AKT

Bios

• Cristina S.

  Trainer

  Cristina is a dynamic, active, and compassionate girly tom-boy who loves to play sports and has a knack for helping and inspiring others! First graduating in 2001 with a Bachelors degree in Communications, Cristina picked up some odd jobs as a certified personal trainer teaching group fitness classes. Cristina finally decided to take her caring and nurturing bad-assery to the next level and pursue her true calling. In 2013 she received her Bachelors of Science in nursing! While she is truly fulfilled and content working hands-on with patients and educating them on the importance of health and wellness, Cristina cannot wait till 5 PM when she gets to break out of her scrubs and head to the AKT studio!!!

• Desiree A.

  Trainer

  Desiree may be tiny, but don't let that fool you. This chick is a total badass AKT Trainer! She has always had a passion for performance and song, so don't be surprised to find her singing along in class to our great AKT Playlists! She also has developed a true love for fitness, through HIIT, yoga, and dance-cardio, and her world changed for the better when she found AKT, the ultimate combo of toning, stretching, and of course, dance. Her goal with AKT is to create a fun space for all members to sweat, dance, tone, and change!

• Kristen R.

  Trainer

  Kristen has years of experience leading group fitness classes with dance being at the center of her workout journey. She has had a lifelong passion for dance and when she learned about AKT, she knew she had to be a part of the AKT Verona team and share her passion with others. She is committed to providing members with the confidence to have fun, work hard, challenge themselves, and make sure they let it all go on the dance floor! Kristen is a loving Mom to two young adult girls who are both athletes, she taught them the importance of being fit and healthy and hopes to bring that important message to her AKT classes.

• Rochelle S.

  Trainer

  Rochelle is one of our badass trainers! As a former competitive athlete and fitness instructor, Rochelle definitely knows how to help others achieve their fitness goals. She received her BS in Public Health from Rutgers University and is currently completing her Masters in Public Health. When Rochelle isn’t working out, you can find her training her dog, Masha, or helping others with their nutrition goals. She is very excited to share her passion for health and wellness with AKT Verona. Let’s party it up, turn it up, and have a good time achieving your goals.

• Jess H.

  General Manager and Trainer

  Jess is super excited to be the General Manager and Trainer at AKT Verona! She’s a bundle of energy who has been passionate about movement, fitness and wellbeing her entire life! She grew up studying Vaganova technique in Ballet and Martha Graham techniques in Modern Dance, as well as Jazz, Character and Tap dancing. She has a Bachelors of the Arts in Dance Production from The University of Maryland, College Park. She received multiple scholarships for Projection Design from The Center of Creative Collaboration where she had the opportunity to create, collaborate and perform original works. Most recently, Jess earned her MSc. in Entrepreneurship from Trinity College Business School (The University of Dublin) in Ireland. She traveled to the Czech Republic and earned her RYT-200 from Dylan Werner and One Movement Yoga. She has been a Reiki Master since the age of 16, so you’ll definitely be feeling the positive vibes in her classes! She can’t wait to PARTY UP! in the studio with everyone and in her AKT classes with style and flair!

• Leslie R.

  Trainer

  Leslie Rochette is thrilled to be part of the AKT family! Born and raised in New Orleans, this southern girl has traveled the country and various other countries with shows such as JERSEY BOYS, LEGALLY BLONDE, HAIRSPRAY, and THE PRODUCERS, just to name a few! Dancing has been part of her life since she could walk. She earned her BA in music theatre at Columbia College Chicago. While on tour, Leslie fell in love with yoga, and is now a certified yoga and barre instructor. She is so excited to have found the perfect combination of her two passions- dance and fitness, here at AKT. Leslie now lives with her own Jersey boys:John(husband), and Jude(son), as well as with their two rescue dogs, Jambalaya and Pasta. Can't wait to sweat, dance, burn, and change with all of you!

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  Raychel

  Trainer

  As a lifelong dancer, teacher, and NJ native, Raychel is so excited to join the AKT Verona team! Growing up as a competitive dancer, Raychel has been teaching dance classes since she was 15 years old. Continuing her training and eduction, Raychel graduated from The Ohio State University with her BFA in Dance with Distinction in the Arts for Choreography and Performance and a Minor in Disability Studies. Post graduation, Raychel as had the honor of performing at various theaters all over the country, dancing in national tours, and in many off- broadway productions in Manhattan. Known for her radiant passion, contagious energy, and infectious positivity, Raychel is so excited to share the dance floor with you! Meet her under the mirror ball for an insanely fun sweat session!