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Professional Background:
* Part of the founding team of the Zumba®
Fitness program since 2003 / Zumba Instructor since May 2003
* Zumba Basic, Zumba Basic 2, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning
* Aerobic & Fitness Association of America Instructor
* American Council On Exercise Instructor
* Former ZES, Zumba Education Specialist
* (Doug) International Sports Sciences Association Certified Fitness Trainer
* (Doug) Mr. Dayton Bodybuilding Championship 1991, First Place
* (Doug) Mr. Ohio 1991, 1st runner-up
* (Joan) YMCA certified Personal Trainer
* (Joan) Top 3 Businesswomen of the Year, Vandalia-Butler Chamber of
Commerce
The Personal Stuff:
* Have 3 adult children, Dan, Jami & Corey
Imagine an overnight infomercial changing your life. That’s exactly
what happened in 2002 to Joan Jones, co-owner of The Studio Fitness, when
she saw the infomercial that featured Zumba®. Four years ago Joan,
along with her husband Doug, became Zumba® Education Specialists and opened
the world’s first Zumba® focused studio in Vandalia, Ohio. In 2009,
The Studio Fitness (formerly Studio Zumba® Fitness) was voted the best
fitness center in Dayton in a poll conducted by ActiveDayton.com three years
in a row.
Not only are Doug and Joan part of the Zumba® foundation team (since 2003),
they have trained over 6,000 people in sold out training sessions throughout
Ohio.
Doug and Joan's entrepreneurial exploits are featured in a book co-authored
by Zumba founder Beto Perez called "Zumba! Ditch the Workout, Join the
Party! The Zumba Weight Loss Program." Their story of leading the
effort in introducing Zumba to Dayton is also chronicled in a Zumba Fitness
infomercial produced by Guthy Renker. A memorable moment is captured
when on a cold winter day Doug (a former Federal Express driver) is shown
choreographing Zumba moves in the back of his truck during his lunch hour.
Doug’s expertise includes winning first place in the Mr. Dayton Bodybuilding
Championship in 1991; he was Mr. Ohio 1st runner-up the same year. The
couple holds nationally recognized certifications such as Aerobic & Fitness
Association of American (AFAA) and American Council on Exercise (ACE).
While Doug is the Chief Financial Officer and behind-the-scenes administrator, Joan is the marketing mastermind. Through her aggressive planning, it’s common to find the couple conducting demonstrations at area festivals, health fairs and even in a local grocery store. The Studio Fitness hosts charity and fundraising events and in October 2007 was featured on “The Today Show.”
Their first international charity effort was in cooperation with Travelmart and the Foundation of the Mayas. The Jones' and twelve companions held Zumba classes and demonstrations throughout Cancun and were featured guests on two TV Cancun television shows. Money was raised to purchase a new wheelchair for 15-year old Cancun resident, Rodrigo Ramirez Ventura. Rodrigo travels a mile down a dirt hill each day to help his mother sell tamales and was in desperate need of new transportation. A documentary of the TV shows were shown to over 800 members at the 2010 Civitan Conference in September. Cancun groups IVI, DMC and Friends of the Maya Foundation presented the documentary as an example of responsible tourism.
* State Medical Board Of Ohio Licensed Massage Therapists
* Aerobic & Fitness Association of America Instructor
Chris Mesker has been a Vandalia/Butler Township resident for over 15
years. She was a stay-at-home mother of two until she decided to
pursue a degree in massage therapy, which she obtained in June 1998 from The
Dayton School of Medical Massage.
With a fellow classmate, she opened Vandalia Massage Therapy which has since
become a well-known establishment. Due to unfortunate medical issues, she
was forced to retire and sell her half of the business in 2004. Now she’s
back and healthy and ready to continue where she left off.
Chris is married to Dr. David Mesker who is a family physician in Englewood
and they have two grown children, Carrie and Ricky.
She is a Chihuahua lover/rescuer and fosters them temporarily until they are
given good homes.
Chris is also such an avid ZUMBA enthusiast that she obtained her Zumba
certification with Beto in March 2007 and you can catch her almost every
evening taking a class at The Studio Fitness.
* Zumba® instructor since 2007
* Zumba Gold® since 2008
* ZumbAtomic® since 2009
* Aerobics and Fitness Association of American since 2009
A former dance teacher for 10 years, Connie fell in love with Zumba®
after seeing Doug & Joan at a dance recital. An IT professional by day,
Zumba® gives her time to exercise her worries
away. "Zumba® doesn't really seem like exercise
to me. I love instructing all ages; Zumba®,
Toning and the ZumbAtomic® kid's class. The
Latin music is very upbeat and happy and I always leave class happier than
when I arrived." During the summer months, she and her husband love to tour
all over the country on their motorcycle. When she's not traveling, she's
sure to ride her own motorcycle as much as she can.
Corey Henningsen brings a lot of experience to the LocoLicious Natural Juice & Coffee Bar. Corey became interested in health at age 15 and immediately started researching and learning about living a healthy lifestyle. He soon began a job at a local health food store and acquired a great deal of knowledge through coworkers, books, and experiences with real people overcoming real health issues. His knowledge of the benefits of fruits and vegetables has enabled him to create an extensive array of smoothies and juices that not only taste terrific, but are also good for you.
As “LocoLicious” manager, Corey ensures that every customer receives fast and courteous service. So whether you order a smoothie, an all natural juice, Boston Stoker’s coffee, or a cappuccino, expect nothing less than delicious, nutritious and great tasting drinks.
* Zumba Instructor since 2005
I am a certified Zumba instructor and Zumba Gold Instructor. The Zumba Gold program is very important to me as I wish to bring the "Wonder of Zumba" to those who are beginners, older or have special needs. I have also taught Zumba at several school gym classes to kids of all ages.
I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and two great sons. I have worked in the picture framing industry for 19 years and have 10 years military service.
* Zumba Instructor since 2004
* Aerobic & Fitness Association of America Instructor
Born in Ecuador (South America), Jorge brings to The Studio Fitness his passion for music and dance. An Electrical Engineer by training, Jorge performs, during the day, Program Management duties in the Aerospace and Defense Industries while by night and during weekends he brings out his Zumba outfit and dance shoes to cleanse his mind from the daily challenges and help others achieve their fitness goals and their desire to learn how to dance.
* Zumba instructor since January 2009
* Zumba Toning
* Nationally certified in group exercise though YMCA of USA
* AFAA certified Personal Trainer
* Flirty Girl Fitness certified in "Booty Beat"
I have been dancing since the age of four. My love for dance only grew
over the years and I began teaching in 2002 to both children and adults in
jazz, ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. After
graduating from Wright State University, I knew dance would always be a part
of my life, but I also adapted a huge passion for Health and Fitness.
I fell in love with Zumba while working at Reynolds and Reynolds in 2008.
Zumba was a great combination of everything I love and I knew I wanted to
become certified and share that energy excitement with other's. I had always
juggled working, dancing, teaching, and school. After being laid off from my
full time job, I had plenty of time to realize my true passion and calling.
Fitness became a huge part of my life and I wanted to become certified to
teach other classes.
In 2009 I was nationally certified through the YMCA in group exercise. I
began teaching kickboxing, strength classes, boot camp, Zumba and Pole/Chair
strength. I love the variety of classes I teach and how each make me feel
and most importantly the students.
I like to stay up to date with her training for both dance and fitness. In
April I attended the National IDEA Fitness Fusion training in Chicago. I
have also travel a couple times a year to Atlanta, Chicago to taken master
classes with choreographer's and staff from "So you think you can dance"
Dave Scott, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Laurianne Gibson, Cris
Judd, Jamal Simm's
* Zumba Instructor since 2005
Kristina is a full time Business Education teacher, adjunct college
professor. Dance Fitness instructor for 7 years. A dance student for 28
years. Other dance specialties are hip-hop, modern, jazz and liturgical. Amatuer soccer player, competitive distance runner. Aerobic & Fitness
Association of America Instructor . Mother of a wonderful 6 year old boy.
"Leave your ego at the door" (Beto Perez certification 2005- Zumba founder)
I will never forget that comment. Zumba instructors have proven to me time
after time that we are here to serve our students. It's not about who's the
best or the prettiest, it's about coming together to have fun and supporting
one another. Doug and Joan Jones have instilled in me the fact that all
instructors and students are part of the Zumba family. I feel truly blessed
to be a part of such an amazing thing.
*Zumba® Jammer since August 2010
*Zumba® Instructor since March 2007 (B1, B2,
Zumbatomic, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba)
*American College of Exercise certified
*YMCA of the USA certified
*YMCA of Darke County Fitness Coordinator
The Fun Stuff
*Back-up singer for Elvis Tribute Artist Dwight Icenhower
*Background in professional musical theater
*High School Choir & Show Choir Director
*Mom of two great kids!
*Was filmed for the upcoming (2011) Zumba (R) infomercial/DVD's
Where else can you find a fitness program that is so addictive you can't
wait for the next class?!
Zumba® breathes new life into exercise! The
music, the dancing, the passion, the fitness-- I love it all!
Nothing else has changed my body like Zumba®
Fitness. The pounds and inches have stayed off for almost four years now! As
a ZJ, I am ready to kick it up a notch and share choreography with my fellow
ZIN members!
Teaching at The Studio Fitness is an honor to me! I am
proud to be part of such a wonderful team who support each other and bring
the highest quality to every class.
*Zumba® instructor since 2007
*Aerobic & Fitness Association of America Instructor
*Zumba®, Strength Training, Ballroom
I LOVE teaching Zumba® –especially my Friday
class at 5:30. It is a great way for me to get rid of the stress from
the week and start my weekend on a positive note. I believe exercise is one
of the most important and effective ways to improve not only your physical
health, but your emotional health too. As a full-time mental health
therapist, I always encourage people to pursue exercise. Many studies show
the positive impact regular exercise has on mood problems and stress.
Zumba® makes it easier to be consistent, and the
music itself is fun and uplifting.
I started taking Zumba® with Doug and Joan while
ballroom dancing. I was instantly hooked, but I never stuck with any
“exercise” for more than a few weeks. Eight months later I was still
doing Zumba®, and I was 56 pounds lighter!
With Doug and Joan’s encouragement I began teaching the following year, and
ended up being picked to be a testimonial for the Zumba®
DVD commercial. I am very grateful for all of the wonderful
friendships and opportunities Zumba® brought my
way, and being an instructor with The Studio Fitness is one
of the best.
* Instructor since September 2008
* Aerobic & Fitness Association of America Instructor
* Beginner, Medio (intermediate), Advanced Zumba®, Circuit / Zumba®
The Zumba® experience means many different things to many different people.
Quite simply, you could say it’s all about the sweat and smiles. But for me,
Zumba® is pure energy, passion, release, empowerment and transformation.
Being an instructor at The Studio Fitness is a privilege, and I feel so
blessed to teach Zumba® on all ability levels: Beginner, Medio, and
Advanced. I especially enjoy the opportunity to team-teach alongside my
husband. Together, we strive to create an exercise atmosphere that is fun,
energetic and positive for our students. The Studio Fitness provides a
first-class, state-of the-art facility where safety and aesthetics are
always at the forefront.
By profession, I am a Music teacher and a freelance vocalist,
pianist/organist for local church communities. Being a Zumba® instructor is
an enhancement to my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity share my
love for Zumba® with my students.
Being a natural born Geek, I spent eight years working as a Systems Engineering Supervisor before entering the world of full-time "Mommyhood." By the time my youngest child started Kindergarten, I was ready to start my own business. Today I own and operate "PC Paula, LLC" and specialize in web site design/support, graphic design for print media, and multimedia services.
The passion and enthusiasm of the Zumba family associated with this Studio is SO contagious, I actually attended a workshop presented by Beto and LOVED it. I may never actually teach a Zumba class (other than with my two teen kids in the living room!), but if an athletically-challenged, techno-geek Mom such as myself can learn the difference between a Salsa and a Merengue. . .ANYONE can. :o) I have also taken the opportunity to Personal Train with Doug and Joan as often as I can, and they have challenged my muscles in ways they didn't even realize they could be challenged! I am so happy with the results!
Born and raised in Mexico City, Rose grew up listening to Latin Music. When she found Zumba 3 years ago, she felt she had somehow returned home. Not only did she enjoy the dance style great work-out and the music, she also felt an instant connection with Doug and Joan and became a certified instructor 2 months later.
Due to a busy life schedule; a full time Medical Sonographer, Military Reservist, Mother of 2 and perusing her MBA, has not allowed her to teach her own classes, but Rose spends every minute she can at The Studio Fitness. “You can feel the excitement and happiness the minute you walk in the Studio’s door…It’s contagious!”
* Zumba Instructor since 2004
I am so thankful to have Zumba in my life - I've been teaching since 2004. Zumba class is my hour to have fun and not think about anything else. I am so honored to be a part of The Studio Fitness. I'm also a Medical Assistant at Miami Valley Cardiologists, and the proud mother of 2 awesome boys.
Terry has worked at ACE Music in Dayton for 28 years and has been in local band Just N Tyme for 30 years. He started playing with Doug & Joan all over Dayton five years ago and has seen them progress to The Studio Fitness today. He is also featured on the new ZUMBA DVD's that are sold worldwide and you can catch him on the new ZUMBA infomercial that is airing frequently. Whenever Beto Perez, the originator of ZUMBA, comes to town he calls upon Terry to play the drums in his Master Classes.
Gabriel Piriz
Honorary Instructor
Gabriel adds to the worldwide influence of top level instructors at The
Studio Fitness, bringing his talents and creativity to the area from Uruguay
where similar to Doug and Joan, he owned his own studio called “SOAS
Fitness.” Gabriel took three years of practical training and
coursework at this facility to become certified as a Professional Fitness
Instructor and Personal Trainer. Upon certification, he bought the studio
and operated it with his wife Luciana for four years. During that time,
Gabriel taught LatinMIX with the particular class in Uruguay called “Aerosalsa.”
Gabriel has been a regular at the always “sold out” Cocktails & Cumbia
events at The Studio Fitness and is in high demand to lead master classes
throughout the United States.
Gabriel and his wife now live in northeast Ohio where he teaches fitness
classes at Kent State University. Luciana works in the Department of
Pathobiology at the Lemer Research Institute in conjunction with a post
doctoral research fellowship through the Cleveland Clinic.