Fitness Instructor Bios
Amanda Dupree: BTSS Fitness CoordinatorAmanda has been working in the fitness field for 26 years. Her last 14 were spent in multi-unit Regional Fitness management. She holds multiple certifications such as Kick boxing, Pilates, Cycle, Zumba, TRX, Group fitness, Personal training, Certified Life Guard, and Certified Pool Operator. In her spare time she has competed in many races, and competitive body building. In addition Amanda has competed in and organized several fitness fundraising events. She is a compassionate extrovert that loves helping people. | Ernie Thomas: BTSS Pool CoordinatorErnie Thomas is the BTSS Pool Coordinator and head lifeguard. In addition to these key roles at BTSS Ernie is certified as an aquatics instructor and teaches several aquatics classes, along with guarding open swim times. Ernie has certifications that include First Aid & CPR Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Certified Pool Operator, along with his Masters in Leadership. Ernie’s positive attitude, happy personality and enthusiasm inspire our senior swim participants to push harder to achieve their fitness goals. |
Jason Schaefer: BTSS Associate Fitness CoordinatorJason Schaefer has been in the health and fitness field for over 20 years, after getting his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science while on scholarship for Track & Field/Cross Country. He joins the team with expertise in human movement and injury prevention, and managerial/event planning experience. Combined with his heart for aging populations and passion to help other reach their full potential, he’s eager to be a part of “an amazing team rowing the boat together!” In his personal life he enjoys working on projects around his property, running, and golf while he and his wife and daughter raise chickens and do anything and everything they can outdoors. Becca Smith Becca is a WMU graduate, with a degree in Dietetics. Professionally, has worked in a gym environment for over 15 years in various roles, spending 8+ as as Regional Manager. passionate about health and wellness, and personally likes to stay active! AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Aqua Certified and American Red Cross Lifeguard. A mom of 3 wonderful children and is grateful to have her husband of 9 years by her side. As a family they enjoy any and all outdoor activities. In the summers you will find them at the lake, tubing and wakeboarding, at the park riding bike, camping and of course golfing! In the winter they enjoy sledding, snowboarding and ice skating. Mari Ann Pace-Bleu Teaches fitness & a competitive ballroom dancer. Enjoys working with all ages from children through seniors. Has her BSC Ed, minor in PE, concentration in dance and Master of Arts Teaching. ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Licensed Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, & Strong by Zumba. Certified Drums Alive, LaBlast and trained in Barre Intensity method. | Maggie BarclayMaggie is ACE certified personal trainer, AFAA certified fitness instructor, AFAA certified kick boxing instructor and certified Aqua Instructor. Yoga fit Level 2 Instructor, certified Drums Alive Instructor, Senior Fitness and ASFA Senior Fitness Instructor. Passion for organizing and participating in charity events.ondra is certified through AFAA and has been teaching many forms of group exercise for 33 years. She has a major from WMU in Communications with a minor in Dance. She is a graduate of Irene's Myomassology Institute and has an Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. While she has many skills that she enjoys, group fitness is her favorite and she enjoys getting to know the participants and guarantees a challenging cardio workout and stronger core by the end of each session! Dondra Elie Dondra is certified through AFAA and has been teaching many forms of group exercise for 33 +years. She has a major from WMU in Communications with a minor in Dance. She is a graduate of Iren Myomassology Institute and has an Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. While she has many skills that she enjoys, group fitness is her favorite and she enjoys getting to know the participants and guarantees a challenging cardio workout an stronger core by the end of each session. Cathy Moras Cathy is a personal trainer (CPT), yoga instructor, group exercise instructor and currently studying to become a Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) through MVP. Cathy worked as an archivist and librarian for many years and has a BA in History from UM Ann Arbor and a MLIS from Wayne State U. Married and has two sons in college. |
Lola FaelixLola is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer. Specialty certifications include: Senior Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Senior Fitness Consultant, and Primal Exercise consultant. Owner of Get Fit, LLC and specializes with one on one or small group exercise. When not teaching fitness and nutrition, she cycles competitively on road and gravel, enjoys the outdoors year-round, and loves to keep moving! A passion for good health and fitness is what guides her and she loves to share that passion with her clients. | Han Hoong WangHan has more than 30 years teaching experience in Tai Chi and Wushu. She is certified by the Chinese Department of Education and has studied extensively in China and the U.S. under Grandmasters for the Yang and Chen families. Han is a certified Senior Instructor in traditional Yan Style Tai Chi. She was honored to be selected as a disciple of Grandmaster Yan Zhen Duo, 4th generation of the Yang family. Join Han in our Tai Chi program to enhance balance, strengthen body & mind, all while relieving stress and tension. |
Karen LutzKaren spent several years as a CAM therapist for the St. John Providence Health System, and specializes in gentle and chair yoga for those who are either limited in mobility, reluctant to get onto a mat, or are recovering from an injury or illness. She is a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance and Yoga Ed. and is a member of Yoga Association of Greater Detroit. Karen is grateful to have the opportunity to share the practice offering her students the ability to open doors to a more gratifying life through yoga. Yoga allows us to be who we are, without judgment or expectation. “Yoga is the practice of tolerating the consequences of being yourself.” Bhagavad Gita. | Lea MadjoffLea is a compassionate and hardworking fitness professional with a passion in mind/body formats. A certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor since 2009, Yogafit Instructor 2023 and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Toledo. Lea strives to support clients in achieving their best self through safe, effective, and fun exercise programming. When not teaching classes, Lea enjoys keeping active with her family, caring for her garden, indoor plants and fur babies. |
Donna TomassiDonna has been an Ace certified Group Fitness Professional since 2007. She teaches all formats of group fitness and is licensed in Zumba, and most recently, Bokwa. Donna is a Michigan Master Trainer for LaBlast and Fitness format created by Louis VanAmftel, Dancing With The Stars. She also holds her RYT-200 Yoga Teaching certification. In addition to group fitness and personal training, she has been a dance instructor for 20+ years and now choreographs local musical productions. She is honored to be on the BTSS faculty as well as the owner of Studio 8 Fitness in Waterford. Please join Donna in her Chair Yoga, Barre Balance and LaBlast Dance Fitness classes. | Amy KaneA seasoned Pilates expert with more than 4 decades of experience in movement arts. Founder of Sandhill Pilates and a classical PMA-certified Pilates instructor, who harmonizes grace with strength in her fitness methodology. Amy has a degree in dance from Butler University, ballet and expression. Amy has completed 2 out of 3 modules in scolio-Pilates, an inclusive practice, fostering healthier movement patterns and enhancing strength regardless of body type or fitness level. Amy has the unique ability to guide clients towards improved health and wellbeing. |