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Our Instructors

Every MINT instructor earns their spot — and keeps it.

We recruit studio-caliber coaches, not generic gym instructors. Every member of our teaching team is fully certified, extensively experienced, and held to the highest standards through ongoing performance reviews and direct member feedback. If our members notice, we notice.

The result: a roster of instructors who bring real expertise, genuine energy, and a level of preparation you can feel from the first rep to the final stretch.

Braegan is one of the driving forces behind MINT. As a leader on the team, she does more than teach exceptional classes. She shapes the programming that defines the MINT experience, mentors fellow instructors, and sets the standard for what great fitness coaching looks like.

When you step into Braegan’s class, expect to sweat. Her workouts are dynamic, athletic, and results-driven, designed to challenge you in ways that leave you feeling genuinely accomplished. She is not here to make it easy. She is here to help you push past your excuses and show up as a stronger, more powerful version of yourself.

Master Instructor 

Braegan Padley
Intensity Director

Alexa grew up in a martial arts household — both of her parents trained, and she later began practicing Kung Fu and mixed martial arts herself, which she still trains and competes in today. That background greatly influences how she coaches, with an emphasis on building strength, coordination, and confidence.

Her training focuses on functional strength and quality movement. She challenges clients while keeping things approachable and helps people feel comfortable trying new things in the gym. Alexa prioritizes clear instruction and a supportive environment.

Alexa is an ACE-certified trainer who has worked with a wide range of clients, from people returning to exercise after physical therapy for stroke or arthritis to athletes looking to improve performance.

Outside the gym, Alexa enjoys trying new restaurants, hiking, biking, and traveling.

Alexa Cuevas

Meg DiRuggiero wears many hats at MINT and excels at them all. As Programming Director, she plays a central role in mentoring instructors and shaping the experiences that define MINT, all while showing up as one of the most talented instructors and Pilates trainers on the floor.

Meg is certified in the STOTT contemporary method for Pilates and through NASM for personal training, and brings expertise in TRX and functional strength training to her teaching. She was first drawn to Pilates for its emphasis on core strength and stability, and experienced firsthand how blending strength and flexibility can significantly reduce back and knee pain. That personal discovery became a professional conviction: training rooted in Pilates principles creates the most sustainable and effective workouts for everyone.

Meg DiRuggiero
Program Director

True story: Ori walked out of her first indoor cycling class five years ago halfway through the second song. A couple of years later she gave it another shot, and discovered that the right instructor, the right music, and a little perseverance can change everything.

That experience shapes every class she teaches. Ori’s rides have something for everyone, from hardcore climbers to wild speed demons, and her goal is simple: make sure you leave the studio prouder and stronger than when you walked in. Our bodies are a beautiful gift. Her classes are a celebration of that.

When she is not on the bike, you can find Ori trying to make sequins work-appropriate and consuming obscene quantities of Dunkin Donuts iced coffee.

Ori Korin
Cycle Director

İlayda’s Pilates journey started with a few classes—and quickly became a cornerstone of her life. After experiencing firsthand how Pilates can support recovery, build strength, and restore confidence, she was inspired to help others find that same connection to their bodies.

Her classes are rooted in strong foundations, thoughtful modifications, and a balance of challenge and approachability. She moves between demonstration and hands-on cueing to help students dial in their form, knowing that even the smallest adjustments can transform the experience.

İlayda is passionate about building community through movement, and her goal is simple: for every student to leave class feeling stronger, more capable, and more connected than when they walked in.

İlayda Lynch

Myke Nicholson describes himself as an athletic artist, and once you experience his training style, that description makes perfect sense. He approaches fitness as a creative discipline, constantly finding new ways to challenge the body and mind while guiding clients toward victories that are uniquely their own.

A NESTA-certified personal trainer and TRX-certified instructor with almost 20 years of experience, Myke draws from a deep and diverse toolkit that spans weightlifting, calisthenics, strongman, and MMA. That breadth of expertise means no two sessions feel the same, and every client gets a training experience built around what they actually need.

He is here to help you get 1% better every single day, and to show you just how far that compounds over time.

Myke Nicholson

Laura is one of the most credentialed instructors you will find. A 500-hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher, she brings training in vinyasa yoga, prenatal and toddler yoga, barre, mat, and reformer work, and a Yoga of the Heart certificate earned through study with Nischala Joy Devi at the Kripalu Center, a program designed to adapt yoga for people living with heart disease, cancer, and other health challenges. She is a NASM-certified personal trainer with Corrective Exercise and Senior Fitness Specialist certifications, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and a trained Reiki practitioner through the Center for Integrative Medicine.

Her classes weave in deep relaxation exercises to cultivate a calm mind and a steady heart, and she makes yoga philosophy accessible by encouraging students to carry their practice into everyday life. Laura’s goal is clear: leave every student sleeping better, moving more freely, and feeling more resilient with every class they take.

Laura Trejo

Jeannie Baumann has earned her nickname. Known as “The Queen of Cardio,” she has been teaching Doonya: The Bollywood Workout since 2010 and holds the title of Master Trainer for the program, bringing years of high-energy, dance-driven expertise to every class.

Her reach extends well beyond the studio. As part of the Doonya team, Jeannie has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Oz, WUSA9, and The Washington Post, and has performed at some of DC’s most beloved events including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Fiesta Asia, Arts on Foot, and the Indian Embassy as part of Passport DC.

An AFAA-certified group exercise instructor, Jeannie brings infectious energy, cultural celebration, and serious cardio to every session.

Jeannie Baumann

Enrique Flores is an active mixed martial arts fighter competing in both the featherweight (145) and bantamweight (135) divisions, and he brings every ounce of that real-world experience into the classes he teaches at MINT.

His athletic resume speaks for itself, and his drive to compete eventually became a drive to coach. Enrique holds a Boxing Coach Certification under USA Boxing, a license as an amateur boxer, and a FILA/USA Wrestling license as an international wrestler. He brings all of that expertise to his boxing and kickboxing classes at MINT, where his goal is simple: give everyone the experience of training like a real fighter, without ever having to step into the ring.

Enrique Flores

Maddie Roger is a full-time fitness professional with a simple but powerful belief: movement is a lifelong practice, and it does not have to be that serious. Her coaching blends science-based programming with genuine warmth, making sure every session delivers both sweat and smiles.

She brings serious credentials to that approachable philosophy. Madeline holds certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Group Fitness Instructor, and Precision Nutrition Coach, with specializations in eating disorders, pre- and postnatal training, and supporting clients using GLP-1 medications. Whatever your starting point or your goal, Madeline has the tools and the experience to meet you there.

Maddie Roger

For Emma Powell, cycling is more than a workout. It is a form of kinetic meditation, a way to find clarity and presence amidst the daily hustle. That philosophy flows into every class she teaches.

Emma’s rides are rhythm-driven and full of energy, built around jumps, intervals, and choreography set to carefully curated remixes of songs you already love. Expect to sing along as you pedal. Her classes are equal parts sweat session and dance party on a bike.

What makes Emma’s classes truly special is the environment she creates. Riders move together as a collective while each person makes the ride their own. Do not like a particular move? Skip it and keep going. Emma is a firm believer in modifications and encourages everyone to listen to their body.

Emma Powell

Abby Fox has been an athlete her entire life, starting out as a competitive figure skater and skating instructor before discovering her next great passion: cycling. As a college freshman, she stumbled into her first cycle class and never looked back. She started teaching rides while still in school and has been building energy-packed, music-driven classes ever since.

Abby’s rides are anything but ordinary. She programs every class to the rhythm of the music, weaving in climbs, jumps, and choreography that make you forget you are working hard. She loves creating themed rides and genuinely welcomes input from her riders on the songs and experiences they want. Her goal is simple: keep you moving, keep you engaged, and make every class feel like an event.

Abby Fox

Emani Kelley brings contagious energy, thoughtful movement, and an inclusive spirit to every class. A longtime member of the Zumba community and certified since 2023, she builds playlists and routines that celebrate global rhythms, spanning Latin, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, and Afrobeats, into classes that are as challenging as they are fun.

All fitness levels are welcome in Emani’s class. She creates a space where everyone feels seen, empowered, and free to move with joy and confidence at their own pace. As a former competitive runner and lifelong mover, she knows what it means to push yourself, and that understanding shows up in every routine.

Emani Kelley

Rathna Ramani has been teaching Doonya: The Bollywood Workout since 2016, and her love for fitness, Bollywood, and dance is impossible to miss from the moment class begins. As an ACE Certified group fitness instructor, she guides students through a high-intensity interval training program that draws on a rich variety of dance styles and steps from across South Asia, with every routine designed to target a major muscle group through innovative choreography and weighted movements.

Her students say it best: “Rathna is so full of energy and keeps the class motivated constantly. Good music, great workout and super fun class!”
Come ready to dance, come ready to sweat, and come ready to have the time of your life.

Rathna Ramani

Raffi Umanzor brings rhythm, power, and community to every class he teaches. With over a decade of experience, he has built a reputation for music-driven rides, high-intensity interval training, and Power Playground sessions that blend strength, endurance, and energy into something that feels as much like a celebration as a workout.

For Raffi, fitness has never just been about the physical. His classes are built around motivation and connection, creating an environment where showing up feels exciting and leaving feels like an accomplishment.

Raffi Umanzor

Nisha Singh completed her formal Doonya instructor training in 2018 and has been bringing Bollywood-inspired movement to students ever since. From regular classes and private lessons to corporate events and community gatherings across Washington, DC, Nisha has built a reputation for showing up with energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of heart.

Step into her class and you will find exactly that: high-energy cardio, full-body conditioning, and non-stop encouragement from start to finish.

Nisha Singh

Robin TenHoor discovered cycle in college and never looked back. After five years as a dedicated rider, she stepped onto the MINT podium in 2023, bringing the same energy and intention she had admired in the instructors who inspired her.

Robin’s classes are high energy, music-driven, and built around the belief that movement should feel good and sound even better. As a former athlete, she loves mixing speed work, gear challenges, and choreography, all set to playlists that pull from 70s disco, house, 2010s throwbacks, and pop. Expect to work hard and laugh a little along the way.

Robin TenHoor

Fernando Lozada brings authentic Latino energy and cultural depth to every Zumba class at MINT. What started as a “front row diva” passion evolved into a mission: creating transformative fitness experiences where participants forget they’re working out and simply celebrate movement.

Rooted in his Latino heritage, Fernando teaches the four core Zumba rhythms—Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Reggaeton—with the soul and feeling that comes from having these dances in his DNA. His classes aren’t just workouts; they’re fiestas where stress stays at the door and joy takes center stage.

Fernando believes in meeting beginners exactly where they are, reminding students that mastery comes with practice and every class is a chance to connect more deeply with the rhythm.

Fernando Lozada

Mara Lasko has been riding for nearly a decade and has been bringing that passion to the front of the room for over a year. Her classes are built around two non-negotiables: fun and safety. Every rider leaves feeling good, and no one gets left behind.

The playlist is where Mara really shines. She curates songs you would belt out in your car or at karaoke with friends, and her themed rides run the gamut from Broadway to early 2000s emo-pop to dance hits of 2014. No two rides sound the same, and that is exactly the point.

Outside of MINT, Mara can be found sewing her own clothes, tackling the daily crossword, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Mara Lasko

Annie Avendt brings the energy, grit, and heart of collegiate rowing to every class she teaches at MINT. A Washington, DC local now based in Adams Morgan, Annie grew up in Clarksburg, Maryland before heading to George Washington University, where she competed on the women’s rowing team for four years.

Those four years on the water shaped more than just her fitness. Rowing taught Annie tenacity, resilience, and mental toughness, and she is on a mission to pass those lessons on to every athlete who steps into her class. For Annie, rowing is the ultimate total-body workout and the purest team sport, and she wants you to feel that from your very first stroke.

Drawing on her collegiate athletics background, Annie brings the intensity and inclusivity of the erg room to every session at MINT. Whether you are chasing a fitness goal, looking to move and feel better, or just showing up to see what you are made of, Annie is in your corner.

Annie Avendt

Sally Tyler is a Pilates and yoga instructor who brings a uniquely real-world perspective to the studio. As an attorney, published author, and policy professional, she understands firsthand the challenge of carving out time for movement in a demanding schedule. Her 50-minute Pilates and yoga classes are designed with exactly that in mind: efficient, purposeful sessions that help you dig deep, meet your goals, and get on with your day.

DC is full of busy people, and Sally is one of them. That shared experience makes her classes feel less like an obligation and more like a reset.

Her favorite piece of fitness advice comes from the great Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are, do what you can.” It is a philosophy that shapes everything about how she teaches and who she welcomes into her classes.

Sally Tyler

Audrey Magnuson has been teaching barre since 2019, drawing on her experience as a professional dancer to bring something special to every class.

Her barre classes are creative, music-driven, and built to work for every fitness level. Audrey prioritizes inclusivity and makes sure every person in the room feels seen and challenged in the right way. Quality instruction is at the core of everything she does, and her goal is straightforward: help you feel confident, find your mind-body connection, and actually enjoy the process.

If you are looking for a barre class that is as fun as it is effective, Audrey’s class is your place.

Audrey Magnuson

Nikki White has been a certified Zumba instructor for over 15 years, and her love of dance and movement goes back even further. From choreographing and performing with tap dancing groups in high school and college to falling in love with salsa, merengue, and bachata while living in South America, Nikki has spent a lifetime immersed in the joy of dance.

That journey shows up in every class she teaches. Nikki choreographs to reggaeton, pop, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin music, blending global rhythms into a high-cardio, total body dance workout that leaves you energized and wanting more.

All levels are welcome. Come unleash your inner dancer.

Nikki White

Liz Pandya is a powerhouse on the bike and an even bigger force off of it. She builds rides designed to increase strength and endurance with every session, using a variety of drills guided by rhythm, time, and mileage to make sure no two rides ever feel the same.

The results speak for themselves. Regular riders in Liz’s classes consistently increase their power output, and that progress keeps them coming back. Expect a high-energy mix of EDM, rap, and pop hits to push you through every interval, with Liz cheering you on every pedal stroke of the way, high ponytail and all.

Liz Pandya

Join the MINT Team

Think you belong on our roster? We're always looking for exceptional instructors who bring both credentials and presence. Contact a genre director below — and be sure to include your resume and availability.

Meg DiRuggiero — Company Director of Programming | megdmint@gmail.com

Ori Korin — Cycle Director | ori@mintdc.com

Braegan Padley — Intensity Director | braegan@mintdc.com

Share Your Experience

Your feedback shapes who teaches at MINT. Let us know what you thought of a recent class.

Explore Our Classes

Curious about what makes our instructors shine? It starts with the classes they lead. From high-energy cycle rides to grounding yoga flows to total-body strength circuits, our studio-quality class formats are designed to fit every goal and fitness level. Check out our schedule.

1724 California St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.470.5238

M – Th 5:30am – 10:00pm
F 5:30am – 9:00pm
Sat 7:00am – 9:00pm

Sun 8:00am – 9:00pm
Open seven days a week.

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