HAC Staff

Perry & Judy Messer

Perry and Judy Messer became the owners of the Hampshire Athletic Club in the fall of 2007. They have owned and ran HAC’s sister facility, Northampton Athletic Club for 32 years. Perry and Judy feel very fortunate to be apart of both the Amherst and Northampton community.

When they are not at the Club Perry and Judy enjoy running together, traveling with their children and volunteering as board members of the Northampton High School Booster Club.

Teaghan Abrams

“Talent wins the games, but teamwork wins the championships”
MJ

Teaghan teaches private swim lessons (10 years experience) as well as group swim lessons at HAC. She has been a UMASS championship swim camp counselor for 5 years and a competitive swimmer for 16 years. Teaghan swam for Amherst Tritons Swim team for 12 years (along with being a volunteer swim couch for the team for 2 years assist head coach with younger swimmers in teaching them proper technique. Help first time parents learn swim meet proceedings. Team Captain for 4 years)  Teaghan then swam for Division III Varsity Women’s Swimming & Diving Team at Springfield College for 4 years. Part of the Scholar All-American Team by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA)   Part of the 2009-2012 NEWMAC Women’s Springfield College Swimming& Diving Academic All-Conference Team.

Matt Leitl

Pioneer Valley Jr. Tennis Academy

Director of the Pioneer Valley Jr. Tennis Academy at HAC

A Level 1 USPTR coach and private coach since 1996, Matt served as Co-Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the Amherst College men’s tennis team from 2004-2015.  While at Amherst, Coach Leitl helped develop the collegiate games of thirty-two “3, 4 and 5 star” recruits as well as six other highly accomplished international players from Germany, Estonia, South Korea and England.  The Lord Jeff’s qualified for the NCAA tournament 10 times and amassed 2 NCAA National Championships, two NCAA runner-up finishes, one NCAA third place finish, and three NCAA elite-eight appearances.  Coach Leitl also assisted in producing an NCAA national singles champion, an NCAA national singles runner-up, two NCAA national doubles champions, 16 NCAA All-Americans, and two ranked ATP doubles players.

In addition to his collegiate coaching resume, Coach Leitl has coached and trained numerous regionally and nationally ranked junior players that have gone on to play collegiate tennis at Amherst College, Wesleyan University, Dartmouth College, Boston University, LeHigh University, the University of Illinois, Earlham College, Bryant University, RPI, and Tufts.

Coach Leitl is currently Head Tennis Pro and Director of the Pioneer Valley Junior Tennis Academy at Hampshire Athletic Club (founded in 2006).  Matt is also in his 14^th year as Assistant Director of the Nike Junior Tennis Camp at Amherst College.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leitl was a three-time all state player.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and attended graduate school at UMass-Boston.  Matt currently resides in Amherst, MA with his wife Jen, son Elliot, and daughter Annie.

2017 Fall Junior Clinic Information – click here 

Please contact Matt for details

C. J. DeMatteo

Shelley Seymour

Jacoby Ballard

Brittany Masteller

Medo Gomez

Mary Howell

Sasha Rivera

Derek Conz

“I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” – Larry Bird

Derek was born and raised in Southampton, Massachusetts. With a strong passion for sports especially basketball and track and field majoring in an exercise related field was only natural. He attended Westfield State University and received a Bachelor’s in Movement Science. While studying at Westfield Derek completed a semester long internship at The Hampshire Athletic Club. Upon completion of the internship he became a permanent front desk staff member and has been with the club for three and a half years. When Derek is not working at the Hampshire Athletic Club he enjoys running, playing basketball and spending time with friends and family.

Travers Curtis

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen."
-Michael Jordan

“My love is sports.  My passion is coaching.  Growing up I played basketball and baseball for my town.  In high school I played varsity football, basketball and golf.  In college I played football.  I have dedicated myself to try to help youth athletes reach their athletic goals.  I am the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and the Assistant Varsity Coach at Northampton High School. I believe that if you set your mind to something you can accomplish anything!”

Brenda Miller

"My training philosophy is to help clients reach their goals. My job is to connect with my clients, so I can understand what their challenges are - job stress, limited time, family, children or other responsibilities. When I understand what their struggles are, it helps me to put together a successful and personalized program."

“I’ve had an interest in health & fitness since I was a teenager. I noticed that lifestyle mattered and played a huge role in how we feel and how we age. I also saw how adding healthy habits in your life can change your life at any age. Exercise is like a fountain of youth! I worked in a stressful professional office for over 30 years, and I saw the struggles my co-workers were having with working, raising children and trying to balance their lives. It was taking a toll on their energy and overall health. Most were over weight and had poor eating habits. Although I worked in an office, I always dreamed of being a personal trainer, so I could help others to reach their fitness potential, as well as enrich their lives with good health. I made up my mind that it was time to change careers and start doing what I love.”

Rema Boscov

“I’ve studied qigong with numerous masters since 1995.  I offer an eclectic mix, a variety that includes some martial applications, but primarily forms and methods for centering, relaxation, strength, and learning to move qi, methods to maintain and improve health.  Qigong is a graceful, easy practice, the forms millions of Chinese do in the parks

“I’ve studied qigong with numerous masters since 1995.  I offer an eclectic mix, a variety that includes some martial applications, but primarily forms and methods for centering, relaxation, strength, and learning to move qi, methods to maintain and improve health.  Qigong is a graceful, easy practice, the forms millions of Chinese do in the parks in the early morning.”

Eric Burri

"One of the advantages of being inflexible is that you don't have do go as far to find meaning."
-Richard Freeman

Eric’s practice and teaching unite the physical alignment details of Iyengar Yoga with the breathing and dynamic movement of Ashtanga Vinyasa and the emotional attentiveness of Kripalu Yoga. He is a deeply knowledgeable teacher with an excellent understanding of sequencing that has developed over many years. He presents a strong, slow flow class that promises to take you deeply into the classical and modern yoga postures, following the rhythm of your natural breathing. Eric’s teaching creates an atmosphere of exploration, reverence and self-respect.

Certifications

Michael Dalton

"Yoga is the practice of tolerating the consequences of being yourself."

Michael Dalton, former Broadway dancer, is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher.  He taught yoga in NYC, volunteered at Kripalu in the Karma Yoga program and has taught yoga in the Amherst area for the past year.  Whether as a form of exercise or a spiritual practice, Michael approaches yoga as an exploration of balance — in the postures, in the inversions, in the practice itself.  His dance informs his yoga teaching with a deep understanding of how the body moves and stretches.

Mollie Domian

"You can always be better!"

Makani Freitas

What is the body?...Endurance
What is love?...Gratitude
What is hidden in our chests?...Laughter
What else?...Compassion
-Rumi

For over a decade Makani has trained in hard style martial arts, studied various styles of Qigong and Tai Chi and added yoga to his repertoire of movement practices. He has taught adult and youth martial arts and self-defense. Makani teaches Qigong and Tai Chi in many venues and for four years has co-taught with one of his Qigong/Tai Chi teachers at Kripalu. He also teach beginner Salsa.

Makani’s teachings draw from ancient traditions making them relevant to modern life. Among the goals of Makani’s instructions are: healing, growth, opening, connecting, working towards embodied wholeness and relaxation, while feeling grounded & centered. He brings a focus on learning to be individuals in community as well as honoring one’s own spiritual journey, attaining joy & peace, and fostering presence through compassionate (self) discovery. Ambient music is carefully selected to enhance the practice and experience.

Victoria Harley

"Surround yourself with those who lift you up"

Victoria is a clinical therapist and educator by trade and has been teaching a variety of fitness classes for over 30 years. She enjoys sharing her love and passion for group fitness with others. Exercise has always been an essential part of Victoria’s life, and she hopes to help you make it and important part of yours.

Robin Kassis

"There us nothing I can tell you that you don't already know. There is no question you can ask me that you yourself cannot answer. You have just forgotten."
-David Littlewood

“I love it that yoga, which is such an integral part of my life is so portable. I can take it anywhere, whether it’s the red rocks of Sedona, the beaches on Cape Cod, my home studio or the club. My practice has deeply informed and transformed my life and it is a gift to be able to share that with my students, both privately and in classes. My training and certification was completed through the Kriya tradition over the course of a couple of years. But my personal practice began in my early twenties and became more focused in my forties when I decided to become a teacher. My style is very hands-on, working with students individually for correct alignment and respectful engagement. We incorporate pranayama, or breath practice, which supports a depth in each pose, allowing a student to listen and find his/her edge without going beyond the body’s acceptable range. I love teaching, and my hope is to instill that passion and care to my students, as they open to transformation in body, mind and spirit.”

Donna Kelley

"Try something new every once in a while; change your routine so you stay inspired and work your muscles (and heart!) in new ways."

Health and Fitness has been a lifelong passion for me. After I graduated with my undergrad degree, I started competing in sport karate tournaments; a year later I held the number one ranking in women’s black belt fighting for the New England region. Soon after that I started teaching aerobic exercise at Northampton Nautilus (predecessor of NAC). It’s really great to be working with Perry and Scott again, teaching at HAC. I teach kickboxing on Tuesdays, where I focus on developing cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility through basic kick and punch combinations, along with weight work. I also teach intervals on Saturday mornings, where I alternate weight work with various cardio sets. My day job is at Babson College, where I’m an entrepreneurship professor. But my fun job is at HAC where I get to spend time with a group of enthusiastic and dedicated people that come to work out with smiles, laughter and encouragement for others.

Heidi Garrett Peltier

"If you enjoy what you're doing, it's not work. Fitness is fun when you try new things, push yourself to new levels, and have plenty of variety in your workouts. Then staying fit becomes its own reward."

Heidi is an economist by day but changes gears in the spinning room. Her love of
fitness, music, and people align when she’s leading a ride and helping others push
themselves. Heidi lives in Amherst with her partner and three young sons.

Anthony Neverson

“One only fails when they stop trying.” -Walt Disney

Anthony is originally from the island of Trinidad & Tobago. He has been involved in sports and training from an early age. With a great measure of success, he played and coached his neighborhood’s basketball team the Green Acres. He represented Trinidad & Tobago on the national rugby team and played internationally for 7 years. After moving to the United States, Anthony continued to play rugby for the Springfield club rugby team from 1987 to 1993. He got involved with Smith College where he served as the head rugby coach for 7 years. After his time at Smith College he spent 5 years coaching rugby at Amherst College. He is currently the assistant coach for the men’s rugby team at UMass Amherst. He has been coaching there for 6 years in counting. In 2010, Anthony attended Brandford Halls where he studied to become a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. While he was completing his coursework at Brandford Halls he participated in an internship at the Northampton Council on Aging. He came to find that the senior population is greatly underserved. He now enjoys working most closely with this age group.

Diana Peters-Ross

Diana began practicing yoga 25 years ago in an effort to alleviate back pain. She found it beneficial in so many other ways including feeling more balanced in body and mind. After 15 years of personal yoga practice, and studying with a variety of teachers, she decided to share her love of yoga with others.

Diana began practicing yoga 25 years ago in an effort to alleviate back pain. She found it beneficial in so many other ways including feeling more balanced in body and mind. After 15 years of personal yoga practice, and studying with a variety of teachers, she decided to share her love of yoga with others. In 2002 Diana completed Yoga Teacher Training at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Since then, she has taught yoga classes at Holyoke Hospital and prenatal yoga at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. In 2004, Diana began teaching yoga at HAC where she very much enjoys the friendly, non-competitive atmosphere, and creating community through yoga.

Catherine Sanderson

"What I love about teaching double step is creating complex patterns that keep people completely focused on learning the steps and not having time to watch the clock!"

Catherine has taught different types of group fitness classes since 1993 in a number of places, including Princeton (NJ),  Atlanta (GA) and Amherst/Hadley (MA). But since 2001, she has taught exclusively double step.

Catherine is also a professor of Psychology at Amherst College, and teaches classes related to fitness, including Health Psychology and Sports Psychology.

Ahna Sadowski

"Ahna's goal for each class is that it is fun, safe, and effective!"

Ahna has been teaching a variety of group fitness classes in the Pioneer Valley for over a decade. Ahna fell in love with group fitness while attending Syracuse University where she completed Masters’ Degrees in Communication and Education. Her fitness interests are diverse and include everything from intense interval training, body sculpting, and step, to exploring the art of Argentine Tango and other dances. Ahna loves to move and loves to motivate others to do the same!

Lynne Nicole Smith

"Yoga is an invitation to explore, not a command performance. It speaks to the language of the soul. It is the union of prayer and movement, guided from inside. It is healing and the joy of saying yes to life, each breath, a "yes," and a letting go, a journey, and a coming home."

Lynne Nicole Smith is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She is also a Certified Qigong/Tai Chi Instructor through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi based in Santa Barbara, California as well as a Certified Psychosynthesis Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist. Lynne’s teaching style reflects her passion for Yoga and Qigong as both being powerful tools and practices for releasing physical, mental and emotional blocks in the body. Through Yoga, we access a stronger connection to breath, a deeper awareness of our body and increase our level of energy and healing on all levels. Lynne is constantly astounded by the profound benefits Yoga and Qigong have had on her own life and students. Lynne also offers private lessons and individual sessions in addition to group Yoga and Qigong classes. Visit www.yogaandhealingartstherapy.com to learn more about Lynne’s work in integrating Yoga, Qigong and Counseling to support healing, peace and wellness in people’s lives.

Celeste Sze

“I’ve been in the fitness industry since 1983. I’ve lived a life time of fitness and continue to pursue constant education to keep up with the ever changing information in the fitness and massage and spa life. As your trainer I can calculate your lean to fat body composition with the elf 2 body analyzer. I can design a nutrition and exercise program allowing you to reach your ideal lean to fat ratio. When your muscles are fatigued I can massage you or help to rejuvenate your skin with a facial or spa treatment.”

Rebecca Woodland

"My classes are meant to feel like a “fitness-party” and are made up of Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, rhythmic and aerobic movements set to international music. Zumba exhilarates the senses and works all major muscle groups in a high-energy cardio blast that leaves you feeling invigorated, refreshed and full of life."

“I fell in love with Zumba on a trip to Florida a few years ago. I was there for work (I’m a professor at UMass in my “real” life) – and decided to try out a Zumba class. I was hooked! I decided to go way outside my comfort zone and get licensed, which I have been since 2012. Depending on the time of the year, I’m either teaching full time or subbing as much as I can in Amherst and Northampton. I go to ZIN Jam sessions and go to as many classes as I can to keep my routine fresh and fun.”

Brandon Wawrzonek

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
-Vince Lombardi

Brandon began his career at the Hampshire Athletic Club and Northampton Athletic Club in 2008 while attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. In 2013, Brandon worked with the Amherst Leisure Services Department as an Assistant Sports and Recreation Director, where he helped coordinate the Amherst Youth Basketball League for area youth. Brandon has developed a passion for helping young athletes reach their athletic goals while training at Strides Human Performance Institute. As a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, he believes that people of all ages and fitness levels can reach their full potential through hard work and dedication.

Stacy Simonson

Samantha Burns

Scott Ducharme

Beth Dichter

Carolyn Hall

With over 15 years of competitive swim experience, she enjoys continuing her lifelong love of the water through teaching swimming to all ages and ability levels. From helping first time swimmers to overcome a fear of the water to coaching competitive stroke and skill development poolside, her goal for all her swimmers is to become

With over 15 years of competitive swim experience, she enjoys continuing her lifelong love of the water through teaching swimming to all ages and ability levels. From helping first time swimmers to overcome a fear of the water to coaching competitive stroke and skill development poolside, her goal for all her swimmers is to become more confident and comfortable in the water.  Carolyn continued her swimming career as a four-year varsity student athlete at Keene State College, graduating in May 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health Science: Community Health and a Minor in Addictions. Prior to moving to Western MA to pursue a graduate degree in School Psychology at UMass Amherst, she has 8 years of experience teaching private and group swim lessons at the Manchester Athletic Club and YMCA of the Northshore.

Alexander Lebouef

Gina Kotfila

Karen Sheingold

Cathy Maclutsky

Deb Oakley