Falcon Fitness Staff

Join our Falcon Fitness Team! If you are interested in becoming a certified Group Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer, Contact Karyn Smith at karync@bgsu.edu for more information. 

All Falcon Fitness staff members are certified in first aid and CPR/AED. 

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Karyn Smith

  • Position: Group X Instructor | Personal Trainer
    Profession: Health Educator - Wellness Connection
    Certifications: ACE Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, ViPR® Instructor
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Naomi Alexander

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Profession: Exercise Science, Specialization Athletic Training
    Certifications: Will be ACE certified, American Red Cross CPR certified

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: My favorite thing about BGSU's fitness programs is the motivation and encouragement I get from the fitness team. This energy is reflected in how we complete our jobs, therefore, enhancing the way our participants stay active and engaged.

Personal Interests: I love spending time with my family, traveling, and networking to meet new people through physical activity!

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Adrienne Ansel

  • Position: Fitness Instructor
    Profession: Fitness and Wellness professional and small business owner
    Certifications: Masters of Education in Kinesiology, ACE, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Health Coach, Les Mills BodyPump™ Instructor, and SilverSneakers® Instructor

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: It brightens my day to lead others to ENJOY exercise while building relationships with others in our special Falcon Fitness Family!

Personal Interests: Staying active is definitely one of my favorite hobbies! In my spare time, I love choreograph for the BGSU Dance Program. When I’m not teaching or training or staying active, you can find me spending time with loved ones or snuggling with my 3 sweet kitties.

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Josh Auten

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Profession: Finance and Insurance
    Certifications: ACTION Certification in Personal Training

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: Everyone's commitment to building a healthier community

Personal Interests: Fitness, hiking, cooking, and nature!

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Reagan Benseler

  • Position: Older Adult Fitness Instructor
    Profession: Human Delvelopment and Family Studies
    Certifications: CPR, Silver Sneakers Splash

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: I’m newly hired but cannot wait to start and meet all the lovely people in the classes!

Personal Interests: Working out, hanging out with friends, taking long walks in beautiful places

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Hannah Bockey

  • Position: Fitness Graduate Assistant of Student Recreation Center.
    Profession: 1st year Kinesiology Graduate Student in the School of Human Movement, Sport, and Leisure Studies.
    Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Instructor of Older Adult Strength Training.

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: My favorite part about being part of Falcon Fitness in the environment. Everyone here is very welcoming and makes coming to work enjoyable! Another part that I enjoy about Falcon Fitness is teaching my Older Adult Strength Training class – this community is one of the most dedicated group of individuals & I couldn’t imagine Falcon Fitness without them! Falcon Fitness has given me so many great experiences & friendships that I will forever cherish.

Personal Interests: During my free time I enjoy working out, spending time with my dog, Tonks, and hanging out with my family and friends!

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Purvi Chauhan

  • Position: Yoga instructor
    Profession: Accounting
    Certifications: RYT 100, RYT 200, CPR

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: It's a supportive community working toward wellness!

Personal Interests: Traveling, walks, cooking with my friends, reading.

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Ashlyn Cramer

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Profession:
    Certifications:

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness:

Personal Interests:

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Meg Crawford

  • Position: Instructor
    Profession: Inclusive Early Childhood Education
    Certifications: CPR Certified and 200-Hour Teacher Training

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: All of the different classes that are available for me to try/ a stress release

Personal Interests: Yoga, crafts, spending time with friends

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Shannon Fisher

  • Position: Older Adult Fitness Instructor
    Profession: Workforce Development and Social Services
    Certifications: AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, Licensed Zumba® and Zumba Gold® Instructor

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: As a BGSU alum with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, I'm excited to join the Falcon Fitness staff. I started my fitness journey while attending group exercise classes at the Student Rec Center as a student, and it's full circle to return as an instructor.

Personal Interests: I enjoy running, reading, traveling (especially to a sunny beach), and spending time with my husband and two dogs.

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Abby Gilfillen

  • Position: Rockstar Spin Instructor
    Profession: AYA Math Education
    Certifications: Spin Licenses

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: I like being a part of falcon fitness because I love helping people find new ways to stay active!

Personal Interests: Sharing my love for cycling classes is one of my favorite parts of the week!

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Demetria Graham

  • Position: Group X Instructor
    Profession: Student Services Counselor in the College of Arts and Sciences
    Certification: AFAA Group Exercise Instructor

Training Philosophy: It's your workout, you get out of it what you put into it.

Personal Interests: I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I am a former basketball player and coach.  I am a graduate of BGSU. As a former (and current) Group X participant, the instructors inspired me so much that I made the decision to live a healthy lifestyle, and I decided to become a fitness instructor.  One of the best decisions that I have ever made in my life!

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Kate Hans

  • Position: Group X Instructor
    Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders minor in Applied French
    Certification(s): ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and CPR/First Aid

Training Philosophy: I truly love being able to dance with my participants every week! It brings me so much joy to foster healthy living through dance. After attending various Group-X classes as a freshman, I realized how important exercise is, both physically and mentally. Through teaching group fitness classes, I hope to share my love of dance and create an inclusive atmosphere for my participants to grow and have fun!

Personal Interests: When I’m not dancing, I enjoy going on walks, exploring museums, listening to k-pop, and spending time with family and friends!

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Colin Kelly

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Major: Exercise Science
    Certification(s):

Training Philosophy: Everyone's passion for exercise

Personal Interests: Rocking climbing, drumming, exercising, and slacklining.

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Melissa Ladd

  • Position: Group X Instructor
    Major: MA History of Art
    Certifications: ACE Instructor, Cardio Toga, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED, First Aid

Training Philosophy: Fitness is not only about physical health but mental health as well. Fitness for me is about inner and outer strength, not physical appearance. Body positivity is about strength and confidence, enjoying the amazing things that your body is capable of. My fitness philosophy has always centered on “longevity.” Movement and flexibility are my priority. Learning to move your body and building intrinsic strength leads not only to a healthy, confident mind, but an energized body that remains mobile long into older age. That’s why I practice yoga in all of its forms. I absolutely love bringing that outer strength and inner peace of mind to my students.

Personal Interests: I love practicing advanced yoga postures and weight lifting is a great way for me to gain strength to get into those poses (handstands!) Outside of yoga and fitness (which I love a lot), I love extreme sports, reading and rock music. A lifelong dancer, I enjoy singing and performing as well. Art is a passion of mine, I love animation and graffiti and enjoy studying art and visiting museums.

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Sarah Lauban

  • Position: Instructor and Personal Trainer
    Major: Graduated with B.S. in Exercise Science
    Certification(s): ACSM CPT, Silver Sneakers, CPR/AED

Training Philosophy: The people!

Personal Interests: Shopping, taking pictures, spending time with friends / family, and creating clothes!

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Jessica Middleton

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Major:
    Certification(s):

Training Philosophy: Coming Soon

Personal Interests: Coming Soon

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Bryant Miller

  • Position: Fitness Instructor
    Major: Inclusive Early Childhood Education
    Certifications: 200 Hour Hatha Yoga instructor. Anti -Racism in Yoga Training. Adult First aid/AED/CPR.

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: I love being able to do so many outreach programs where I get to meet amazing groups of people that might have not come to a yoga class otherwise!


Personal Interests: I love to hike and take Trader Joe's road trips with my roommates!

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Olivia Oblak

  • Position: Instructor
    Major: Nursing
    Certification(s): ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification

Training Philosophy: My favorite part about Falcon Fitness is their honest drive to create a community of people who want to better themselves and live healthier lives. I’m looking forward to being a member of that team!

Personal Interests: I love the feeling of pushing through a difficult exercise class and feeling stronger at the end! I also love dance, ice cream, the beach, and spending time outside!

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Jodi Schroeder

  • Position: Budget Coordinator - Intercollegiate Athletics
    Certification: BODYPUMP™ and Cycle Instructor

Training Philosophy:  I strive to motivate others to achieve their personal success one step at a time.  I enjoy celebrating the mini-successes of realistic achievements which in turn become the foundation for greater triumphs.  Sometimes, the toughest thing to do is to take that first step.

Personal Interests:  A native of Northwest Ohio, Jodi has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree specializing in Marketing, as well as, a Master’s degree in Workforce Development and Education from Bowling Green State University.  Back in the summer of 2012, I caught the BGSU Falcon Fitness “bug” and haven’t looked back since.  In my free time, I enjoy participating in various sporting activities with my kids, spending time with my family, and soaking up the quiet calm a great run affords me.

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Kayla Schwieterman

  • Position: Personal Trainer and Customer Service Attendant
    Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
    Certification: NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: Being in an encouraging environment where you see someone achieve a goal or do something they didn't think was even possible.  

Personal Interests: In my free time I enjoy being active through lifting, walking, or hiking. I love exploring new coffee shops and teaching little kids!

Claire Semer

Claire Semer, Ph.D.

  • Position: Group X Instructor
    Profession: Assistant Director, Office of Residence Life
    Certification: AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, WERQ Dance Fitness Certified, BUTI Yoga Certified, and SilverSneakers®

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: I love providing different fitness formats to participants and watch them fall in love with exercising and sweating!

Personal Interests: I enjoy spending quality time with my family and gardening in the warmer months.

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Maria Signorino

  • Position: Mindfulness Facilitator
    Major: Environmental Policy and Analysis | Specialization: Education and Interpretation | Minor: Entrepreneurship
    Certifications: Mediation and Mindfulness Instructor, Reiki level 1, Reiki level 2 , CPR and First Aid

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness:
 I absolutely love providing others with what I am so passionate about myself. It is important to me to practice what I preach, so I love meditating for myself as much as I love leading others in meditations. I also love how positive, outgoing, inclusive, and helpful the entire Falcon Fitness community is. 

Personal Interests: I enjoy yoga, hiking, and plants. Also, I love to try new things. I believe it is important to go out of your comfort zone to really see personal growth.

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Alexa Stout

  • Position: WERQ Dance Fitness Instructor
    Major: Inclusive Early Childhood Education
    Certification(s): WERQ Dance Fitness

Training Philosophy: Helping people discover a passion for exercising and staying healthy in a fun way!

Personal Interests: Running, reading, and watching Hallmark movies!

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Theresa Torio

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Major:
    Certification(s):

Training Philosophy: Coming Soon

Personal Interests: Coming Soon

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Camryn Varner

  • Position: Personal Trainer
    Major: Inclusive Early Childhood Education
    Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Favorite Thing about Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: I am excited to be a part of a community of people that share the same passions as I do for fitness, and I cannot wait to continue to learn from everyone around me while having fun doing what I love!

Personal Interests: I enjoy getting coffee with friends, listening to various podcasts, watching any Disney movies, and a fun fact about me is that I am part of the BGSU Cheer team.  

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Sylvie Vitaglione

  • Position: Group X Instructor
    Major: Adjunct Professor of French in the Department of World Languages and Cultures
    Certifications: BA in Dance (UC Berkeley), 200H Yoga Teacher Training Certification (YogaWorks), First Aid and CPR

Training Philosophy: A lifelong dancer, Sylvie trained in ballet in her home country of France and modern and contemporary dance at the University of California Berkeley, where she earned a BA in Dance. During her years as a dancer Sylvie found yoga as a physical practice to support her breathing, deepen her stretching and manage and prevent injuries. She believes in building strong and intelligent bodies by training both our muscles and our minds. Her Barre and Yoga classes will get you off the couch and onto the mat to work on toning, balance, flexibility, agility and refining your range of motion. Working with a wide variety of bodies and abilities, her classes balance movement with stillness, challenging participants to build strength and endurance while also finding time for reflection. 

Personal Interests: Sylvie loves trying new forms of movement (and is currently learning to figure skate!), creating the "perfect" work-out playlist, wandering around art museums, cooking, watching movies, and exploring local parks with her family. 

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DeeDee Wentland

  • Position: Group X Instructor
    Profession: Secretary, School of Cultural and Critical Studies (ACS, ETHN, POPC, and WS)
    Certification(s): Zumba®, Zumba® Step, Zumba® Toning, Aqua Zumba®, and STRONG by Zumba®, BodyPump™,and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor.

Favorite Thing About Being a Part of Falcon Fitness: I love being a part of our Falcon Fitness family as an instructor and as a participant because our team is so supportive and positive!  Being at the Rec is the best part of any day on campus.  It’s where the fun is!

Personal Interests: I love going place and being a tourist, in Ohio and beyond.  I enjoy walks in the park, being by water, and I have 5 grandkids who keep me busy.

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Ashley Welling

  • Position: Instructor
    Major: Graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with a Major in Food Business Management and a minor in Dance
    Certification(s): Barre Intensity, Tabata Bootcamp, and Balletone former Professional Cheerleader for MLS Columbus Crew and AHL Cleveland Monsters

Training Philosophy: The ability to share my love of fitness and dance, especially after coming back from a C-Section, with people of all different ages.

Personal Interests: I have been breeding/showing rabbits for the last 17 years. I help out various 4H clubs in the area and also judge 4H rabbits including showmanship and meat pens in Northwest Ohio. I live on my husband's 150-year-old farm in Pemberville.

Updated: 12/09/2022 11:00AM