Elite Fitness Concepts is proud of its professional team! Our expert staff has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you are just beginning, focusing on specific solutions, undergoing rehabilitation or an athlete seeking a challenge, we have the expertise to assist you.

• Undergraduate and graduate degrees in exercise physiology
• Certifications including American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength Professionals Association (NSPA) & American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals (AAHFP)
• Training in neuromuscular therapy and functional conditioning
• Certifications in massage therapy

Scott Ackerman, co-founder and owner

With over twelve years experience in personal training and post-rehab, Scott is committed to helping clients achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively. Scott is a graduate from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science, and is certified as a Conditioning Specialist, Post-Rehab Specialist and a Medical Exercise Specialist. Prior to his position at Elite Fitness Concepts, Scott worked as an Undergraduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Penn State Football from 1992-1994.  He also worked as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Washington Redskins from 1994 to 1999. An athlete himself, Scott has received numerous awards for wrestling at the high school and college level.

Joseph Cassella, co-founder and owner

Joseph has been involved in personal training and post rehab for eleven years. A graduate of Brockport University, Joe has a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics. Recognized for his athletic talents during college, Joe was awarded as an academic All-American Athlete. His professional certifications include Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength Professionals Association and Post-Rehabilitation Specialist from the American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals (AAHFP). Joseph served on the Teaching and Testing Committee for the certification of qualified trainers. He specializes in post rehab training, developing personalized programs for clients to effectively work through their physical limitations. Joe is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Physical Therapy.

Personal Trainers

Our team of personal trainers are skilled professionals in exercise physiology, rehabilitation and nutrition. At EFC, our trainers are experienced in designing well-balanced fitness programs, including strength training, cardiovascular exercise and stretching routines. Many of our trainers are also experienced in addressing the special needs of clients with health conditions or physical disabilities. 

EFC personal trainers include Anne Atwood, Todd Brown, Sue Krieger, Jacqui Le, Dian Snyder, Jason Stavish, and Sara Tucker.

Massage Therapists

Onalie Arts, is nationally certified and state licensed in therapeutic massage. She specializes in various types of massage including deep tissue and relaxation massage as well as therapy for soft-tissue injuries.

Onalie is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work (NCBTMB).

Mike Taylor joins EFC from a long career in Sales and Marketing while living in New York and Boston. During his athletic career he rowed and coached women competitively at the US Masters level in the US and Canada.  It was this athletic experience and his personal use of massage therapy that brought him to his practice and specialization in therapeutic and sports massage. 

In addition, Mike has a wide selection of relaxation techniques for stress and muscle relief, including hot stone, aromatherapy, pregnancy massage, Reiki, and assorted Asian techniques for stretching and range of motion. He is Nationally Certified, licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing, and a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

Pilates Trainers

Certified in the Stott Pilates method, Myriam Kane has over fourteen years experience designing exercise programs for clients. Myriam is also certified as a Conditioning Specialist  with the National Strength Professional Association, and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).  Myriam is an experienced classical dancer, enjoys working with youth soccer groups, and training for marathons.

Michelle Smith is a certified teacher of the original Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, true to the teaching of Joseph Pilates. Her certification consisted of over 700 hours of seminars, observation, apprentice teaching, and included 3 sets of comprehensive practical and written exams. She is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance. Michelle has studied dance and has always been a fitness enthusiast. She is dedicated to helping others benefit from the Pilates Method.

Yoga Instructor

Bhekaji Lynch is a licensed yoga teacher, RAYT 500 professional, teaching yoga for over 20 years and is a member of the Yoga Research Education Center (YREC). Influenced by the Vedantic teaching of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Bhekaji teaches Samayama Yoga, a method of teaching that incorporates poses, postural alignment, breathing techniques and meditation, a blend of the Annusara and Ashtanga traditions of yoga movements. Bhekaji teaches a Yoga teacher training program, has written a yoga teacher training workbook, and also provides yoga therapy and postural alignment to alleviate pain. 
 
Spinning Instructors

The EFC Spinning Team are certified instructors in the Johnny G Spinning Program, the world's original and most popular indoor cycling workout.

Team members include Tony Brooks, Brian Davenport, Drew Dietrich, Carlos Echalar, Rebecca Elliott, Anne Meiser and coordinator, Jodi Rakoff.

Front office staff

Our office staff is committed to personal and professional service with a smile! Please call or come in for any questions you may have about our programs and facility.