Sport Fitness and Health Program (SFHP) courses are taught by faculty, community professionals, Master’s and Doctoral students who come from diverse national and international backgrounds, even including former educational professionals and elite athletes! Get instructor specialties, profiles, and contact information here!
A list of all of our staff
Program Director, SFHP
Instructor - Stress Management for the College Student, Mindful Meditation, Pickleball
Jae's role as senior administrator includes all facets of SFHP, as well as the Founder and Director of the Whole In One Golf Camp for children with special needs. She has been at The Ohio State University since 1998. She earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Mount Saint Joseph University and a Master's of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Slippery Rock University.
Hobbies: Music, cycling, swimming, woodworking, reading and philosophy.
Favorite Quote: "Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
Instructor - Horseback Riding (English, 1, 2, 3, Western 1, 2, 3)
I have a degree from Otterbein College in Equine Facility Management. I train horses and teach horseback riding lessons to riders of all skill levels, from complete beginners to those that are competing on a national level. I am an Ohio 4H horse show judge, coach an Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team and coach the Hunt Seat Equestrian Team at OSU.
Hobbies: Horseback riding, growing houseplants and working out.
Favorite Quote: "You don't get to be mad at the results you did not get from the work you did not do." Selena Samuela
Instructor - Flag Football, Sport For The Spectator
Working and teaching are opportunities that I embrace.
Hobbies: I love all recreational activities that don’t have to do with hiking, fishing, camping or hunting.
Favorite Quote: I don’t have a favorite quote but one standard I live by that will likely not change is if you choose to love a sport in a league then you get one favorite team.
Carolyn currently teaches Pilates courses within the program.
Instructor - Wall Climbing
Bachelor of Arts from Otterbein College – Psychology; Master of Social Work from Ohio State University – Administration; Membership - American Mountain Guides Association & American Alpine Club. Working with the Ohio State students is absolutely the best part of my day! I am so appreciative of their energy and commitment to learning new skills, showing support for one another, and pushing personal limits.
Hobbies: Love indoor / outdoor climbing, ice climbing, back country skiing, and white water paddling, carpentry and woodworking.
Favorite Quote: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” —Mark Twain
Valerie Foito
Instructor - Pilates
Valerie Foito is a fully certified STOTT Pilates Instructor and the owner of Pilates Innovations in Clintonville, where she focuses on training athletes, those with injuries, and special populations. She received a degree at Pennsylvania State University, while dancing professionally.
Hobbies: Travel, photography, home improvement, and supporting local music.
Favorite Quote: “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way” - Unknown
Instructor - Men's Self-Defense, Boxing, Judo, Eskrima
Aaron Gall has spent much of his life studying and competing in the martial arts. His initial interests began in Boxing and Kung Fu, then grew to include kickboxing, Judo, Eskrima, and Jeet Kune Do, in addition to others. His years of competition culminated in competing at the Arnold Classic between 2013-2015, where he metaled each year. In 2014, Aaron tested to be an Instructor under Sifu Richard Bustillo of the IMB Academy and has been dedicated to teaching since.
Hobbies: When Aaron is not teaching, he enjoys traveling with his wife around the world, and creating in other arts like drawing and painting.
Favorite Quote: "To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life." The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Spencer Giese
Instructor - Men's Basketball
Spencer has spent his career working in higher education, primarily working with housing and residence life programs. Outside of work, Spencer has spent the past 16 years coaching basketball, and he currently coaches 8th grade girls basketball in Upper Arlington, and also serves as the AAU Director for Ohio Sports Plus in Dublin.
Hobbies: Pick-up Basketball, and driving around the countryside in his Jeep Wrangler with the top off!
Favorite Quote: "Comparison is the Thief of Joy." – Theodore Roosevelt
Instructor - Strength Training
Alex Fronk is a Kinesiology Senior Lecturer for The Ohio State University at Mansfield, and has instructed SFHP courses supplementally at OSU Columbus, OSU Marion, and OSU Lima. Coming from the field of Collegiate Strength and Conditioning, Alex began teaching for OSU in 2016. She received her B.S. in Exercise Science Education from The Ohio State University, her MPH from the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health at The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, and has acquired fitness certifications including the NSCA CSCS, ACE PT, and ACE GFI.
Hobbies: Exercise, reading, and travelling.
Favorite Quote: “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” — Rosa Parks
Laurah Hallock
Instructor - Women's Self-Defense
Laurah Hallock is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and a member of the GF Team (Ohio) in jiu-jitsu’s sporting circuit. Regarded as one of the best athletes of her generation, Hallock earned her reputation by earning medals in the top gi tournaments of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) circuit, particularly at the World and Pan Championships. She has tailored her JiuJitsu knowledge to evolve a more technical and efficient approach to women’s self defense. With a passion for women’s self defense, she has expanded her JiuJitsu training to teach women’s self defense seminars throughout the US. This extensive background gives her the ability to teach enthusiastically to empower and educate all students.
Hobbies: Bodybuilding (bikini), Muay Thai, Travel.
Favorite Quote: "Believe you can and you’re halfway there." -Theodore Roosevelt
Instructor - Yoga 1
I have been teaching yoga in Columbus for 9 years. I specialize in Hatha styles of yoga with a focus on alignment and learning to better understand the body in movement. I teach primarily at the Ohio State University and McConnell Heart Health Center.
Hobbies: I love to bake, having once even sold my baked goods at a local co-op. I was an English major in undergrad and still love to read. I enjoy sharing my love of parks and movies with my kids.
Favorite Quote: “Look down at your body, whisper, there is no home like you. Thank you” - Rupi Kaur
Kyle Jackson
Instructor - Golf for Business & Life
Kyle is a PGA Member and Golf Professional at Raymond Memorial GC. I have taught at OSU since 2009. I currently teach Golf 1, Golf 2 & Golf For Business.
Hobbies: Spending time with family and occasionally playing golf.
Favorite Quote: "The Ultimate judge of your swing is the flight of the ball." - Ben Hogan
Instructor - Indoor Cycling
Sherri has been a fitness professional for over 30 years and has served as a Group Fitness & Cycle Manager for several gyms. As an outdoor mountain biking enthusiast and part time video disc jockey, Sherri has learned to bring both disciplines together to create a unique indoor cycling experience.
Hobbies: Dancing, Traveling, Outdoor Activities.
Favorite Quote: "It's not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts." -Mother Teresa
Instructor - Strength Training
B.S. in Human Ecology: Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Pre-Physical Therapy, The Ohio State University 2010-2014. Chelsea’s been a professional in the fitness & health industry for 11+ years as a personal trainer, weightlifting coach, and OSU lecturer. She finds it important to pay-it-forward by sharing the valuable knowledge and experience that’s positively impacted her life over the years and hopes that it will improve many more lives in this world beyond just her own.
Hobbies: Cuddling with my dogs, traveling and exploring new places, adventuring outdoors, and coaching & training in Olympic Weightlifting.
Favorite Quote: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more - you are a leader." -Simon Sinek
Instructor - Golf 1
Scott is a PGA Professional, taught Golf 1 at OSU since 2016. Assistant Professional at Mentel Memorial Golf Course. Advisor to the Womens Golf Club Team and The Links Club at OSU.
Instructor, Skydiving
Bud Prenatt is a professional skydiver with the highest instructional ratings in the sport today. He teaches the only credited Intro To Skydiving class in the United States along with Indoor Body Flight.
Hobbies: Skydiving, paragliding, powered paragliding, antique automobiles, and international travel
Favorite Quote: "There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask 'What if I fall?' Oh but my darling, What if you fly?" Erin Hanson
Instructor - Yoga 1, Stress Management, Basic First Aid / CPR
Beaker Prince has studied and taught mindful movement forms for over 30 years. She holds a Master’s of Arts in Education, focusing on Somatic (Body-Mind) studies. Beaker has been certified at the 500 hour level in Yoga (2007); as a teacher of the Alexander Technique (2013); and in Qigong (2022). She has taught in numerous venues, including studios, health centers, K-12, and business settings. She has been an instructor with the Sports, Fitness and Health Program (SFHP) at OSU since 2002 and is currently a Senior Lecturer. Her professional interests center around Wellness and the body-mind connection.
Hobbies: Qigong, yoga and meditation, Hiking, Kayaking, Gardening, Hand Drumming, Lindy Hop (partner and solo jazz dance), Lifelong Learning.
Favorite Quote: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ― Lao Tzu
Instructor - Strength Training, First Aid & CPR
Along with the class I teach at OSU, I’m also a full-time inventory supervisor for Rogue Fitness. I attended The Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University where I graduated with my Secondary degree in Math Education. Some previous jobs I’ve had include being a gymnastics, tumbling, ninja (parkour) and stunting coach for children from five years old to college freshman.
Hobbies: All of my hobbies are centered around my amazing wife and two girls. My whole family loves to sing and dance, take trips as a family to the beach or Disney, and we visit the Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay as often as we can. Outside of time with family I love listening to music, read/listen to audiobooks and watch all genres of movies.
Favorite Quote: "No amount of money ever bought a second of time.” —Tony Stark, Avengers: Endgame
Instructor - Issues in Drug/Alcohol Use and Abuse, First Aid & CPR, Line Dancing, Social Dance 1, 2
I started working for the Sport, Fitness, and Health Program (SFHP) after graduating from The Ohio State University in 2008 and previously assisted instructors in the Social Dance classes. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education from OSU and an M.A. in Higher Education Student Affairs from GCU.
Hobbies: All of my hobbies are centered around spending time with my husband and two girls. Dancing and singing are a constant in our house! We also love trips to the beach, Disney, and outdoor activities like biking and going to the zoo. In the fall, we love going to 'The Shoe' to watch the Buckeyes play football.
Favorite Quote:
Instructor - Soccer, Tennis, Table Tennis, Racquetball, Sport For The Spectator
Seamus has been teaching and coaching sports for over 30 years. He holds a Masters of Education, and also an NSCAA Premier Coaching Certificate (Soccer).
Hobbies: Spending time with my children, Travelling, Reading, Watching Manchester United Soccer Team
Favorite Quote: "Anyone can be great, because anyone can serve" - Dr. Martin Luther King
Robert Richardson
Instructor - Cardio Kickboxing
Chad Roaden
Instructor - Tumbling 1, Tumbling 2
Chad cheered fours years at The Ohio State University and competed on the nationals team placing as high as 3rd in the UCA College Nationals. While attending OSU and coaching he taught summer camps for OASSA Cheer Ohio for 6 years. Chad has been teaching tumbling and coaching competitive all-stars for over 25 years and has had many national titles and taken multiple teams to the Summit and Worlds. Chad is also a part of the USASF field staff doing many various tasks including coach credentialing.
Hobbies: Playing Guitar, Water and snow skiing, Raising 3 girls.
Favorite Quote: “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” - John Wooden
Instructor - Wall Climbing
Kim has loved climbing since she was a child, and is an avid climber outside of her teaching. She has been fortunate enough to teach climbing skills to hundreds of people over the last 20+ years as a program manager of adventure therapy and camp programs here in Central Ohio. She loves getting to teach Ohio State students this wonderful sport!
Hobbies: Climbing, hiking, paddling, wildflowers, and puzzles of all kinds.
Favorite Quote: "Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." - Roger Miller
Lance Sullivan
Instructor - Men's Basketball
Lance Sullivan is a native of Columbus, Ohio and also known to many as the "Hoop Guru." As the founder of Hoops By Nature Foundation, Lance brings to OSU a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Rogers State University and over 28 years of combined basketball experience as a player, coach and skill development trainer. In the last 8 years he has worked with hundreds of youth and assisted over 35 High School athletes in receiving over 2 million dollars in college scholarships. In addition, Lance serves as director of HBN mentoring program that details the parallels between the "Game of life and the Game of Basketball" involving at risk Juveniles currently incarcerated or on probation throughout Franklin county.
Hobbies: I like to watch documentaries and enjoy traveling.
Favorite Quote: "You Miss 100% of the shots you don't take." -Wayne Gretzky
Instructor - Sport For The Spectator, Racquetball, Volleyball
Muskingum University (formerly College) B.S.Ed. Physical Education and Health Education. John Carroll University M.Ed. Educational Administration and Assistant Softball Coach. The Ohio State University. Academic Advisor in the College of Education and Human Ecology. Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator in the Department of Human Sciences. Otterbein University Assistant Softball Coach. Transylvania University Head Softball Coach.
Hobbies: I enjoy anything related to sports, crafts, and creativity. I absolutely love the outdoors. My biggest passion lies in teaching and coaching the college-aged population; using the classroom and any sports venue to instill life lessons. My family and friends mean the world to me and I enjoy spending as much time as I can with each of them.
Favorite Quote: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Instructor - Yoga 1, Yoga 2, Basic First Aid / CPR, Stress Management, Cancer Prevention
Elaine Torrie is a Senior Lecturer who has taught for the Sport, Fitness and Health Program since 2014. She currently teaches Yoga 1, Yoga 2, First Aid and CPR, Stress Management for the College Student, and Cancer Prevention. She holds advanced certifications in Yoga, Meditation, and Pranayama (breathing techniques) as well as her Reiki Master (an energy modality) certification. She is the current Chair of the Department of Human Sciences Lecturer Advisory Committee and also serves on the Department of Human Sciences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Her over-arching goal in teaching is to support her student’s individual journeys in acquiring the knowledge and skills for health and well-being so that they can adapt what is uniquely right for them.
Hobbies: Hiking, biking, practicing Yoga and Meditation, and reading.
Favorite Quote: "To live in the present moment is a miracle. It is a matter of practice." -- Thich Nhat Hanh