Celine Dastous - Group Exercise Manager
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Cycling, Body Conditioning, Stretch & Release, TRX, Yoga, H.I.I.T
Education: M.A. English
Certification: A.C.S.M. Group Exercise Leader, Spinning, Piedmont Yoga Certification, Smart Flow Yoga
Training: Resist-a-Ball, Mat Pilates, Polestar Allegro, Turning Point Studios Pilates Training, Bosu, TRX, Yoga Tune-up, Therapy Ball Practitioner, ELDOA and Myofascial Stretching
Hobbies: Trail running, Road Cycling, Cooking, Medicinal Plants, Aromatherapy
Philosophy of Fitness: My favorite quote from Lao Tzu: "Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend."
Marian Bernstein
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Aquafit
Education: BA in English and American Literature
Certifications: AEA since 1996, Certification in Massage Therapy and Health Education, CMT/LMT, Aquatic Fitness for older adults since 2022, S.E.A.T. (seated exercise for active training) since 2021
Training: Massage therapist since 2001 and an Aquatic Fitness instructor since 1996
Hobbies: Cooking, Hiking, Paddle Boarding, Skiing, Silk Flower arranging, Playing with my four cats!
Philosophy of Fitness: "Keep Moving!!!!"
Luis Perea
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Body Pump
Education: B.S. Economics
Certifications: IFBB Coach, NOSTA PFT, Karate Black belt 6th Degree, Body Pump Instruction, Body Combat Instructor, Zumba Instruction, Strong Nation, Circle Mobility, TRX
Hobbies: LNT Therapist, Astrology
Philosophy of Fitness: "Train Smart"
Jennifer Castillo
Classes Taught at Oakwood: BodyCombat, BodyPump
Certifications/Training: Les Mills, Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Balance/Flow, Les Mills Core, GRIT
Hobbies: Cooking, Baking, Volunteering
Philosophy of Fitness: "My philosophy is centered on empowering individuals to unlock their full potential through movement, dedication, and a positive mindset. I believe that fitness is not just about physical transformation but also about mental and emotional growth."
James Bucci
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Boot Camp, TRX Basics, TRX Burn
Certifications/Trainings: National Academy of Sports Medicine-CPT, Performance Enhancement Specialist, TRX Suspension Trainer, Strong First Kettlebell 101, Diablo Valley College- Personal Training Certificate of Achievement, CPR/AED
Hobbies: Running, Reading Fiction, Writing, Gardening
Philosophy of Fitness: "Listen to my clients when they discuss their fitness goals and work to help them achieve those goals. I also seek to make their training fun and interesting so they can feel good about their fitness journey."
Heidi Chew
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Yoga
Education: BA Business Economics
Certifications: Mark Horner, Hatha Yoga Shala-Pete Guinoso, Lighting the Path
Training: Shadow Yoga, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 in depth studies with Mark Horner
Hobbies: Hiking, Gardening, Drawing, Watercolor Painting, Family time
Philosophy of Fitness: "To try to many things because variety is the spice of life; Exercise always lifts our spirits, so do something every day, but pace oneself in order to avoid injury"
Cutter Pederson
Classes Taught at Oakwood: TRX Basics
Certifications/Training: National Academy of Sports Medicine-CPT, Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM- Nutrition Coach, TRX Suspension Trainer, CPR/AED
Hobbies: Being a father and husband, Fly Fishing, Snowboarding, Reading, Being Outdoors
Philosophy of Fitness: "I have firsthand experience with the life changing effects of physical fitness and healthy living. Living with rheumatoid arthritis, I incorporate a holistic, science-based approach to training my clients."
Sandra Franklin
Taylor Beebee
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Body Pump, Body Combat, Certified Body Attack
Education: BS International Business Management
Certifications: NASM- Personal Trainer, Dynamic Sports Performance Certified Coach
Trainings: Russian Kettle-bell Certification, Advanced Training for Body Pump, Body Combat, and Body Attack
Hobbies: Cooking, Travel
Philosophy of Fitness: "Training should be enjoyable- do what you enjoy doing not what you feel you need to do."
Sally Gearhart
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Aquafit
Education: MA in Business Administration
Training: Deep water in pool training with Andrea in Concord and AEA classes, In pool training at Pleasant Hill with Sandra Franklin shallow water, Deep water training in pool at AEA classes and in Concord with Andrea
Certifications: AEA Certified, Safety certified, CPR/AED certified.
Hobbies: Tennis, Golf, Pet Sitting
Philosophy of Fitness: "Fitness is physical and mental health requirement. Also, a fit body makes you proud of yourself."
Lisa Andrews
Classes Taught at Oakwood: BOSU Conditioning, Core and Sculpt, Muscle Conditioning, TRX, Stretch
Education: AA Child Development
Certifications/Trainings: Group Ex, Personal Trainer, Spin, TRX, Heart Zones
Hobbies: Running, cooking, gardening, traveling
Philosophy of Fitness: "Must be user friendly, accessible and fun! Important to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Very important to worship your body- nothing is more important! You are your competition! Be you, embrace your strengths and thrive to improve your weaknesses."
Rod Ciocho
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Yoga
Certification: Mark Horner Moksha Yoga Shala
Training: Universal, Shadow, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Yin Yoga
David Brewer
Classes Taught at Oakwood: TRX/ Boot Camp Combo, Tone and Define, TRX Total Body Blast, Mobility and Functional Balance, Athletic Conditioning
Certifications/Trainings: NASM CPT, NASM Virtual Coach, NASM Corrective Exercise, AFFA GFI, TRX, Schwinn Spin Certified, Myobility Certified, Hyperice Massage Gun Triggerpoint Release Specialist, IBBFA Barre
Hobbies: Love to go on hikes and relaxing walks through Martinez with my dog, Cooking with Family
Philosophy of Fitness: "To bring good health to my students not only on a physical level but psychological level!"
Angelique Pine
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Dance Fitness*La Blast, Core Sculpt, Body Sculpt, Strength Express
Education: BA Journalism
Certifications: AFAA, Group Exercise, Personal Training, LaBlast
Trainings: Spin, Mat Pilates, Kickboxing, Zumba, Zumba Toning
Hobbies: Art, Hiking, and Travel
Philosophy of Fitness: "There is an exercise style for everyone, do what you love!"
John Beard
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Tai Chi/Chi Gung, Practical Self Defense, Golf Conditioning
Education: B.S. Nautical Science
Certifications: Aerobics & Fitness Asso. of America, CPR, USA Golf Teaching Federation Teaching Professional, Global Institute of Energy Medicine-EFT Level I & II, Personal Belief System of Self Defense Certified Instructor, Okinawan Karate Association Black Belt
Training: Tai Chi- Yang style 8, 24, 40 step and Sun Long form, Chi Gung-Energy Arts Inner Circle, Hung Ga Kung Fu, Bok Fu, Muay Thai, Escrima Stick Fighting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chun, Uechi Ryu Karate, Taoist Meditation, Tibetan Meditation/Psychology/Kum Nye
Hobbies: Golf, Pool, Martial Arts, Music
Philosophy of Fitness: "Enjoy the process...Strive to Improve, 'Ease back to the Pro level'"
Shivani Kumar
Classes Taught at Oakwood: BollyX
Education: B.A. Business
Certifications/Trainings: BollyX, CPR/AED
Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Dancing
Philosophy of Fitness: "My top interest in life is choosing to be happy! I love life and every day that I can open her eyes is a blessing. I love encouraging people of all ages, and showing them that change is possible to get and stay healthy"
Virginia Dare
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Spin, Tone and Define, Personal Training
Education: Marketing
Certification: AFAA, NASM- Personal Training, Aqua Fitness, Spin
Trainings: Spin
Hobbies: Cooking, family time, travel
Philosophy of Fitness: "Use it or lose it!"
Desi Dikova
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Zumba, Step
Education: M.S. Civil Engineering
Training: Zumba Basic, Zumba Step, LeBlast Fitness, Silver Sneakers, AAFA
Hobbies: Social Dancing
Philosophy of Fitness: "Change your life one beat at a time!"
Pam Hall
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Barrefit, Gentle Fitness
Education: BS Business Administration
Certification: NCCPT, USWFA, 200-hour Yoga Certification
Trainings: Parkinson's Specialist, Neuro-Sensory Specialist, Water Rescue
Hobbies: Hiking, biking, indoor rock climbing, yoga
Philosophy of Fitness: "We all deserve to feel our very best. Pain free range of motion and balance are key to feeling good about yourself. My focus will be on teaching you the simple movement practices that will become the foundation of a powerful fitness lifestyle."
David Henry
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Yoga
Training and Certifications: RYT - Chair Yoga, Yoga Alliance, Immersion and teacher training at Yoga Kula.
Carolyn Remick
Carah Herring
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Cardio Dance, Line Dancing, Cardio Cut
Education: B.S. Mass Communications, Bennett College for Women. MA Journalism, UC Berkeley.
Certifications: AFAA Group Exercise, Schwinn Cycling, Urbankick, Zumba. IDEA Conference Attendee. Zumba Convention Attendee, Aqua Zumba, AFAA Mat Pilates
Training: 15+ years of classical ballet; modern dance, jazz dance, West African dance. Stability Ball, Mat Pilates, BOSU, Gliding Discs
Hobbies: Traveling, Hiking, Exploring museums
Philosophy of Fitness: "Challenge yourself, be consistent. Stay positive and have fun."
Meg Coons
Tiffany Hoover
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Bosu Burn, C, Core and Balance, Cycling
Education: BA in Theater, MA in Theater, MA in Theology
Certifications: ACE Group Ex and ACE Personal Trainer
Training: BOSU, Keiser Cycling, Stages Cycling, Group Power, Yin Yoga, Mixxed Fit
Hobbies: Dancing, reading, walking my dog, wine tasting
Philosophy of Fitness: "I approach teaching and training with playfulness, kindness, and direction. I am a life-long learner and hope to always be a resource for education. I want my clients and students to find enjoyment in moving and I want them to feel seen and heard."
Karen Johnson
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Aqua Aerobics, Body Conditioning, Dance Fitness
Education: BA from Hayward State
Certifications: AFAA Group Fitness, Zumba, Mixxedfit, USWFA
Training: USWFA, SCW Mania Conference, AFAA Sunrise Yoga and Group Fitness, Mixxedfit, Zumba
Hobbies: Horseback riding, Reading, Dancing
Philosophy of Fitness: "Find workouts that you enjoy, then it never feels like a chore."
Cheryl Kasovsky
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Core and Balance, Cardio Dance
Education: Hairstylist, Real Estate Investing
Certifications: ACE, BOSU, Core, Resist-a ball, Kick boxing
Training: Stretch, Zumba, Zumba Tone
Hobbies: Scuba Diving, Travel
Philosophy of Fitness: "To enhance the quality of life through health and fitness. While having fun!"
Janet Kaufman
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Nia Dance Fusion,Yoga Dance
Education: BA Psychology
Certifications/Training: Nia first degree Black Belt, Nia MoveIT, 200 hour Yoga certification.
Hobbies: Jeweler Silver Smith, Metaphysical
Philosophy of Fitness: "Through movement we find health."
Laurie Koneski
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Core and Sculpt Fusion, Core/Restore, Cycle Body Conditioning
Education: B.A. Film/Video
Certifications: A.C.E. Group Fitness Instructor, A.C.E. Personal Trainer, Spinning, Polestar Pilates Reformer/Mat, TRX, Nutritional Counseling
Training: Functional Fitness, Myofascial Release/Restoration, Corrective Exercise, HIIT, Boot Camp
Hobbies: Music, Film, Crossword puzzles, Pickleball, Reading
Philosophy of Fitness: "I believe in providing services that prevent injury and imbalance and promote health and healing."
Tina Ory
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Mat Pilates
Education: B.S. Physical Education, Teaching Credential
Certifications: Certificate in Pilates by Physical Mind, U.S. Water Fitness Assoc. A.F.F.A. instructor, Yoga for Kids and New Generation Yoga
Training: Resist-a-Ball, Balance Body Reformer , Yoga Kids
Hobbies: playing with my two grandsons, going to the beach, hiking, swimming, opening my door for friends
Philosophy of Fitness: "I teach young kids, so I have always felt fitness needs to be lifelong learning, things you will do as a child, then as a teen, going into adulthood, parenthood and grandparenting! Keep it fun, uplifting, motivating and good for you, what makes you feel good and you can share it with others is a true blessing of fitness."
Kathleen Ostler
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Zumba, Body and Sole
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater and Dance
Certifications: NIA Black Belt, Zumba B1/B2, MELT Method Certified hand and foot, AFAA Certified
Training: 3 Mastery of Teaching intensives
Noel Panganiban
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Cycling, Ball, Zumba, Body Conditioning, Gentle Pilates & Stretch.
Education: B.S. San Francisco State University
Certifications: AFAA Group Exercise Leader, Zumba, Lifetime Spinning, U-Jam, Urban Kick, Strong by Zumba
Monica Phillips
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Yoga
Education: MA International Education, BS Journalism
Certifications: YogaWorks 200 and 300 hour Teach Training Graduate, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500), Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, Certified Positive Intelligence Coach
Training: Vinyasa Flow Gentle Flow, Strength, Stretch and Balance, Reading Bodies, Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Yoga Philosophy, Meditation and Mindfulness
Hobbies: Spending time outdoors and near the ocean, hiking, paddle boarding, traveling, reading, listening to music
Philosophy of Fitness: "Invite movement into your body so you gain strength in your body, peace in your heart, and calm in your mind. Being present is the biggest gift we can give to ourselves and those around us. In this busy, always-on world, that can be the hardest thing to do."
Veera Sanjana
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Energy Yoga, Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Stress and Meditation
Education: M.A. Economics, M.S.W (Social Work & Community Services)
Certifications: Munger School of Yoga Teachers Training Certification (India), Certificate of Teaching Yoga Center, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Certified Compassionate Touch Instructor
Training: Yoga Pravesh, Yoga Parichay in India, Dance and Movement Therapy, Herbology (Ayurvedic and Chinese), Vipaasana Meditation, Kripalu Yoga
Hobbies: Research and study in fields of Eastern Philosophy, Yoga, wellness, brain and the power of the mind, mantras, mudras, meditation, mindfulness, tapping. Growing herbs and medicinal plants, ayurvedic cooking, doing workshops on healthy healing foods, Yoga/Meditation retreats, herbal cooking classes
Philosophy of Fitness: "Yoga does not just change the way we see things. It transforms the person who sees." - BKS Iyenger
Heather Schrag
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Spin, Body Conditioning, Kickboxing
Education: BA Journalism, MA Counseling
Certifications: AFAA, Insanity, Group Fight, Group Power, Group Groove, Schwinn Cycling
Hobbies: Gardening, Playing with my dog, Kids, Traveling, Music
Philosophy of Fitness: "It's better in groups!"
Tori Sovocool
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Cycling
Education: UCLA
Certifications: Schwinn, TRX, ACE Group Fitness
Hobbies: Biking, Sewing quilts, Baking Dairy Free
Philosophy of Fitness: "Progression! You will have ups and downs but keep going and you'll feel better!"
Sue Thomas
Classes Taught at Oakwood: Step, Cycling, Muscle Conditioning, Interval Training, Circuit Training, Boot Camp, TRX, Tabata, Step with Muscle
Certifications: A.C.E Group Exercise, A.C.E. Personal Trainer, Spinning
Training: Bosu, Gliding, AI Stretch, Stability Ball, TRX
Experience: 38 years
Hobbies: Hiking, Biking
Philosophy of Fitness: "Make it fun and you'll keep doing it!"