Elizabeth Wright

Fitness Director Elizabeth Wright celebrated her tenth anniversary at Ladera Oaks, in July, 2011. She is one of the reasons Ladera is a friendly and welcoming place, because she always begins her busy day by greeting as many members as possible while on her way to lead a fitness class or a personal training session. 

Asked about her typical day, Elizabeth says: “I wear a few different hats here as the day progresses – program administrator, resource person for health and fitness information, colleague and team mate. I love my job!” Even as a young child, she understood the connection between activity and vitality, and knew she wanted to work in a health profession. As of May, 2011, she is still the youngest equestrian to win a championship division at the National Horse Show.

Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and a Masters Degree in Exercise physiology and Health Education.  While pursuing her Masters degree, she was one of the first interns accepted to the new Aerobics Activity Center at the Cooper Center in Dallas, Texas.

Although she holds numerous certifications from fitness industry governing bodies, including the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Madd Dogg Athletics, Exer-Safety, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and Zumba, Elizabeth continues to expand her knowledge through experience, certifications, and attending conferences.

Contact Elizabeth at (650) 854-3101 ext. 4020 or email her at elizabeth @ laderaoaks.com.

Teri Barry

Teri remembers the Fitness Center when it was first built as she was here when it opened in 1998. Currently, she’s completing her Masters in Biology while she helps staff and members here as Assistant Fitness Director and Personal Fitness Trainer.  

“Let me help make fitness a part of your life. My focus is on overall wellbeing and making exercise a part of your everyday life. As I know from working on my Thesis; if you spend a lot of time working on your seat you need to get out on your feet to increase energy levels! My favorite activity besides working out in the gym, is hiking.” 

Teri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) with a minor in Sports Nutrition. After graduation she took numerous American College of Sports Medicine approved classes and worked as a Physical Therapy Aide.

Contact Teri at (650) 854-3101 ext. 4025 or email her at teri@laderaoaks.com

 

Denise Gittens

“One day, back is the 80’s, our aerobics teacher did not show up. Though not an instructor, the class asked if I would step up and lead them. Well, it turned out well in the end and I started studying and learning! From that beginning, I have honed a career in Health & Fitness with over 20 years as both a group exercise instructor and a personal trainer.

“I have worked with many individuals with all kinds of challenges. I have been very successful in providing motivation and an attitude of “I can.” My motto is “there is something for everyone.” There are modifications to every exercise and “where there is a will, there is a way.”                                                                                                   

Denise has an Associate of Arts Degree and has been certified through the American Council on Exercise ("ACE"), the Arthritis Foundation and just recently - Zuma.  She also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
 

Contact Denise at (650) 218-6169 or email her at deniseg@laderaoaks.com.

John Babin

“I love the San Francisco Bay Area and have lived here my whole life, growing up in the Belmont/San Carlos area. For 12 years, I have trained, performed, and taught various acrobatic circus arts, including Chinese acrobatics/tumbling, flying trapeze, and aerial rope. Teaching and training others in acrobatics and flying trapeze helped me discover my passion for teaching and for helping others push themselves to achieve new levels of strength and skill.” 

John’s studies in acrobatics led to an enthusiasm for fitness and exercise training in other areas—some of his favorite fitness activities include running, hiking, spinning, biking, and weight training. “My interest in fitness and for helping others inspired me to become a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). I like my clients to participate in a well-rounded exercise program that includes interval-based cardiovascular training, body-weight conditioning and resistance training, and flexibility training.”

To book a training session with John, you may reach him at (650) 703-9862 or johnb@laderaoaks.com.  To reach the Fitness Center, call 854-3101, x 4000.




 

Howard Doherty

Howard started working at Ladera Oaks as a life guard in 2009, and recently started coaching the swim team. These responsibilities come naturally to a young man who grew up playing basketball, baseball, and golf, and was a member of a swim team. According to Howard, “The best part of Ladera is the sense of community.”

Because the employees at Ladera are such a close-knit community, Howard says he looks forward to coming to work each day.

“Since I started playing sports at a young age, fitness has been an important part of my life and daily regime. I’m happy to help anyone who is interested in being more active and live a healthier life.”

Howard studied engineering management at the University of Arizona, and has an Associate degree in economics from Foothill College. In the fall, he plans to continue his studies in economics at a local university. In addition to his work at Ladera, Howard works as a research assistant at Stanford University.  

Contact Howard at (650) 854-3101 ext. 4000 or howardd@laderaoaks.com.