Mines Group Fitness Instructors

Meet the team teaching group exercise classes here at Mines! Interested in being an instructor? Check out our 8-week GFIT (Group Fitness Instructor Training) Course, available during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Sam (she/her/hers)

Sam gained a passion for group fitness as a rower in high school – something about working hard alongside friends made Sam enjoy working out in groups in an effort to find joy and fun competition. Sam primarily teaches Cycling, but also dabbles in Just Core! Sam hopes to make the workout room a fun, inclusive, and engaging place to move your body.

Sam is originally from Michigan, so feel free to strike up any conversation about Detroit-based sports or pride for the Midwest region of the US. Sam also works at Mines in the Dean of Students Office and has been a staff member at Mines for 3+ years.

Hannah (she/her/hers)

Hello, my name is Hannah Harling, and I coach Total Body! I am a graduate student enrolled in a 4+1 program here at Mines. I love being part of the Group Fitness team and offering a diverse range of movement options on campus. Total Body is a combination of weight training and cardio, ensuring you get a well-rounded workout in just 45 minutes.

This class is for all abilities and experiences in the gym! If you don't know how to do something, or if the word "core" makes you nervous, don't worry - this class will be a place to learn and surprise yourself with what you can accomplish!

Kelly O

Kelly started teaching group fitness at Mines in Spring 2017. The indoor cycling bug bit during her undergraduate years at Michigan State University as a student in someone else's class. She also teaches Jump Rope, a quick 30-min HIIT format class. She's an avid road cyclist and triathlete who has completed multi-day bike tours, sprint and half iron-man triathlons, and the Triple Bypass.

When she's not on the saddle or jumping rope, Kelly works full-time at Mines as the Associate Director for the Women in Science, Engineering and Mathematics Program and Mines Diversity, Inclusion and Access. She also enjoys international travel (aka "exercise vacations," as her friends will tell you), all things outdoors, baking and decorating cakes, and activities at church and with her small groups

Shomari

Growing up, I was constantly involved in sports and other extracurricular activities. I played baseball, track & field, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Military school and Track practice kept me active and got me into a training routine/regiment which instructing keeps alive. As an instructor, I am channeling my summers away from boarding school where I would go to my dad's spin class and realized how much I loved working out in a group setting. I don't just channel my dad but also my culture, as I am from Trinidad & Tobago ( in the Caribbean ) and a lot of my classes are structured around Soca ( An upbeat genre of music that originated in Trinidad, with roots in African and East Indian rhythms. ). But I also teach lessons that draw inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, such as pop, hip-hop, reggaeton, and Afrobeats. When I'm not instructing, I like to read, sketch, go to other group fitness classes and meet new people around campus. So if you ever see me around don't hesitate to say hi.

Madelyn

Madelyn Swelstad is accredited with a 200 hour yoga teacher training. When she started practicing yoga, she considered yoga to be an exercise and mobility class. Today, she understands yoga as the practice of living deeply in the present moment and of practicing being comfortable in discomfort. Madelyn's class is richly relaxing, meditative, and healing, leaving you with a sense of peace.

When Madelyn was three years old, she was diagnosed with type three Spinal Muscular Atrophy, meaning her core and leg muscles will deteriorate, losing nerves and muscle mass as she ages. Because of her disability she has faced numerous rejections and disappointments. This does not, however, keep her from practicing yoga and living fully, and she hopes to help others do the same.

Meghan (she/her/hers)

Meghan has her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training as well as her Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga Certifications. Meghan views the practice of yoga as an exploration rather than a destination. She encourages self-discovery and autonomy throughout her classes, and she welcomes everyone of all levels to join her weekly!

When Meghan is not teaching yoga or working as a Response Coordinating Case Manager at Mines, you can find her trail running, jamming to new tunes, and munching on sweet treats.

Jon

Jon has taught Yin Yoga at Mines since fall 2019. He enjoys seeing yogis (anyone who practices yoga) engaging in active self care, and learning strategies to reduce stress and anxiety through movement and breath work.

Yin yoga is often described not as a workout but a work-in. The meditative, slower pace allows us to turn inward, and can help restore energy levels. Many yogis say doing yin yoga is the most relaxing time of their week. We hold yin poses for 3-6 minutes because deeper connective tissue—the fascia, tendons, and ligaments—can take over 2 minutes to begin to release. Since we hold a lot of tension and some emotion in connective tissue, the benefits of yin yoga can be physical, emotional, and more.

Derek

Derek has been involved in sports and outdoor recreation his entire life. Growing up by a lake near Nashville, TN, he spent time swimming, fishing, hiking, and also played lots of soccer, tennis, and golf. In college, he continued to play sports at the club level and got actively involved with kayaking and biking. He was also a member of the university's cheerleading team. Being active in fitness has continued into his adult life where he is always training for the next event, whether it be a half-marathon, group relay race, kayak excursion, golf outing, ski trip or some other adventure. He is always up for having some fun. Derek serves as the Dean of Students and has worked at Mines since 2003. In his free time, Derek likes to spend time baking, watching hockey and soccer game, and hanging out with family and friends.

Bryann

Bryann has been a police officer at Mines since 2014, after 25 years with a municipal police department. She grew up participating in team and individual sports and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities. As an adult, Bryann added weightlifting, Pilates and group exercise to her physical fitness regimen. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to pursue instructor programs in Personal Training and Group Exercise, followed by Comprehensive Pilates for Studio, TRX, Barre, SUP Yoga and Yoga for First Responders.

Bryann plans a career as a fitness professional when she retires from police work. When she isn't working or teaching, Bryann enjoys hiking, biking and camping with her husband, as well as hooping, stand-up paddle boarding, slack-lining and bouldering.

Kiana

My name is Kiana Rasubala, and fitness has always been a huge part of my life, so I'm excited to start training others on their fitness journey. I grew up in Oregon and studied Health and Human Performance at George Fox University, where I also ran on the track team. I now live in Colorado and have become a certified personal trainer. While my first love of fitness was running, I have recently gotten into climbing and obstacle course training. Fun fact- I competed on season 14 of American Ninja Warrior! That being said, my training style is very versatile.

I know everyone has different interests so I want to build a training program that fits your lifestyle and leaves you feeling happier and stronger. Whether you're a student, staff, or faculty member, school can be stressful- I want to create a training routine for you that relieves some of that stress and gives you the confidence to overcome the daily obstacles you face in school, work, and beyond this campus!

Kelly S (she/her/hers)

Kelly is the Director of Fitness at Mines and has a MS in Health and Wellness Management from Merrimack College. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, and has completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and SUP Yoga Teacher Training.

Kelly's true love is lifting, and she started doing yoga for the benefits it would have on her flexibility. What she didn't expect was the way it would positively impact her mental health too! Kelly's yoga classes are all about tuning into the present moment, and appreciating your body for what it can do for you. In her free time, Kelly loves to hike with her dogs!

Ava (she/her/hers)

Ava grew up in the beautiful mountains of Vail, Colorado, where her love for fitness and the outdoors began. After a semester of traveling around Europe, she transferred to Mines to study biochemistry. Ava also loves art, going to concerts, and exploring nature.

She enjoys teaching yoga because it helps people find balance and stay grounded in their busy lives. Ava's classes focus on practical tools to help her students feel more centered and relaxed.

Averie (she/her/hers)
Averie is a first-year student here at Mines studying quantitative biosciences and engineering with particular interest in chemistry. She is from Broomfield, CO and loves hiking and discovering new, beautiful places in Colorado! Outside of school she loves watching movies, doing puzzles, and learning new things!
Averie is 200hr certified to teach Hatha and Vinyasa yoga and enjoys how yoga offers people an opportunity to slow down and calm the mind in a judgement-free space. Yogic philosophy is central to her practice--She loves to incorporate these elements into class and hopes that you leave feeling grounded and energized!

Vanessa

Vanessa began teaching group fitness in 2018 as a way to stay committed to her personal well-being and promote wellness in others. She loves creating new relationships and building community through group fitness. She joined the fitness team at Mines in March 2019 and works on campus as a Project Manager in the Project Management Office within ITS.

Her teaching experience includes foundational and prenatal yoga, cycle, and strength-based fitness classes.Vanessa is a Colorado native and enjoys going on camping adventures and traveling with her husband and twin boys.

Molly (she/her/hers)

Molly started practicing yoga when she was very young to support her training in Goju Ryu Karate. Molly is now a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and mindfulness instructor. During her classes, Molly aims to cultivate spaces where students can breathe and pause. In yin yoga, Molly helps students explore poses that access the deepest tissues of the body, the connective tissues. Molly reminds students that showing up to yoga is enough and whatever they decide to do during class is up to them.

Outside of yoga, Molly works in Student Wellness Promotion as the Assistant Director of Well-Being Curriculum. To support her own well-being Molly loves hanging out with her cats. Ask her to see some photos of her cats after class, she has hundreds!

Jamie

Brenna

Growing up, Brenna always had an affinity for group fitness, from dance to yoga to aerial silk classes. When she got to Mines, she fell in love with the gym as well as the welcoming, energetic environment of group fitness classes, which led her to teach interval strength training.

Outside of pursuing her undergraduate Computer Science degree at Mines, she also plays water polo and enjoys helping people on their fitness journey.

Nicole (she/her/hers)

Yoga has been a part of my life for over 11 years, but my journey didn't start out as you might expect. In the beginning, I struggled to connect with the practice—crying in nearly every class and wondering why it came so naturally to others but felt so challenging for me to enjoy. Everything changed when one incredible teacher shifted my perspective, and from that moment on, yoga became one of my passions.

Now, I'm dedicated to creating a safe, all-levels, and supportive space for everyone to explore. The lessons I've learned on the mat have transformed not only my practice but also how I approach life outside the yoga room. My hope is to share that experience with you all while having fun together!

When I'm not practicing yoga, you'll find me trail running, skiing, climbing, or working on campus at the Foundation. I'm excited to connect with you and share practice.

Kimball

Hi, I'm Kimball and I have a passion for group exercise, fitness, yoga and personal training. My current favorites are Zumba, yoga, and aerial yoga. One thing I love about group exercise is the community and relationships that are built. Plus, not only does it keep me fit, but it really helps me with my mental and emotional health. I am also a physician of Chinese Medicine. I own a yoga studio and wellness clinic in downtown Golden called PranaTonic where I do acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, aerial yoga, and massage. I have an extensive background in teaching others to live well. I look forward to working out with you.

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Colorado School of Mines Athletics

Mines Group Fitness Instructors

Kelly O

Shomari

Kelly S (she/her/hers)

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