Our Wonderful Instructors
Our Group Fitness INstructors
Alyse Hergenrother
She is a fully certified personal trainer (NASM) and has achieved mastery as an Exercise Therapist (ETA)
Alyse believes exercise has the power to transform lives. She works with diverse populations, from youth to older adults and specializes in pain-free movement. . Additionally, she holds the following certifications and specializations:
-Group Fitness Instructor, Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- Functional Aging Specialist, Functional Aging Institute (FAI)
- PWRMoves! Parkinson’s Disease Certified Trainer
- Arthritis Fitness Specialist
-Corrective Exercise / Injury Rehabilitation
-Osteoporosis
-Balance and Fall Prevention
-peri / post Menopause
A Passion for Movement and Music -My journey as a group fitness instructor is fueled by a lifelong, natural love for music and movement, a dynamic combination that I am fortunate to engage with every day. Group fitness provides the perfect outlet to share this enthusiasm, creating energetic and motivating experiences for participants.
I am AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor specializing in several highly effective Les Mills formats. My current Les Mills certifications include:
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Certified Les Mills BodyPump Instructor
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Certified Les Mills Shapes Instructor
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Certified Les Mills BodyBalance instructor
Jodi Schroeder-
Chris is a retired Navy Captain with over 30 years service as well as an Enterprise Software Professional working for a Canadian based networking company. He is also an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Les Mills certified RPM Instructor with a passion for cycling, swimming, hiking, and strength training, and gives back to the community as an American Red Cross platelet donor. Chris lives Sabino Creek area along with his wife and four college/adult boys, as well as a complete “ranch” of animals including donkeys, alpacas, llamas, goats, and chickens. He brings all of this energy into his fitness classes as our newest instructor!
Jel Rima knows great teaching goes beyond the classroom. As both a high school math teacher and Les Mills group fitness instructor, she’s passionate about helping others build confidence, strength, and success in every area of life. She brings energy, motivation, and a love of learning into each class, creating an uplifting environment where members feel challenged, supported, and empowered. By combining movement, music, and expert coaching, Rima turns every workout into an opportunity to grow stronger, push limits, and have fun. Whether solving problems or smashing fitness goals, she’s dedicated to helping others discover their potential…one class at a time.
Gabriel's passion for Group Fitness began in 2005.He's an all around fitness guru. He loves to bike, and will take you on amazing hikes if you ask him.
Nowadays he's an AquaFit professional
Certified in:
BODYPUMP
BODYCOMBAT
Gina is a Tucson native and has been a fitness instructor since 2012 when she completed her RPM certification. She is excellent at teaching multi-level classes, and make it a point to welcome newcomers, making sure they feel comfortable. She also teaches yoga, with additional training in pre/postnatal yoga, pelvic floor yoga, peri/menopausal yoga, and yoga nidra. Outside the gym, you might find Gina making ceramics, gardening, volunteering, or spending time with her 3 kids and husband.
Lilia Ledingham has been an RPM instructor since June 2025 and has been passionate about the program ever since taking her very first class. Her enthusiasm for RPM shines through in every session, inspiring others to find the same joy in movement and music. Outside the studio, Lilia loves spending time with her two dogs and two horses, making the most of every moment outdoors. When she’s not teaching or enjoying nature, she can often be found traveling with her husband in search of their next scuba diving adventure.
Mary Barrett
Mary's journey as a Les Mills instructor spans 2 decades, a testament to her unwavering dedication. Her love for the various programs blossomed after the birth of her son, who is now 23 years old! She has been an instructor at La Mariposa for the past 2.5 years now, forging strong bonds with her members.
Beyond her teaching role, Mary is a force to be reckoned with in the fitness community. She is avid road/trail runner and has recently delved into competitive road cycling. Her leadership as co-leader in the Tucson Women's Shootout is a testament to her influence in the the field.
Certified in:
BODYATTACK™
BODYPUMP™
LES MILLS CORE™
RPM™
BODYSTEP™ (retired)
Mary Clements
Mary has loved group fitness classes since college and too her passion to the next level by becoming certified Les Mills instructor in 2008.
Professionally, Mary is a Wealth Planner at SLS Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch.
Mary is committed to giving back to her community and has been inactive member of Angel Charity for Children for 20 years.
Certified in:
BODYPUMP™
BODYATTACK™
BODYBALANCE™
Michelle Foree has been a Les Mills certified instructor for over 15 years and teaching at La Mariposa for over a decade. In addition to teaching, she enjoys competing in running events and triathlons. She has qualified for the Boston Marathon 3 times and competed in the 2015 event.
She dreams of the day when she will be able to retire from software engineering and focused on more of her energy on writing fiction and learning other fitness class formats.
Certified in:
BODYPUMP™
RPM™
LES MILLS Pilates
Keli Ann Lawton
Native of Tucson. Fitness instructor since 1991. Teaching step, core classes, and water aerobics.
Group fitness instructor at La Mariposa for over 20 years.
Outside of fitness, Keli Ann is a Full Time Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner for over 15 years. In healthcare for 29 years. Also a dedicated wife, mom and daughter.
Keli Ann loves fitness and encouraging others to be their best selves and improve their own fitness and well being. Love being part of the La Mariposa family!
Certified in:
RPM™
BODYPUMP™
BODYSTEP™
Sharon Bransky - retired physician
Hi, I’m Sharon, a retired physician who actually practices what she preaches, what a concept! Teaching Group Fitness and Personal Training are my absolute passion! I love working together with students and clients to help them achieve their individual goals. I’ve been certified for over 25 years, instructing various classes, specializing in aqua, gentle and chair yoga. pilates, core strength as well as balance challenges. I’ve always had a special interest and focus in Senior Fitness, so as I “mature” this population gravitates to me! I instruct at all levels and try my best to make the classes interactive and engaging so you definitely want to work-out and come back. I strive for La Mariposa’s motto: Enter Happy, Exit Happier!
Tracy Tallent
42 years ago Tracy was asked to become an instructor for land and water classes at her club. Since that time, Tracy has taught in Utah, New Mexico and now in Arizona.
Tracy is happy to now live in Tucson where she can share her love of staying active with other exercise enthusiasts.
Tracy has a degree in nutrition.
Certified in:
BODYPUMP™
LES MILLS CORE™
LES MILLS SHAPES
Mari-McDonough - bio coming
Liz Sabalos - I started my practice almost 40 years ago as a way to find relief from the stresses and chaos of the world, exercise and special time for myself
Since then after practicing 35 years
I was certified as a yoga instructor with various subspecialties and then certified in fitness and Pilates mat as in an Canyon ranch for 10 years specializing and working with adults with injuries and conditions that needed modification
Today at 63 years old I continue with my practice ever evolving and transforming deeper into knowing myself and delighting in the guiding of this practice to the students
Kara Gomez -
Kara was a Les Mills class participant for over 15 years before she gathered enough courage to speak to the other side of the mirror and certified as a LES MILLS Dance instructor. She's been married for 32 years, mom of three and grandmother of four.
Certified in:
LESMILLS DANCE
Nicole Faxon - Bio coming
Lynne Roberts - With over a decade of experience leading the floor, I bring a decade of Zumba expertise and a lifelong passion for movement to every class. My background in dance laid the foundation, but it’s the rhythm and community of Zumba that kept me hooked for the last 10 years. I believe that a workout should feel like a celebration, and I’m dedicated to helping you find your groove, torch some calories, and leave class feeling better than when you walked in. Let’s dance!
Kate Breck Calhoun -
Kate has lived in Tucson for over 50 years. She attended Salpointe Catholic High School, Pima Community College and the University of Arizona. Since 2003, Kate has worked at the Tucson Convention Center in several positions in both the Event Services and Sales and Marketing Departments.
Certified in:
BODYCOMBAT™
LES MILLS CORE™
BODYSTEP™
BODYJAM™
Eric Rogala began his BODYPUMP™ career with a copy of release 56 and some weights at home. He certified in BODYPUMP™ on release 78. Soon after, he certified in BODYCOMBAT™.
After 13 years, Eric still loves teaching anytime he can..
When not wearing his trademark beanie, Eric will light to do his bidding as an Optical Engineer at Raytheon. His weaknesses are IPA's and Cheese
Rob Garcia - Robert is a NASM-certified personal trainer with over two years of professional experience and a lifelong dedication to fitness. Training isn’t just something he does—it’s part of who he is. He has worked out 1–2 times a day for as long as he can remember and brings that same consistency, energy, and discipline into every session.
Robert has trained many private clients with a wide range of goals, from building strength and improving performance to boosting confidence and creating sustainable, healthy routines. His training style emphasizes proper form, smart programming, and accountability to help clients achieve real, long-lasting results.
While he takes results seriously, Robert believes workouts should be enjoyable. Known for being funny, lighthearted, and approachable, he creates a positive training environment—while still pushing clients to work hard. Expect to be challenged, supported, and motivated every session. He’ll absolutely kick your butt, but you’ll be smiling while it happens.
Katie Schmuck -
I’ve been part of the fitness team at La Mariposa since 2024, where I teach water aerobics and get to be part of an incredible community. I truly believe in the power of the water to strengthen, support, and heal the body — and we grow stronger together while having fun.
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, I’ve always had a passion for movement and community. From riding horses to coaching middle school track and soccer, staying active has always been a joyful part of my life.
New instructor bio coming
Jeanie Karchner is a certified Aqua Instructor and Personal Trainer with over 14 years of experience. She is a self-declared aqua fitness nerd who enjoys creating fun, challenging workouts. Outside of the pool, Jeanie is a Special Olympics swim coach and enjoys gardening, reading, singing and dancing to 80's music. She and her husband enjoy being with their family of 4 children and 1 granddaughter.
New instructor pic and bio coming