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.
Meg DiRuggiero, Company Director of Programming | megdmint@gmail.com
Ori Korin, Cycle Director | Ori@mintdc.com
Braegan Padley, Intensity Director | Braegan@mintdc.com
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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.
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.
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.
In 2019, Meg was doing a lot of heavy lifting, high-intensity training, and spinning as well as sitting a lot for her job. This led to her struggling with lower back problems and patella femoral syndrome in her left knee. She decided to try out personal training on the reformer and it changed everything! She was encouraged to become an instructor herself and got certified in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels.
Her teaching style is very calm and measured. She wants to make everyone feel comfortable and not intimidated. She is particularly good at describing how the exercises flow together. Her main goal is to teach people the importance of postural support and core engagement because it is so necessary for every activity we do. She also just loves showing people how the reformer works because it’s so fun!
She likes to combine classic STOTT Pilates moves with exercises that mimic what you can find on the fitness floor. She also enjoys showing people that the reformer can be used for more than just Pilates. The reformer is not as intimidating as it looks – it is essentially a piece of equipment and once you learn how it works it gets so fun to use. Pilates can be essential to anyone – it strengthens all the muscles that will help support you throughout your entire life and is a great companion to strength training.
Meg grew up in DC and is so excited to be back! She loves to walk along the C&O canal to be around nature and explore the area’s many museums. She loves kpop and is always looking for new vegan spots to try. You can follow her on Instagram @meg.diruggiero or her kpop/Pilates youtube channel hanandonly.
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
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.
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.
Joaquin’s practice began in 2006 when he moved to DC and fell in love with the intention and structure of yoga. After attending yoga classes for almost a decade with many different teachers, he wanted to take his practice to the next level. He asked his mom to split the cost of teacher training with him as a combined Christmas and Birthday gift, and ended up pursuing his 200 hour teacher training certification with CorePower in 2018. He is now a Yoga Alliance RYT500 instructor.
He has always found he learns best by figuring out how things work and getting comfortable enough to teach others, and the same has been true with yoga. Peeking behind the curtain to see how delivering a class works has given him a deeper understanding of sequence design and helped him go further in his own practice.
Joaquin’s goal is to help others find their passion in yoga and movement, and his classes will lead you to explore your body through dynamic movement and breath. He likes to keep things fun and accessible to all levels and body types. You will leave feeling accomplished for having spent time on your mat.
His Yoga Sculpt classes at MINT are unique because they use weights to build strength and control, helping you further your practice on and off the mat. He likes to sequence a creative flow that incorporates different lineages and physical exercises to keep things interesting.
Outside of MINT, he enjoys running through Dupont and Foggy Bottom to the National Mall. When asked what his favorite meal in DC is, he says “I like to nurture body, mind, AND soul so you can’t beat a burger at Annie’s.” He also loves to bake and you may find him bringing extra cookies and treats to his classes to share with his students. You can follow him on Instagram @joaquin.obieta.
You can sign up for Joaquin’s Yoga Sculpt class Thursdays at 6pm here.
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!
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
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.
Maddie’s classes are sassy, classy and a little bad-assy. She brings her incredibly high energy to every session to make working out the most enjoyable experience it can be. You will walk away with an extra boost of confidence and a smile on your face.
Her class will kick your booty in a safe way that works for your skill level and pushes you to unlock a stronger version of yourself. She believes time is our only nonrenewable resource and if you trust her with yours, she will make it worth your while.
Maddie was a competitive dancer for 15 years and was eager to find a new way to keep moving her body when she entered college. She started taking Barre and Dance fitness classes at the university sports facility which she loved. Eventually, she also found her inner power lifting heavy things in a strength-based class. She went through instructor training her sophomore fall and has been instructing ever since!
She has always considered movement to be her medicine, and fitness taught her how to express herself, grow her work ethic and build confidence. Group exercise in particular led her to both personal growth and a built-in support system. As an instructor, her goal is to create a community where participants can see their individual rewards and also have fun and make new friends.
Caroline’s classes are the whole package – a workout, some fun, and moving meditation. Her teaching style is inviting and approachable. “Leave intimidation and snobbery for the make-believe land of Gossip Girl, (or better yet, Dallas). It has zero place in my classes,” she says. Her goal is to help you find your own specific and most effective workout, not anyone else’s. She also plays a lot of Tina Turner in her classes.
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.