DON'T QUIT, GET FIT!

OUR STORY, MISSION AND TEAM

WE ARE FITSTUDIO!

GET TO KNOW US...

First and foremost, at FIT we believe in COMMUNITY! Healthy and happy individuals contribute to a prosperous and supportive community! At FIT our goal is to provide you with a wide variety of group classes offering something for everyone. In addition, we offer personal, individual training.

We want to ensure that all of your fitness goals will be met, regardless of where you are in your fitness routine.

The atmosphere we strive to achieve at FIT is one of positivity, fun, creativity and inclusivity! If you have never worked out, FIT is the perfect environment to start your workout routine! If you are one of our die hard gym members, we will continue to bring you great offerings and scheduled workout times to suit your needs. If you only work out every now and again or are visiting from out of town, don't buy a membership until you are ready - use one of our drop in passes. All are welcome!

MEET THE TEAM

ONLY THE BEST FOR OUR CLIENTS!

Christopher Childers - Owner

Christopher is a proud San Francisco Bay area native. Raised in Foster City, his mother started him off dancing at the young age of 3, and he has never looked back. Christopher spent his
childhood dancing in his family studio and was working professionally since the age of 15. Christopher has performed around the world with artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Prince, Cirque du Soleil, Paula Abdul and and many others. He has been featured in countless movies, TV shows and commercials.
Christopher has recently jumped into the realm of movie making! With his childhood friend, Jonathan Lawrence, Director and editor extraordinaire, they created a short film last year called “Carnival of Wonders” featuring talent from all around the SF Peninsula. Christopher created, produced and choreographed the film, and went out to the 2020 film festival circuit. The film has won 27 different awards and accolades, Including the OVID award (most interesting and original story), Best Short, Best Costumes, Best Special Effects, Best Young Actress and Best Producer from the Oniros Film Awards, and the Vegas Film Awards.
Chris is also the proud owner of the largest costume shop on the coast!
He is thrilled to be co-owner with his Husband, David!

Class Types: Cardio Dance, Stretch,Splits and Abs & Gender Fluid Heels

David Oliphant - Owner

David has been a yoga and fitness instructor for the past 15 years in addition to owning a yoga studio in Las Vegas before moving to the coast. He is the owner of Ocean Blue Real Estate and the Ocean Blue Art Vault (www.oceanbluevault.com) on Main Street. David is the current President of the Downtown Business Association , was a founding board member of CoastPride and his true passion is community support and involvement. In his spare time he volunteers for Mutteville Sr. Dog rescue.
David is excited to be the new co-owner with his Husband Christopher!

Staci Jones - Studio Manager

Born and raised in San Jose, Staci grew up studying jazz, tap, and ballet at Marie Stinnett Studio in Campbell, California. After attending West Valley College, she moved to San Francisco working as the chef manager of Esprit De Corp’s corporate cafe. While in San Francisco, she continued her studies with Anne Garvin, Anne Barrett and Greg Silva.
Staci moved to El Granada in 2004, accepting the chef manager position at The Gymboree Corporation. She assisted Gymboree in building the corporate café, developing menus and managing the team until 2016.
From 2016-2018 she enjoyed working as a personal chef for a few
families up and down the peninsula. In 2018 she began a chef position
with SAGE Dining Service at a private school in San Francisco. That led to Food Service Director for another private school in Palo Alto from 2021- 2023.
During this time and always dancer at heart, Staci returned to Marie Stinnett’s Studio, this time as an instructor. She loved the four years she spent teaching adults beginning and intermediate jazz.
Happy that Chris returned to teaching, Staci enjoys attending his classes.
She is thrilled to be managing the studio, working for Chris and
David and being a part of entire the Fit Studio team. Staci is excited to meet you and help you start your new journey with this fantastic team of instructors and trainers here at FIT Studio!

Mishelle Westendorf

Mishelle has been an instructor since her first job in high school. Through the last 30 years fitness has been one of her greatest accomplishments. As a fitness instructor teaching Aerobics certified by Reebok, she had her first taste of helping other better their mind, body & soul. Mishelle ran x-country for the University of Washington, so her desire to stay fit and help others be the best they can mentally and physically came naturally. Bodystep, Bootcamp, Spin, Cycle Core, Kick Boxing, Athletic Conditioning and her favorite-Interval Training to the Navy Seals/Aviators at three different Naval Air Stations. She holds many certificates IDEA, NIKE Elite training, Schwinn Cycling, REEBOK, ACE certified personal trainer/instructor to name a few. Mishelle has donated her time to teaching young boys & girls at certain clubs or community’s which is one of her greatest joys.

Class Types: Spin, Bootcamp, Butts & Gutts

Wendy Jensen

I am a personal trainer and Level 1 CrossFit instructor with certificates in advanced weight training and yoga. I danced ballet growing up, and got into yoga when I graduated high school. After completing my BA in broadcast journalism at Brigham Young University, I had my daughter and two years later my son. Being a mom with two small kids made getting to the gym or yoga studio very difficult. I kept active with home workout programs through Beach Body. Once my kids got bigger I discovered CrossFit. I trained under CrossFit Games athlete Chyna Cho for 3 years before deciding to get my Level 1 certification. I loved coaching CrossFit, but when the pandemic hit and gyms closed, I switched gears to focus on personal training. I have found so much satisfaction with personal training. I believe my eclectic background has helped me to be able to cater to my clients' different needs. Fitness isn’t one size fits all. I love my clients and care deeply about their success. I’m a firm believer that everyone can exercise, regardless of physical limitations. Consistency, modification and adaptation to specific needs are the keys to success. There’s nothing better than helping a client reach goals that leave them feeling happy, confident, and strong. I can’t wait to meet you!

Class Types: Butts & Gutts, Bootcamp Cardio

Andrea Shepard

Movement and fitness is a huge part of my life and always has been, from ballet in my early years, gymnastics and track and field in middle school, and synchronized swimming in high school. I am a credentialed physical education, adapted physical education, and health science teacher for k-12 schools, now retired. My Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are in Sports Sciences and included extensive coursework in sports medicine and pre- physical therapy. I took my first aerobics class in 1978 here in Half Moon Bay and was instantly hooked. I became a group fitness instructor in 1982 and I have never looked back. My current certifications include American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor, Back Care Specialist through ACE, and ACE Senior Fitness Specialty Certification, and Mat Pilates with June Kahn. I want everyone to feel welcome in my classes and I work hard to make sure that modifications are provided so that everyone can participate safely and successfully. My goals for people who come to my classes are: safety, effectiveness, and fun. I love being a part of our members’ healthy lifestyles.

Class Types: Silver Seniors & Zumba

Dominique Del Chiaro

Dominique became a fitness instructor in college and since then has taught a variety of group fitness classes over years including Zumba, World Rhythms, Salsa, Swing, step, cycle, cardio strength, and yoga. Since returning to the Coastside she has also focused her passion on teaching and performing hula because she loves the graceful movements and rich cultural spirit. Dominique uses a combination of playful engagement, whole body movement, and gentle feedback to encourage her students to have an awesome body, mind, spirit experience in every class. She is the Director of the Coastside hula group Nā Wāhine ‘O Kalani and was the former Director of Salsa Sierra.

Class Types: Hula, Rise & Shine

Kerstin Brown

Hi Friends! My name is Kerstin. I am a lover of all things fitness and mindfulness! I began my yoga journey about ten years ago, becoming more aware of a fitness option that infused a slower way to be mindful and one with the body. I fell in love with the mixture of Vinyasa power flows and the meditative opportunities of Hatha-style yoga. After discovering how much yoga brought into my life, I yearned to look deeper into my yoga journey and began my studies of my 200-hour RYT. My experience in teaching consists of traditional Vinyasa, Hatha, Vinyasa Power Flow, modern yoga sculpt, and Restorative/Yin yoga. I play a music fuse of deep house EDM to dance-inspired EDM music, which is vibey and gives you ease into your practice.

I lead with intention and focus. Whether through chakras, pranayama (breathwork), or body-focused inversions, all my classes will get you feeling one with your body and a little sweaty while you're at it! My classes are open to all skill levels, focused on supporting you and guiding you through your yoga practice, no matter your background in yoga! I can't wait to flow with you!

Meredith Loschke

Meredith’s personal yoga journey began in 2016 when she was in search of finding more peace and balance in her daily life. She discovered early on that she had a passion for the transformational practice and a desire to share it. In 2021, Meredith completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Renew. Through her training, she discovered the powerful benefits of mindful breathing and intentional movement, which helped to mold, shape, and completely shift her personal yoga practice. Meredith is known for her authentic, non-judgmental teaching style, and her philosophy comes from a place of love, healing, and compassion. In Meredith’s Slow Flow Vinyasa class, you will experience the kindness, and gentleness of her spirit, and the opportunity to challenge yourself physically. Her intention in class is to instill peace and to create a safe space to allow students to connect deeper with their mind, body, and spirit. When Meredith is off her mat, she enjoys reading, hiking, biking, and making green juice!

Class Types: Gentle Yoga

Eve D'Onofrio

Fitness is a passion I developed later in life. I come from a family in which exercise was foreign and emotional eating was the norm. We did lots of talking, not a lot of walking. It wasn’t until well into my adulthood that I began to realize how much I relish movement, physical challenges, and feeling healthy and strong! Now, I’m excited to help others, no matter where they are in their fitness journey, feel the same way! I’m a Spin and group fitness instructor experienced in leading indoor cycling, a variety of strength-cardio formats, HIIT, TRX, and mat Pilates, as well as being a certified Behavior Change Specialist. I LOVE a good playlist and use music to build momentum and push a workout further! My classes are high energy, fun, and appropriate for all levels. Originally from New York, I’ve been part of our wonderful coastside community for ten years and can’t wait to get stronger with you! For fun, I paint, hike, run, perform comedy, travel, and spend time with my two amazing sons and two adorable cats.

Class Types: Spin

Katie Petropoulos

Katie began practicing yoga over a decade ago, and instantly recognized the countless healing benefits yoga has to offer. Katie completed her 200-hour certification through Coastside Yoga.
Katie's experience as a dancer and certified fitness instructor, combined with a passion for expression, shine through her teaching.
Katie is extremely excited to have joined the FIT lineup!

Class Types: Mobility & Stretch

Charity Joy Secord

Charity Joy Secord is a lifelong fitness enthusiast. She’s a NASM certified personal trainer and a holistic wellness coach. Balancing physical, mental and emotional health is a key to her success personally and with her clients.
Charity uses a balance of circuit and interval training, strength conditioning, with a focus on functional movement, balance, flexibility and mobility. Specialty areas include breast cancer recovery, senior fitness, and endurance training. She shares a healthy dose of nutrition tips, mindset and emotional wellness tools to help clients break out of old stuck patterns and create new healthy habits. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and levels with a desire to uplevel their fitness and health.
Charity has given back to her coastal community over the years providing outdoor group workouts along our beautiful coast.

Class Types - Personal Training

Michelle Martone

Michelle Martone has been studying and practicing Yoga since she was 16 years old. She received a Doctorate in Pharmacology in 2009, and completed her first Yoga Teacher Training in 2014.
Michelle studies in the Sivananda lineage. In addition to daily study, she travels to India to sit with her teachers, study meditation Yogic and Vedic Texts. The philosophy and teachings from these texts are woven into her yoga classes. In addition to teaching yoga, she studies traditional Indian and Pakistani music, Kirtan, and Vedic chanting.

Michelle teaches alignment based Vinyasa, Hatha, Yoga Nidra, Meditation, and is also a Pharmacist and Health & Wellness coach. She is passionate about Yoga, healthy lifestyle including work/life balance, simple food, stress management through physical exercise, and gratitude and mindfulness practices.

In her free time Michelle enjoys time in nature with her husband, stewarding the land on their small homestead, growing food, and living a simple, minimalist lifestyle.

Dionne Davis

Dionne is a passionate, personal trainer and group instructor with nearly a decade of experience in the fitness industry. Overcoming stress and unhealthy eating habits has allowed her to assist others on their health journey, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability.

Dionne's mission is to help build client's techniques to develop muscle tone and definition, training for coordination and strength endurance, posture optimization for flexibility and injury prevention.

Managing her own brand for over a year, she is now excited about this opportunity with Fit and eager to get started.

Lisa Walker

Born and raised in New Orleans, Lisa moved to California to work as a software engineer. After a ten year career in Silicon Valley, Lisa chose the awesome coastal life of a stay-at-home mom to twins Ben and Sam. Having always loved group fitness, Lisa’s career followed a new path to personal training and group exercise for a decade. Not satisfied with post pandemic retirement and missing the studio energy, Lisa is back at FIT Studio and ready to help members at the front desk! In her spare time, Lisa enjoys walking her dogs Wilma and Leilani, attempting to knit, and tootling around in the garden. Lisa also volunteers for Canine Companions for Independence.

Suzette York

Meet Suzette York, a wellness and fitness powerhouse focused on transforming lives. As a NASM Certified Wellness Coach, Suzette specializes in Personal Training, Nutrition, and Behavioral Therapy. She is dedicated to helping clients reach their full potential in fitness and well-being. Whether it’s through spinning, body pump, and salsa-toning classes, or beginner instruction in triathlons, Jiu Jitsu, and an advanced HIIT program, she is committed to optimizing your athletic performance.

Angelo Lanham

For most of his life, Angelo has practiced martial arts in one form or another. At age 9, his main goal was to be a Ninja Turtle. While that hasn’t panned out for him (yet), his journey has him teaching his passion in Half Moon Bay.

Born in Silicon Valley, the journey to the coast was a long one. His training began with a combination of Wing Chun, Kung Fu, a black belt in Kempo Karate, and Tai Chi, with the latter sticking most prominently throughout the years. He currently teaches Karate in Half Moon Bay and the slow, moving meditation of Tai Chi is the foundation to his exercise routine.

This slow, deliberate, moving meditation of Tai Chi and its hidden martial application has always fascinated Angelo, and the joy of bringing this unique martial art to others is unparalleled. And if he has all but given up on the Ninja Turtle thing, teaching is definitely the next best thing!

Abby Guzman Murphy

Abby Guzman Murphy has been a passionate spin instructor since 2014. She has brought her energetic and motivating spin classes to various locations, including 24 Hour Fitness in San Francisco, San Mateo, Pacifica, and across the Bay Area, as well as The Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto. Her commitment to fitness and wellness is evident in her dynamic teaching style, which inspires and empowers her students to achieve their personal fitness goals.

During the day, Abby is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience in the field, currently serving as the Head of Human Resources for a leading biotech company in Menlo Park. Combining her expertise in HR with her enthusiasm for fitness, Abby exemplifies a balanced approach to professional and personal well-being, making a positive impact in both the corporate and fitness communities.