Wellness Coordinator VASD

Laurie worked in the fitness industry with YMCAs, cruise ships, corporate fitness centers and private health clubs. She has two adult children and is a 3 time Ironman finisher. She has a Bachelor's degree in Community Health Education specializing in Corporate Health Fitness. Laurie enjoys running, hiking, snow-shoeing, roller blading, cycling, and cross country skiing. She is also an EA with Sugar Creek Elementary and teaches V-Fitt classes. She is looking forward to helping others achieve a greater state of wellness.

Email: tackettl@verona.k12.wi.us 

Melissa Ruder: Wellness Technology

Melissa is the Educational Technology Coach at Glacier Edge and Sugar Creek Elementary Schools. She is a mother of four and Ironman finisher who understands the importance of balance and making health and wellness a priority. She trains for triathlons but also enjoys any outdoor activity with family and friends; especially hiking, climbing, downhill and cross country skiing, rock climbing, and water sports.

Email: ruderm@verona.k12.wi.us 

Name: Amelia "Bedelia" McConnell

Where you work or what you do: School secretary for both VASD Pre-K and Country View

Where else you might teach: Privately in Platteville, Wisconsin, Middleton-Cross Plains, Princeton Club - Fitchburg, and Athleta in West Towne Mall

How long you have been an instructor: 9 years this September

Any certifications: AFAA group fitness

Name: Amy Reimer

Profession:  I teach 7th grade math and science at CKCS, and have been teaching Insanity and Body Pump for Vfitt for 3 years.

Classes Taught: I teach Insanity and Power Pump (a weights class similar in format to Body Pump)

I have been a certified Insanity Trainer for 4 years, and I have two boys.

NAME:  Angie Rahn

Profession:  TWI Kindergarten Teacher.  I am a volunteer teacher with VFITT.  I teach a Bootcamp Class at Glacier Edge Elementary in Verona.  I like getting my workout done early in the morning with our busy schedules of LIFE!

Classes Taught:  Bootcamp on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:10-5:50am at the GE gym during the school year, 5:30-6:15am on the GE tennis courts/Gym during the summer.

Certifications:  I have been teaching Bootcamp for 4 years.

anything else you want to add:  I enjoy being active with my family and going on vacation.

Esther is an art teacher at VAHS who has been teaching Yoga since 2012. With her athletic background as a volleyball player at Beloit College as libero, Esther decided to pursue Yoga shortly after. She found Yoga not to only heal her physically, but also taught her to take care of her mental state of mind. After receiving her 200 RYT Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from Inner Fire, she has and continues to teach at Harbor Athletic Club. Having practiced many different types of Yoga, Esther has found the height of her practice through Ashtanga and tends to draw much inspiration from this type of Yoga. She encourages everyone in her class to find their own practice that is true and fitting to themselves and their body. She focuses on drawing authenticity to each individual’s breath with an open mind. 

Name: Katie Pingle

Position: Teacher (8th grade LA at SOMS) and Yoga Instructor

200 hour yoga certification through Breathe for Change

I am passionate about my job teaching kids, I love teaching yoga, and feel best when I'm able to be outside - in any season! I enjoy being active, whether it be walking or running, swimming, biking, or hiking. I have 2 active dogs and live with my fiancé. 

Name: Stephanie Symes
Where you work: Savanna Oaks Middle School
What you do: Curriculum & Learning Specialist, Educational Technology Coach, and Personalized Learning Coach

Where else might you teach:  Supreme Health and Fitness 
How long you have been an instructor: Body Pump 9 years, Yoga 1.5 years