Alison Davis-McLain
Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist
FIRM Instructor Since: 2002
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Fitness, CPR
“The best thing about being a FIRM Instructor is teaching the best workout out there to people who believe in its ability to change their bodies.”
Allie Del Rio
Occupation: Studio Fringe Salon, Owner/Cosmetologist
FIRM Instructor Since: 1992
Certifications: AFAA Group Fitness,AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
Motivational Tip: I like to think about how I feel when I DON’T workout. That always gets me going.
Amanda Gantt
Occupation: Internal Auditor
FIRM Instructor Since: 2008
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
“There is no time like the present!! If there is something you have longed to do, go out on a limb and try it. It may become your life’s passion!”
Annie Lee
Occupation: Bariatric Counselor
FIRM Instructor Since: 2003
Certifications: CPR
Dianne Quinn
Occupation: Computer Analyst
FIRM Instructor Since: 1996
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Kickboxing, AFAA Spinning, CPR
Carey Clark
Occupation: Mom, Wife, FIRM Instructor
FIRM Instructor Since: 2011
Certifications: Turbo Kick, Step, CPR
Begin…the rest is easy. In the beginning you might be sore after you workout. Yet, if you stick to it, one day you’ll discover that you’re sore when you don’t!
Emily Welsh
Occupation: The FIRM Studio Owner, Business Manager
FIRM Instructor Since: 2001
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, YogaFIT Level 1, ZUMBA, CPR
“Where else can you get a workout that really works? Watching clients’ bodies change is just amazing!”
Erika Goodwin
Occupation: University of South Carolina Cheer Coach
FIRM Instructor Since: 2011
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR/AED
“Challenge yourself! The reward for doing so is feeling better physically and mentally!”
Jennifer Ray
Occupation: Personal Trainer
FIRM Instructor Since: 2008
Certifications: NSCA-CPT, Yoga Fit Level 1, Zumba, Reebok Cycle, Rep Reebok, CPR
“I feel good about myself when…I can pass on my love for fitness and health to my clients and make a difference in their lives.”
Kelly Branning
Occupation: Domestic Engineer
FIRM Instructor Since: 2008
Certifications: Lifestyle Educator, Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapist (Retired, but still licensed), Jin Shin Do Acupressurist, Craniosacral Therapist, YogaFIT Level 1 & 2, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, CPR
“The FIRM is the single best workout I have ever done, and I have done them all over the years!”
Kim Hicks
Occupation: Physician
FIRM Instructor Since: 2009
Certifications: AFAA Certfied Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
Kirsten Palmer
Occupation: Teacher
FIRM Instructor Since: 1996
Certifications:AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, CPR
Leslie Duffy
Occupation: Outreach Manager for a consulting firm
FIRM Instructor Since: 2002
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, CPR
“I started doing The FIRM workouts while in college and became addicted!”
Lindsay Jopinko
Occupation: Dental Hygenist
FIRM Instructor Since: 2011
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, CPR
“Fitness-If it came in a bottle, everyone would have a great body!” Cher
Louise Smith
Occupation: Pathology Marketing Specialist
FIRM Instructor Since: 2001
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga RYT-200, CPR
“I absolutely love helping and teaching others about fitness. As a FIRM instructor, I get to see clients get stronger and watch their bodies change.”
Marguerite O’Brien
Occupation: University of South Carolina Wellness Director
FIRM Instructor Since: 2011
Certifications: ACSM-CPT, YogaFIT–Level 1-4, Rep Reebok, Cycle Reebok, CPR
“We all have the strength within to live powerfully healthy lives. I enjoy helping people on their wellness journeys.”
Melissa Hurst
Occupation: Research Assistant and full time PhD student at USC
FIRM Instructor Since: 2008
Certifications: CPR
Don’t give up during a hard workout set because the end is always near!
Michelle Edenfield
Occupation: HR Director, Columbia Skin Clinic,LLC
FIRM Instructor Since: 2004
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Spinning, CPR
“If you really want something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
Mindy Fenske
Occupation: College Professor at USC
FIRM Instructor Since: 2006
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, CPR
Be consistent, persistent, and resilient. Workout and eat clean regularly, through good and bad moods and times, and forgive yourself when you need to in order to get back on track.
Nancy Butts
Occupation: Paralegal
FIRM Instructor Since: 2005
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Fitness, ZUMBA, CPR
“There is nothing better than seeing a client that could barely pick up a 5lb dumbbell reach down and pick up a 20lb with purpose.”
Pamela Hemphill
Occupation:
FIRM Instructor Since: 2009
Certifications: AFAA Certfied Personal Trainer, CPR
Rebekah Sturkie
Occupation: The FIRM Studio Manager
FIRM Instructor Since: 2004
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
“Do something you love and are passionate about! It will make reaching your goals easier to obtain!”
Robyn Smarr
Occupation: 6th Grade Teacher
FIRM Instructor Since: 2008
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
“Think of exercise as ‘ME time’ rather than work!”
Sarah Rich
Occupation: Turning Pointe Centre for the Arts, Voice
FIRM Instructor Since: 2011
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, CPR
“I believe anyone can become healthy and fit! I was sedentary for most of my life. The FIRM and it’s instructors have been the most encouraging, motivating, and challenging fitness force in my life!”
Susan Barnes
Occupation: Encore DCS, Owner
FIRM Instructor Since: 2008
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
“[Sometimes] I don’t feel like working out, but push myself to do it anyway. [I] end up having a great workout and feeling better when it’s done!”
Tara Judge
FIRM Instructor Since: 1994
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, YogaFIT Level 1, CPR
Tina Smalley
Occupation: Registered Nurse
FIRM Instructor Since: 1996
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, CPR
“Stop thinking ‘what if?’ and think ‘why not’ instead…Attitude is everything!”
