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Class Instructors
Jessica Apo
Jessica Apo is a certified yoga and prenatal yoga instructor. She taught prenatal yoga while pregnant with her first daughter, Samantha. Jessica recently had a drug free natural delivery and credits her stamina and strength during labor to her knowledge of yoga posures and yogic breathing.
Jacqueline Angandji
Jacqueline A. Angandji was born in Cameroon where she went to school. In the 80s she found the need to extend her dancing talent in music instrument and dance she inherited from her parents. She founded a traditional music and dance company where she was teaching people from different age how to dance and play traditional instruments. She participated in many international festivals in France, Switzerland, and Germany. These enormous artistic activities enabled Jacky to acquire experience in the creation and production of traditional shows. Jacqueline has extensive experience as a professional dance teacher. She has a good sense of the quality of music and she is able to design innovative dance steps.
Tom Anglin
Began studying martial arts in 1963. He is a certified instructor of the Cardio KickBoxing Program, International Sport Karate Association and the American Fitness Professionals and Associates. His current rank is 5th degree black belt, which was granted by the United States Karate Association. He also holds the rank of 3rd Degree Brown Belt in sport judo. He has received several awards including the Northern Ohio Black Belt Award as well as an induction into the Karate Hall of Fame. Belonging to many organizations through out his career including, the Martial Arts Registry, United States Karate Association, Society of Black Belts of America, World Black Belt Bureau and World Black Belt. He has established his own Marital Arts program called "Anglin's Academy of Self-defense" located in Olney, Maryland.
John Asaka
John Asaka, a nationally ranked tennis player, has more than 30 years of tennis experience. Asaka is the winner of gold, silver and bronze balls in doubles tennis. He has been teaching for Rockville for three years. He teaches using step-by-step progressions and instructions for each student according to his or her skill level. He wants students to have fun and a great cardio workout.
Heidi Bahr
Heidi has a degree in fiber arts and has worked for the Springwater Fiber Workshop, a non-profit fiber arts school and supply shop. Heidi teaches to the individual, keeping pace with each person’s learning style and skill level. Most importantly she wants her students to enjoy the experience, meet people, and have fun!
Susan Baker
Susan Baker has been studying dance for more than 30 years and has danced with the Rockville Civic Ballet and the Orchesis Modern Dance Company. She has a master's degree in education, as well as experience as a ballet instructor and public school teacher. After watching her daughter grow to love movement and dance, Susan decided to share her love of dance with other young children. She recognizes that children thrive in a warm environment with adequate structure and plenty of repetition. Susan teaches children to enjoy both the physical and spiritual aspects of dance by demonstrating basic ballet skills and encouraging children to respond to music with their bodies.
Michele Balerek
Michele Balerek has been practicing vinyasa and hatha yoga since 2003. She completed her 100-hour teacher training in Tulum, Mexico, through Amazing Yoga of Pittsburgh. Currently, Michele is pursuing a 200-hour ISHTA Yoga teacher certification through Thrive Yoga in Rockville. Michele believes yoga has changed her life physically, mentally and emotionally. Her classes focus on creating self-awareness and letting go. Michele loves to share her passion for yoga both on and off the mat.
Susan Bowen
Bowen is an ERYT200 and created and owns Thrive Yoga Rockville with her husband Dave Bowen. Her classes are challenging and inspire students to explore the practice of unifying the breath, mind and body to a place of comfort from the common western habit of distraction and discomfort. Bowen's style is most inspired by Yogiraj Alan Finger and Baron Baptiste and you will recognize the influence of, Kundalini Yoga and other Vinyasa expressions. Bowen was first introduced to yoga in college by a Buddha-like yogi and has studied and practiced yoga all over the United States while traveling for 15 years in the corporate world. Because of many years in a high-stress job (tight shoulders and distracted mind), she gets it when her students seek the refuge of peace in a yoga practice. Bowen heard the intuitive voice to be a teacher while experiencing the death of her sister, Carol, to leukemia at 43.
Dave Bowen
Co-owner of Thrive Yoga, Bowen has studied world philosophies for human potential and transformation since nearly dying in a car crash in the early 90’s. He is most influenced by Yogiraj Alan Finger and Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda (ISHTA) Yoga. Bowen has a Master of Social Work from Catholic University and committed himself to the welfare of children as a child abuse and neglect investigator for Montgomery County Child Protective Services before becoming a stay-at home dad in 1999. Before beginning full-time at Thrive, he was in private practice as a counselor and coached several leadership workshops and programs for Landmark Education (The Forum). Dave studies Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
Pooja Chawla
Chawla is the founder and director of the C.A.R.E. (Creative Awareness Responsive Education) program, which uses theater arts to teach social issues and character education. She began her career as a freelance teaching artist heavily involved in working with several arts education programs in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. She has worked with the visual arts program Abrakadoodle, an after school drama enrichment program; Rainbow Entertainment InterActive Children's Theater; and the Rockville chapter of Children's Theatre Company, where she was the artistic director for "Yertle the Turtle." Chawla pursued a master's degree in public administration and nonprofit management at George Mason University and is now excited to start this new venture
Kathryn Chongpinitchai
Kathryn has taken classical ballet classes for over 20 years and had some modern, hip-hop and jazz training. She taught dance for 4 years at Gettysburg College, and over 2 years with the City. Kathryn uses a blend of discipline and imaginative exercises to make her classes enjoyable. She structures the class similarly each week and adds new exercises as her students progress. Kathryn is open to communication with the parents to discuss any concerns regarding their children.
Katie Creamer
Katie Creamer started taking Slimnastics classes more than 30 years ago and began teaching 10 years ago. She enjoys Slimnastics because it is a no impact class, where students stretch from head to toe. Her classes are a fun way to stay fit and meet new friends.
Karen Creel Kushner
Dance has been part of Karen’s life since she was five years old. In 2009 Karen tried Zumba and was hooked and immediately got certified. It brought dance back into her life on a regular basis and has allowed her to share her passion with others. Zumba is not about doing every step perfectly; it’s about doing what you can, keeping yourself moving and having fun. Karen wants participants to WANT to come to Zumba, even at 6:45 in the morning. She will make it fun and ensure that it’s worth waking up for!
Nat Cunningham
Nat has been teaching line dancing for over 12 years. He trained with Arthur Murray Dance Studios for four years in addition to eight years with a variety of other instructors. Nat’s philosophy is patience. He ensures everybody has an equal opportunity to learn while having fun and enjoying themselves.
Natalie Dodson
Dodson if a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and has studied various disciplines of yoga. Her classes emphasize internal focus and awareness for safety and maximum benefit and range from gentle stretching to physically challenging depending on the level. She has taught with Montgomery County Recreation since 2003 and with the City of Rockville for four years. Dodson’s teaching is down-to-earth and often infused with humor. She takes great joy in sharing the benefits of yoga and how it can transform lives in small and important ways.
Glenn Flarhety
Plays and teaches Electric, Acoustic, and Classical Guitar. University of Maryland... Performance credits throughout United States and Europe. Trained with Mike Auldridge
Ashley Fowler
Ashley has been dancing since she was a child and has always had a passion for it. Dance is fun, somewhat therapeutic and a fabulous workout. Ashley started taking Zumba four years ago and enjoyed it so much she earned her certification in it. She has been teaching Zumba during a power hour lunchtime class twice a week, an evening class at a local dance studio and Zumbathons Saturdays. Ashley is a fun and energized instructor, who teaches high energy classes that have you working up a good sweat.
Gwendolyn Francavillo
Gwendolyn grew up dancing, running and playing sports. She began teaching fitness classes in 1993, and more than 12 years ago expanded into teaching yoga classes. Gwen is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) through Yoga Alliance. She has traveled all over the United States for yoga trainings and retreats in various styles (Sivananda, Sampoorna, Iyengar, Vinyasa and Integral). She is also Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified in group exercise, personal training, kickboxing, cycling, water aerobics and many other types of fitness classes. Gwen holds a master’s of public health and a PhD in public health, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Reiki I Practitioner.
Jeryl Gegan
Jeryl Gegan teaches the Yang style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan as modified from the 88-move style to a 24-move style. He also teaches the 37-move Cheny Man Ch'eng style as well as the 88-move original Yang style. In addition to teaching the T'ai Chi techniques, he also covers the philosophy, history and benefits of the sport to ensure that his students understand and can visualize each move. Gegan also teaches students to recognize other T'ai Chi styles.
Sue Goodwin
Sue Goodwin has a master’s degree in social work, worked for eight years in a therapeutic school for emotionally disturbed children and continues to maintain a private practice. She sings, plays the flute and enjoys making music with her two children. Sue has been teaching Music Together for seven years and was a "Music Together parent" for five years.
Veronique Graves
Veronique is a certified Zumba instructor. She is a life-long dance enthusiast and has taken tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and Zumba classes. As a leader in AmeriCorps and a senior center manager, she has led group exercise for various age groups.
Sandy Gribbin
Sandy began Scottish Highland dancing at age 5. Gribbin has won numerous championships, as well as choreographed and performed in two professional productions of Scottish music and dance. Gribbin's training and experience includes working in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation settings and managing a corporate fitness center in Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in exercise physiology and a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science. Gribbin is a certified personal trainer, balletone instructor and licensed Scottish Highland dance instructor. Gribbin's own fitness and dance studio, StudioFIT.
Paul Jordon
Paul has over 25 years teaching and coaching basketball to children of all ages as well as adults. He has played semi-pro basketball for 2 years with the D.C. Jets and coached the Boys Varsity Teams at Quince Orchard and Gaithersburg High Schools and Girls AAU and Montgomery County Recreation leagues. Paul believes that his classes are intended to improve the skills and confidence of each child, regardless of their talent. Through repetition, children strive to perfect individual skills.
Mercedes Keene
While living in Tokyo, Mercedes practiced Iyengar yoga and later discovered Ashtanga. After certification in Ahstanga yoga at the International Yoga Center in Tokyo, she moved to New Zealand and taught in Auckland. Five years ago she moved back to the United States and found the power vinyasa flow style. She completed Baron Baptiste's teacher intensive in New York City.
John Lamb
John has been participating in Tai Chi Chuan for 35 years and has been teaching for five years. He teaches the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan, the Simplified Tai Chi 24 form and sometimes the Beijing form. His class provides training for integrating the mind, body and spirit. Adults of all ages may practice the flowing postures every day.
Carol Maguire
Carol has been a fitness enthusiast all of her life, participating in organized sports, taking various types of fitness classes and running. She is certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and will be obtaining certification through the Arthritis Foundation in early 2012. She is interested in teaching a variety of classes for all age groups and all fitness levels, with the ultimate focus on adding exercise to one's life to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Claudia Mangan
Claudia Mangan is the founder and artistic director of the Rockville Civic Ballet. She has been teaching ballet classes for the City since 1971. Ms. Mangan was presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award by Rockville’s Mayor and Council in 2002. Through her advocacy, the Rockcrest Recreation Center was converted to the Rockcrest Ballet Center. In 1974, “The Nutcracker” was presented by the Rockville Ballet and has since become a holiday tradition.
Brian Mason
Brian Mason first became interested in art as a young man. After attending the Ringling School of Art, he pursued pencil drawing, pastel, along with watercolor painting with a passion for both the figure and landscape, while displaying in local shows and galleries. Later Brian discovered his love for drawing could be transferred to the computer. He applied these talents to illustration, cartooning and the graphic arts. Brian continued to pursue education, going on to study and teach art at Montgomery College and the Corcoran School of Art and Design. Brian’s interest in educating children about art has led him to teach cartooning and drawing for numerous schools and art organizations, including The National Cathedral School, Montgomery County Recreation, Rockville City Recreation, and VisArts. "What continues to inspire me is the beauty of art, the diversity of subjects and the constant search for new ways to express ideas regardless of the medium."
Kumud Mathur
Mathur has been performing and teaching dance in the Washington DC area for over 20 years. She is the director of the Dance to Health Society. She has taught bhangra, bollywood dances and laughter yoga fitness for Montgomery County Recreation since 2001. She is extensively trained in Kathak, a north Indian classical dance and has a bachelor’s degree in dance. Mathur believes that the key to success in life is good health and happiness and the best way to maintain health is through exercise. Her Bollywood class is structured to make it a fun and artistic way to stay healthy.
Meghan Mattos
Meghan has a degree in psychology with a concentration in dance and dance therapy. She has 15 years of dance training and has taken courses in dance history, anatomy, kinesiology, dance notation and choreography. Meghan wants to teach dance history and basics of anatomy to help the students become well versed in the art of dance. She breaks down complex movement and uses fun imagery in her teaching.
Tom Meyer
Tom has been certified through the USPTR (United States Professional Tennis Registry) and has been teaching tennis for 30 years. He has also attended Bollieterri Tennis Academy, Vic Braden's Tennis College, and Van der Meer Tennis University. He breaks down strokes into simple steps and drills to help the students learn correct stroke techniques. He wants the students to have fun while learning a great life long sport.
Denis Meza
Denis Meza teaches Tiny Tykes Basketball Shorty Sports and Soccer and has more than six years of teaching experience. He holds state, regional and advanced regional licenses through NSCAA ( National Soccer Coaches Assiciation of America). He has played and coached in numerous indoor/outdoor soccer leagues. Meza is enthusiastic and patient with children. He makes sure all the students enjoy the class and have fun. He also encourages students to listen and following instructions. He feels it is important for a child to develop a positive attitude toward teammates, coaches and parents.
Jorge Giovanni Meza
Giovanni has been teaching soccer for over 5 years. He has USSF (U.S. Soccer Federation) coaching and referee licenses and is bilingual in Spanish. His philosophy is to teach children the basic fundamentals in soccer in a fun environment where they feel welcomed and accepted.
Paul Mola
Paul has been teaching for over 35 years. He started his career competing in latin, ballroom, and hustle competitions. After selling his 2 dance studios he settled in the Washington area and has taught privately and for recreation departments for over 20 years. Once you get out and try a class you will get hooked on the fun and energy in his classes.
Mya Morales
Mya Morales has been teaching fitness classes for 11 years. She is a personal fitness trainer certified by AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America). She is also certified to teach aerobics, Kwondo (Tae Kwon Do based kickboxing), Pilates and BOSU Integrated Balance with Sports Conditioning Training. Morales loves what she does and enjoys changing and inspiring people to become healthy and reach their fitness goals.
Nancy Neves
Nancy is a certified Kripalu yoga instructor and has been practicing yoga for 10 years. She led aerobics classes for the City of Rockville Department of Recreation for eight years and has taught yoga through the Montgomery County Department of Recreation since 2009. She emphasizes safe alignment principles while directing students to tune into their inner experience of the yoga postures and breathing and meditation techniques.
Mark Orrell
Mark teaches t-ball, soccer, and basketball. He has degrees in kinesiology and exercise physiology and has taught for over 5 years. Mark’s goals are to establish a good rapport with the children while teaching the fundamentals of each sport. He makes students feel at ease through humor and promotes team spirit so all teammates feel successful.
Sabine Phillipe
Sabine has training in ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom, Latin, improvisation, and folklore. She attended Boston University, Boston Ballet, Washington Ballet, Fred Astaire Studios, American Ballet, Academie Regine Montrosier Trouillot, and Louisville Ballet. Sabine’s philosophy is to emphasize technique and then break down steps to their smaller components so it is easier for students to grasp.
Nancy Poole
Life long student of Yoga and instructor since 2004, Nancy studied with Beth Shaw, founder of YogaFit. She studied Pilates at The Body College in Washington D.C. and has her Pilates Mat Certification and is also a certified YogaFit Level 5 instructor. She feels that Pilates enables you to get in touch with your core strength through the mind, breathing and movement. This core strength benefits many aspects of your life, both physically and mentally. Every student has different and very individual strengths and limitations and can find contentment in each. Nancy feels that Pilates can benefit everyone.
Sharon Ramsey
Sharon Ramsey has more than 10 years experience as a fitness instructor. She is AFFA (American Family Fitness Association) and ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified. She has experience teaching for all ages. Her goal is to ensure that everyone receives a safe and complete body work out and her students leave her class feeling good about what they have accomplished.
Brenda Salas
Brenda has been teaching fitness classes for over 20 years. She is a Master Trainer with many certifications including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) and International Dance Education Association (IDEA). Her goal as an educator is to assist participants in learning fitness concepts and how to apply them to everyday life. As a fitness instructor her teaching style is to facilitate this learning process in a fun class with upbeat music.
Regina Sheffield-Wright
Regina has more than 20 years of experience in modern and liturgical dance, with 10 of those years dedicated to teaching. In 2010 while looking for a new workout that involved dance, she took a Zumba class. She loved it and became a certified Zumba instructor shortly after. She has been teaching Zumba at her place of employment and churches, as well as Zumba in the Circuit at Curves.
Robert Thompson
Thompson began dancing to Reggae music as a child in Kingston, Jamaica where he learned various reggae dance styles. He stays current with the evolution of reggae styles and dance steps through family, live concerts and reggae performances. Thompson has extensive teaching experience as a martial arts instructor including four years of teaching kung fu to children and adults in the Takoma Park Recreation Department.
Terri Winkler
Terri has taught childhood music for over 10 years, and was trained as a registered Music Together teacher in 2003. She was recently awarded Music Together Certification Level I for outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent education. Terri has a BA in piano performance and pedagogy and has worked as a musician and music teacher for more than twenty years. She is a member of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association.
Mehmet Yargici
Mehmet Yargici is a USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) certified instructor with more than 17 years teaching experience. He teaches all levels of players, from novices to competitive athletes. His teaching programs are tailored to age and playing level. Mehmet's custom tailored programs enable his students to quickly gain the skills necessary to enjoy the game of tennis.
Zehra Yargici
Zehra Yargici has been teaching tennis for over 10 years to children, teens and adults. She is certified through the USPTA (United Sates Professional Tennis Association). She is an active participant in tennis workshops and player development programs. She loves tennis and loves to share the sport with her students.