Meet the Instructors
Jeffrey Urbano
Certifications?
Les Mills BODYCOMBAT, Les Mills BODYPUMP, Les Mills CORE
How long have you been teaching?
Since January 2019
How long have you been teaching at Drexel University?
Since January 2019
What is your favorite thing about teaching:
Connecting with members and even just being a small part of their individual fitness journeys.
Fun fact about you?
I love ranch dressing on (almost) everything!
Major/job?
Drexel University: Marketing & Communications; Project Manager
What made you get into group fitness?
Past instructors at Drexel recommended I go for it, and so I did, and I haven't looked back! I'm so glad I did!
Advice for Participants?
It's okay to take a lower impact option when necessary, but rise to a challenge where you see fit!
Melanie Auerbach
Certifications?
BODYCOMBAT
How long have you been teaching:
almost 3 years
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
since winter term of 2021- 2 years now :)
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
being able to help people feel the way BODYCOMBAT makes me feel- empowered, fun, and family with the other participants
Fun fact about you?
I trained in classical Russian ballet my whole life up until my group ex certification
Major/Job?
Administrative Coordinator, Department of Pathology and Labratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
What made you get into Group Fitness?
I love exercising but needed a change from dance. I am not one to step out of my comfort zone but I Was at a point in my life where I needed to try something new so I started with Zumba since it was most like dancing. I was actually scared of BODYCOMABT and said "I'm never trying this".. lets just say I'm glad that I did!
Advice for Participants?
Never worry about messing up in class. It is part of the experience and helps you grow. Most importantly, just have fun! Leave any stressors you may have outside the group ex studio for the one hour you will be at the gym and put all your focus on you and YOUR workout.
Caraleigh Stifler
Certifications?
Yoga
How long have you been teaching?
almost 4 years
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
almost 4 years
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
I enjoy helping people get out of their head and into their body and have a chance to release tension from their work/school day
Fun fact about you?
I majored in dance at Drexel and graduated in 2019
Major/Job?
Dance/Movement therapist and counselor
What made you get into Group Fitness?
I was interested in mind-body practices and wanted to engage in a practice that benefited my mental and physical health
Advice for Participants?
You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga. All yoga poses can be adjusted for all levels of experience so do not be afraid to ask the instructor about modifications to the poses.
Morgan Gerace
Certifications?
400YTT Yoga
How long have you been teaching?
almost 3.5 years
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
almost 3.5 years
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
Being able to offer a space for students to discover both strength and inner calm simultaneously.
Fun fact about you?
I'm on the SOAR cycling race team!
Major/Job?
Testing Operations at a Biotech
What made you get into Group Fitness?
the desire to spread healing modalities
Advice for Participants?
Let go of comparison- to others, past selves, future goals, and explore what your body needs in the moment
Johanna Burns
Certifications?
AFAA primary cert, Barre, Turbo Kick, Tabata Bootcamp, Les Mills Grit, Les Mills BODYCOMBAT, kickboxing
How long have you been teaching?
23 years
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
21 years
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The participants and their energy.
Fun fact about you?
I got D's in gym class ;)
Major/Job?
Master in Social Work
What made you get into Group Fitness?
My love of dance and wanting something to continue my love of movement.
Advice for Participants?
If your mind says keep going, your body will follow that path.
Nicole Koedyker
Certifications?
Spinning, Les Mills BODYPUMP, Les Mills GRIT
How long have you been teaching?
11 years
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
11 years
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
Helping people learn about their own strength!
Fun fact about you?
I plan vacations around where I can eat the most vegan food.
Major/Job: Project Manager for a sustainable business consulting firm
What made you get into Group Fitness?
the camaraderie of a group of people getting stronger together
Advice for Participants?
There's no wrong way to exercise- find ways to move your body that make you feel joy!
Frank Zhao
Certifications?
BODYCOMBAT, BODYPUMP
How long have you been teaching?
since 2018
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
since 2018
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
working out together with participants and motivating each other
Fun fact about you?
I'm a mug collector, fan of Universal Studios, like to travel for skiing
Major/Job?
Data Scientist
What made you get into Group Fitness?
Inspired and motivated by a friend who was also a Les Mills Instructor in Drexel Rec.
Advice for Participants?
Relax, take good care of yourselves, try your best, and have fun!
Penina Krischer
Certifications?
BODYPUMP
How long have you been teaching?
started shadowing November 2022
How long have you been teaching at Drexel?
November 2022
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
I love sharing passion for Pump with new participants and connecting with regulars.
Fun Fact about you?
I love cooking!
Major/Job?
Chemistry
What made you get into Group Fitness?
When I first went to the gym as a freshman, I was really scared, but I took Hannah and Angela's Pump classes and they were so welcoming and supportive of newbies, I knew I had to keep going and eventually that led to my certification.
Advice for Participants?
Do you! You don't need to run as fast or lift as much as anyone else in the gym. Just being there, doing you, and putting in the effort you have is more than enough!