Shannon Maixner:  Owner, Physical Therapist & STOTT Pilates Instructor

Shannon has been practicing physical therapy for 18 years.  She has specialized in orthopedic therapy, sports injury rehabilitation and was a founding member of a women’s health program for a major medical care provider in the Twin Cities.  She first discovered the value of Pilates over ten years ago and has incorporated it into her physical therapy practice.  Her passion for Pilates and fitness motivated her to start FITNESS FOCUS in 2003, bringing Pilates and other wellness services for clients.

Her passions in life are her family, fitness and fueling that passion for fitness in others.

A Favorite Quote:  “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” ~ The Apostle Paul

Trish BECKER:  STOTT Pilates Instructor:

Former Physical Therapist with greater then 13 years of experience as a back and neck clinical specialist. Also received a Clinical Masters in Manual Therapy with an emphasis on anatomy, biomechanics and mobilization. In 2003 was certified a Pilates instructor through STOTT. Enjoy combining my past experience and knowledge with Pilates to individualize programs to meet a wide variety of clients needs and goals.
 

A Favorite Quote: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." Vince Lombardi

Nancy CaldErON: Certified YogA Instructor

For over 25 years, Nancy has been practicing yoga.  Her first yoga instructor was an inspiring 75 year old nun at the College of St. Benedict.   Determined to "age gracefully", Nancy enjoys practicing with her students and delights in sharing her enthusiasm for yoga.  Nancy is certified through YogaFit and her class involves linking several poses together to create greater strength, flexibility, endurance and balance.
 
Besides yoga, her passions include: family, friends, traveling, water sports and horseback riding.
 

A Favorite Quote:  "Life is a journey, not a destination.  Enjoy the moments!” 

Stephanie Hauber: Personal Trainer

Stephanie graduated from Winona State University in 2002 with a B.S. in Exercise Science with additional study in Worksite Health Promotion.  Certifications include:  NASM Certified Personal Trainer; NASM Certified Group Trainer; YogaFit (levels 1-3); American Red Cross CPR and First Aid.   

Ever since I can remember I have always been passionate about helping people create a healthier lifestyle for themselves.  By combining that passion and my love fitness I feel that, as a personal trainer, the sky is the limit when it comes to motivating people toward their goals.  My approach is simple:  Be consistent, accountable, do what works for you, and HAVE FUN doing it!  Creating a better body or making ANY lifestyle changes can be very challenging but the rewards are infinite!

A Favorite Quote: “Give of your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”  Mother Teresa

Kamalar Howard: Pilates Instructor

Kamalar Howard graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Following graduation, she continued to follow her passion for movement by studying STOTT Pilates and interning at the SweatShop Health Club in St. Paul. Kamalar has studied STOTT Pilates essential, intermediate, and advanced levels for both the mat and the reformer.

She has also pursued her interests in dance, teaching ballet and jazz classes to children and teenagers in Apple Valley. On the weekends, Kamalar can be found hosting at a downtown Minneapolis steak house. She views Pilates not only as a form of exercise, but also as a powerful tool for rehabilitation.

Marge Iaizzo: Physical therapist                                           

A graduate from the college of St. Scholastica, Duluth MN. She is a Physical Therapist with 26 years of experience in outpatient orthopedic and sportsmedicine clinical practice. She earned her certification in manual therapy of the spine through AAOM and was also a founding member of a Physical Therapy based women's health program specializing in osteoporosis, back pain during pregnancy, and pelvic floor disorders.

 A Favorite Quote:  "Yet a little while longer is the Light with you, walk while you have the Light." John 12 :35

Teri Irvine: Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor

Teri has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Masters Degree in Health Education.  She is certified in Group Fitness, Personal Training and Yoga.  She was a Physical Education Teacher for 6 years and has over 6 years experience as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.

Renee mccoy:  Scott pilates instructor

Combining her background in gymnastics and a BS degree in Public Health, Renee began her fitness career as a certified personal trainer and group exercise leader 23 years ago.  She is certified as a STOTT Pilates reformer and matwork instructor, Yamuna Body Rolling, and is currently studying the complementary discipline of Thai Yoga Massage. 

She has spent time in India and enjoys exploring the calm, meditative approach to exercise, where movement becomes graceful as the capacity to stabilize the body without closing it with tension is developed.  She loves passing her knowledge on to students as well as taking care of her parents so they can remain in their home.

A Favorite Quote: “"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."  George Carlin

colleen neterstad:  group fitness instructor

Colleen has shared her passion for fitness by instructing group classes for over 25 years.  Certified in barbell strength, step, cycle and core fundamentals; she has brought her diverse talents to Fitness Focus.  Her participation in Pilates reformer classes has fine tuned her techniques in other areas of fitness instruction and has helped balance life.

Passions:  Love life, family, friends, inner and outer beauty ~ love yourself.  True beauty comes form within.

KATHY SCHWARTZ:  REGISTERED & LiCENSED Dietician 

 Kathy has been practicing Dietetic and Nutrition counseling for over 17 years.   Registered with the American Dietetic Association and Licensed with the State of Minnesota to practice dietetics, her approach to working with clients is a blend of experience gained while providing inpatient clinical counseling, elder-care food service management and one-on-one diet counseling.   Kathy certified in Adult Weight Management Certification in 2002.  She developed and is delivering programs for Mahtomedi and St. Jude of the Lake school systems to promote healthy snack habits.  Additionally, she is the nutrition consultant to the White Bear Girls Hockey program.  Both are evidence of her passion for making healthy food choices a priority for our children.

Her passions in life flow from her relationship with Christ, her love for family and friends and the joy that comes from being there for anyone who needs a helping hand.
      

Motto: Live well, laugh often and love much.  Life is good.

CHE SWAGGER:  Certified Massage Therapist, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates, Yoga & Group Fitness Instructor

Over 20 years experience.  ..began in the fitness industry as an aerobics instructor back in the eighties.  Continued group exercise for two decades, jumping into most every industry trend from step to funk to personal training.  Competed in and won many titles in hard core fitness sports such as: Collegiate National Powerlifting, Natural Bodybuilding, The American Gladiators, Stunt Acting, Sport Aerobics, Ms. Fitness MN, WI, Jr Nationals and Professional Wrestling.  Studied Nutrition, Fitness and Dance at MN State University through 1991.  In 2001, added Massage Therapy, Hatha Yoga, Fitness Yoga, Mat Pilates and Reformer to my credentials.  Currently studying for the Stott Pilates Reformer exam. 

Favorite quotes: "If nothing changes... nothing changes"   "This too shall pass"