REC/IM

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

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.

Sofia Ivanko

Education

Majoring in Exercise Science at Eastern Michigan University.

Certifications/Licenses

Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and HIIT and Functional Training Instructor.

Biography

Sofi is a cross country and track and field athlete. Her passion is to help others achieve their fitness and health goals by providing one-one, small group, HIIT and functional training, cardio endurance as well as sports nutrition and accountability. Let’s get FIT and STRONG with Sofi!

Amy feldpausch

Education

Majoring in Exercise Science at Eastern Michigan University.

Certifications/Licenses

 ACE Certified Personal Trainer, CPR/AED Certified.

Biography

I have background in sports such as basketball, softball, and volleyball and love weight lifting, running, and kickboxing. It was while I was participating in these sports that my love for exercise flourished. I realized that physical activity is the greatest source of release of stress and negativity for me. Exercise has helped me to grow physically and mentally, while improving my confidence as well. That is when I knew I wanted to help others experience that growth as well. Now, let's get to work!

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 love for exercise started while playing 6 years of football in grade school. Resistance training became a big part of my life while serving 4 years in the Marine Corps. Struggling to avoid injuries, I discovered a fascination with the study of body mechanics in playing a role to prevent injury and optimizing functionality. For the past 2 1/2 years I have continued to increase my knowledge and understanding regarding exercise prescription and programming through education at WCC, an internship as a fitness instructor at Applied Fitness Solutions of Plymouth, and education through National Academy of Sports Medicine’s personal training certifying course. 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 goals outside the gym.

As a transfer student to Eastern Michigan university this Fall 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.

Krista kangas

education

Majoring in Journalism and Media Studies

Certifications

First Aid/CPR/AED, NASM Certified Personal Trainer (with a specialty in weight loss/nutrition), 3rd Degree Black Belt Instructor in Ninjutsu

Biography

Krista Kangas is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, with a specialty in weight loss and nutrition. She previously taught Ninjutsu, and currently practices ballroom dancing, and stunts in films. Krista has studied alternative medicine and herbal remedies, incorporating all of her gained knowledge to find the solution to a problem. Let's save you time and money, and get to the bottom of it! Or, just make exercising and eating healthy fun!

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

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.