Group Fitness Instructor Bios

Want to get to know your group fitness instructors? Read about 'em here!
In alphabetical order.

Erika Allen

Erika is a Senior at Wiess College and has been teaching dance, developing choreography and dancing herself for several years. Her experience as a Rice student and officer of the Black Student Association have taught her how to encourage people to work hard and have fun. Her classes have great energy and show everyone that they have it in them to move and groove!

Turkan Aydogmus

Turkan has been a group fitness instructor since 1998 and since 2003 a personal trainer at the Rec Center at Texas A&M University, College Station. Currently she teaches at A&M, Rice University and Weekly YMCA on West University. She’s also coordinating Group X at The University of Houston. She’s certified and has taught a variety of classes including: Yoga, kickboxing, step, resistance training, Hi-Lo, dance, water exercise, and spinning. Turkan enjoys working with individuals as well as groups and believes that personal fitness and health influence us throughout our lifetime. Therefore, she’s dedicated to helping people set and achieve realistic goals by providing motivation, knowledge, and skills.

Heather Barr

I have worked at Rice in Administrative Systems since 1990. I never imagined myself as a fitness instructor, but here I am! I’m a marathon walker and swimmer, and have taken many years of dance, kickboxing, weightlifting, and yoga classes. It all comes together for me in Nia, a whole body movement class that is done barefoot to music. Nia integrates dance, martial arts, and healing arts, and focuses on moving with pleasure and awareness. It’s self-directed and works for any fitness level. And it’s fun! Teaching Nia lets me share that joy of movement with others in the Rice community. I’m so happy to have that opportunity, and I hope to see you in my class.

Maureen Czepiel

I have been practicing yoga for 10 years and teaching for 7 years.my study,practice and teaching are eclectic,drawing influence from different traditions and teachers.my classes are open and welcoming for all levels-I offer options for everyone. classes include meditation,breathing practices(pranayama), poses(asanas) and flowing sequences (vinyasas) and, the best part-relaxation pose(svasana). I live in the rice area and work also as a nurse,in hospice, and a massage therapist.

Cynthia Edmiston

Cynthia has been teaching Pilates since 2004, first as a substitute, and then as a certified teacher. She came to Pilates in 2001 when she developed bilateral plantar fasciitis and could no longer take her daily ballet classes. She had performed with Austin Ballet Theatre, Texas Ballet, and Boston Chamber Ballet in a 15 year career, and taught ballet in dance studios and as an academic subject. Cynthia also holds 3 degrees in Linguistics—the Masters and Ph.D. from Rice-- and another Masters in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. She taught Linguistics and English grammar, English as a Foreign Language, and trained language teachers at universities in Boston and Houston for 25 years. Cynthia’s 2005 mat certification is through PhysicalMind Institute, and she recently completed rigorous mat and reformer certifications through STOTT PILATES. She also teaches at the Houston City Club, enjoys reading, studying new subjects, and traveling.

Amanda Focke

I love teaching Nia! I teach it here at Rice and at NiaMoves Studio in the Heights. I am a white belt level instructor, have been been doing Nia for 9 years, teaching for almost 1. What's so great about Nia? It's creative movement, variety of movement, a habit breaking LOVE your body workout! If you like a variety of music and moving around, you can do Nia! Outside of teaching and practicing Nia, I work full-time at Rice in the Fondren Library with the rare books and manuscript collections. I am a native Houstonian with deep family roots in Texas. At home we have two very young daughters, a dog, a cat - and 8 chickens!

Greg Illich

Greg has more than 22 years experience in various Tai Chi forms with a focus on improving health through stress reduction, stretching, flexibility, and building core strength and energy.

He holds certification as instructor of the Original Yang Style of the Tai Chi Chuan Association, and Chinese Martial Arts Self-Defense under Master George Hu.  He is also certified as a senior teacher of Zenobics Tai Chi under Master Nguyen Cao Thanh. He currently teaches the Secret Yang Style and self-defense applications which he learned under Master Hu.  With Master Hu, he also studied Chinese medicine theory, and acupressure for relief of muscle pain and tension as well as increase in range of motion.   

Greg also has experience in other various internal and external forms including Chi-Kung (qigong) for internal energy, Tai Chi Long Sword, Hsing-I, Bagua, Baji, Chinese Wrestling, Kick Boxing, Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu, Chinese Saber, and Western style epee fencing. Greg studied fencing under Master Claude Ceaux, Bayou City Blades.

Greg has also studied dance for over 6 years with Jody Rayburn, Royal Academy of Dance, at the Cutting Edge Dance Center. This includes ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and tap.

Greg has a MA in Public History from the University of Houston, and a BA in History from the University of St. Thomas.

Russ Jenkins

Russ has been professionally involved in the areas of fitness and exercise as a practitioner and public speaker since 1996. He holds certifications in various group exercise formats and was certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer (1998-2008). In additional to presenting classes at a myriad of mainstream fitness clubs, he has given master classes in both Spain and Germany. Outside of his fitness pursuits, Russ worked in the criminal justice field for nearly 20 years before semi-retiring in order to complete a Master of Liberal Studies degree from Rice’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. He is currently researching material for his final capstone project. When Russ graduates in December 2009, he will become the first African-American male to earn an MLS degree from Rice University.

Ian Jones

Ian is a junior at Martel College and an energetic member of the Fitness Staff at Rice. Ian came with a lot of experience in group fitness. Be sure to stop in and check out Ian's moves on the floor, the bench, and with weights, when he returns in Fall 2010, he'll surely give you a workout you won't forget!

Matt Jones

Matt Jones began weight training in 6th grade and trained with a number of different techniques and training styles to accommodate for different goals. Matt played 3 years of varsity baseball in high school, one year as team captain, and received All-District, All-Area, and All-State honors. He also spent one year each boxing and practicing martial arts, skills he still trains recreationally.

    As a testament to Matt's commitment to success, in June 2009 he competed at an NAS (North American Strongman) regional competition where he placed second in his division. This qualified Matt for the North American Strongman Nationals in Louisiana this October.

    Matt is currently a junior at Hanszen majoring in mechanical engineering. He is a member of the Rice Rugby Club, Captain of the Rice Powerlifting Club, and received his personal training certification in 2008 from the International Sports Sciences Association.

Susan Margulies

Susan Margulies has been a student of Traditional Northern Style Chinese Kung Fu with Master Adam Hsu since 1994. She has studied Long Fist, Baji Quan, Piqua Zhang and Taiji Quan, along with straight sword, giant saber, staff, flower spear and giant spear. She has taught self-defense seminars, as well as acting as an assistant coach at Master's Hsu schools in Palo Alto, San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan. She particularly enjoys practicing and sharing Baji Quan, famous for its explosive movements and dynamic elbow strikes. All levels of fitness are welcome in her class, although hard work and perseverance is required!

Larry Martinez

Larry Martinez received his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Rice University in 2007 and is currently a graduate student in the Psychology department at Rice University.  He began his fitness career by working at the Ops Desk at the Rice Rec Center.  He now holds a Primary Group Exercise certification and Kickboxing certification with AFAA as well as CPR and First Aid training.  He has also been trained in the Everlast Shadowboxing format and is certified as a TurboKick instructor.  He currently teaches cardio kickboxing, strength and abs express at Rice University as well as 24 Hour Fitness. Larry also serves as the group fitness coordinator for Fitness Programs. Larry can be seeing keeping the Assistant Director for Fitness sane and ensuring Group Fitness continues to grow and offer what the community enjoys most.

Donna McCue

Donna McCue has enjoyed the benefits of physical fitness her entire life. As a child she would lead the younger children in the neighborhood in exercise and tumbling routines. Throughout her career she always made time to work out. In 2004 she decided to become a provider of physical fitness in addition to a consumer of physical fitness. Donna is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, Texas Lutheran University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Aquatic Exercise Association. She is passionate about health and fitness and loves to share her enthusiasm with all ages and abilities. She always reviews the latest research in exercise science and applies it to her clients and classes. Donna teaches group aquatics, group strength and core strength classes.

D'Ondra McGee

D’Ondra is a graduate of University of Houston where she earned a B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science. D’Ondra has an athletic background as a former member of the Women’s Tennis Team at U of H. She is a certified Tennis Professional through the United States Tennis Association. Along with tennis, D’Ondra is a certified Level I Triathlon coach through USA Triathlon. D’Ondra is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and is certified in First Aid/CPR from the American Red Cross. As a personal trainer D’Ondra looks to assist her clients in attaining their individual goals, while keeping them motivated, enthusiastic, and confident. Some of her interests include working with women and men to improve their overall health and outlook on their lives. She also specializes in the development of sportspecific programs. D’Ondra hopes to challenge her clients and inspire them to work harder than they ever expected to exceed their own limitations. “All I request from my clients is determination, dedication, and a big smile!”

AJ Beard

AJ has been a fan of sports and fitness since childhood and really enjoys being the Assistant Director for Fitness Programs. AJ received an Electrical Engineering and Anthropology Bachelor's degree from Rice University in Houston, TX in 2001. She is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), a certified group fitness instructor with the American Council on Exercise, and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Outside of work, AJ passionately plays competitive Ultimate Frisbee with an all-Texas women’s team and travels as much as she can.

Rhia Robinson

Rhia teaches hatha yoga. Using meditation, integrated breath and movement, Her teaching focuses on building strength, flexibility and grace while connecting to the internal and spiritual aspects of yoga. In Rhia's classes, you'll find a supportive environment for growth, discovery and joy. She is certified by both 8 Limbs Yoga Centers in Seattle and Santa Barbara Yoga Center. Her greatest influences include yoga master Erich Schiffman, Anne Phyfe Palmer, Sarah Powers and Rama Jyoti Vernon.

Heather Roussel

Heather Roussel started personal training in her hometown of New Orleans. She graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Fitness Studies from Louisiana State University in 2005. She holds a certification from ACSM as a Health Fitness Instructor.

Heather specializes in strength-training programs for women and older adults. She also has extensive experience improving functional capacity with special populations such as; people with arthritis, heart disease, asthma, knee/hip replacements and injuries. In addition, Heather prides herself on writing the best individual training programs and motivating people to meet their fitness goals. But what she enjoys most is working with beginner exercisers and the average client who’s looking to improve their general fitness.

“I love helping the everyday working masses who want to feel better mentally and physically through exercise.  They don’t want to score touchdowns; they just want a better quality of life.  That’s why I became a personal trainer.”

Edward Spinks

Edward Spinks is a native Houstonian and has been a participant and facilitator of the Health and Fitness field for the last sixteen years. He has flirted with the business field, arts, and single parenting for several years, with a BA in Business Administration, twenty (20) years as a culinary chef, and accomplishing a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and a BS in Psychology. Finally as education goes, accomplishing a MS in Educational Psychology, with certifications with ACSM in Group Fitness, the AFAA Personal Trainer Program, and has enjoyed the rewards this way of life has provided for students and populations alike. Although there are many of facets of Edward’s life, the Health and Fitness field has provided a broad satisfaction for the practice of achieving the right perspective for the body and mind. Edward recognizes prescriptive exercises, nutritional acknowledgement, and the realization of the proper way to care for your body, mind and soul, is adherence to those perspectives.