Group Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers

Angie Cottrell

Certified Indoor Cycle Instructor

Dr. Angie Cottrell has been a certified indoor cycling instructor since 2016.  Angie began focusing on her health and fitness later in life after her parents and brothers were diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.  Angie loves her role as a cycling instructor – combining her love of great music and fitness together!  Angie is also the Director of Research and Institute Programs for the UMKC Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy (MIDE) and Adjunct Instructor in the UMKC School of Education.

Drew Hemeyer-Johnson

200YTT Yoga Instructor, Certified Strength Instructor, Certified Dance Fitness Instructor

Hi, I'm Drew! I've been teaching yoga for 8 years in lots of different settings with all kinds of people. I found yoga through my love of dance. I believe yoga should be fun, safe and accessible. I also teach strength and dance fitness. I love reading, knitting and my cats, Judy and Gertrude. I am currently pursuing a degree in art therapy. I believe everyone that comes in to my class is a unique soul worthy of love and care. 

Grace Kertz

Certified Dance Fitness & Strength Instructor
Grace is a junior studying Business Administration Marketing and hopes to conduct advertising within the entertainment industry. She is passionate about holistic wellness and is a dance fitness instructor. Grace is loves leading classes that celebrate and individualize movement!

Hillary Sametz

200YTT Yoga Instructor, Strength Instructor

Hillary has been practicing yoga since 2010, and teaching since 2018. She is a board-certified music therapist and works with children in psychiatric treatment. She loves her 3 big dogs, sunshine, functional movement, traveling, and reading, and is committed to social justice, equity, and equality.

Jason McDaniel

Certified Strength Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer

I have an adept and nimble training style that allows me to create personalized fitness plans for my clients. I work with people who want to improve their strength, increase muscle mass, or improve their aerobic and anaerobic conditioning in a sustainable method for the individual. 

Keerti Vittalam

Certified Pilates Instructor

Keerti Vittalam is a first-year student at UMKC's 6-year meed program, and teaches Pilates. She is a strong believer in "lifestyle medicine" and advocates for holistic wellness, believing that a healthy body nurtures a happy soul. Fun fact: Formerly dual certified in open water scuba diving via PADI & SSI (she's got to renew that license!), Keerti hopes to further her training to eventually become a rescue diver.

Laura Wittmer

Certified Pilates Instructor

Laura Wittmer is a dedicated Certified Pilates Instructor with over a decade of experience as both a student and teacher of Pilates. Her journey began as a student, where she discovered the profound benefits of Pilates and was inspired to share this practice with others. Laura holds certifications in Classical Pilates and is qualified to teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced level mat classes.

Laura is passionate about helping her students build not only physical strength and confidence but also a deeper mind/body connection. This holistic approach not only enhances their Pilates practice but also enriches their overall well-being and performance in other physical activities.

Prior to her career in Pilates, Laura excelled as a Financial Advisor, where she developed a keen understanding of discipline and goal-setting. Her background has contributed to her structured yet empathetic teaching style. Outside of Pilates, Laura is an avid runner and weightlifter, and she strongly believes in the complementary nature of Pilates to a diverse range of sports and exercise modalities.

Laura’s own transformative experience with Pilates ignited her commitment to the practice. She is dedicated to helping her students achieve their personal fitness goals while fostering a supportive and motivating environment.

Maggie Coomer

200YTT Yoga Instructor, Indoor Cycle Instructor

Maggie is a 200 YTT with a passion for helping others harness the transformative power of yoga. Join her for challenging asana practices that focus on self-exploration of body, breath, and spirit.

Riley Stehlik

Indoor Cycle Instructor, Strength Instructor

Hi, I'm Riley and I'm majoring in Health Science and minoring in Exercise Science here at UMKC. I've lived in KC my whole life and I love all things health and wellness! I can't wait to help you achieve your fitness goals at Swinney Rec, no matter your starting point. Let's get our sweat on! :)

Roni Norbury

Certified Strength Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer
Roni is a dedicated personal trainer with a passion for helping individuals discover the transformative power of intentional movement. Her approach is rooted in the belief that true wellness starts with the small details—breathwork, mindful motion, and strengthening every part of the body.

With a NASM CPT + CNC certification and a deep appreciation for the art of movement, she guides clients to cultivate a harmonious relationship with their bodies. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to deepen your practice, she focuses on creating a personalized experience that emphasizes the connection between breath, movement, and overall well-being.

From core stability and functional strength to flexibility and relaxation techniques, her goal is to empower you to move with confidence.

Join Roni on a journey where fitness is more than just a routine—it’s a path to a more balanced, vibrant you. Let’s embrace the beauty of mindful movement and transform your approach to wellness, one breath at a time.

Shreya Chalapalli

Certified Pilates Instructor

Hi! I'm Shreya, and I am a student at UMKC who is passionate about making mindfulness and wellness fun and accessible for everyone. When I'm not practicing Pilates or studying, I love to make art, travel, and read. I can't wait to meet you in class!

Tanna Engle

ACE Group Fitness Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Health Coach

I believe that fitness is fun! I work to make fitness and wellness programs that are dynamic and welcoming. I have a B.S. in Kinesiology and Health and an M.S. in Kinesiology. I hope to bolster each participant's belief in themselves and what their body can do.