Instructors/Personal Trainers

Check out the instructors/personal trainers here at the Saratoga Regional YMCA. Contact any of our branches to setup a personal training session.

	Bryan Briddell* Bryan holds a PHD (Department of Movement Science) from Florida State University and a Level 2 Master Certified from the International Youth Conditioning Association and USA Weightlifting. He has over 15 years of experience.	Lindsey Hoffman Lindsey Hoffman has just started her journey as an instructor at the YMCA and the YMCA has given her the platform to instruct and become a certified group instructor. Fitness has always been a part of her life and she is looking forward to sharing that with many other individuals. Lindsey is a full time student as well with the career goal of becoming an elementary school teacher as she loves working with children as well as adults. She loves motivating people and helping them reach their goals and hopes that the YMCA will help reach her own personal goals in the future.

	Sebastian Burns Sebastian is a certified personal trainer by the American Fitness Training of Athletics (AFTA ). He has worked with all age groups, from teens to seniors and has helped them achieve their fitness goals.	Susan Johnson* Susan has been training our members since 1994. She is certified with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) since 1997. She has trained older adults, athletes, people with MS, diabetes, and cancer. Specializing in “baby boomer” fitness, she enables those in the 40-60+ age group to begin and stick with a personalized fitness program.

	Larry Canell Larry graduated in 1992 from BSHS. He graduated from HVCC with an Associates Degree in Physical Education and started working at the YMCA in 1990 at the summer camp. He started personal training when he was 19 years old. Larry currently has over 11 years of experience and holds personal training certifications with NASM, NFPT, and APEX.	Haley Korth Haley received her certification as a Health Fitness Instructor from Hofstra University’s Academy of Applied Personal Training Education. She is an experienced marathon runner and was a Recreational Program Director for Fitwise for Kids. While she works with clients of all ages, Haley has a soft spot for children and likes to develop programs integrating fun and fitness.

	Barb Clothier Barb’s quest to create a healthier lifestyle began in 1996 when she started to exercise. Enjoying it so much, and the benefits, she began to teach aerobics with the hope that others would also gain an active lifestyle and love it as she does. Her path eventually led her to the YMCA in 2002. She instructs the “Women on Weights” Program and classes including, step, interval training and a variety of cardio classes. Her motivation is to help the members reach their own health and wellness goals.	Maria Lane Maria has been a fitness instructor certified with The Aerobics & Fitness Assoc. of America (AFAA) for the past 15 yrs. Also, certified with AFAA as a weight room instructor and personal trainer. She has taught a variety of classes such as L.I. aerobics, step, interval training and toning. For the past 5 yrs. Maria has attended Pilates-based courses through AFAA and presently teach pilates and core conditioning.

	Chris Defibaugh Chris is a graduate of Norwich University with a BS in Physical Education and a minor in Biology. He uses his experience as a collegiate athlete and coach to help his clients reach their goals. He is a certified YMCA Strength and Conditioning Coach and Group Fitness Instructor. He is also certified through ESA as a Nutrition Specialist. Chris has been working at the Wilton Branch for over a year and has been helping friends, family, and clients reach there fitness goals for the past 6 years.	Kim Mariotti* Kim has an MS in Health Education and is a certified trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. For weight-loss clients, she is certified in the Medi-Fast rapid weight-loss program. She is a YMCA and Skidmore College certified Personal Trainer, Aerobics and Group Exercise Instructor. In addition, Kim is a Women's Master Rower.

	Xiomara Diaz Xiomara holds a Master’s of Education in Sports Administration from Xavier University. She is a multiple Hall-of-Famer, multiple MVP, and multiple NCAA All-American in track & field and has even coached on the high school level. In training, Xiomara puts her extensive experience to work for others who want to take their competitive sports performance to new heights.	Frank Matt Frank is a certified Ni-Dan Goju Ryu Karate Instructor with a Second Degree Black Belt. He instructs for mixed abilities, ages and interests who wish to earn promotion through their performance, attendance and testing. Frank trained In Maine and also Philadelphia, PA. Franks trains students from kids to adults.The orginization that recognizes his certification pushes family first. Frank has competed tournaments in sparring and also in Kata at the state level in Maine and New England tournaments.

	Jo Ann Ellis Jo Ann's career started at the YMCA Corinth Branch in 2001. She is a certified Group Instructor and Personal Trainer. Jo Ann's "Active Older Adult" classes and "Women on Weights" Programs are consistently full at the Corinth Branch. Exercise and good nutrition have always been a part of Jo Ann's life. She exemplifies a healthy lifestyle and her primary goal is to assist all health seekers to achieve and maintain this same lifestyle while having fun.	Joni Messineo Joni has been in the fitness industry for 23 years and with the Saratoga Regional YMCA for several months. Joni holds AAAI certifications for Personal Training and Mat Pilates I and II. She also holds certifications in cycling, kickboxing, and nutritional counseling. Joni currently teaches Step, Boot Camp, Cycling, and Kickboxing at both the Saratoga Springs and Malta branches. Joni is pursuing her Massage Therapy license while mothering two boys, Angelo, age13, and Gino, age 5. Joni finds her motivation and ambition from the members, they keep her focused.

	Kristie Gunter Kristie is an ACSM certified personal trainer with a BS in Physical Therapy. As an experienced cyclist and runner, she particularly enjoys helping people improve their sports performance. As a YMCA trainer, Kristie delights in the opportunity to combine her Physical Therapy experience with a more proactive approach to healthy lifestyle changes and physical fitness.	Debra Rafferty* Debra is certified throught the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Fitour and the American Aerobic Association International & International Sports Medicine Association (AAA/ISMA) for Pre & Post Natal Fitness Training. Debra’s training formula for success is an exercise plan that involves strength, endurance and performance training. She coaches each client to reach beyond his or her capabilities. She has over 10 years in the fitness industry and Debra’s experience includes Personal Training, Group Training, Kickboxing Instructor, Circuit Training, Cycle Instructor, Boot Camp and much more!

	Diane Guzman Diane has been a group fitness instructor since 2001. She is AFAA certified for group fitness, AAAI certified for personal training, and YMCA certified for Strength and Conditioning. She has experience running the NYC Marathon and various 5, 10, and 25K runs. Diane can assist those who are interested in a running program or improving their speed and endurance. She can also provide instruction and motivation for those interested in increasing their strength and lean muscle mass, increasing their fat loss, and adapting to a healthier lifestyle.	Dan Schenkman Dan grew up in Malta and graduated from Ballston Spa High School. He went on to SUNY Cortland and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. He is an avid athlete who appreciates all sports and played football, wrestled, and ran track in school. Dan enjoys being outdoor and going hiking. He has hiked Blue Mtn., Crane Mtn., and Buck Mtn.; and plans to hike many more. Dan knows the importance of being fit and how it can be a struggle at times. He wants to see everyone achieve their goals and be healthy. Don’t be a stranger, because he always likes to meet a new person. Dan holds a YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning Certification for Personal Training.

	Chris Henderson Chris holds a B.A. in both Math and Science History and Philosophy. He is a YMCA Certified Trainer who participates in many sports, including basketball, track and field, and fencing. He is an avid weightlifter who enjoys applying his background in physics and chemistry to the questions of physical improvement while using his work in the humanities to make complex training concepts accessible and less obscure for his clients.	Holly Sofarelli* Holly's career in fitness began in the 1980's at the Saratoga Regional YMCA's Broadway location where she taught aerobics. In 1998, she was certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine for personal training. She loves introducing women, whom she fondly calls aerobic queens (she was one once!), to the benefits of weight training.

	John Higgins John is not only a YMCA personal trainer, he is also our friendly neighborhood Wellness Center Director here at the Saratoga Springs Branch. John has worked for years in the fitness industry as a trainer and manager. He assists in coaching basketball and enjoys golf. In previous life, his Army related-experiences challenged his personal fitness goals and help to build his moral character. He lost 65 lbs. as a Malta member, and now helps others achieve their own fitness goals at Saratoga Springs.	Thomas Speziale Thomas grew up around sports and fitness from childhood to college. As a young adult, his passion was to help others. As a personal trainer, he will take your goals and develop them into a plan suited to meet your individual aspirations. Thomas takes pride in hard work and dedication, and believes that with exercise, you can look better and feel, and live longer. He promises to work hard, but expects the same from you. With determination, anything is possible, and he will do his best to help you get there. Thomas holds a YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning Certification for Personal Training.

		Amy Wert Amy is an AFAA certified Personal Trainer and Aerobics and Cycling Instructor. She discovered her passion for health and wellness during a personal journey of a100 pounds shed through a disciplined diet and exercise regimen. Amy has experience working with people of various ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Her experience, knowledge, and motivation will provide encouragement to reach personal goals and adapt a healthier lifestyle. * Denotes trainers who are certified to instruct on the Gravity Training System (GTS).

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