Presenter Bios

Dan Agresti, MS, is the owner of Real Life Fitness in Parker, Colorado. He has over 18 years experience in the fitness industry and specializes in personal, corporate and tactical training. He holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in kinesiology. Dan is a highly sought-after lecturer known for his extensive knowledge and passion for fitness. Certification: ACSM-HFS

Don Bahneman, MS, has been in the fitness industry for more than 18 years and has held multiple management positions with the Wellbridge chain of mega-clubs, as well as in private clubs and spas. Don’s early professional experience includes working as a strength and conditioning coach with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He holds a master’s degree in human performance from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. Certifications: ACE, NASM, NSCA

Mike Bracko, EdD, is the director of Dr. Bracko’s Fitness consulting and the Hockey Institute. In addition to being a writer, hockey skating coach, fitness educator and media consultant, Mike has expertise in back injury prevention and ergonomics. He is an active volunteer with ACSM and IDEA, and he holds a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in exercise science. Mike is the author of 24 fitness, sports performance and hockey DVDs. Certification: NSCA

Anthony Carey, MA, is the owner of Function First in San Diego. He holds a masters degree in biomechanics and athletic training and has authored two best-selling books, The Pain-Free Program: A Proven Method to Relieve Back, Neck, Shoulder, and Joint Pain and Relationships and Referrals: A Personal Trainer’s Guide to Doing Business with the Medical Community. Anthony is the inventor of the Core-Tex™, a reactive training tool. Certifications: NASM, NSCA

Amanda Carlson-Phillips, MS, RD, is the vice president of nutrition and research for Athlete’s Performance & Core Performance in Phoenix. She is a registered dietitian who holds master’s degrees in sports nutrition and exercise physiology. In her role at Athletes’ Performance, she helps athletes achieve their maximum performance potential through the integration of effective nutrition. Amanda is an advisory board member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietetics Association and EAS.

Rodney Corn, MA, is a co-founder of PTA Global and an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Francisco and California University of Pennsylvania. With over 20 years in the fitness industry, Rodney has traveled worldwide presenting at numerous conferences, sharing his experience in wellness, sports performance and corrective exercise. He holds a master’s degree in biomechanics and is a fellow of Applied Functional Science™ with the Gray Institute. Certifications: NASM, PTA Global

Amy Dixon is a master trainer for BOSU®, GRAVITY® and Schwinn® Cycling, and is the group fitness manager for Equinox in Santa Monica, California. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in lifestyle management. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she delivers fun, performance-based classes and works hard to educate and motivate her students to achieve extraordinary results. Her classes and insights have been reported in numerous magazines, including Women’s Health, Self, Shape and Variety. Certification: AFAA

Shannon Fable, 2012 IDEA Instructor of the Year finalist and 2006 ACE Instructor of the Year, is the founder of Sunshine Fitness Resources, a consulting firm for aspiring fitness educators, manufacturers and managers. Shannon is a 15-year fitness veteran and master trainer for Schwinn®, BOSU®, ACE® and Power Systems®. She serves on the ACE Industry Advisory Panel, and is a certified Book Yourself Solid™ business coach. Certifications: ACE, AFAA Steve Hertzler, PhD, RD, is a senior research scientist for Abbott Nutrition. His expertise lies in sports nutrition and carbohydrate metabolism. Steve holds a doctorate degree in human nutrition and has been a registered dietitian since 1988. He is an author on 20 peer-reviewed research articles, was on the nutrition faculty at Ohio State University for 7 years, and has 3 years of experience as a clinical dietitian.

Sue Hitzmann, MS, is a nationally recognized somatic-movement educator and manual therapist. Her decades of practice, research and study of anatomical science and alternative therapies have culminated in the creation of the MELT Method®, a revolutionary approach to living pain-free for a lifetime. This groundbreaking self-treatment program utilizes Hands-off Bodywork™ to support the health, fitness and quality of life of any person, at any age or activity level.

Hayley Hollander is a personal trainer, educator, and co-founder of Advanced Training Performance in Las Vegas. She has been in the fitness industry for over 13 years, and is a master trainer for TRX® and the training and education coordinator for PTA Global. Hayley holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Certifications: ACE, AFAA, NASM, PTA Global

Pete Holman, PT, is the creator of the TRX® Rip™ Trainer and the director of Rip Training at TRX. A registered physical therapist, Pete was also the U.S. national tae kwon do champion and former captain for the U.S. national team. Pete has practiced physical therapy with a specialty in sports performance and biomechanics for 14 years, and has trained many professional athletes. Certification: NSCA

Shari Kalkstein is the owner of Fortify Your Frame, Inc., an exercise program geared toward establishing stability in older adults. She also operates a fitness studio where she offers core classes for pre/postnatal women, as well as comprehensive balance and strength assessments. Shari is a presenter for Cross Country Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports studies, and is a licensed physical therapist assistant. Certifications: ACE, ACSM, NSCA

Mark P. Kelly, PhD, is an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise®. He currently produces workshops, presentations, webinars and articles to bridge the gap between science and application for trainers and the lay public. An author, presenter, trainer and athlete, Mark has been teaching sciences in universities, and performing research and physiological assessments in exercise science for over 20 years. Mark is a former nationally-ranked duathlete. Certifications: NSCA, ACE

Brett Klika is the director of athletic performance at Todd Durkin’s Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, and has worked with thousands of youth and elite athletes. Brett holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and has been published in a variety of academic textbooks and industry publications on the topics of youth fitness, athletic performance and personal training. He is a dynamic international speaker and a consultant to many youth-based fitness organizations. Certification: NSCA

Len Kravitz, PhD, is the program coordinator of exercise science and researcher at the University of New Mexico where he received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. He was recently honored with the 2009 CanFitPro Specialty Presenter of the Year award and chosen as the American Council on Exercise 2006 Fitness Educator of the Year. Len holds a doctorate degree in exercise science and health promotion. Certification: ACSM

Vito LaFata is an international presenter and leader in fitness sales, marketing and programming. He specializes in systemizing the fundamentals of a profitable fitness business, leadership and team development. Vito is the creator of Fitness Profit Systems, the co-creator of Fitness Profit Solutions, and the owner of Fitness Evolution and Fitness Evolution Sport in Laguna Hills, California. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and economics. Certification: NASM

Marc Lebert is the owner of Lebert Fitness Inc., a world leader in developing innovative fitness training tools like the Lebert Equalizer™ and the Lebert Buddy System™. An international presenter, Marc is also a fitness club owner, a certified NLP practitioner and Silver Lining Entrepreneur of the Year. He is an artist, has a passion for teaching and holds a black belt in tae kwon do. Certifications: ACE, CanFitPro

Sherri McMillan, MSc, has been inspiring the world to adopt a fit lifestyle for over 20 years. She has received numerous industry awards, including the 2010 CanFitPro International Fitness Presenter of the Year and the 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year. As a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, and author of five books and manuals, Sherri is also a featured presenter in various fitness DVDs, as well as a spokesperson for Nike, Twist Sport Conditioning™ and PowerBar®.

Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, is the co-owner of Mohr Results, Inc., in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a nutrition spokesperson and consultant to Gatorade®, the National Dairy Council® and Nordic Naturals®. A consulting sports nutritionist for the Cincinnati Bengals and for Under Armour®, he also serves on the advisory board for Men’s Fitness Magazine. Chris is a registered dietitian and holds a master’s degree in nutrition and a doctoral degree in exercise physiology.

Teri Mosey, PhD, is the founder of Holistic Pathways LLC, an education company specializing in holistic nutrition and lifestyle coaching. She has 15 years experience as a consultant, educator and exercise physiologist. Teri strives to assist others to discover their personal path to wellness. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, a master’s degree in exercise physiology and a doctorate degree in holistic nutrition. Certifications: ACSM, NASM

Lenny Parracino is a faculty member for Gray Institute and has spent over 20 years serving the health industry as an international lecturer and functional therapist. Formerly an instructor and clinician for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Lenny has written educational materials and consulted for various medical organizations around the world. He holds a degree in health science, is a certified nutritional therapist and has a license to practice soft tissue therapy in California.

Cassidy Phillips is the founder and CEO of Trigger Point Performance Therapy™, and is a biomechanical specialist concentrating on sports performance and injury prevention. Having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it became his personal mission to understand muscular structure and the regeneration of dysfunctional muscle tissue. This led to his development of Trigger Point Performance Therapy products, education and methodologies, including the methodology of Myofascial Compression Techniques™ (MCT). Certification: ISSA

Justin Price, MA, is the creator of The BioMechanics Method, which provides corrective exercise education for health and fitness professionals. He is a former IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year and an education provider for ACE®, BOSU®, TRX®, PTontheNet, PTA Global and the NSCA.

Tom Purvis, PT, is a licensed physical therapist specializing in exercise mechanics. He is the founder of RTS®, the Resistance Training Specialist® program, and has served as a keynote speaker at the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Symposium as well as the IDEA Personal Training Summit.

Fraser Quelch is the director of training and development for TRX® and is the creator and lead educator of the TRX Suspension Training® program. He was CanFitPro Specialty Presenter of the Year. Featured in the Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune, Fraser is a renowned expert in the fields of functional training, and endurance athletics, and has presented at conferences and events worldwide.

Brian Richey is the owner and operator of Fit 4 Life DC and he holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and kinesiology. A personal trainer for 20 years, Brian instructs for the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehab Professionals conducting workshops throughout the U.S. He is known for his work as a postrehabilitation conditioning specialist and program director. Certification: AAHFRP

Karen Schlieter, MBA, MS, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in gerokinesiology, and an MBA, and she is the assistant program director of the FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Specialist Instructor Certification Program. Karen is also a personal trainer who specializes in working with mid-life and older adults to maintain optimal fitness, wellness, and balance and mobility skills. Certification: ACE

Nora St. John, MS, has taught Pilates for over 20 years and currently directs the Pilates instructor training program for Balanced Body®. She studied Chinese medicine, massage, the Franklin Method®, Anatomy in Clay® and other modalities to enhance her understanding of the body. She holds degrees in biology, dance and traditional Chinese medicine and is the author of 11 teacher training manuals and magazine articles. Certification: PMA

Nick Tumminello is the director of Performance University, and is a nationally-recognized coach and educator who is known for his smarter approach to strength and conditioning. He is the developer of the Core Bar™ and has authored numerous best-selling DVDs. Nick lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he serves as the conditioning coach for Team Ground Control MMA. Certification: ACE

Peter Twist, MSc, is the president and CEO of Twist Sport Conditioning™ and is an exercise physiologist with a specialization in coaching science. An experienced conditioning coach and published author of numerous books, DVDs and articles, Peter is also the global education partner for IMG's Ignite Performance Training certification. He has received awards from the NSCA and CanFitPro, and is the recipient of the 2010 IDEA Program Director of the Year award.

Derek Vandenbrink, MA, is a professor in health, wellness and fitness at Mohawk College in Ontario, Canada. Previously, Derek held positions as a personal training manager, personal trainer and athletic conditioning specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in physical education and recreation, specializing in youth athlete development. Derek is also a certified exercise physiologist, faculty member for PTA Global, a master trainer for ViPR, Technogym, and Hyperwear. Certification: PTA Global

Julian Varela, MS, MA, has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for over 15 years and has helped establish numerous community efforts to create healthier companies, individuals, families and youth. He is a fitness trainer, industry presenter, columnist, and owner of Vie Wellness Solutions, a corporate wellness consulting company in San Luis Obispo, California. Julian holds master’s degrees in exercise science and health promotion, and in clinical psychology and marriage family therapy. Certification: NSCA

Keith B. Wheeler, PhD, FACSM, is the global director of performance nutrition, research, development and scientific affairs for Abbott Nutrition. He holds a bachelor’s degree in life science, with a master’s degree and doctorate in nutritional biochemistry. A fellow with the American College of Sports Medicine and an elected member of the American Society for Nutrition, Keith has worked with professional teams and organizations on the topic of performance nutrition.

Alexandra Williams, MA, and Kymberly Williams-Evans, MA, produce, teach, write, edit, emcee and present their programs worldwide on land, sea and airwaves. Together they produce the Fun and Fit blog and radio show, and are Kred and Klout Top 50 fitness bloggers. Kymberly is a former faculty member of the department of exercise and sports studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Alexandra is a writer and former editor for IDEA, faculty at UCSB, and a popular tweeter. Certification: ACE

Chuck Wolf, MS, is the director of Human Motion Associates in Orlando, Florida. He is known for his expertise in functional anatomy, movement analysis, function and advanced program design. Chuck teaches workshops, presents at conferences and conducts seminars with fitness professionals and elite athletes from a wide array of sports. He holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a fellow of Applied Functional Science™ with the Gray Institute.