About Us

Faculty

Los Angeles, CA

San Francisco, CA

Frank S. Rolek, Director
Frank received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA. With 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, he has been a regional manager of 3 Gold's gyms in Philadelphia and has trained and designed nutritional programs for over 10,000 clients. It was Frank who first developed the original curriculum for the National Personal Training Institute. In addition to being a personal training instructor, Frank is also nationally certified as a massage therapist. Currently, he is writing a book for his students on the essentials of human anatomy and physiology.

Colorado Springs, CO

Erin L. Haggard , Director of Education – NPTI Colorado
Certified Personal Trainer / Certified Group Instructor

• BS - Business & Health, University of Maryland
• Certified Health Fitness Instructor, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Master Specialist - Group Leader Instructor, Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research
• Specialist - Physical Fitness, Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research
• Certified Yoga Instructor, American Fitness Professionals & Associates
• US Navy Fitness Director, Group Instructor, Aerobics Instructor - Yokosuka, Japan

Joseph (Joe) Ramirez, Lead Instructor – Colorado Springs, Certified Personal Trainer

• ACE / ISSA / Body Pump Certified Personal Trainer and Instructor (since 1993)
• 2001 Weight Training Certificate AFAA
• Owner Pro Body Design Personal Training Services
• 1999 – 2000 Senior Personal Trainer, Fitness Coach, and Bootcamp Instructor World Gym Fitness Centers and Sozo Fitness, Colorado Springs, CO
• 1999 – 2000 “Ask the Trainer” Fitness Columnist, Colorado Springs Independent
• Instructor, National Personal Training Institute of Colorado, LLC
• Certificates - Designing and Implementing Practical Programs: “Exercise & Core Strength”; “Exercise & the Knee”; “Exercise & the Shoulder”; “Resist-a-Ball Workout”; “Medicine Ball Workout”; “Analyzing Popular Diets”; “Weight Training for Women”; Nutrition for Special Populations: “Women, Exercise & Metabolism”

Kelly J. Calabrese / Certified Personal Fitness Trainer / Instructor - Colorado Springs

• Master of Science - Physical Education, Indiana University
• Owner / President - Fitness Focus, specializing in fitness management, corporate wellness, personal fitness training, nutrition, and group training (yoga, pilates, and functional training).
• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, ACE / AAAI / ISMA
• Tennis Instructor, Ski Instructor
• Amateur Body Builder, Alpine Ski Racer
• Instructor, NPTI - Colorado Springs

Heath Gay, Senior Instructor - Colorado Springs
ACE Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

• BA - Kinesiology, Western State College
• Owner / Personal Fitness Trainer, Rocky Mountain Fitness Services
• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
• Advisory Board Member, National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE)
• Founding Member, American Association of Personal Trainers (AAPT)
• Subject matter expert fitness testing, fitness center membership systems, fitness center billing systems
• Co-author, "The Power of Champions"

Lakewood, CO

Kurt Weinreich, Senior Instructor / Personal Trainer

• Certified Fitness Trainer and Therapy Specialist - ISSA
• Certified Nutrition Consultant - AFPA
• NASM, Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE, Certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant
• Certified Trainer Workshop - APEX
• Advanced Training in Weight Management
• Certificate - "Designing Practical Programs: Exercise & the Knee / Advanced Strength Training" Exercise, Etc.
• Instructor, National Personal Training Institute of Colorado, LLC
• Certificate - "Designing Practical Programs: "Certificate - "Nutrition for Special Populations: Exercise & Hormonal Response" Exercise, Etc.
• Certificate - "Implementing Practical Programs: Advanced Swiss Ball Workout / "Implementing Practical Programs: Agility & Sports Performance Certificate - "Implementing Practical Programs: Plyometric Workout" Exercise, Etc..
• Certificate - "Nutrition for Special Populations: Insulin, Protein & Fat" Exercise, Etc.
• Instructor, National Personal Training Institute of Colorado, LLC
• Instructor / Trainer - Self Defense / Personal Training - 24-Hour Fitness

Heidi Gabalski, Sr. Instructor - Lakewood Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

• BA - Kinesiology, Western State College of Colorado,
• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer - IFPA
• Certified Personal Trainer - NASM
• Certified Personal Trainer – NSCA
• Certified Professional and Nutritional Counseling Certification - APEX
• Personal Trainer - 24-Hour Fitness / Body Mind Spirit Fitness
• Instructor, National Personal Training Institute of Colorado, LLC

Carin Hollis - MS, CSCS
Senior Instructor – NPTI Lakewood

• Master of Science, Health and Exercise Science
• NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• NSCA - Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist – University of Colorado-Greeley
• Adaptive Recreation Instructor
• Oncology Rehabilitation Coordinator and Aquatic Therapist
• Awarded 1995 Walter W. Kanigowski - Lifesaving Award by American Red Cross (NJ)

Dan Agresti, Advisory Board, "ProActive" Mobile Fitness Testing / Exercise Physiologist / Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

• Master's of Science - Kinesiology from the University of Colorado
• Bachelor's of Science - Exercise and Sports Medicine, Univ. of Florida
• Certified Health & Fitness Instructor, American College of sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, American Academy of Health & Fitness Professional (AAHFP)
• Owner, Proactive Health and Fitness specializing in fitness assessments
• Subject matter expert on injury and post therapeutic rehabilitation
• Recognized expert in lactate analysis, metabolic measurement, fitness testing

Patrick McHenry, Advisory Board ,Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

• BA Education - Doane College / MA - Phys. Ed. University of Northern Colorado
• Director, State of Colorado - National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - NSCA
• Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist - NASM
• USWF Coach - US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs
• Member of the United States Weightlifting Federation
• Member - NSCA High School Coaches Committee
• Published articles in the All State Sports Magazine, NSCA High School Manual
• Personal Fitness Trainer, Velocity Sports

Stamford,CT

Melissa Swain-O’Neill, MS, CES
Melissa graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology followed by her Masters in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Science both from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. Certified from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a Certified Exercise Specialist, Melissa has had a wealth of experience working with special populations including adolescents and the elderly. In addition to her clinical background she has also published 25 research studies relating to exercise and nutrition as well as 15 published magazine articles in American Health and Fitness. As an ex-collegiate athlete and assistant coach, Melissa takes pride in keeping in shape, and above all, practicing what she preaches to this day by continuing to participate in various foot and bike races as well as triathlons.

Kristen Lynn Robinson-Instructor

• Bachelors of Science from Southern Connecticut State University in Exercise Physiology & Athletic Training
• 10 Years experience in Emergency Medicine
• 6 Years Experience in Invasive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Nationally & Internationally Body Builder 1989 to 1998
• JR. U.S.T.A East Coast Ranked Player age 9 to 16

Orlando, FL

Paul Prather
Paul has been the Director of Education since October 2006. Before joining NPTI, Paul founded Velocity Sports Performance, one of the largest athlete training companies in the country. He also served as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Florida. Paul has worked and consulted with various companies, from local YMCA’s to national chains such as LA Fitness. Paul earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Florida.

Stockbridge, GA

Annette Governo, MS, RD, CSCS, Director
Annette earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from Florida State University, and her Master’s degree in Dietetics from The University of Georgia. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Annette is a Registered Dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and weight loss. She has worked with NPTI since 2003 as director and head instructor.

Priscilla Gramling, Instructor
Priscilla earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Chemistry Education from North Georgia College. She received her State of Georgia teaching certification (T-4 Science) in 1993. Priscilla is AFAA certified as a group fitness instructor and has taught group fitness since 1993. She is certified by Body Training Systems (BTS) in GroupStep, GroupKick, and GroupPower. She is a certified Silver Sneakers instructor and has a SCW certification in sports nutrition. In November 2006, Priscilla will be certified in Go Baby! Fitness for women. Priscilla trains group fitness instructors at Gold’s Gym, and teaches 8-10 group fitness classes a week. She has been an instructor with NPTI since 2003.

Chicago and Lisle, IL

Annette Ryan, MS, CSCS - Director of Education Director of Operations - Chicago/Lisle IL
Annette has been teaching for NPTI since 2002 and serves as the Director of Education. Annette received her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a minor in Nutrition from Western Illinois University, where she also received her Masters degree in Exercise Science. With over 10 years of experience, Annette has worked in a variety of settings within the fitness field including teaching at elementary, university, and post secondary levels, personal training, instructing a variety of group fitness classes, cardiac rehabilitation, marathon training and corporate fitness. Annette is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Tracy I. Banks, MS, CSCS, Lead Instructor-NPTI
Tracy received her Bachelor's degree in Health Promotion from Miami University of Ohio, where she also began her fitness career as a Group Exercise Instructor. Tracy received her Masters Degree in Applied Exercise Physiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she enhanced her fitness experience and added on skills as a personal trainer. Tracy is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and she has over 5 years of experience in the fitness field to date.

Nick Sabino - Faculty Instructor - Lisle, IL
Nick earned his Bachelors degree from Texas Christian University in Sport Science and has graduate courses in Business. He is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as well as the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research and has worked closely with physical therapists in clinical settings. Logging several hundred hours of observation and assistance, he learned about therapeutic exercise and became familiar with the use of several modalities. Over the last four years he worked with student athletes in various sports. Since graduating, Nick has specialized in working with post-rehabilitation patients, especially those with shoulder, knee and ankle injuries.

Skokie, IL

Cheryl Patterson
Cheryl has been teaching at NPTI since January 2007 and serves as a Lead Instructor. Cheryl received her Bachelor's Degree in Business with a minor in Finance, as well as, a Master's Degree in Exercise Science from Western Illinois University. She has also received her diploma from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. With over 5 years of experience, Cheryl has worked in a variety of different settings within the fitness field including managing, teaching, and founding Fitness Zone In-Home; as well as, completing the 2005 and 2007 Chicago Marathon. Cheryl is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Southfield, MI

Southfield, MI

Shannon Bennett, Director of Operations
Shannon received her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science from Wayne State University. Her experience includes personal training, sports specific conditioning, as well as corporate fitness/wellness. Shannon is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and a certified Group Fitness Instructor through AFAA. She has been teaching group fitness for over 13 years, and currently teaches at Lifetime Fitness in Troy, Michigan. One of her passions is competing as a National Level Figure Competitor through NPC/IFBB along with coaching others in the same sport.

Competition Results:

• 2006 NPC Capital City Bodybuilding and the Tracy Trasko Fitness and Figure Championships 2nd place
• 2006 NPC Flint/Mid Michigan Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships 1st place and Overall
• 2006 NPC Michigan Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships 1st place and Overall
• 2006 IFBB North American Championships 9th place
• 2007 Julie Palmer’s Ultimate Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships 1st place and Overall
• 2007 NPC Jr. National Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure Championships 9th place

 
Leah Hucul, Instructor, Southfield

BS in Exercise Science from Western Michigan University

• NSCA-CSCS certified
• AFAA aerobic certified
• IDEA member

Experience in both corporate and commercial fitness facilities as a Fitness Specialist, Master Trainer, Fitness Director and Assistant Manager

• Former competitive gymnast
• Competitive bodybuilder
  • Sept. 2001 INBF Natural Mania NYC, 5th place
• Lightweight
  • June 2001 INBF Hercules NYC, 3rd place
• Heavyweight
  • April 2000 NPC Kalamazoo Classic, 1st place
• Lightweight

Currently, I own an in-home personal fitness training business, Training Time. I am also a full-time gymnastics coach at Stars & Stripes Gymnastics Academy.

Brooklyn Park, MN

Katy Borgerding, MS, CSCS - Director of Operations/Lead Instructor
Katy received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and Environmental Science at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN and earned her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Training from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. Katy has experience in various settings in the health and fitness industry, some of which include: Fitness Specialist, Sports Therapist and Department Manager for the Griggs Institute of Sports and Wellness where she developed training protocols for adolescents, professional athletes, and geriatric patients, Rehabilitation Manager responsible for evaluating injuries and designing rehab programs for many patients with spinal and sports related injuries. Katy has experience working with adolescents, professional athletes and geriatric patients as well as experience in dietary counseling. She served as the Head Men and Women’s Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track Coach for St. Cloud State University.

Katy is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Counsel on Exercise (ACE) and a member of the Minnesota Basketball Association (MBA).

Kevin Christenson, D.C.
Kevin comes to NPTI as a doctor of chiropractic, emphasizing in sports-related rehabilitation. Within his current Practice he offers full-service chiropractic care and one-on-one personal training. Dr. Kevin’s adept teaching style comes from 15 years of experience in health, nutrition, and physical fitness and a passion for learning, inspired during his service with the U.S. Marine Corps. Outside of the clinic and NPTI, you will find him offering educational health and wellness lectures within the community. Military service and school travels have taken him to California, Illinois, and Minnesota, and has always been complemented by a career in personal training. Doctor Kevin, an athlete himself, is partial to mountain biking and weight training, and is currently training for triathlon competitions. He’s been certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health and Fitness Instructor.

Hoboken, NJ

Charles F. Sturkey, Head Faculty Instructor
Charles has over 30 years of experience as a teacher and practitioner of fitness and resistance training. The American Council on Exercise, WITS, and the School of Fitness and Nutrition has certified Charles. Charles fitness work experience includes two years as a PT Instructor in the US Army, Head Instructor for Training and Conditioning for the American Karate Studios, and owner/operator of his own personal training business. He has a BS in Physical Education with many years of continuing education credits in fitness, exercise, weight training, nutrition, and more.

Richmond Heights, OH

Miles Rush, MS, ATC, CSCS
School Director
Miles brings varied and diverse experiences into his role as the director of the Cleveland branch of the National Personal Training Institute. A certified athletic trainer (ATC) by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Miles earned his bachelors degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology from the University of Texas in Austin along with a minor in nutrition and his Master’s degree in sports management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before joining NPTI, Miles spent four years as a sports medicine communications consultant for The Gatorade Company. Prior to his experience with Gatorade, Miles worked as a certified athletic trainer/sports medicine specialist and strength and conditioning coach in professional baseball with the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets and in the collegiate ranks for the men’s basketball team at the University of Illinois.

Miriam Aichler, BA, CSCS
Director of Education
A dynamic, passionate and dedicated instructor, Miriam shares more than 16 years of experience in the health and fitness profession with her students. A certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a certified personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Miriam received her Bachelors degree in communications with an emphasis in sports medicine from Northern Illinois University. Miriam, who has worked as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and in sports medicine and rehabilitation, is the director of education for the Cleveland branch of the National Personal Training Institute.

Rich Samera, BA, NPTI-CPT, NSCA-CPT Instructor
As a former National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) student, Rich brings a unique insider's perspective into his role as an NPTI instructor. After graduating and receiving his NPTI-CPT certificate, Rich went on to work as a personal trainer and personal training manager at Fitness Together in Westlake, Ohio, before returning to NPTI on a full-time basis. Rich received his undergraduate degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing his graduate degree in exercise science from Cleveland State University. Rich, a Cleveland area native, is also a certified personal trainer by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Philadelphia, PA

Barry Fritz, Co-Lead Instructor
Barry has been in personal training for over 14 years, is a dedicated weight trainer, and enjoys hiking, and reading and research in all areas of fitness and nutrition. He enjoys racquetball and weight training and has a BS from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. Barry is NSCA-CPT certified.

Falls Church, VA

Tim Henriques - Director
Tim Henriques received his degree in Kinesiology from James Madison University, with a concentration in Human Movement Studies. He also received minors in pyschology and coaching. While at JMU Tim worked at the university's 20 million dollar recreation facility, ultimately getting hired on after graduation to help run that facility. He helped train JMU's Division 1 athletes by working the Strength and Conditioning Coach. He was particularly involved with the Football, Field Hockey, and Volleyball teams.

Before coming to NPTI, Tim was a full time personal trainer. He has been with NPTI since its inception, and Virginia was one of the founding schools. He enjoys teaching others and sharing his passion for fitness. Tim teaches the day class and the night class two days a week. Tim is a certified personal trainer, a certified nutritional consultant, and an ACEP certified coach. He also continues to do personal training part time.

Tim not only likes to teach about fitness, but he enjoys participating in it as well. He has been a competitive athlete most of his life. His main focus is on strength sports. He was a Collegiate All-American Powerlifter (top 3 in the nation) his senior year at JMU. He currently holds the USAPL Open Virginia State Record and the AAU Single Lift World Record for the deadlift for his weight class. He is a competitive strongman and armwrestler.

In his spare time Tim enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, and giving talks to various organizations. He currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife, Christina.

Benjamin Mufti - Instructor
Benjamin has been teaching with NPTI since 2004. He received his
personal training certification from NPTI, after which he has been a full time personal trainer, culminating in an award for 2004 Personal Trainer of the Year at the Health Club at which he works. He currently trains a wide variety of clients and brings this experience and success into the classroom. Benjamin also holds the NSCA-CPT certification and is working toward earning a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification. He is a certified nutritional consultant. He received his Bachelor's Degree in English from The George Washington University in 1998. Ben teaches the Saturday class.

Geoff Robison - Instructor
Geoff received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science - Athletic Training from James Madison University. He has worked with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, as both an Athletic Trainer and as a Personal Trainer. Geoff has been working as a personal trainer in the northern Virginia area for five years, and has recently started a personal training business, Next Step Fitness, LLC. His specialties are rehabilitation and sports specific training. Geoff teaches class two nights per week.