Our team

What makes us unique

At SPIRIT Club we believe our amazing trainers are the driving force behind our members’ success. Each SPIRIT Club trainer possesses a great mix of skills, training, and experience which makes them all valuable assets:

Fitness Certifications

Each lead trainer holds an active fitness certification from an NCCA accredited organization

Inclusive Approach

Each trainer has completed extensive training to work with people of all abilities.

Bilingual Trainers

SPIRIT Club has a number of trainers who are bilingual making them excellent resources for non-English speaking members

Diversity of Trainers

Our team includes trainers with diverse backgrounds and abilities who bring lived experience, Allowing our members to feel truly connected to their trainer.

Personal trainers

Experienced instructors trained in adaptive fitness and inclusive movement

Adrian W

Dual certified in fitness training and working with individuals with disabilities. Focuses on strength training, functional fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

Ahmad M

Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. Specializes in calisthenics, yoga, and hybrid training approaches.

Andrew W

Originally from Jamaica. NCSF certified personal trainer.

Ben H

Background in exercise science. Focuses on mobility, joint health, and building real-world functional strength.

Binyam T

Holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science.

Brandon W

Certified Personal Trainer and Virtual Coach. Specializes in strength training, conditioning, and weight management.

Christopher M

NASM certified trainer. Brain cancer survivor.

Craig C

Holds a Master's in Human Movement from A.T. Still University and a Bachelor's in Exercise Science from Towson University. TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor.

Dion P

ISSA certified trainer. Has cerebral palsy. Specializes in strength and conditioning and Muay Thai.

Erroll G

ISSA certified. Originally from Prince George's County, Maryland.

Evan H

NCSF certified with a background in special education. Over 8 years with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Also a soccer coach.

Francis B

Holds a nursing degree. Originally from Cameroon.

Kristian B

NASM certified. Specializes in strength and conditioning, weight loss, endurance training, and injury prevention.

Marcela G

Originally from Costa Rica. NASM certified. Former professional soccer player.

Maria A

Originally from Argentina. Holds a Bachelor's in Physical Education. Member of Argentina's national cestoball team.

Michael T

NASM certified. Personal weight loss transformation of over 100 pounds.

Prince L

Originally from Paris. Specializes in group fitness classes with a focus on speed, strength, and agility training.

Sean C

CPT with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. From Charles County, Maryland.

Shiann J

Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.

Tricia H

Dual certified trainer. Background in track and field. Volunteers with Special Olympics.

Group instructors

Experienced instructors trained in adaptive fitness and inclusive movement

Corissa A

Certified in Zumba, LaBlast, and Aqua Zumba. Involved with UMBC's SUCCESS program.

David G

Born with a disability. Came to the United States in 1995.

Katie G

Wheelchair user. Licensed Zumba instructor specializing in adaptive Zumba classes.

Rebecca L

RYT 500 certified yoga teacher with certifications in Accessible Yoga, Reiki, and massage. Holds a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Renee S

Licensed Zumba instructor since 2015. Over 30 years of dance and fitness experience. With Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) since 2004.

SPIRIT Sam

Has autism. RRCA certified Running Coach and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Has completed 7 marathons.

Ventatia Z

Professional dancer background. Specializes in weight loss, muscle definition, and endurance through dance-based fitness.

Leadership

Experienced instructors trained in adaptive fitness and inclusive movement

Tim Murphy
Baltimore/Howard County Fitness Manager

Master's degree in Special Education. Childhood cancer survivor from Massachusetts. Manages Baltimore and Howard County fitness programming.

Tawny Becker
Rocky Mountain General Manager

Training since 2014. Has a daughter with Down syndrome, which inspired her involvement with SPIRIT Club. Manages Rocky Mountain region programming.

Sam Allen
Montgomery County/DC General Manager

TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor. Holds degrees in health science, exercise/sports science, and physical therapy. Manages Montgomery County and DC programming.

Saba Tasneem
Accounting Director

Jared Ciner
Founding Director

BA in Psychology from University of Maryland. Founded SPIRIT Club in 2012 after volunteering with adults with disabilities through UMD's Best Buddies chapter. Built the organization from a small volunteer group into a full nonprofit serving members across multiple states.

Janna Orons
Outreach Director

Denny Pruitt
Director of Member Services

Christina Frates
Programming and Human Resources Coordinator

Ana Maravic
Virtual Fitness Manager

Originally from Serbia. Attended Duquesne University. Manages SPIRIT Club's virtual fitness programming.

Questions

Find answers about our instructors and how we support your fitness journey

How are our trainers trained?

All SPIRIT Club trainers complete certification in adaptive fitness and inclusive movement practices. Our team receives ongoing training in cognitive supports, physical modifications, and community-centered instruction to ensure every person feels welcome and supported.

Can I request a specific trainer?

Yes. We encourage you to connect with the trainer who feels right for you. During your free session, you can meet our team and discuss preferences with our outreach team.

What support do staff provide?

Our trainers offer physical modifications, cognitive supports, and mental health integration. They work with you to build confidence, celebrate progress, and create a sustainable fitness practice that fits your life.

Are our trainers available for partner training?

Absolutely. We offer partner training sessions where two people work with one trainer. This is ideal for friends, family members, or anyone who prefers shared accountability and community connection.

Do you serve specific populations?

SPIRIT Club serves all abilities and backgrounds. Our trainers are trained to work with older adults, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone seeking inclusive, judgment-free fitness.

More questions

Reach out to our team anytime

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