Our Team

Andy Stevens: As Fitness Director at Fitness21, it is a pleasure to lead our team of talented fitness professionals. Through driven teamwork, we strive together for the highest levels of excellence, to create an empowering environment for our valued clients.

A little about me…..a lifelong advocate of the fitness lifestyle, my client focus is based on working in a seamless partnership, together driven to meet and exceed one's fitness goals and objectives. As an NCSA certified fitness professional and CrossFit certified kettlebell instructor, I implement challenging forms of training techniques inclusive of functional, plyometrics, agility and metabolic conditioning to breed results. With a portfolio of clients spanning athletes and equestrians to individuals with unique needs, my mission is always clear; to be able to make a difference in someone's life....one client at a time.

Leonard Cohen : Ten years of experience as a fitness professional has taught Leonard to be compassionate, encouraging, motivating and to act as a teacher. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients from stay at home mothers, to NFL, NBA, doctors and lawyers, as well as athletes from little league to high school. In addition, Leonard participated in an exercise video titled 911 Fitness designed to help firefighters and police officers get in shape. “ I can assure you that my clients achieve their fitness goals."

Christina Tolon : Fitness has been a passion for Christina since she was a teenager. As a college athlete, she became hooked on running while training for the rowing team. After completing the Disney Marathon in 2003 she was addicted to marathon running and has since run ten marathons, including four Boston Marathons and one New York City Marathon. “I get a thrill out of training anyone who is committed to positive change. I love the challenge of working with people from different backgrounds, ages, and attitudes, and I enjoy being around people that are as committed and passionate to fitness as I am.”

Kristi Goldsholle : Kristi’s life long love of fitness has excelled into a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Her passion began with team sports at a very early age, and she has developed a special touch for working with children, teaching the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise and instruction. Along with the KidFit classes - her introduction to wellness for children, she currently teaches Boot Camp, Sculpting and Kickboxing classes at Fitness21. Since 2004, Kristi has competed with Women’s Tri-Fitness. Competing has taught her the value of motivation, commitment and determination. Kristi has devoted her career to helping individuals reach their fitness goals. There is no goal that is not reachable with a healthy attitude and a little guidance from a fitness professional.

Scott Bittner : Scott’s passion for physical fitness goes as far back as he can remember. Contributing influence and inspiration as early as four years-old came from a tiny but impressive character: Mighty Mouse.

Becoming a fitness professional was a natural progression after studying kinesiology and nutrition at Penn State University. In addition to his role as Elite Trainer at Fitness21, Scott competes as a Natural, Drug-Free-for-Life Bodybuilder which has given him exceptional knowledge to administer specialized exercise and nutritional programs. Using his personable, well-mannered style, Scott has worked with at least five different generations; from an eighty two year young woman, to the three year-olds while teaching elementary school.

Michele Hartman : First thing anyone would notice about Michele Hartman is her infectious enthusiasm and upbeat attitude; it's undeniable! After over 20 years in the health and fitness industry, she hasn't lost her passion for helping other people achieve their fitness goals. She has always guaranteed results! Michele is certified by NSCA and ACSM as a personal trainer. Several other certifications include: medical exercise specialist, weight management consultant and group fitness instructor.

As owner of Private Lessons Fitness Center in Nutley, NJ for almost a decade, she has worked with every kind of client one imaginable. Michele especially enjoys working with beginners and the big guys who are not seeing the results they desire. Michele loves playing the iron game. Although she believes that no great physique was ever created without weight training; she appreciates each person's individuality and loves inspiring each individual to achieve their personal best. “That's when they start dancing again.”

There is no doubt that Michele has a special gift for working with those recovering from severe injury and those with other serious medical concerns. At Private Lessons, she worked one on one with her physical therapist helping so many clients get strong and healthy once again. She also worked with athletes in rehab at Professional Sports Care in East Rutherford, NJ, helping them get back in the game.

Michele is an experienced yoga instructor and she teaches a variety of fitness classes including spinning, body pump, kick boxing, kettle bells and gravity.

Star Thomas :My belief is that persistence will overcome any obstacle…and I'm here to help you realize this. For 21 years, I have been training. I really enjoy the smell of the gym, the sound of weights clanging together and the camaraderie the atmosphere brings. Most importantly, I enjoy helping others reach their fitness goals, whether it's endurance training, muscle and strength training or losing body fat.

Rodrigo Navarrete: Rodrigo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Fitness21 Training Team. He is ranked in 23 styles of martial arts, holds a 5^th degree black belt, and has an undefeated record as a professional kick boxer.

It's not all fighting for Rodrigo – he has been an aerobics instructor for 18 years and his personable and patient style is a good fit for anyone looking to enhance their fitness goals.

Damian Robinson : As an ACE certified personal trainer, Damian has been in the health and wellness field for the last few years. He is committed to educating his client not just in the act of exercise but how and why exercise will improve their life. As a trainer and massage therapist he has a great knowledge on how muscles work on how they affect general health such as back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, even headaches. He has worked with a variety of clients from the elderly to young kids. Suffering a dramatic knee injury as a teen, dealing with depression and the thought that he would never play sports again (as he was told by a doctor) he has since completed 2 marathons and a few 5ks. He has direct experience on how living a healthy life can dramatically change your outlook.