Meet our team

Enjoy state-of-the art equipment and fitness facilities inside the newly renovated Rec/IM. The Rec/IM Department is also excited to offer a variety of safe fitness opportunities including virtual fitness classes via Wellbeats and both virtual and in-personal personal training packages.

Have fun, get fit, and stay healthy with our certified team of fitness professionals.

Estelle Hackos

Estelle Hackos

EDUCATION

Majoring in marketing at Eastern Michigan University

Certifications/Licenses

NETA Indoor Group Cycling Specialty Certification, Red Cross CPR/AED

Biography

I have an extensive fitness background in a variety of sports. From varsity-level soccer, basketball, and cross country to experience mountain biking, ice hockey, freestyle soccer, and more, I am beyond excited to share my experiences as a new spin instructor at Eastern Michigan University. My deep interest in cycling developed after the SMBA (Single-track Mountain Biking Adventures) program during my summers in high school. SMBA was an entire summer of 7-hour daily rides and short-track racing around Nederland, Boulder, and Golden, Colorado. The program taught me the necessary discipline to develop a skill, and my remarkable team made all the climbs, falls, and scars worthwhile. Those are the aspects I want to bring to indoor cycling at Eastern.

As a freshman at Eastern new to the indoor cycling world, I desire to lead and inspire through fun, lively group cycling classes. Ultimately, my goal is to help others lead healthier and happier lives.


John Cavender

John Cavender

Education

Associates in Exercise Science at Washtenaw Community College
Majoring in Exercise Science at Eastern Michigan University

certifications/Licenses

NASM Certified Personal Trainer, CPR/AED certified

biography

My passion for exercise started while playing 6 years of football in grade school. Resistance and endurance training became a big part of my life while serving 4 years in the Marine Corps. Struggling to avoid injuries, I found an interest with the study of body mechanics in playing a role to prevent injury and optimizing function with the goal to enjoy life better through movement. I have continued to increase my knowledge and understanding regarding exercise prescription and programming through my close to 2 years of experience as a trainer as I plan on continuing to grow in preparation for graduate school after completing my degree in exercise science here at EMU. I have developed an enormous respect for the importance of using all-inclusive science-based methods to help achieve fitness goals inside the gym that in turn can better help meet individual fitness and life goals outside the gym.

As a senior at Eastern Michigan University I am looking forward to guiding people in optimizing their fitness goals whether it is your first time exploring exercise in a gym setting, you are an experienced gym goer, or you are somewhere in between. 


shannon myers 

Shannon Myers

education

Majoring in Communications and International Business

Certifications

Space 200Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid

biography

My whole life I have been in love with fitness and being a part of a team. All of highschool I was in three varsity sports, basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. I loved being a part of these teams and the person that they helped me become. Coming out of high school, I started to participate in hot yoga, and weight lifting. I also became a high school lacrosse coach. Now I am a certified yoga instructor, and part of a state championship lacrosse team staff!

I love the way that yoga makes me feel. The intentional movement, the build up of pressure in your body, and the release through flows and stretching. Completing my 200 hour yoga training course is one of my biggest accomplishments, and I can't wait to share what I have learned with you all. 

The classes I teach not only will challenge your body but also your mind. If you want to dive deeper, join me in my classes! 


Riley hipp

Riley Hipp

education

Majoring in Marketing and Minoring in Geotourism

certifications

ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Red Cross CPR/AED Certified

biography

Becoming a personal trainer stems from my obsession with bodybuilding. Once I began my fitness journey, I wanted to share with others the massive benefits of incorporating exercise into their weekly/daily routine. Currently, I am working on becoming a certified nutritionist and bodybuilding specialist, but my overall goal is to assist others in becoming their optimal self. The science behind optimal health is vast and quite daunting if you’re just starting, which is why I want to help others get their foot in the door to start their fitness journeys.


Sarah Joseph

Sarah

certifications

  • SCW Behavior Change Coach
  • SCW Hormones and Metabolism Nutrition Specialist
  • SCW Sports Nutrition Specialist
  • Certified Red Cross CPR/ First Aid/ AED Instructor
  • NSCA Certified Special Populations Specialist
  • SCW Aquatic Exercise Instructor
  • NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

biography

Sarah Joseph is conscientious, welcomes criticism, and is driven to impact as many people as possible positively. She can do that as Assistant Director of Well-being and Programs at EMU. Among other credentials, Sarah graduated from Georgia Southern University with a master’s degree in Exercise Science, is an NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and an NSCA Certified Special Populations Specialist. She utilizes this education in addition to developing connections, creating systems, and seeking innovative in-person and online opportunities to build the infrastructure for programming at EMU. She attends the Sara City Workout convention and national NIRSA conference and visits recreation centers to advise EMU REC/IM on current recreation practices and equipment advancements. Ultimately, these efforts aim to contribute to departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that supports diversity. When she’s not mentoring or researching the latest health trends, Sarah enjoys the company of her two greyhounds.