OUR TEAM

 

Trainers

Nicole Fevrier-Davis, Personal & Group Fitness Trainer, Reiki Master
Nicole Fevrier -Davis has 20 years experience in wellbeing. She is the director of StellarWellnessServices.com a mind/body website with the latest wellness information. Nicole is certified by AFAA in group fitness, Kane Core Pilates. She is a Reiki Master, illustrator, an ordained minister, and author of the book “Be a Body Psychic."


Daniel Kabasakalian, Personal Trainer
Daniel has a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Education from Plymouth State College, a Master's in Exercise Physiology (MS) from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Southern Connecticut State University. He also holds CSCS Certification from the Nation Strength and Conditioning Association.


Audrey King, Intern Trainer
Audrey King has enjoyed many wonderful years as a professional dancer and instructor, performing professionally at the age of sixteen and receiving her equity card at 18. Audrey started with classical training with the Boston and New York Ballet and moved onto jazz, tap and musical theater. She has nurtured body and mind as a restaurant owner and caterer and has an extensive background in horticulture. She brings to Fitness Matters a passion for exercise and movement.

Mary Ann VanValkenburg, Resistance Stretching Trainer
Mary Ann is completing her Level 1 Ki-Hara Certification as an intern with Susan Bianchi, MS of Intrinsic Health Systems. She is currently studying with the American Council on Exercise for personal training. She started her training in resistance stretching with Bob Cooley, an expert on biomechanical flexibility and strength. She then studied for 1 1/2 years with Elizabeth Troy, one of Bob Cooley's top trainers. She continued her education with Ann Tierney and Steve Sierra of Innovative Body Solutions whose training focuses on strengthening the body through its natural range of movements, and much more.

 

Therapists

Sylvia Castro, Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Sylvia Castro is a NY and CT Licensed Clinically Trained and Holistically Minded Massage Therapist since 2000. She maintains National Certification with the NCBTMB and holds Professional credentials with the AMTA. Over the years Sylvia has worked in numerous settings from wellness centers, spas, physical rehab offices, and studios. She is also affiliated with the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY. She is educated in Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Hot and Cold Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Energy work, is a Reiki Master, Craniosacral Therapy, Acupressure and Thai Massage.

 

Program Leaders

Kathy LaLonde, Polarity Therapist
Kathy LaLonde is a Polarity Therapist with twenty years experience in the many modalities of energy healing. Over the years, she has put together a wonderful approach to living life in a more fulfilled and healthier way. She uses meditation so people can connect more consciously with themselves to see a clearer path and direction. Kathy believes that "When there is purpose and intention, one can awaken to a quality of life that unlocks pure potential."

 


I came to Marilyn following an acute back injury. I could barely walk. My doctors told me it was a 50/50 choice between surgery and rehabilitative exercise. Marilyn consulted with my doctors and chiropractor and developed a dynamic program for me which had me pain free and functioning normally in about eight months. It has now been three years and my strength and flexibility continues to increase. Marilyn keeps me on track with grace and humor and I recommend her withoutreservation.
Daniel
Sharon, CT

After 20 years of experience with personal trainers in New York City, I was delighted to discover Marilyn Gansel and Fitness Matters. I came to Marilyn as a somewhat lapsed fitness devotee.  After a thorough assessment of my health, nutrition and fitness history, together we established my goals and a program to help me get 'back on track.'

Marilyn's methods are safe, effective and smart, grounded in today's most widely supported methods and most important, completely customized for the individual.

With Marilyn's guidance and encouragement I achieved my goals of increased cardiovascular health, restored energy and strength levels and an overall improvement to my sense of health and well-being. Marilyn Gansel is my fitness guardian angel.
John Cummins
Millstone Cafe & Bakery, Kent, CT