Fully certified and extensively experienced instructors.
We thoroughly test and review all MINT instructors. We hold them to the highest standards, including heavily weighing our clients’ reviews. These are not ‘gym’ instructors, these are ‘studio’ instructors.
Interested in applying for a position on our team? Contact a genre director below, and be sure to include a resume and your availability.
Laura Saltzer, Company Director of Programming | laurasaltzermint@gmail.com
Ori Korin, Cycle Director | Ori@mintdc.com
Braegan Padley, Intensity Director |
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Meet the MINT Team
Laura is a 500-hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher trained in vinyasa yoga with prenatal and toddler training certificates. In addition, she studied at the Kripalu Center with Nischala Joy Devi for a Yoga of the Heart certificate to learn to adapt yoga practices to the special needs of people living with heart disease, cancer and other health challenges.
In addition, Laura is a NASM-certified personal trainer with a Corrective Exercise certificate, a black belt in tae kwon do, barre/mat and reformer training certificates, and a Center for Integrative Medicine trained reiki practitioner.
In her barre and yoga class, Laura addresses muscle imbalances so that her students can gain strength where their muscles are weak and flexibility where their muscles are tight. As an added bonus, it is Laura’s intention that her yoga students will experience the best night sleep of their life as she cultivates calm minds and hearts in her students through relaxing music, essential oils and breathing exercise.
Connie has been active and leading a healthy lifestyle at least since the days she tried to keep up with her physically fit Mother and friends as they power walked through the lush trails of her home in the Midwest. While never making a career out of fitness, Connie was inspired firsthand by those who did like Corey Everson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cameo Kneuer, all whom she met while working at both Warner Center Health Club and Joe Weiders’ Health and Fitness—publisher of Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Shape and Men’s Fitness living in southern California—a long, long time ago!
No matter what Connie has done professionally, she has always made time for her love of fitness and for helping others dig deep to reach their fitness goals. While in college she taught weight lifting and high impact aerobics. While working full time and attending graduate school here in Washington, DC she picked up ACE, AFFA and personal training certs. Even when she worked 24/7 in 1996 on the US presidential election, she escaped religiously for an hour each day to get her fitness fix. Connie attributes keeping her calm demeanor during the chaos of a presidential campaign to keeping sacred that hour to sweat and decompress. In 2010 Connie discovered Les Mills International and became a Body Pump and Body Flow Instructor and fell in love with the concept of muscle contraction (lifting) followed by muscle elongation (Body Flow).
Shortly after, Connie was trained in the original Lotte Berk Method (Barre). Today Connie teaches various fitness formats including Barre, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Body Pump, Body Flow, Kickboxing, Plyometrics, Boot Camp, Cardio Strength, Tabata, F.I.T.T., Extreme Abs, Shred Step and more! In between professional deadlines and the active lifestyle of her 10 year old, Connie trains clients 1-1 on a referral only basis at her small studio where she’s helped high school boys and girls as well as senior citizens and everywhere in between reach their goals to live a healthy lifestyle.
Dubbed “The Queen of Cardio,” Jeannie is a master trainer for Doonya: The Bollywood Workout, which she has been teaching since 2010. As part of the Doonya team, Jeannie can be seen on The Today Show, Dr. Oz, WUSA9, The Washington Post. She also has performed at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Fiesta Asia, Arts on Foot, at the Indian Embassy as part of Passport DC. Jeannie is an AFAA-certified group exercise instructor.
Jennifer has been teaching fitness in the DMV area for nearly 10 years. With an extensive background in dance and movement, her specialty is spotting where clients initiate muscle movement and guide them towards more efficient and effective exercise. She is Group Exercise certified through AFAA and comprehensively certified in Pilates from Power Pilates’ flagship studio in NYC. With this knowledge, she creates various forms of total-body workouts. Whether Pilates, weight lifting, barre or cardio, her class will always focus on the 360 body; not just reinforcing what’s already strong, but building muscular structure through each part of the body for better results. In her class you’ll always find good music, some smiles, some winces, encouragement, and (hopefully!) a will to come back for more!
Tori Ellis sought out yoga for flexibility and serenity while training for her rigorous black belt test in Tae Kwon Do. While continuing to train in martial arts, she did her 200 hour teacher training at Flow Yoga Center, and then went on to the Fuse Pilates teacher training in Washington, DC. Tori has found that the restorative and athletic practices of yoga and Pilates has brought her into a healthier lifestyle that she hopes to spread to her students and community. Tori brings creative and dynamic sequences to her students for challenging but alignment-focused classes. Tori has completed her Balanced Body Pilates Apparatus training in 2014. In terms of specialty training, Tori is a certified Pre-and Postnatal Pilates specialist, studied Pilates for scoliosis with Karen Clippinger, and has completed shoulder workshops for yoga under Tiffany Cruikshank.
Agnieszka grew up in Poland and moved to the US in 2001. She has masters degrees in music and performing arts, specializing in viola, and teaching violin and piano. She also holds a BA in music therapy and was originally interested in stretching movements to release tension from hours of practicing instruments. Her first Pilates experience came more than a decade ago when Agnieszka sought out a physical training program with movement. After a break to take care of her new-born twins she continued with Yoga training in 2009, becoming a certified Yoga instructor. About four years ago she began investigating Pilates because she began discovering how the body works and realized Yoga was not enough for her. She completed a Power Pilates course and in 2014 found out about the Boulder, Colorado world-renowned Pilates Center, enrolling in the official certification program. Agnieszka likes to apply the skills she acquired as a music specialist – focus, persistence, dedication, willingness to embrace daily practice and giving oneself the time to grow towards mastery, consistency, coordination and engaging the full body in learning. ‘The benefits of Pilates are indescribable – it is really about learning how a healthy body moves and as we get older it gives the energy to take on life’s daily challenges, in work, family and home life,’ she says.
I practice yoga as a way to become more present in everyday activities, as well as increase mindfulness, flexibility, and strength. My approach to yoga is simple: clear alignment-based instruction paired with a practical yoga philosophy (and accompanied by an inspiring soundtrack). My classes cater from the beginner to advanced yogi (2 year olds-adulthood), and I am happy to accommodate any requests for poses. Students can expect a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that enables them to push to their intelligent edge using their breath as a guide.
“Kristin is dedicated to bringing yoga into every aspect of life, on and off the mat, and inspiring her students to do the same. Kristin believes deeply in the transformational power of yoga. She first discovered yoga after wandering into a class at her college gym more than a decade ago. It has led her on a winding path through graduate school and a professional career, around the world and back, and into the extraordinary role of teacher, where she continues to learn with every breath.
Kristin is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. She teaches vinyasa yoga with an emphasis on mindfully linking breath and movement and finding alignment in the flow. Her classes are fun, energetic, and inspiring! She completed her 200-hour teacher training through Tranquil Space Yoga in Washington, DC, and is also certified to teach prenatal yoga as well as children’s yoga through YoKid. She offers gratitude to all of the inspiring teachers with whom she has studied, including Seane Corn, Sharon Gannon and David Life of Jivamukti Yoga, Jason Crandell, Alanna Kaivalya, and Darren Main.”
Kate Miller brings over 20 years of teaching experience to her classes at MINT. With a gift for teaching to all levels and special conditions, she loves to weave words of inspiration and spirit into her clear, direct instruction. Kate draws her depth of knowledge and kinesthetic understanding not only from many alignment based hatha yoga styles (Iyengar, Anusara, Astanga, Prana Flow), but also from her continued exploration of anatomy and movement, her daily practice of vipassana meditation and the various forms of dance she continues to study. She holds a BFA in modern dance and a MA in spiritual psychology. To her prenatal and postnatal classes, Kate brings her knowledge and experience as a certified birth doula (DONA), a trained postpartum doula (DONA) and a trained childbirth educator. She is also trained in the RIE and Pikler approaches to childcare and infant development. It is Kate’s wish to inspire her students to radically affirm and honor all that they embody and find for themselves on the mat what will best serve them in their day to day lives. To learn more about Kate, you can go to her website www.redmoonyoga.com
Claire began her yoga practice as a teenager growing up in rural Canada. Since 2011, she has been teaching yoga consistently to people of all experience levels. She is a graduate of a 108-hour Anusara immersion, a 200-hour Power Vinyasa teacher training program, a Prenatal Yoga apprenticeship, and advanced training with Faith Hunter. Claire is passionate about yoga, running, and museums. In the studio, Claire encourages students to explore their edges with safe alignment and breath. Students should expect to be both challenged and cared for in her classes.
Ferdaouis (fir-dos) is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher with a special appreciation for heated and vinyasa styles. She first became dedicated to yoga as a volunteer and student with Bikram yoga studios in the Washington, DC area in 2011 – in classes that forced the mind and body to slow down, pay attention, heal, and overcome personal barriers. She has loved exploring the incredible and diverse DC yoga scene ever since, and loves the way all approaches to yoga are uniquely contributing to stronger, healthier, and more peaceful communities. She loves working on her own practice and challenges (of which she has many) with yoga, and strives to bring happy, patient, and body-positive classes to her students.
Dr. Ariele Foster (PT, DPT, E-RYT 500) is a doctor of physical therapy, a yoga teacher, founder of YogaAnatomyAcademy.com, and anatomy faculty for yoga trainings and 90Monkeys.com online continuing education. She has a passion for creative, intelligent yoga instruction and for making yoga anatomy accessible.
Ariele grew up practicing with her grandmother, started studying optimal health as a teenager, and began teaching yoga in 2001. Her interdisciplinary classes (trained in Kripalu, Anusara, Vinyasa, YogaWorks and Therapeutics) are enriched by biomechanical smarts, therapeutic know-how, great playlists and humor.
Dr. Foster specializes in manual and orthopedic physical therapy, including myofascial release, and incorporates yoga into physical therapy rehabilitation plans with an eye on functional movement and whole body medicine. She treats patients at Medstar Georgetown Hospital & in Woodley Park, as well as leads yoga and yoga anatomy retreats around the world.
Read Dr. Foster’s blogs at http://sacredsourceyoga.com/ and http://yogaanatomyacademy.com ; stay connected at http://facebook.com/SacredSourceYoga ; facebook.com/YogaAnatomyAcademy and instagram.com/ariele_superstar or take her online classes at: https://www.youtube.com/user/SacredSourceYoga
Kelly knows that yoga makes people feel better, so she is constantly encouraging people to try it! Kelly loves teaching newbies as well as advanced practitioners, and loves the community spirit that yoga fosters, and how it supports good health and lowers stress. An enthusiastic DC yogini since 2006, years Kelly completed her RY200 Yoga Certification in Vinyasa Flow from Tranquil Space in 2009. She incorporates principal yogic themes from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras such as ‘letting go’ and ‘being present’ in her classes and loves incorporating reading in her class from spiritual leaders such as Pema Chodrun, and Thich Nhat Hanh. Kelly is also a certified Fuse Pilates teacher and generally teaches with a focus on core engagement and will throw extra challenging core poses into class (upon request). She has a keen eye for alignment, and gives assists throughout to all students. Kelly is enrolled in an Advanced Teacher Training program at Tranquil Space and plans to acquire her 500 hour certification in 2016. She believes in the importance of karma yoga as well, and teaches free yoga at work, among being involved in other charities. Kelly also teaches Meditation, and feels that meditation makes you feel calmer and more focused even just from a 10 or 15 minute meditation. Overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance in Kelly’s yoga and meditation classes!
Kate’s passion for yoga began to manifest in 2005 in Minneapolis as an undergrad when she first discovered the Ashtanga Primary Series. After graduating college, Kate moved to North Carolina where she completed her 200 and 500 hour teacher trainings as well as the Ashtanga Primary Series teacher intensive with David Swensen. In 2015, Kate was hired as the full-time yoga teacher for Womack Army Medical Center’s Intrepid Spirit Center on Ft. Bragg, NC, teaching yoga and mindfulness practices to active duty soldiers as a part of the Pain Management and Traumatic Brain Injury Clinics for two years.
Kate’s classes are influenced by several different styles and lineages with an emphasis on the dynamic sequencing of Ashtanga yoga blended with the importance of safe alignment in Iyengar yoga. As a teacher, her intention is to offer fun and playful classes that are designed to inspire self-awareness, a feeling of personal empowerment as well as a sense of the connection we have to ourselves and the world we live in.
Shahrooz has been practicing yoga for ten years and is thrilled at any opportunity to share his love of the practice with others. He has a strong conviction that yoga is for everyone and works to create a welcoming classroom environment for all levels from beginners to advanced yogis. Compassion is the priority of his practice both on and off the mat. Shahrooz has been teaching in DC for two years with a focus on creating a friendly, energetic & inclusive space at MINT.
Looking for a competitive and fun fitness class, Adam’s went to his first indoor cycling class two years ago. After getting immediately hooked, he made it a goal to combine catchy uplifting songs, the power of the beat, and intervals training to help others achieve their fitness goals. Passionate about music, he incorporates rhythmic movements that challenge all fitness levels. When off the bike, this native Californian enjoys attending concerts, playing volleyball, and discovering new recipes with his Vitamix blender.
Cycle Program DirectorCycle
True story: Ori walked out of her first indoor cycling class five years ago midway through the second song. A couple years later, she gave it another shot and realized a good instructor, the right music, and a little perseverance go a long way. Her classes promise something for everyone, from the hard-core climbers to the wild speed demons, and her rides will help you leave the studio prouder and stronger than when you walked in. It’s a beautiful gift to have bodies that work…let’s celebrate them! When she’s not cycling, you can find Ori thinking big communications thoughts in the labor movement, trying to make sequins work-appropriate, and drinking obscene quantities of Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee.
Liz Pandya is a powerhouse cycle instructor who teaches with Coach by Color technology to increase strength and endurance. She uses a variety of drills guided by rhythm, time, and mileage ensuring no ride is ever the same. Regular attendees are sure to see results, as Liz’s rides empower clients to increase their power output each time they return to the bike. Get ready for an amazing class with this boisterous cheerleader; high ponytail and all while enjoying a medley of music including EDM, rap, and pop hits!
Shannon has been hooked on group fitness ever since she was dragged (against her will) to a fitness class in college. Shannon’s classes are designed to motivate, strengthen, and build positive energy and confidence among participants of all fitness levels, who will sweat it out through sprints, climbs, and intervals matched to the beat of high-energy tunes. Shannon is ACE-certified in group fitness. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys trying new workouts, hiking, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Bethany has been teaching spinning for more than five years. She loves to make themed playlists and choreograph her classes to the music. In addition to indoor cycling, Bethany is a four-time marathoner and certified group fitness instructor.
Looking for a way to procrastinate from thesis writing in grad school, Ally joined her friend for her first cycle class and was instantly hooked. She brings her love of music and excitement to each of her classes. When she isn’t in front of a class, Ally works as a public health professional by day and is an avid baker (the true motivation for her cycling habit).
“Carlin is a lawyer by day, and has a passion for music and helping others achieve their fitness goals. He has been teaching Spinning for five years, and taught boot camp for a year. His classes are challenging, motivating, and most importantly fun! He often plays a mix of old school, hip hop, electronic, alternative, and rock. You will want to sing along at times! Check out his blog at http://crankthismusic.wordpress.com/; and follow him on Spotify to get a taste of his music and classes!
Chuck has been teaching cycling since 1997, and while his teaching style has changed somewhat, his philosophy on teaching remains the same. His style encompasses real world road cycling catered to an indoor studio. It is equally as effective for those who want to train hard or those who prefer to train at a less intense pace.
His fitness philosophy combines an indoor cycling program with strength training and outdoor road cycling. “Being active in different exercises will help to avoid boredom in your fitness program and keep your fitness level higher.” His teaching style is one that challenges people, pushing them beyond their perceived abilities, helping to increase self-confidence and making them a stronger cyclist.
Those who know Chuck know that he does not just preach his philosophy, he lives it. He has spent the past 20 years racing road bikes and competing in duathlons, triathlons and adventure races, as well as being active in strength training and yoga.
Erin Reagan earned her cycling certification through the Spinning® program by Mad Dogg Athletics. As a lifelong athlete, Erin has taken her experiences from team sports and harnessed them to lead enjoyable and innovative classes. Erin’s classes are built for everyone – fun choreography, good music, heavy climbs, quick sprints, and more! When she’s not on the bike, you can find her around DC taking Barre classes, running along the National Mall, or exploring new restaurants and wine bars with friends!
Kelly Valerio is an upbeat and energetic 23-year-old who just moved to Washington D.C. from Long Island, NY. She is looking forward to continuing to teach riders and grow her skills as an instructor. She hopes her riders are eager for fast movements but also those difficult climbs guaranteed to work those quads.
Rasean has been training in the DC area for twelve years. Before starting a career as a personal trainer, he spent over 10 years training in the martial arts. Prior to coming to Mint, Rasean worked for other fitness companies training clients, and teaching boxing, and kick-boxing classes, as well as one-on-one self-defense instruction. Rasean is a NASM certified personal trainer, and Cancer Exercise Specialist , who believes that form and technique is far more important than how much weight you’re pressing. He also believes that your workout should be functional and help you in your everyday routine, and in the power of healthy living for a good life.
The Cancer Exercise Specialist is a professional qualified to assess, design, and implement individual, and group exercise programs for individuals diagnosed with cancer. The CES evaluates health behaviors, and risk factors, and modify negative health habits, in order for the client to reach more robust health with positive lifestyle management. The CES has a complete understanding of the entire cancer process from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and prevention of lymphedema, and contraindications.
Gabe has been with MINT since 2011 where he started training, and teaching Group exercise classes. He was promoted to Master Trainer and then moved in to management taking over the Group Exercise Programming. Since then Gabe has settled in as the Program/Fitness director managing all trainers and programs at MINT.Gabe has always kept training for his love of helping people with their fitness routine. His style adapts to each clients needs. He is always looking to better himself and help each of his clients reach their fitness goals.
My love for fitness began at a young age. More likely than not I was one of the only kids in the state of North Carolina that asked for a weight lifting set for his 10th birthday. Throughout my life I’ve always been an active person and having a strong interest in playing several different sports such as soccer, football and basketball. Over the years I’ve even began to pick up tennis both competitively and leisurely. I will always be an athlete at heart.I’ve been in the fitness industry for the past 3 years and have loved every minute of it. I enjoy using the the kinesiology degree I earned from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to improve every life that I come across. I have had experience working with clients from ages 7-93. My goal is to live a life where I am able to show people what they are truly capable of and to encourage them to be the person they didn’t even know they could become.
Certifications: Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology, ACSM-CPT
Specializations: Strength and conditioning, weight loss, core strength development, balance and coordination, flexibility, athletic training
Michael has a degree in Exercise Science from Montgomery college and is certified with the American College of Sport Medicine. He also has training in functional rehabilitation, massage therapy , an exercise training method for stopping chronic pain. He has worked for several years with Sports & Physical Therapist in Washington DC Area.
Classes: MINTBox, MINTKick, Personal Boxing Coach
Enrique Flores is current mixed martial arts fighter, fighting at both the featherweight division (145) and the bantamweight division(135). Throughout his career , he competed numerous international freestyle wrestling competitions under FILA International wrestling federation and brazilian jiu jistu competitions under the IBJFF & U.S Grappling. Then 2016 he competed in the 2016 U.S Open Men s Freestyle wrestling competition to try earn a spot for the U.S Olympic Trials but came short in 10th place. Enrique passion for fighting, made him want to coach others in boxing or kickboxing. So then he earned his Boxing Coach’s Certification under USA Boxing, license as amatuer boxer & FILA/ USA wrestling license international wrestler. He believes that everyone should have a great experience learning boxing or kickboxing and you’ll experience whats like to train like a real fighter without the fight.
Intensity Director
Classes: Power Playground HIIT, MINTRow
Braegan’s classes are designed to make you sweat! She aims to challenge you and leave you feeling accomplished. She offers dynamic, athletic, and results-driven workouts that, with commitment, will develop a more powerful you. Her job is to help you push past your excuses, towards your results. It never gets easier; you just get stronger.
Aimee Stoltz is a licensed Zumba instructor who joined Mint’s studio team in 2011. Her passion for Latin American music and dance started when she lived in Costa Rica in 1999. Aimee has taken this love for dance and combined it with her dedication to fitness by creating challenging, energetic, and fun Zumba workouts that all fitness levels can enjoy.
Elena is a certified Zumba instructor and AFAA-certified Group Exercise Instructor since 2006. She teaches Zumba – a dynamic and exciting fitness program based on fun International music and dance steps creating a challenging workout for all fitness levels.
Nikki has been a certified Zumba instructor since 2011, but has been dancing for over 20 years. Nikki choreographed and performed in tap groups in high school and college, and then fell in love with Latin dance when she lived in South America. Nikki’s zumba class is a high-cardio, total body dance workout that mixes hip hop, dancehall, merengue, samba, and salsa. Come to unleash your inner dancer (all levels welcome)!
Having lost 50 pounds as a result of Piloxing (plus other lifestyle changes!), certified Piloxing and Barre instructor Shenandoah Sowash is living proof that fitness changes lives. Her classes are uplifting, inspiring, and accessible to all fitness levels. With plenty of spunk, support, and humor, Shenandoah guides her students through dynamic and challenging workouts where everyone leaves prouder, stronger, longer, and more confident.
Classes: Power Playground Athlete, MINT Fuze, Personal Trainer
Myke describes himself as an athletic artist who enjoys challenging his body and mind in creative ways. He enjoys guiding his clients to their own fitness victories. As a NESTA-certified trainer and TRX-certified instructor, Myke has spent his 11+ years in fitness training using a combination of weightlifting, calisthenics, strongman and MMA to help his clients to achieve their fitness goals. Myke is a force amplifier who enjoys helping others rise above their current level of health, as simple as a 1% increase every day.