Meet the Instructors
Arlynn F.
Strength & Aquatic Fitness Instructor
Major: International Business & Marketing
Hobbies: Reading, Cooking, Traveling
One Word to Describe Me: Energetic
Favorite Food: Sushi
Why I Love Teaching GFIT: I want to teach everyone the importance of moving their bodies!
Ayana C.
Cycle, Yoga, Pilates & Strength Instructor
Ayana is an instructor who can teach almost every single format! Additionally, Ayana works as a Personal Trainer at the Rec. While attending UC, she is pursuing a degree in Health and Fitness Technology. Her favorite part about working at the CRC is the community - "I enjoy being on campus around a diverse community!" When she's not working at the Rec, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking. Ayana's best advice for a first-time participant is, "This is your practice so take what you want, and leave what you don’t."
Ava C.
Dance Instructor
Details coming soon!
Briana V.
Strength & Pilates Instructor
Details coming soon!
Cynthia S.
Pilates, Yoga, & Strength Instructor
Cynthia teaches Mat Pilates, Hatha Yoga and Tempo Strength! She majored in Dietetics and Health Promotion and loves helping students grow stronger while keeping classes fresh and challenging with new exercises and props. Outside the studio, Cynthia enjoys strength training, walking her dogs, playing tennis, dancing, and gardening. Her advice: “Take it slow. It’s your workout—be mindful, stay in tune with your body, and enjoy the journey.”
Davoren W.
Power Cycle Instructor
Davoren is looking forward to “making new friends and finding new kinds of music and drills to use in class.” When she is not teaching, she likes to bake, go to music festivals, travel, and get coffee with friends. She is also a Hospice volunteer! Davoren encourages new participants to “try something three times before you decide it's not for you.”
Dina S.
Cycle Instructor
Details coming soon!
Donia S.
Cycle Instructor
"I am a current junior at UC studying nursing and I’m from Cleveland Ohio. I have always enjoyed working out and then came to love taking cycling classes as well, which is how I got into being an instructor. I love having the opportunity to introduce more people to fitness and help people have a good time even while they are working out."
Ellie W.
Strength Instructor
"Hello, I’m Ellie! I’m a nursing major here at UC. I teach strength style classes at the rec. In my free time I like to go to local coffee shops, go on runs and walks, and binge watch TV with my roommates (we love The Pitt, Dancing with the Stars, and RomComs)! I look forward to meeting you soon!"
Emmaline H.
Pilates Instructor
Emmaline is a Costume Designer and artist who is also incredibly passionate about fitness. She fell in love with pilates when she came to UC her freshman year, she was incredibly inspired and motivated by the community that empowered people who were new to fitness. From there she became a pilates instructor and is always striving to learn more about the craft of pilates and creating an inclusive community while empowering people within their bodies.
Gabrielle L.
Pilates Instructor
Details coming soon!
Grace E.
Cycle Instructor
Details coming soon!
Hannah R.
Strength Instructor & Personal Trainer
Hannah is a dynamic strength coach and personal trainer with extensive experience in health and wellness. She has over 5 years of programming experience and is on track to graduate in Spring 2027 with a degree in Nutrition. She loves challenging her clients to push past their limits and try new exercise formats. Outside of fitness, she loves to bake, travel, thrift, surf, and play her ukulele!
Julia S.
Cycle Instructor
Details coming soon!
Juliana M.
Cycle Instructor
Details coming soon!
Kacy H.
Cycle Instructor
Kacy is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. She is excited to meet new faces in the studio and says, “My goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcomed, leaves feeling empowered and sweaty, and is ready to come back next week!” Outside of the studio, Kacy coaches lacrosse, plays on UC’s women’s club lacrosse team, and serves as the team’s president. She also enjoys reading, lifting, spending time outdoors, and of course—taking more cycle classes! Her advice for newcomers: “Regardless of your fitness experience, YOU BELONG HERE! Every person brings unique energy to the culture of group fitness—don’t be afraid to bring the energy that makes you, you!”
Katie B.
Cycle Instructor
"I’m entering my third year as a cycle instructor and love creating high-energy, inclusive classes that challenge riders at every level. While I have a day job outside the cycle studio, nothing compares to the energy and connection I feel coaching this community. My goal is to help riders build strength and confidence on and off the bike."
Keily J.
Cycle Instructor
Keily is majoring in Nursing at UC and is an active member of the Student Nurses Association. Keily looks forward to “bringing energy to the cycle studio and making classes fun with woos and awesome playlists!” Outside of class, Keily loves spending time with friends and going on little adventures around the city. Her advice for first-timers: “Make the class your own. We cue a lot, but it’s all optional—try what you can and make it comfortable for you!”
Kennedy W.
Pilates Instructor
Details coming soon!
Laura B.
Pilates & Cardio Kickboxing Instructor
Laura Bender is a fourth year medical student at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine who will be applying for Emergency Medicine residency this fall! One of her great joys is teaching Pilates and Kick-boxing where she is inspired and invigorated every day by her participants. She hopes to create a space where community can thrive and where participants can focus on mindful movement, functional strength, and building confidence!
Lenecia N.
Zumba & R.I.P.P.E.D. Instructor
Lenecia has been teaching for 10 years and currently works in the UC Athletic Department, supporting our student-athletes' mental health and performance. Her favorite part about working at the CRC is the accessibility and staff - "I love the fact that the UC Campus Rec is a short walk from my full-time job, and the staff and instructors are extremely helpful and professional!" She enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, watching college sports and creating in her free time. Lenecia's best advice for a first-time participant is, "Group fitness classes can be intimidating at first, especially if it's a format that you're completely unfamiliar with. I encourage anyone trying my classes for the first time to focus on having fun. Spending 45-minutes to an hour on your physical health a few times a week has a positive impact on your mental health as well - it's one of the best forms of self-care!"
Lili C. - on Co-Op and will return soon!
Cycle Instructor
Lili is currently studying Biomedical Engineering at UC! She is looking forward to meeting new people and providing a safe and fun environment for participants. Outside of teaching, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and cuddling with her dog. Lili is also involved in Hey I’m Here Ohio as the youth Content Chair and is a member of the Society of Women Engineers. Her advice for those trying group fitness for the first time is not to “hesitate to ask questions if something doesn’t feel right. We want you to have the best experience possible!”
Lindsey R. - on Co-Op and will return soon!
Cycle Instructor
Lindsey is studying Communication and Marketing here at UC. She is very excited “to use the cycle studio and to be a part of the community at the Rec!” She enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, going to country concerts, and going on runs. She is also a member of Tri Delta here at UC. Her best advice for first-time participants is to “come in with an open mind, take each class at your own pace, and have fun!”
Lydia A. - studying abroad and will return soon!
Yoga Instructor
Lydia is studying Marketing at UC as well. She is looking forward to meeting new people on campus and sharing her love for music and yoga in her classes. When Lydia isn’t teaching, she enjoys watching movies, cafe hopping, and working out! She is also a volunteer at the 86 at CCM! Lydia's advice for a new participant to group fitness is taking group fitness classes is a great way to spend time with friends - “The rec has the most amazing and supportive instructors who are there to do more than just teach you. My best advice is to come in and try something new and unexpected!”
Mackenzie R.
Cycle Instructor
"Whether it’s your first class or your hundredth, my goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and confident. I love creating classes that help you grow stronger mentally and physically while also enjoying the ride. You can always expect good energy, support, and a fun space where you can challenge yourself and leave feeling better than when you walked in."
Maile S.
Yoga & Pilates Instructor
Maile is pursuing a degree in Nursing. Maile's favorite part about working at the CRC is being a part of the community - "I'm so happy that I have the opportunity to be a part of the incredible UC Campus Rec community, and I'm looking forward to meeting people who share a similar passion for yoga and self-care. I'm also really excited to help others care for their bodies and prioritize their health!" Maile enjoys spending time with friends watching movies, going out to eat, hiking, cooking, and playing card or board games. Maile is also involved in the Student Nurses Association and volunteers for St. Vincent De Paul and Habitat for Humanity. Maile's best advice for a first-time participant is, "Everyone at the CRC wants to see you succeed. The environment is so welcoming, and there is something for everyone, so get involved and have fun! Always remember to take care of and listen to your body!"
Meg M.
Cycle Instructor
"Hello! I am a cycle instructor here at UC campus Rec! I am majoring in Middle Childhood Education and am very passionate about wellness, health, and encouraging others to move with confidence. I love creating positive, uplifting environments both inside the studio! Outside of cycling, you can usually find me with my H2O church community, with my friends, or with my family! I love tennis, pickleball, chocolate, Justin Bieber, my dog, and of course being your cycling instructor!"
Nadiah C.
Yoga Instructor
Details coming soon!
Nethera N.
Dance Instructor
"Although I’m not much of a risk-taker, I’m always open to exploring new things because we never truly know where a new step might lead us. I may look safe and reserved on the outside, but when it comes to my passions, I can become completely fearless (maybe even a little crazy)."
Riley H.
Cycle Instructor
Details coming soon!
Rowan P.
Aquatic Fitness Instructor
Details coming soon!
Ryan S.
Turn Up Dance Instructor
Details coming soon!
Sahithi T.
Strength & Pilates Instructor
Details coming soon!
Sahithi is majoring in Computer Engineering at UC. She is passionate about helping participants build a strong foundation through intentional movement and functional strength. In her classes, Sahithi focuses on creating an environment where everyone feels challenged yet supported, regardless of their fitness level. Outside of the Rec, she enjoys exploring the intersection of technology and fitness, staying active on campus, and balancing her engineering studies with wellness. Her advice for first-timers is: "Don't be intimidated by the movements, strength and Pilates are about progression, not perfection, so focus on your own pace and remember that every expert was once a beginner!"
Campbell L.
Yoga and Dance Instructor
Campbell is currently a senior Ballet Major at the College-Conservatory of Music. She has been dancing she was three years old, and is very passionate about exercise and health. She loves to create a fun, supportive, and loving environment within her Dance Fitness and Yoga classes. Come say hi!