Team Fit is:
T-Trusting
E-Energizing
A-Aimed
M-Motivating
F—Fun
I—Innovative
T—Teamwork
Hi, my name is Karissa and I am excited and honored to be joining Team Fit. I have a Bachelors of Science in Education as well as a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development from Oakland University. For the past 10 years I have been an elementary school teacher and have recently begun a new adventure in life with personal training and group fitness. As a certified personal trainer and AFAA Group Fitness instructor I work with people one on one, in small groups, as well as teach boxing and interval classes and run boot camps. My passion for fitness comes not only from my childhood where I started playing soccer at a young age up through my college days at Saginaw Valley State University. This continued into my adult life where I knew I needed to get back into shape after having 3 amazing children. Once I started, I never looked back and am always in search of a new challenge. As an avid runner I have completed several half marathons, a duathlon, the inaugural Michigan Warrior Dash, as well as the Disney World Marathon. I look forward to inspiring, teaching and learning from each person that walks through the doors at Team Fit. Thursday night boxing class will be an intense workout that will leave everyone sweaty and feeling amazing!
Nancy Bara aka Nancy ”B”. Nancy’s vast background as a certified Zumba Fitness instructor began when she sold her dance studio, Bravo Dance Center, looking for a change. She’s been successful in Zumba because of her diverse array of dance & fitness experience blended together to create dynamic choreography that
keeps participants wanting more! Nancy is certified in Zumba, ZumbaToning & ZumbAtomics for kids and created a program called “Brazilly” which combines Brazillian samba styles & Bellydancing methods concentrated on the core
area only to give a toning defined workout and results fast!! She teaches up to 10 classes a week, hosts corporate events, fundraisers & private parties as well! She’s even performed at the Detroit Auto Show debuting Zumba to hundreds of people! Nancy’s signature style combines the international rhythms & fitness with hip shakin speed to give you a high quality Zumba Fitness experience!
Outside of fitness, Nancy enjoys spending time with her two children, shopping, going to the movies and laughing! You are going to love Nancy's positive energy she gives off in her classes ~ come check her out!
Hi my name is Michelle. I am so excited to be part of the Team Fit team. Fitness has been a large part of my life since childhood, starting with sports and expanding to boot camps. Throughout the years, I have joined numerous gyms trying to find the place, people and environment that fit me best. Although I had been active all these years, I truly found the perfect place for me at Team Fit. I currently assist Jill with administrative and promotional activities while also participating in many classes at Team Fit. This has given me the opportunity to meet my needs while also allowing time for my current job specializing in "Home Management". Yes, my 3 children and husband keep me very busy. I obtained my BBA from Walsh College in 2001 and am looking forward to utilizing my business knowledge & experience alongside of Team Fit & it's constant expanding needs.
Hello, my name is Andrea. I am excited to be a part of Team Fit! Let me tell you a little about myself. I have always had a passion for dance. I took dance, mostly tap and hip hop from about age 3 to 18 years old. Even though I took dance my entire youth, I was always an overweight child. I struggled with weight and did weight watchers on several different attempts to lose weight. Finally, in 2008, I decided it was my last and final time to lose weight and keep it off. I joined weight watchers and lost 50 lbs, but then I was at a stand still. I went and googled a fun way to exercise, and that's how I found out what Zumba was. I went to my first Zumba class, and instantly fell in love. I just knew from the first moment it was my true calling. Within 2 months, I became a liscensed instructor. While I was taking classes and becoming an instructor, I really grew to love fitness. It has in general became my new passion in life. I then lost another 36 lbs, and finally, after my whole life of struggling I am happy with the way I am. Zumba has really become my savior in life, I love to motivate and inspire people by sharing my weight loss success, plus it is the funnest way out there to get your workout on! I have a true love for what I do, and I look forward to sharing that love with all of you!!
Marie is thrilled to be part of Team Fit. Marie is a certified AFAA Group Fitness instructor. She is licensed to teach Zumba Fitness, Zumba Gold and Zumbatomics as well as Zumba in the Circuit. Marie became a Zumba instructor with the intent of starting a Zumba Club at her middle school where she is a guidance counselor. Marie has successfully lead Zumba classes at her school for several years. Her dedication to promoting physical fitness in the schools has also included teaching Zumba classes with sports teams. Marie loves sharing fitness with people of all ages. Each age group brings a different joy and energy to the work out.
Marie earned her Bachelors Degree in Instrumental Music/Health from Central Michigan University. She holds a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Wayne State University. Marie has been working in education for the past 25 years. This includes working as a middle school guidance counselor supporting adolescents through personal and academic challenges for 17 years. When not at school or teaching Zumba classes, Marie enjoys spending time with family and friends traveling, cycling, skiing and attending concerts or sporting events. Her husband and two adult children continue to inspire her to create a happy and healthy lifestyle. Marie is excited to motivate Team Fit clients to stay healthy while having fun in Zumba classes.
Alexis has been dancing professionally for over ten years, as Captain and Choreographer for the Detroit Piston’s “Automotion” Dance Team, MGM Casino in Detroit, Caeser’s Windsor Casino, MoreDances Contemporary Dance Company and as a guest artist for the Michigan Opera Theatre and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (where she served as company manager for three years.) Her international experience includes being chosen with an elite group of pro-dancers to perform for the NBA/ESPN tour of Puerto Rico.
As a professor of dance and director of the collegiate dance team at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Alexis emphasizes athleticism and physical fitness. She is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, has trained for the STOTT Pilates reformer certification courses, is an instructor in Zumba Fitness, Aqua Zumba and Zumba Gold, as well as the owner of a dance studio in Shelby Twp., Michigan. In addition to her professional experience she is currently working towards a Masters degree in Education from Michigan State University with a concentration in Sports Leadership Coaching and Technology. Alexis has studied dance at Michigan State University, Lorenzo De Medici in Italy and on full-merit scholarship at the Giordano Dance Center in Evanston, IL. She is currently a guest lecturer at Oakland University where she received her BA in Dance in 2005, with honors.
Alexis was named “most valuable coach” by her peers and the Universal Dance Association in both 2007 and 2008 and has choreographed for over 40 different organizations including the Detroit NBA and WNBA dance teams, college teams (including Michigan State University and Central Michigan University) and more. By the year 2009 Alexis had received over 20 choreographic awards including the Maggie Allesee award in choreographic achievement as well as awards from Universal Dance Association, Starpower Talent and the National Dance Alliance to name a few. It is her vision that her students should feel empowered by the things that they can achieve through hard work and determination. With this philosophy and work ethic her dance students have won countless scholarships, championship titles in nearly every dance team organization in the country, as well as paid bids to the USASF world dance competition.
Hello! My name is Kelsey. I am honored to be a part of Team Fit! To tell you a little about myself, I became a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) in September 2011 and Reiki (energy healing) level 2-certified in June 2011. I am a Registered Nurse and I graduated from Oakland University with my Bachelors degree in May of 2010. After beginning my nursing career, I quickly discovered my passion is reaching people before disease and illness takes place by teaching about nutrition and fitness. I believe in treating individuals by not only physical means, but the whole person by using mind, body, and spiritual methods. Listening to one’s own body and its individual needs is truly the best way to gage what is healthy for it. Yoga is a beautiful therapy not only because it promotes physical fitness, but because it promotes awareness, both mind and body. My goal is to offer a more holistic, well-rounded approach to medicine, using modern and alternative health therapies.
Hello, my name is Todd. I studied Exercise Science and played football at Hope College in Holland, MI. After college I attended Massage Therapy School at Everest Institute in Southfield, MI. I have an extensive knowledge of anatomy and a passion to help people. I have been Personal Training for 4 years and my background has allowed me to work with a variety of clients ranging from children, teens, men, women, the elderly, post-rehab patients, medically obese, and fitness competitors. So, whether your goal is or to just live a healthier lifestyle I can help.
This fall, Todd will be launching his Men's Fitness Camps on T/Th mornings @ 6am at Team Fit, Chesterfield. Specifically tailored to males, various equipment will be utilized in order to challenge and promote muscle confusion in order to achieve your fitness goals and be in the best of shape. Train like a boxer on heavy bags; skate like a hockey player on 8' slide boards; ride cross country on spinning bikes; and curl, row, dip with the TRX system. Make the commitment for this amazing program with extraordinary results!
Todd will also be back on Mondays at 8:15pm for his 45 minute co-ed Tabata Training. Whether you are a elite athlete or a weekend warrior, Todd's programs will make you achieve the results you’ve been looking for.
Tai Chi is an Ancient Chinese Martial Arts. Through gentle movements and breathing techniques, Tai Chi students learn to relax, reduce stress and improve balance and flexibility, as well as respiratory and cardiac status. Melissa is a certified Tai Chi instructor that has been studying martial arts since 1988. She has been teaching Tai Chi in the Detroit and surrounding area for the past 15 years. Melissa works with all levels of students ranging from children to senior citizens. She is a RN of 34 years and has an unique way of blending the ancient art of Tai Chi and Western medicine for a well rounded holistic program that benefits and inspires her students.
Stacie is a group fitness instructor for T.E.A.M Fit through the Saint Clair Shores program and has been with T.E.A.M Fit since it’s start in 2006, where she began as a student in Jill’s Kickboxing class. Stacie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.
Hobbies include running, relaxing with a good book or dabbling in the art of interior design in her home.
Stacie is newly married and lives in lovely Harrison Township
My name is Chantell. I am an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, since 1999. I have a wide array of certifications and fitness trainings under my belt, including, Zumba (ZIN), PiYo, Turbo Kick, TRX Training, BodyCombat, Cycle Instructor, Funky Beatz Fusion, CoreCamp, CoreBoxx, and many more. I teach a wide variety of classes and also train individuals one-on-one and in small groups. Fitness has always been a passion of mine, and I love what I do!
I have been a part of the Team Fit family since 2008, and have enjoyed every minute of it! Outside of the gym, as a wife and mother of four, I stay very busy! As a family, we are very active in church, soccer, and dance. In my spare time I enjoy reading, scrap booking, movies, family outings, and, of course, working out! I ran my first half marathon in April 2011, and have set a goal of running a full marathon in 2012! I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, and helping you move closer to your fitness goals!
Dru is a certified AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, Dance Instructor and Zumba Instructor. Dru has been a fitness professional for over 10 years. Dru teaches a variety of fitness formats including cardio aerobics, kickboxing, boot-camp, TRX, weight training, cycling and pilates. Dru also teaches specialized dance fitness formats including funk, hip-hop, latin and most recently Zumba. “I became a Certified Zumba Instructor because of what it stands for and have not regretted it. If you like to work-out, sweat, dance and have a good time, then come try one of my classes. I have had the opportunity to teach fitness all over because of the demand for my style and I thank you!” Be prepared to sweat and mingle at the same time because after all...working out should be fun!!!!!
Shawn wears many hats: wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker, organ donor and dedicated fitness instructor. With a full time job with a fortune 500 marketing agency, she also spends her time with her two beautiful daughters, reading, running, boating, gardening and scrapbooking.
"I’ve always been interested in sports and fitness. I joined a gym a long time ago, took 1 class and have been hooked ever since! Exercise to me is a way to escape the everyday challenges that are thrown your way and do something that I truly enjoy. I love when the class members come and share their goals and let you know how much the class means to them. There is nothing more refreshing then having someone share their success and having played some small part of it!"
Hi everyone! My name is Lindsay and I am very happy to be here on staff at Team Fit! Let me tell you a little about myself I have been teaching for about 7 years. I achieved my certification for aerobics through Bally's. I also have a background of Naama karate, dance and lets not forget cheer leading. I work at a dental office in Sterling Heights and I am also going to school for nursing. In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family and especially my new niece, Lily. There is one quote that I follow "do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail". I am here to help you blaze your new trail to happier, healthier life style. I look forward to getting to know everyone and helping you achieve your fitness goals.
My name is Angela and I am a certified AFAA group instructor, licence in Zumba, Zumba Gold, Toning and Aqua and a Belly Dance instructor. I am from Ft Wayne Indiana and attended Indiana University for 2 years before joining the Army in 1986-1993. I moved to Michigan with husband who is from Eastpointe Michigan in 1995. I have a list of employment after getting out of service. I was a licence hair stylist, postal worker and eventually worked for Chrysler for over 8 years before taking the buyout to attend OCC for Exercise Science.
During my many employment I took an interest in any dance that was out of the norm. I loved to dance and at the time was an infomercial fanatic and had all the exercise craze video. I jumped on the Zumba ban wagon back in the early 2000s. I began to study Belly and Latin Dance in the year 2000. I began choreography routines for family reunions and job events held by employers. My hobby before attending school for Personal trainer was fitness, preferable dance but love boxing and kick boxing as well. My other hobby is working with Veteran in the UAW Veterans committee.
I starting attending Zumba classes around 2008 and became certified in May of 2010. I think for many of the trained dancer and dance lover, Zumba is an Godsend. We cant all be professional Dancer and make an living from it. So many tie it into fitness. It has given many who could or would not make a career out of dance a second chance, to do something they love for a living.
With that said, I am proud to be a part of the Team Fit team and hope to have a long successful relationship.
Hi, I’m Dorothy, an AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor and a WITS Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. I am also licensed in Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning and Zumba Gold –Toning. I have both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Food and Nutrition from Eastern Michigan University and hold a Certificate of Completion in TRX Suspension Training.
I have always loved dancing and working out. I took my first ballroom dance class in 1999 and was hooked! I became a member of a dance team called “The Motor City Salsero’s where we performed at the first Salsa Congress in Detroit in 2001. I attended several Salsa Conventions in Puerto Rico, where my love for latin music and the different styles of dance grew. The decision to become a Zumba Instructor was a natural progression for me.
I have been weight training for over 20 years. In fact, in 2003 and 2004 I entered and placed (fifth and first respectively) in amateur Figure and Fitness competitions.
When I am not teaching classes or training clients, I continue to strength train with weights and work out on my TRX. I am constantly trying to learn new exercises for my classes/clients and practicing new Zumba moves. In our free time, my husband and I enjoy ballroom dancing, trying new recipes and are involved in our church.
Working for Team Fit has allowed me to grow as a Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. I can’t believe all of the exciting changes that have taken place in such a short time. I look forward to meeting you all and helping you achieve your fitness goals while having fun. I believe that exercise is the best anti-aging regimen on the market!
Jean is a 200 hour graduate of Clearlight Yoga Shala school training with Michael Johnson as of 2006. She is looking forward to finishing 500 hour Level RYT training soon. As a career Massage Therapist, Yoga Teacher and student of the healing arts, she encourages all students to enjoy the freedom and peace within their own bodies as they explore the unique challenges of yoga. What she loves about yoga is the incredible awareness it brings to the mental and physical bodies and is deeply honored to teach and share this experience with students. Students can expect guidance in Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing), and Meditations to help gain strength, flexibility and balance on the mat and into the world.
Hello! My name is Caterina and I’m from Roseville . I’m 100% addicted to Turbo and that’s why I decided to share my passion and teach others. I’ve been teaching Turbo Kick for 1.5 years now, I’ve also taught Hip Hop Hustle. I started doing Turbo back in 2006 when I was finishing high school & it helped me lose 15 pounds, that’s when I knew I would never stop. I also grew up taking dance lessons at Encore the Dance Centre in Fraser. I’ve done everything from ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop to hula. In May I graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor in English and Journalism. Now I work as an Associate Producer at Local 4 News in Detroit . I’m also a distributor for the company Beachbody and you may spot me in the new Turbo Fire infomercial. Besides fitness, I enjoy social media, reading, watching movies and spending time with my family & friends. If there’s anything I can ever do to help you, please let me know!
