Meet Our Instructors

HEALTHY LIVING INSTRUCTORS & TRAINERS

Meet the trainers and instructors of the Duneland Family YMCA! Here to take your fitness to the next level, our trainers and instructors will guide you to reach your goals, create a fun and supportive environment, and improve your mental and physical well-being.

Adria White is a group fitness instructor who loves making people’s day through fun, engaging workouts and believes every class, no matter how short, should count. She encourages participants to keep going, even when fitness journeys hit bumps along the way. Adria’s favorite exercise is double kettlebell deadlifts, and outside the Y she works as an elementary school aide, enjoys time with family and friends, participates in book club and BUNCO, and loves browsing antique shops with an iced coffee in hand. She brings experience coaching group fitness for adults 55+ and is excited to continue coaching at the Y.

Amy Becker is an ACE-certified personal trainer and certified health and wellness coach with over 10 years of experience helping people realize and achieve their fitness goals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and is passionate about making wellness approachable by breaking goals into achievable, sustainable steps. Amy enjoys a wide range of training styles—from running and strength training to hiking the dunes with her dog—and loves encouraging others to find movement they truly enjoy. Outside the Y, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and continuing to grow as a wellness professional.

Aimee Monik is a group fitness instructor who loves helping members reach their fitness goals and believes that any activity is good activity. A self-proclaimed cardio junkie with a renewed love for strength training, she brings energy and encouragement to every class she teaches. Aimee currently leads Spin and Les Mills BodyPump, with additional experience in Cardio Dance, Boot Camp, and Les Mills Core. Outside the Y, she enjoys live music, traveling, spending time with her family—and has a soft spot for unicorns.

Ana Gapas is a licensed Zumba instructor with a passion for inspiring positive change and supporting both the physical and mental well-being of her students. She believes fitness is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health and cognitive function, and brings that mindset into every class she leads. Ana enjoys a wide variety of movement—including dancing, running, yoga, and beginner calisthenics—and outside the Y she loves reading, camping, boating, and spending time outdoors with her German Shepherd.

Ashley Zaideman is a NASM-certified personal trainer and NCCPT group fitness instructor who’s been working in fitness since 2016. She loves helping clients reach their goals and being by their side through every step of the journey, reminding everyone that it’s never too late to prioritize your health and that everyone starts somewhere. Ashley’s favorite exercise is the shoulder press, and outside the Y she stays busy keeping up with her two young kids, trying new recipes and baking treats, and catching up on the latest Netflix Top 10—plus she proudly puts up her Christmas tree the day after Halloween.

Brian Lucas is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach who is passionate about helping people invest in themselves and experience real, lasting growth. At the Y, he teaches a variety of formats including Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s, Silver Sneakers (Stability & Classic), and personal training, with a simple but honest approach to fitness—straightforward, effective, and not always easy. Outside the gym, Brian enjoys reading, walking, spending time at the beach whenever possible, and hanging out with his two pet pigs, Jojo and Harley.

Carensa Bradford is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor who loves sharing her knowledge and experience to help others achieve their goals and enjoy the journey of fitness. She believes fitness can be both emotionally rewarding and physically empowering—and most importantly, fun. Carissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Physical Instruction from Carthage College and is ACE certified in personal training and group fitness, with additional certifications including Aqua and Madd Dogg Spin. Outside the Y, she stays busy with her husband and three kids at travel baseball, choir, and track events, enjoys treadmill workouts with Netflix, and has even built a house for a beloved wild chipmunk named “Tiny Pickles.”

Clark Gloyeske is a dedicated fitness instructor who loves helping people improve their fitness one day at a time and become the best version of themselves. He believes that when fitness becomes part of your lifestyle, everything improves—from energy and confidence to overall well-being. Clark has extensive experience teaching high-intensity formats such as bootcamp, spin, and running, with a strong focus on core strength as the foundation of all movement. Outside the Y, he enjoys staying active outdoors, spending time with his grandchildren, gardening, hiking, pickleball, and serving through his church, including participating in a mission trip to serve the homeless abroad.

Dana Adelman is a group fitness instructor that is passionate about motivating members to push past their comfort zones in a fun, uplifting environment. Certified in ACE Group Exercise, Spin, and Les Mills BodyPump, she encourages participants to find a fitness activity they love and make it part of their lifestyle. Her favorite workouts include running and weightlifting—especially clean and presses. Outside the Y, she enjoys reading, spending time with her kids, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, and she loves sharing the fun fact that she grew up on Lincolnway in Ohio—the same road that runs through Valparaiso.

Dawn Puszczewicz is a low-impact cardio instructor who’s inspired daily by her class and the supportive community they’ve built together. She loves seeing participants leave with smiles, and feels grateful when members share how class has helped them feel stronger for everyday tasks. Dawn believes that when you find the right routine, fitness can be fun, enjoyable, and truly rewarding. Outside the Y, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, reading, and weekly trivia with friends—and as a fun fact, she’s left-handed with hazel eyes (a rare combo!).

Deborah Beard is a dedicated fitness instructor with nearly 15 years of experience teaching Silver Sneakers and Pilates. She’s passionate about helping members discover their strength and celebrates the everyday wins—whether it’s feeling stronger, more confident, or capable of tackling daily tasks with ease. Deborah believes fitness is personal and encourages everyone to move for themselves, not in comparison to others. Outside the Y, she enjoys reading, hiking, and a variety of fiber arts, and she has a love for high ropes courses.

Demetrius Clark is a dedicated fitness professional and coach who is passionate about helping people get started, stay consistent, and achieve life-changing results through fitness. He holds multiple certifications through NASM and has extensive experience working with athletes and individuals of all fitness levels. In addition to his work at the Y, Demetrius coaches middle school and high school track and cross country, bringing a strong foundation of discipline and motivation to his training style. He served eight years in the U.S. Navy and believes consistency is the key to long-term success.

Bio coming soon!

Jamie Vidimos is a group fitness instructor who loves connecting with participants and building relationships with the regulars who make each class feel like a community. She’s passionate about strength training at every stage of life and reminds members that everything is modifiable—you don’t have to lift heavy to get stronger. Jamie teaches Total Body HIIT on Thursdays at 8:30am and enjoys tackling the group challenge known as “Sally,” something she says is way better together than solo. Outside the Y, she stays busy with her four children, and when she has downtime, she loves reading, baking, and slalom skiing with her siblings each summer.

Jessica Amling is a high-energy group fitness instructor who loves building meaningful connections and being part of each participant’s fitness journey. She believes fitness doesn’t have to be complicated and focuses on simple, effective movements that help members feel strong and confident. Jessica is licensed in Zumba and multiple Les Mills formats, including BodyPump, BodyCombat, Core, and Grit, and brings enthusiasm and motivation to every class. Outside the Y, she enjoys cycling, traveling to MLB stadiums, spending time with her nieces, and belting out show tunes on road trips.

Jill Woodburn is a 200-hour RYT and Chair Yoga–certified instructor who teaches gentle, restorative, and chair yoga classes throughout the Region. She loves watching people surprise themselves—leaving class standing a little taller, breathing a little easier, and feeling more at home in their bodies. Jill believes yoga isn’t about being flexible or perfect; it’s about feeling better in your body and quieter in your mind, starting right where you are. Her favorite pose, Warrior II, reminds her daily that strength and steadiness can coexist. Outside the Y, she enjoys traveling, live concerts, lakefront runs, and hiking whenever she can.

Jodie Soffin is a Group Fitness, Mat Pilates, and Barre–certified instructor who currently teaches Pilates and Barre classes at the Y. She’s passionate about building meaningful relationships with her participants and helping people discover what their bodies are capable of—both physically and mentally. Jodie loves supporting members of all ages, especially older adults, as they grow stronger and more confident with each class. Outside the studio, she enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her two daughters, and brings a unique background as a former synchronized swimmer to her teaching style.

Julianne Schager is an ACE-certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition Level 1 coach who brings both expertise and inspiration to every class she leads. She believes that “muscle is medicine” and is passionate about helping people build strength to support long-term health and aging well. Julianne is motivated by the dedication of her participants and encourages everyone to give their personal best. In addition to teaching HIIT & Run, she serves as the Director of Healthy Living at the Duneland YMCA, and outside the Y she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and traveling with her family.

Lindsey Didelot is a Zumba-certified cardio dance instructor who loves the energy and encouragement of the members—she says they’re what keep her coming back. She believes the hardest part of fitness is simply getting in the car, and once you show up, you’re already winning. Squats are her favorite move, and she brings a fun, welcoming vibe to every class. Outside the Y, Lindsey is a busy household organizer, chef, and stay-at-home mom who also cheers on her kids at soccer and baseball games—and as a fun fact, she’s part of the rare 0.17% of the population with red hair and blue eyes.

 
 

Lynda Schoberth is an experienced yoga instructor with over 500 hours of advanced training and more than 2,000 classes taught, offering a thoughtful, balanced approach to mind–body wellness. She is passionate about sharing yoga with students of all levels—whether they’re brand new or longtime practitioners—helping them reconnect with balance across physical, mental, and spiritual health. Lynda has taught a wide range of yoga styles and previously owned a yoga studio, as well as launched a beach yoga program in the Indiana Dunes. Outside the Y, she enjoys live music, travel, time with her family and dogs, and creating meaningful experiences through yoga and ceremony.

Maureen Coleman is a longtime fitness professional who loves the personal connection she builds with members and sharing her knowledge of the incredible human body. She believes fitness should start early in life so people can enjoy the benefits of movement as they age, and she’s especially passionate about the positive impact exercise has on overall well-being. Maureen’s favorite format is Core Pilates, and she has over 30 years of experience teaching group exercise along with 15 years of personal training. Outside the Y, she enjoys photography, hiking the Dunes, jewelry making, sewing, and she proudly shares that she had a home birth with her youngest son.

Nancy Zlamal is a Cardio Dance instructor who finds joy in seeing participants experience the rewards of exercise and leave class feeling energized and accomplished. She loves creating a fun, welcoming environment where movement feels motivating and uplifting. Hired at the Y in 2013, Nancy helped coordinate and instruct the Y’s first Senior Center program and continues to share her passion for movement through Cardio Dance. Outside the Y, she enjoys flower gardening, cooking, painting, crafts, and raising monarch butterflies from egg to release.

Nikki Goodson is a SPIN and Pilates–certified instructor who loves starting her Mondays and Fridays with her favorite SPIN crew at the Y. She believes fitness is just as much about the mind as it is the body and brings that balance into every class she teaches. Outside the Y, Nikki works as a team lead in environmental science at NiSource and is passionate about community involvement, especially planning events that inspire young girls to explore STEM. A first-generation college graduate with a degree in Chemistry, Nikki was named one of NWI Times 20 Under 40 in 2025—and she invites everyone to join her SPIN classes every Monday and Friday from 6:30–7:15 a.m.

Pam Easterday is a HIIT instructor who loves seeing that post-workout mix of exhaustion and pride—those smiles that show members pushed themselves and proved what they can do. She believes fitness is a feeling, not a look, and encourages everyone to simply start where they are. A registered nurse in Illinois and Indiana with a background in pediatric surgery, Pam brings care and motivation to her Tuesday morning HIIT class and also substitutes for boot camp as needed. Outside the Y, she volunteers at her kids’ schools and in her parish community, enjoys summer vegetable gardening, and hits the slopes with her family in winter—plus she’s a certified snowboard instructor who taught in the Midwest in her early 20s.

Rachel Baltudis is a Certified Personal Trainer with over 12 years of hands-on experience helping clients build confidence, strength, and lifelong healthy habits. She believes fitness starts with a strong foundation—prioritizing proper movement, mobility, and strength from the ground up to support long-term progress and injury prevention. Rachel is passionate about empowering clients to achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Outside the Y, she loves spending time outdoors with her family, enjoying nature hikes, bike rides, and neighborhood walks.

Ramona Catherman is a group fitness instructor who finds deep purpose in watching members step into their strength and confidence, both inside and outside the gym. She believes fitness is a journey filled with highs and lows—not an all-or-nothing pursuit—and encourages participants to keep showing up and find movement they genuinely enjoy. Ramona’s favorite workouts are strength training and HIIT classes like BodyPump and GRIT, where power and intensity meet. Outside the Y, she loves to travel and hopes to see as much of the world as possible.

Sandra Mason is a longtime fitness instructor who has been teaching since 1983, bringing decades of experience, heart, and humor to every class she leads. She loves building meaningful relationships with her participants and hearing how classes help them feel better—because she truly believes fitness improves both body and spirit. Sandra’s favorite focus is stretching and muscle strengthening, and outside the Y she is self-employed, cares for her cats, and creates welcoming outdoor spaces in her yard for wildlife like butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. Known for her warm personality and sense of humor, Sandra proudly admits she’s funny—and still can’t spell “exercise.”

Shirley Soria-Gonzalez is a dynamic Zumba instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience and certifications in multiple Zumba formats, including Zumba, Zumba Tone, Zumba Gold, and Kids Zumba. She’s passionate about motivating others and creating a fun, inclusive environment where everyone can move and enjoy fitness in their own way. A former World Cup performer, Shirley brings energy, rhythm, and joy to every class. Outside the Y, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, traveling, and staying active together.

Sommer Watts-Forgey is a seasoned fitness instructor with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry and a degree in Exercise Science from Purdue Calumet. She’s passionate about creating an uplifting, energetic environment where people can move to music, work hard together, and stay consistent—because consistency is key. Sommer’s favorite workout is distance running, and she teaches a variety of formats including Johnny G Spinning, Les Mills BodyPump, and GRIT. Outside the gym, she’s a big believer in daily “SNAPS”—short afternoon naps that keep her energized.

Yolanda Ferrari is a passionate yoga instructor at the Duneland Family YMCA, bringing years of experience as a lifelong multi-sport athlete and a background in healthcare to her classes. Certified as a yoga teacher in 2006, she has been teaching vinyasa, hatha, and other yoga variations since 2015, creating welcoming, uplifting classes that emphasize gratitude, connection, and the belief that it’s never too late to begin. Yolanda loves getting to know the people who come to class and encourages members to move, explore, and enjoy life—both inside and outside the Y.