CHARLENE ABDULLAH
- B.S. in Biology
- Certified Tai Chi Instructor
- CPR/AED Certified
Charlene is a lifetime resident of Elgin and has been interested in health and wellness since completing a special report on nutrition while in grade school. This led her to study the life sciences throughout her schooling, resulting in a B.S. Degree in Biology. She is an avid reader of health related information and supports a holistic approach to wellness. Charlene has participated in fitness activities at the Centre since 2005 and was encouraged to seek certification to become a Tai Chi Instructor when the former teacher moved away and a replacement could not be found.
Charlene has studied Tai Chi for the last four years, learning concurrently under three instructors having over 20 years of Tai Chi and other Martial Arts experience each. She was certified by Tai Chi Healthways of San Diego, CA under the direction of Master Jesse Tsao, PhD.. Master Tsao is the 12th Generation in a direct line of Tai Chi Masters tracing back to Chen Wangting, the founder of the Tai Chi Martial Art Form in the late 1600′s.
Charlene is committed to carrying on the long held traditions of this ancient art and helping serve the health needs of her community.
CARRIE BALDWIN
- B.S. in Sociology from I.S.U.
- Group Fitness Certification in Feb, 2011
- Schwinn Certification April, 2011
“I used to weigh around 300 pounds and was motivated by my fitness instructors to keep my goals small and attainable. They made me feel accepted in classes and asked where I was when I would skip – making me accountable for my actions. I hope to “pay it forward” and do all this and more for someone else. That is why I entered this field of work.”
ANDREA FIEBIG
- MS Exercise Science Concordia University
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Cancer Exercise Specialist
- National Pilates Certified Trainer
- Se Habla Espanol
Andrea’s training includes teaching movement for all to find unique activities to become aware of what works best for longevity, quality of life and pain free movement and high energy outside of the gym during daily life. Combining integrated strength training and movement patterns respecting individual bodies is an important component of successful outcomes. Training is a partnership which requires listening to students to help them listen to their bodies.
El metodo de entrenamiento le ayuda a mantener un cuerpo sano, fuerte y la energia que se necesita para una vida active afuera del gimnasio. Entrenarse el cuerpo fisico tambien mejora la mente, la anxiedad, y todos los sistemas corporales, ni importa su edad.
DAWN JONES
- (Habla Espanol)
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Chinese Bodywork
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- Certified Nutrition and Wellness
- Consultant
- C.P.R. / A.E.D. Certified
Dawn covers almost every spectrum of fitness: a massage therapist and a personal trainer, as well as group fitness instructor. She recently started working with Judson University’s soccer teams, taking them through spinning/cycling as an alternative to their usual training regiments. It’s paid off in better stamina and physiology/kinesiology education!
DANAE MOLITOR
- Certified ACE Personal Trainer
- AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- 200-Hour Yoga Teach Training through the Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center (HYMC)
- Barre Certified through the American Barre Technique (ABT)
- Aqua Certified – HydroTherapy
Danae Molitor has been in the fitness industry since 1994 and enjoys working one on one with clients as well as teaching group fitness classes such as Senior Fit, Chair Yoga/Yoga, Pilates, Hydrotherapy and Kickboxing. She specializes in senior/active aging classes and working with special populations and knows the importance of taking care of our health no matter what age, fitness level or limitations one may have.
SONIA MICHELS
I fell in love with yoga the first time I stepped onto my mat nearly 20 years ago and has truly changed my life. I was led to deepen my practice by many gifted instructors through the years, and became a yoga teacher in March of 2021 through The Prairie Yoga Institute. Since then, I have had opportunities to share my joy of yoga with friends, volunteering, and in teaching slow gentle classes. I spent many years working as a speech and language pathologist but now have the time to share this joyful yoga practice with others. It is truly my honor and pleasure to help guide those willing to explore this amazing journey. Namaste.