACE certified personal trainer with over 20 years experience in the fitness industry.  In addition to her ACE PT certification, she has completed the Crossfit level I certification course, advanced orthopedic exercise specialist certification, and holds numerous group exercise certifications. Bridget believes in constantly learning and growing in order to best meet the needs of all of her clients.

As a very proud UD graduate and a lifetime dance and fitness enthusiast, Liz enjoys the dynamic energy of a class setting while motivating others to achieve a healthier self while experiencing fun and laughter during class.  While working full-time for a chemical company in Delaware for 29 years in various technical positions,  Liz also taught exercise classes part-time to balance the always sought after and much needed, life-balance world!  All types of movement and music motivate her and aims to share her motivation with her participants!

John Souren is a first year Physical Therapy University of Delaware student with personal training experience with students, staff, and faculty while taking undergraduate classes at Penn State prior to the 2021 school year.

Devon is a certified ACE personal trainer and ASFA certified cycling instructor. She has been instructing group fitness for over 5 years from trampolines to the saddle! Devon is always high energy and ready to try something new. Although uncompetitive in spirit, Devon would be excited to join you for your upcoming 5k to marathon, short bike ride to century, or obstacle course (as long as you do not have to swim in open water). A vegan for over 20 years, ask her for some delicious plant based recipes! Her favorite motivational quote: "Show out on the days you feel your best, show up on the days you feel your worst". 

A fellow Blue Hen alumnus, Bryn is a certified AFAA group fitness instructor and holds certifications in yoga, Pilates, childrens yoga, barre and heart zone training. She loves teaching in-person classes and teaching online for a company called Burn Along. She believes in listening to our bodies and finding workouts that feel good rather than working out to the point that our body is exhausted. Every class with Bryn will leave you feeling stronger, leaner and healthy.

Joanne, a NETA Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, is an energetic fitness professional with the knowledge and drive to apply education and enthusiasm in supporting clients in their wellness journeys. She has the ability to motivate individuals with differing ability levels in various class formats while providing a welcoming and safe exercise environment. She enjoys inspiring others to commit to long-term health and fitness goals. Over 20 years of group exercise instruction, Joanne has taught a variety of fitness modalities including some of her favorites Yoga, Step, Pilates and Strength Training. Her goal is to help people enjoy exercise and get the most out of their workouts.

Renee has been a Certified Personal Trainer for over 6 years and has been involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Her passion for fitness began in group exercise and she is certified in numerous group exercise formats, including Barre, LesMills BODYCOMBAT, and LesMills BODYATTACK.

Renee has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Counseling. She is a certified personal trainer through the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) and is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Exercise Science.

Renee is passionate about fitness and enjoys pushing and challenging herself physically. She has participated in several half marathons, obstacle course races, and Spartan races. She uses this passion when working with clients to help motivate them in reaching their own personal goals. She truly enjoys helping and working with others who are new to fitness and are ready to make “lifestyle” changes that include their physical activity and forming better lifelong habits!

Elizabeth is the HR Generalist for the Information Technologies Department at UD and is a lifelong fitness enthusiast. She has been a group exercise instructor for 13 years and has taught everything from Zumba and HIIT to strength, circuit training and functional mobility classes. Her belief that fitness should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone is reflected in her creative and inclusive teaching style. No matter the format, Elizabeth provides fun, effective and safe workouts for her participants, empowering them to dig deep and challenge themselves. She is excited to earn her ACE personal training certification in the fall of 2022 and looks forward to connecting with her fellow UD colleagues.

Milinda currently teaches and coaches at three different facilities, and enjoys the different nuances of each establishment. She is a certified personal trainer through ACE, as well as a general group exercise instructor.  She is also certified to teach BODYPUMP, BODYFLOW, Les Mills SPRINT and has just completed the BODYCOMBAT training.  Milinda is also certified to teach Spinning and CardioSport.  Her passion for teaching came after she survived Breast Cancer.  It was important for her to motivate others who have gone through, or are going through any type of illness, to keep moving forward.

Jennifer has been teaching in the Group Fitness industry since 2009 for local gyms in the area and the City of Newark. She is certified and licensed in different formats such as Pilates, Barre, Cardio Sport, Zumba, Zumba Toning, Strong by Zumba, Aqua Zumba.  She feels it’s always important to connect with her students as she inspires them on their fitness journey.  She enjoys giving back to others by organizing various fundraising events in her community and likes to work with special needs individuals. Her hobbies include running, biking and training for half and full marathons.

Stacie is a slow flow yoga instructor who works full-time at the University of Delaware within the Center for Teach and Assessment of Learning. Stacie’s background in physical therapy education makes her a valuable asset to her students and ensuring that their movement patterns are safe and effective during practice.

Jaime works as a Research Geologist at the Delaware geological Survey.  She began teaching fitness classes for UD in 2011 and is certified in BODYPUMP, HIIT, and Cycle.  Jaime discovered group exercise as a graduate student at UD and was immediately hooked on the energy, motivation, socialization and workout variety that comes with fitness classes.  Her favorite part about teaching is helping members progress in their workouts and surprising themselves by achieving new milestones.  Outside of teaching, Jaime loves to garden, cook, bake, hike and trail run!

Herbert is certified Health Coach and Tai Chi Chuan Instructor, as well as Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability Consultant.  Herbert loves to see students connect the “Breath” with the “Movements” eventually receiving the health benefits from their Tai Chi/Qigong practice.

Cherish teaches a wide variety of yoga classes that range from Therapeutic yoga to warm Vinyasa for all special populations. She focuses on anatomy, alignment, and body awareness. She utilizes mindfulness techniques and activities to bring mind and body together, cultivating healthy practices for healthier people.

Jen is a certified yoga instructor who also works full-time as Nutrition Outreach Coordinator for the Employee Health and Wellbeing Department (also known as Chef Jen). 

Katrina has 20 plus years of personal training experience as a young athlete to personal training to a parent of athletes.  She holds a NASM personal training certification and several group fitness certifications in Les Mills Sprint, TRX, GTS, Precision Nutrition, and Method.  She is passionate about coaching clients to achieve their personal goals and a functional quality of life.

Tracey is a 300-hour yoga certified instructor by the Living Mandala School of Yoga in 2017. Fun facts: Tracey just became a grandmother for the first time, and she enjoys photography.

"Satnam." Syndey's yoga practice initiated 8 years ago and in 2019 she decided to get her certification in Vinyasa. She is certified through Pura Vida in San Diego, CA and has been teaching yoga for 3 years and absolutely loves it. Sydney also instructs classes at the Wilmington Country Club and Sadhana Yoga. Her yoga classes are designed to help you on your own journey - whatever that may be!

Jess Pieper works as Wellbeing Coordinator on UD's Employee Health and Wellbeing Team. She has over 10 years' experience working as an exercise physiologist, personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She holds a master's degree in Exercise Physiology and is an American College of Sports Medicine Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Jess currently teaches indoor cycling classes and loves riding through Delaware trails!

Christine has been teaching group exercise classes since 2020 and currently teaches in several area gyms.  She enjoys sharing her love of movement with members and participants.  As a swimmer through her youth through high school, she struggled to find movement after having her first child in 2009 and found her passion then in group exercise.  She was an avid member of group exercise classes until becoming an instructor. She continues to find that moving and sweating with others creates a motivational and fun environment where we can all share our goals and successes, and is thankful to be able to give back in the way so many instructors motivated and inspired her through her journey to fitness. Christine is certified in Les Mills Bodypump, Les Mills BodyAttack, Les Mills Core, and TRX suspension training, and Schwinn Cycling.  

Christine has her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware in Early Childhood Development and Education, with a concentration in Exceptional Children. She has her master's degree from Wilmington University in English for Speakers of Other Languages/Reading Specialist and master's level coursework for Delaware School Principal/Assistant Principal Certification.  Christine taught in public schools in Delaware as an early childhood educator for 15 years, mostly with kindergarten and first grade students with a specialty for students with special needs and English language learners. Christine joined the University of Delaware staff in 2022 as a Professional Development Specialist for the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC).  She enjoys working with educators and professionals from all three counties in the state to help foster superior quality in early childhood education in Delaware. Christine is fluent in Spanish and specializes in facilitating professional development for bilingual providers in Delaware. 

Christine lives in Pike Creek with her three children, spouse, and two rescue dogs.  When not in the gym or working, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and most any outdoor activity, especially hiking, swimming, biking and sailing.

Elizabeth is the HR Generalist for the Information Technologies Department at UD and is a lifelong fitness enthusiast. She has been a group exercise instructor for 13 years and has taught everything from Zumba and HIIT to strength, circuit training and functional mobility classes. Her belief that fitness should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone is reflected in her creative and inclusive teaching style. No matter the format, Elizabeth provides fun, effective and safe workouts for her participants, empowering them to dig deep and challenge themselves. She is excited to earn her ACE personal training certification in the fall of 2022 and looks forward to connecting with her fellow UD colleagues.

• Mondays and Wednesdays: after 4:30pm
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 - 7:30am

Gray earned his B.S in exercise science with a minor in strength and conditioning from the University of Delaware in 2022. He is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Exercise Physiology program at UD and is an American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) certified personal trainer. Gray is passionate about helping people of all ages get stronger and gain confidence and believes most people are capable of doing things they never thought possible. He has a wide range of training experience from strength-specific goals to older population specialization. His goal is to help each of his clients reach their goals while providing safe, science-based, and encouraging instruction. Gray spends most of his free time with his Wife at the gym or walking trails & fishing in White Clay Creek!

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10-7pm

John Souren is a first year Physical Therapy University of Delaware student with personal training experience with students, staff, and faculty while taking undergraduate classes at Penn State prior to the 2021 school year.

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 6 - 7:30am, 12:30 - 7pm
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 - 1pm

Andrew Douwes is a first year Doctor of Physical Therapy student and Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) with experience training veterans and athletes during undergrad here at UD. 

• Mondays and Wednesdays: 1-11pm
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6-12pm
• Fridays: 2:30-9pm

Isaac Kefa is a ISSA certified bodybuilding specialist and Nutritionist who graduated from the University of Delaware, with a Bachelors of Science in Health Behavioral Science and Public Health. He works as a health behavioral therapist, helping clients suffering from mental health and substance abuse. He teaches individuals on how to navigate through mental and physical health barriers in order to fulfill their goals. His philosophy on training stems around muscle function and he applies that with his clients' abilities and chooses the movement that allows them to execute and get the most out of every rep. His main goal is to help clients overcome obstacles and achieve positive results.

• Mondays - Friday: 10am - 7pm

Sandeep Patel is a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). He specializes in working with middle-age to older individuals, with an interest in body transformations through traditional and functional resistance training coupled with metabolic exercise programming based on his knowledge of biochemistry and endocrinology.

• Mondays and Fridays: 7 - 9am, 12pm - 11pm
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 - 9am, 1pm -11pm
• Wednesdays: 6pm - 11pm

Renee has been a Certified Personal Trainer for over 6 years and has been involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Her passion for fitness began in group exercise and she is certified in numerous group exercise formats, including Barre, LesMills BODYCOMBAT, and LesMills BODYATTACK.

Renee has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Counseling. She is a certified personal trainer through the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) and is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Exercise Science.

Renee is passionate about fitness and enjoys pushing and challenging herself physically. She has participated in several half marathons, obstacle course races, and Spartan races. She uses this passion when working with clients to help motivate them in reaching their own personal goals. She truly enjoys helping and working with others who are new to fitness and are ready to make “lifestyle” changes that include their physical activity and forming better lifelong habits!

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10-12pm

Thursdays 11-12pm, 1-2pm