Group Fitness Instructors
Interested In Becoming an Instructor?
- Ai Kuwayama
- Alexandria Moler
- Alyssa Bilotti
- Andrea Ruvalcaba
- Ashley Yu
- Belle Wichman
- Bob Mueller
- Cali Tolbert
- Caroline Gillies
- Cindy Solomon
- Daniel Dominguez
- Frances Gray
- Gabriel Hill
- Grace Hawkins
- Heidi Wilson
- Jennifer Melford
- Kali Lukei
- Karmyn Groeschner
- Kayleen Ruiz
- Kelli Pedone
- LaMonique "Blue" Blount
- Lisa Lamont
- Mckenna Pacey
- Megan Hollyfield
- Melissa Valdez
- Naomi Welsh
- Natalie Quinn
- Nikki Winters
- Nitin Chatlani
- Rachel Brouzes
- Ricky Paniagua
- Ronan Gibbs
- Sofia Carmenate
- Sugar Ray Holden
- Whitley Thompson
Ai Kuwayama
Ai is originally from Japan and she graduated with a Masters in Kinesiology in Integrative Wellness from Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor, AEA certified aqua instructor and 500 Registered Yoga Teacher. In addition to teaching group fitness classes, Ai is the Fitness & Wellness Supervisor for Aztec Recreation. She has been teaching Group Exercise classes for 14 years and is very passionate about both teaching and taking Group Exercise classes. Ai believes in the powerful ability of group exercises to improve and promote individuals’ physical and mental well-being.
Alexandria Moler
Alex Moler graduated from SDSU with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Fitness Specialist. In the future she plans on working in the Exercise and Nutrition field running her own consultant business and helping clients achieve their fitness and health goals. All things related to health and fitness became a passion of hers when she tore her ACL twice playing soccer. Group fitness became a huge part of her life during her recovery from two knee surgeries. After attending multiple group fitness classes, she got her certification to become a group fitness instructor. As an instructor she hopes to inspire others to stay active, healthy and reach their fitness goals while participating in a safe and welcoming environment. Along with leading group fitness classes, Alex now is a Fitness and Wellness Program Assistant at the ARC. She is excited to start teaching ENS fitness classes. Come join her on this new journey, SDSU community!
Alyssa Bilotti
Alyssa is from the San Francisco Bay Area and is a current undergraduate student at SDSU. She became an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor after completing the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor training course at the ARC. She has a 15 year background as a competitive dancer and strives to continue her fitness journey and her love of movement through teahcing classes. She loves helping others and wants to help them to achieve their fitness goals!
Andrea Ruvalcaba
Andrea is currently a 4th year undergraduate student at SDSU studying Computer Science. After practicing yoga for a couple of years, Andrea grew a passion for the practice of yoga, and it became more than just an exercise. She completed her 200RYT certificate through CorePower Yoga. Andrea’s Sankalpa, or teaching mission, is to hold space with good energy, love, and compassion. Through her classes, she strives to help individuals discover the joy of self-discovery and movement through yoga while holding a safe space for exploration.
Ashley Yu
Ashley is a Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy student at SDSU. She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and began her journey by completing the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training course with Aztec Recreation. She also completed a Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training after developing a love for Yoga Sculpt because of the formats ability to ground your mind while uplifting your energy. Ashley grew up playing basketball and running track, so her genuine love for teamwork, community, and bringing like-minded individuals together to work towards their goals drives her passion as an instructor. Ashley looks forward to creating a space for you to embrace who you are now and show up for who you strive to be!
Belle Wichman
Belle is a current Undergrad at SDSU studying Kinesiology Pre - Physical Therapy. She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and began teaching Barre classes at her home studio in April 2023. Belle has always had a passion for sports and athletics which motivated her to continue her fitness journey as an instructor and share her love for fitness with everyone she teaches. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and going on little adventures.
Bob Mueller
Hello, my name is Bob Mueller. I'm a retired Naval Officer who has been an avid road cyclist for over 30 years. I don’t race, but enjoy long day rides in our local mountains. I’m a Sierra Club, Chapter Outings Leader for the Bicycle Section and lead regular rides of 40 to 100 miles for the Club. I have also lead organized bicycle tours in Colorado, Washington State’s San Juan Islands and Olympic Penninsula, Vermont and New York. If you want to develop muscles and form to cycle long and strong, check out my class and take a spin.
Cali Tolbert
Cali began teaching group exercise classes during her time in college at James Madison University and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science. More recently she received her Masters in Integrative Wellness from PLNU and is the former Fitness & Wellness Coordinator for Aztec Recreation. She is a certified AFAA Primary Group Fitness Instructor, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Her favorite formats to teach include yoga, dance, TRX, and cycle but she enjoys teaching just about any format. One of her strongest beliefs is to make your heart happy which includes, but is not limited to, your physical well-being. When she is not helping and motivating others achieve their fitness goals, you can find Cali with her dogs, Brodie & Merlot, at the beach, trail running, or hiking!
Caroline Gillies
Caroline Gillies is an undergraduate student at San Diego State University pursuing a degree from the College of Arts and Letters majoring in Political Science. Caroline has a previous background in dance, and found a love for cycling and all things group fitness after attending both dance and group fitness classes throughout her life. After recently taking the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training Course through the university, Caroline has the privilege to now work alongside and grow her connections further with the Aztec Recreation team and previous teachers. As such, she is now an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and is grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what comes next!
Cindy Solomon
Cindy earned both her Bachelors in Kinesiology (2017) as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2023) from San Diego State University. She began teaching group fitness classes at the ARC in 2015 as a way to stay in shape after high school and become more connected with the SDSU community. Since then, she has taught a multitude of classes mainly consisting of cycling and cycle core classes for the general population as well as for the SDSU Swim and Dive Team and the Club Triathlon Team. Cindy strives to provide classes that challenge participants to push themselves more than they thought they could. She aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle through her classes in which members can enjoy the simplicity of a great workout. She hopes for people to leave her class feeling like they accomplished something and are eager for more next time.
Daniel Dominguez
Born and raised in Argentina, Daniel came to San Diego in 1997 to work as a Ph.D. doing research in the SDSU Psychology Department. He became an ARC member as soon as the gym opened and started practicing yoga regularly in 1999. Along the years, Daniel participated in yoga classes and yoga retreats with many wonderful instructors at the ARC, learning different styles of yoga. He obtained his yoga teacher certification in CorePower Yoga, in 2008. Around the same time he graduated from IPSB as a Holistic Health Practitioner and Massage Therapist. Since then, Daniel has been teaching yoga and doing bodywork in different institutions around San Diego and South America. In 2011, Daniel completed a SUPcore certification as a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and SUP Yoga instructor through Surftech SUP Academy (SSUPA) and has been teaching SUP and SUP Yoga at Mission Bay Aquatic Center ever since. Daniel’s passion for Nature and traveling has brought him to teach yoga (volunteer work) and practice SUP in the Amazon (Peru), experience he plans to repeat annually before visiting family and friends in Argentina.
Frances Gray
Frankie is a current SDSU student studying business marketing. Frankie became an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor after completing the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training course with Aztec Recreation. She has a passion for fitness especially in a group setting having grown up playing numerous group sports. Frankie loves teaching cycling classes in which her number one goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and appreciated, while working our bodies physically and of course having fun! She is so excited to meet you in class!
Gabriel Hill
Gabriel Hill is a certified GROVEYEFFECT and Zumba fitness instructor, known for his energetic and engaging classes that blend dance and high-intensity workouts. In addition to his dance fitness expertise, Gabriel is Active-Duty Navy, and a Command Fitness Leader, bringing a disciplined and structured approach to his training. His diverse background allows him to offer a unique and effective fitness experience designed to challenge all fitness levels!
Grace Hawkins
Grace graduated from SDSU with a major in Child and Family Development. In the future, she hopes to continue her education as an Aztec to obtain her teaching credential and become a high school teacher. Grace recently began teaching Yoga after years of personal practice. With a background in sports and dance, she blends fluid movements with a mindful approach. Yoga is not only Grace’s favorite form of exercise, but also a pathway to personal growth and resilience. Through her classes, she aims to guide others in finding their own strength, tranquility, and self-awareness.
Heidi Wilson
Heidi has been a fitness professional for over 27 years and she holds 2 Masters Degrees from SDSU; one in Public Health (MPH) and one in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (MS). She is a Grandmaster UWSEF - United World Serrada Escrima Federation, Master in Taekwondo (4th Dan), Black Belt in Aikijujitsu, Black Belt in Escrima (under Master Bayani Abueg/BCA Arnis). She is certified USA Boxing Coach and a Masters Division Boxing Champion. She is also the Founder of the Women's Boxing Network in Southern California. Heidi was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2024 and received the Female Multi-discipline Black Belt of the Year Award.
Heidi teaches academic classes in health, sports nutrition, kinesiology, and various fitness classes and martial arts classes. Her true passion is teaching women how to defend themselves. She teaches multiple sections of ENS 138-Women's Self Defense and Credit Boxing Classes in both the Fall and Spring Semesters at SDSU.
Jennifer Melford
Jenny has been an athlete her whole life and her love for movement and sport go back as far as she can remember. Jenny graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science, where she also earned a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer. It was during this time that Jenny discovered Yoga. Though she was drawn to Yoga initially for the physical challenge it offered, she ended up falling in love with the holistic nature of the practice, and the deeper sense of ease and well-being that were a result of her regular practice. She now holds five different Yoga certifications as a teacher, although she will always consider herself a student of the practice.
Jenny is also a certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine, a Health and Wellness Coach, a Nutritionist, and a Grief Counselor. In her free time Jenny loves hiking, camping, snowboarding, hanging with her family and puppy, and seeing live music!
Kali Lukei
Kali Lukei is a current undergraduate student at SDSU pursuing her B.A. in Psychology. She discovered her love for cycle in 2021 and became ACE Group Fitness Certified in 2024 after taking the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training course. She has a passion for fitness and making exercise fun and inclusive. Kali began working as an instructor for Aztec Recreation in Fall 2024 and is looking forward to improving her skills and teaching style in her classes!
Karmyn Groeschner
Meet Karmyn! She became an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor after completing the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training course here at Aztec Recreation. Karmyn is currently an undergraduate student studying Nutritional Science and has a big passion for fitness and health. Her background in cheer and dance sparked her love for working out with a team mentality. Karmyn wants to make my fitness classes a fun, welcoming space for everyone to grow and get stronger together. She can't wait to meet you in class!
Kayleen Ruiz
Kayleen Ruiz is an SDSU undergraduate student studying Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy. She took the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training credit class and is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Kayleen loves teaching Strength/Cardio classes including Total Strength and Aztec Abs. She grew up playing many sports and developed a passion for health and fitness at an early age. She is dedicated to sharing her passion with the SDSU community and can't wait to grow as a leader with the help of the SDSU community!
Kelli Pedone
Kelli is a born and raised San Diegan and graduate from SDSU (B.S. in Kinesiology). She became interested in fitness during her time as a student and was inspired to take the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training class and work at the ARC! She was also hired on as a program assistant for the Adapted Athletics department at Aztec Recreation, so she is excited to be able to combine her two passions: fitness and supporting individuals with disabilities. Kelli is excited to teach a variety of different classes and motivate participants to have some fun with their workouts. In the future, she plans on attending a graduate program to become a licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist, and therefore continue her goals of promoting healthy lifestyles for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds!
LaMonique "Blue" Blount
LaMonique, also known as Blue, is an ISSA certified Group Fitness Instructor. She started her fitness professional journey as a personal trainer in 2016 in Sasebo, Japan. While living in Japan, she was able to experience a Zumba class and became interested in dance fitness. Blue is originally from New Orleans, LA and grew up with a love for dancing. She became certified in Zumba in 2019 and is also a Level 2 Master Educator for MixxedFit. Blue teaches many formats, but her favorite part of dance fitness is being out in the community. She is always volunteering for events all around San Diego including 5k races, preschools, teaching to teens with disabilities and so much more. Blue believes that dance unites us all and enjoys spreading love and inspiring others through dance fitness.
Lisa Lamont
Lisa is a Stott Pilates certified Pilates instructor and a Mad Dogg Athletics Certified Spinning® instructor. She has worked in the fitness industry for over twenty years.
Megan Hollyfield
Megan began practicing yoga in 2012 as a form of physical therapy. Yet the more she practiced the physical postures; the more yoga became a refuge to work on her mental strength. Apparent that the mind-body connection is invaluable, she dove into a teacher training to deepen her own practice. Now a certified 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, she hopes to share the benefits of focus, determination, and positivity to all her students.
After realizing she enjoyed teaching power, sculpt, and hot yoga classes, she started to branch out to teach other formats at the SDSU Aztec Recreation Center. Megan now teaches many additional formats such as Total Strength, Barre Blast, and Cardio Dance. Whenever you step into one of her classes whether to relax with yoga or workout, you will find a positive atmosphere and a class geared to challenging both the mind and the body.
Melissa Valdez
Melissa holds a Bachelor’s in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master’s in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco. As a lifelong athlete with experience in rugby, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Strongman, Melissa's passion for movement and strength training emerged from her journey to recover from injuries and enhance her performance. Now, as a dedicated personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach, her primary goal is to help students elevate their quality of life through strength and fitness. In her weightlifting classes, Melissa creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel confident exploring new forms of healthy movement. She believes that strength training is crucial for building resilience, surpassing limits, and achieving personal goals. With a background in coaching diverse athletic programs and coaching individuals from all fitness levels, Melissa brings her energetic approach, deep knowledge, and positive attitude to every session, aiming to help students redefine and achieve their fitness aspirations.
Naomi Welsh
Naomi has a BA in Kinesiology and Physical Education with a Health Fitness concentration. Ever since her youth Naomi has loved being active. She got her start as a child in gymnastics, attending all her mom’s classes and coaching sessions and eventually went on to participate in competitions. Naomi also played Division 1 soccer on scholarship in college and competed as a semi-pro for two seasons. Later in life, Naomi became a professional ballroom dancer competing in all genres; dance has always been Naomi’s #1 passion. She has certifications from Core Rhythms and Zumba fitness along with a Gold Level Teacher Certification from Arthur Murray. She also has certifications for Maddog Athletics Spinning, Stages Beats Cycle, PiYo, and is currently studying for her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Naomi believes movement is an essential part of being holistically healthy and likes to fuse elements of dance with Yoga, barre, and Pilates in her classes. As an advocate for movement, Naomi says “finding what motivates and inspires you to bring the highest benefit is key to maintaining an active lifestyle you can enjoy!”
Natalie Quinn
Natalie is an SDSU alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, pre-Physical Therapy. She has been an instructor here at the ARC since 202, teaching a variety of classes like Barre Blast, Cycle Core, Yoga Sculpt, and much more! Natalie has a true love and passion for health and well-being. That is why she is continuing her education at Point Loma Nazarene University with a master's in Kinesiology, Integrative Wellness. She believes in the harmony of well-being across physical, emotional, and mental health. Physical exercise and nutrition should come from a place of self-love and respect rather than a punishment towards yourself and your body. Feel free to join Natalie in a group fitness class to celebrate what your body can do and achieve!
Nikki Winters
Nikki has been dancing since she can remember and trained mostly in ballet. After she turned 18 she danced with various professional ballet companies. It wasn’t until she joined up with a company called Physical Rhythm Project that was ballet/hip-hop fusion that she found her love for street dancing. Sponsored by NIKE, she then taught hip-hop classes in Portland, Oregon and discovered her love for group fitness. She since has been teaching various fitness classes on both the West and East Coast, with various certifications since 1992 and has been teaching at Aztec Recreation since 2001. She currently is a Commercial Real Estate Broker, a wife to an amazing husband, and a mom to two awesome boys.
Nitin Chatlani
Nitin is currently an undergraduate student here at SDSU majoring in Computer Science with a minor in mathematics. He has been involved in athletics since third grade when he started swimming competitively and continued throughout high school when he took his first cycling class and found his new favorite form of exercise. Since then, he has become a certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor as well as trained at various cycle studios in San Diego County. As an instructor, he specializes in “rhythm riding” and teaching Cycling in a choreographed format, utilizing both the upper and lower body.
Rachel Brouzes
Rachel Brouzes is a seasoned Yoga teacher with over 7 years of teaching experience and nearly 20 years as a practitioner. She holds over 600 hours of teaching education, specializing in Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin Yoga. Additionally, Rachel is a reiki initiated practitioner and soundhealer who integrates holistic approaches into her teaching. Rachel’s classes are characterized by precise cueing and verbal adjustments and include meticulously crafted body-part specific flows with yogic philosophy teachings seamlessly woven in. Rachel wants to ensure her students feel both supported and empowered in their practice. Beyond yoga, Rachel has expertise in nutrition and resistance training enabling her to offer a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
Ricky Paniagua
Ricky holds degrees in Organizational Leadership and Behavioral Sciences and has been a certified Yoga Instructor since 2015. Ricky offers thought-provoking meditations, philosophy, and insights interwoven into playful and challenging postures that are accessible to Yoga practitioners of all levels. He believes in holding inclusive space while providing mindful and nurturing support, allowing practitioners to explore both their physical and mental bodies on their mats. Through verbal and physical adjustments, Ricky serves as an active observer, serving to empower practitioners to develop a deeper connection with their Yoga practice.
Ronan Gibbs
Ronan Gibbs (500RYT) is an undergraduate student at SDSU pursuing Religious Studies with a minor in Education. He has a deep dedication to his personal practice and self-study of the ancient Yogic/Hindu and Buddhist texts. Ronan’s main goal with teaching is to offer practical tools and practices that his students can use in the real world to encourage them to live a patient, full, & fun life. After he completed his 200 hour yoga teacher training, Ronan spent 6 weeks of dedicated meditation practice and silence with the Buddhist Monastics at Deer Park Monastery. He then traveled to India where he completed his 300 hour TTC at Mathatitu Yoga Ashram in Varkala. He is currently a Studio Coordinator at CorePower Yoga and plans to teach & practice Yoga for the remainder of his lifetime.
Sofia Carmenate
Sofia Carmenate is a current Junior majoring in Psychology, with minors in Counseling/Social Change & Child Family Development. Sofia has a background teaching dance and is ACE Group Fitness-Certified. Her favorite formats to teach are cycle & strength classes. She hopes to soon be able to teach Yoga Sculpt, Barre, and Pilates. She is passionate about health and wellness as well as the mind-body connection associated with physical activity. In her classes, Sofia emphasizes the importance of working out to feel good, relieve stress, and obtain confidence! Her goal as an instructor is to help her students feel comfortable, included, and most importantly having fun during her classes to good music! In her spare time, she's hanging out with friends, going to swim in the ocean, or dancing!
Sugar Ray Holden
With over 28 years of experience as a USA certified Boxing Coach, Ray has trained a wide variety of students including UFC fighters, pro/amateur boxers, actors, children of all ages and seniors. He teaches progressive boxing techniques and strategies and also works as a boxing official and referee.
At the age of eight, "Sugar" Ray became interested in boxing. Along his journey in the sport, Ray had many great coaches and mentors including Martial Artist Wayne St. Hill, Master "Chicken" Gabriel, and former Team USA Olympic Boxing Coach Robert Coon (also Head Coach of the United Institute of Amateur Athletics Boxing Team where Ray became a member in his early teens).
As an instructor and avid boxing historian, Ray's main goal is to give back to the SDSU community through the experience in his boxing class using positive energy, and sharing his passion for the sport.
Whitley Thompson
Whitley became an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor after completing the ENS 138 Group Fitness Instructor Training course with Aztec Recreation. As an undergraduate kinesiology student with a passion for fitness, Whitley is excited by the opportunity to create and share group fitness classes with her peers. Informed by her background as a track and field athlete, Whitley loves teaching Cardio/Strength focused classes, especially HIIT. Whitley’s main goal is to create a fun and inclusive environment where everyone can learn something new, work hard, and have fun!
