Jeffrey Bush, MS, CPT, FNBFE
Jennifer Borgio, BS, ATC, CPT, FNBFE
Amanda Boyd, BS, CFT, NBFE
Theresa Cordova, MS, CFT, FNBFE
Marcia Ditmyer, PhD, CHES, FNBFE
Sara Fleming, MS, CFT, FNBFE
2016 NBFE FELLOWS
NBFE Fellows are a focus group of leading subject matter experts [SMEs] that represent the best practices and broad perspectives of the fitness industry. This group was selected by the NBFE Trustees from over 100 nominations. These experts are all active and experienced Personal Trainers that hold multiple fitness certification and/or academic training in related fields. Credentialed NBFE Fellows are listed with their bios in alphabetical order.
Jeffrey Bush, MS, CPT, FNBFE
Mr. Bush has been a NBFE Fellow since 2005 and has 25 years of professional fitness experience, including personal training, teaching, program development and writing. He is currently a personal fitness trainer in Chicago, Illinois, where he performs home-based training for private clients. He is also a top-rated certification specialist for the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA) facilitating more than 250 three-day, personal trainer certification and business management classes to 1,500+ attendees nationwide.
Mr. Bush is the exercise and fitness consultant for ADHD Centers of America, an organization providing treatment and support services to adults and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He is co-authoring a book, with leading scientific and medical authorities, on the neuroendocrine effects of exercise on ADHD.
Mr. Bush received his Masters of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with additional study in worksite health promotion through the University of Michigan School of Public Health (Department of Health Behavior & Health Education). He holds Bachelors of Arts in English from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to being a competitive rower and a U.S. Masters swimmer, Mr. Bush has held positions as swim coach for the Northwestern University Triathlon Team and assistant rowing coach for the Lincoln Park Boat Club in Chicago. He holds a Level 2 coaching certification from the American Swimming Coaches Association and a Level 1 coaching certification from U.S. Rowing.
Mr. Bush has a client base that varies widely to include competitive athletes, corporate executives, older adults (ages 65-102), high school athletes and Olympic hopefuls. He also works with special populations, including, older adults, people with diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, HIV, and people undergoing doctor supervised rehabilitation. He has been involved in fitness, health promotion and disease management programming in managed care, corporate and academic settings. He writes and publishes articles for the lay-public on fitness, nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention.
Jennifer Borgio, BS, ATC, CPT, FNBFE
Ms. Borgio, has led the fitness industry adapting athletic training experience in roles as an AFAA Certification Specialist, Fitness Center Manager, Health and Wellness Specialist, Health and Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for the last 25 years. She is the Director of Training and Education for One Call Care Management, Certified Athletic Trainer, and has Bachelors of Science degree in Athletic Training through Central Connecticut State University.
Ms. Borgio was responsible for online fitness education for six years through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America [AFAA]. She led training sessions for allied health and fitness professional worldwide in personal training, group exercise [multiple modalities] and special exercise programs. Often, she would host special events for groups like the Bigger Losers, while certifying trainers in multiple locations throughout the United States.
Ms. Borgio has led corporate health and wellness programs and through her efforts these companies have been recipients of Workplace Wellness Awards, in addition to training her personal clientele. She is a founding member of Personal Running Solutions and Marine Corps Board Member and Officer for the Freedom 5K and Half Marathon Committee both of Jacksonville, Florida. Ms. Borgio is an accomplished marathon runner and stays abreast of acute changes in nutrition to help fuel performance for her family, friends and clientele.
Amanda Boyd, BS, CFT, NBFE
Ms. Boyd is an experienced personal trainer and coach, who founded Impact Training in 2007. After years working in Fitness Center Operations, she wanted to take a more personalized approach in meeting the need of clients. As a successful entrepreneur, the demand of Impact Training programs and services, led to designing and implementing tools and training resources online to meet the quick growth and expansion of the Impact Training business.
Ms. Boyd is degreed with Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies, has attained numerous certifications from ISSA, American Red Cross, and facilitates innovative academic courses as an adjunct professor for Bryan University. She spends devoted time enriching her family’s life and others in the community by working with youth through Boys and Girls Town, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Champion Athletes, North Point Church Elementary department, The Bridge Church, Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps.
Theresa Cordova, MS, CFT, FNBFE
Ms. Cordova, is the Co-Owner and Vice President of Academy Applied Personal Training Education. She holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Adelphi University and Bachelors of Science from Hofstra University. She has authored numerous curriculums for academic education, certification and continuing education courses, while facilitating face-to-face seminars and workshops. Ms. Cordova works with a continuum of lifespan, creating Fit Kids 4 Life a youth program.
Ms. Cordova’s primary area of concentration is the musculoskeletal system, mechanical analysis and practical application of resistance training, in addition to the mechanical and physiological pathologies that limit functional capacities. Her aspiration is to provide a critical link to fitness professionals and students in regard to the application of cardiorespiratory and resistance training exercise.
Ms. Cordova’s ideology that exercise affects the structure and the functions of the human body, so it is essential to have a broad view of the potential benefits and risks, prior to initiating an exercise program. In this regard, her focus and determination are to strive to bring a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanical and physiological efficiencies of cardiorespiratory and resistance training exercise.
Marcia Ditmyer, PhD, MBA, MS, CHES, FNBFE
Dr. Ditmyer has been a NBFE Fellow since 2005 and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, School of Dental Medicine. She has a PhD in Public Health, with emphasis on Research and Measurement. Additionally, she holds an MBA and a MS in Health Education. Dr. Ditmyer is also the Program Director for the Masters of Public Health Program at Independence University in Salt Lake City, UT.
Along with working in the field of Health, Safety, and Wellness promotion, Dr. Ditmyer has worked in the fitness industry for over 30 years. She holds many professional certifications, including Certified Health Education Specialist, Personal Fitness Training, and Group Exercise. She has consulted for many of the nationally-recognized fitness organizations developing, editing, and conducting certification and continuing workshops. Additionally, she has published articles in professional peer-review journals. In the past, she has served on committees regarding licensure and credentialing, and currently serving a five-year term on the Division Board for Certification for the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
Sara Fleming, MS, CFT, FNBFE
Ms. Fleming is a certified fitness trainer, weightlifting coach with Masters of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Georgetown University. She is certified by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Fitness Trainer, Youth Fitness Trainer, and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, as well as USA Weightlifting and USA Track and Field. As a coach, she has trained numerous athletes at the national and world level in weightlifting and powerlifting. As a proponent of trainer education, Ms. Fleming has mentored and taught many trainers, coaches, and athletes, personally or through clinics, seminars. Ms. Fleming has served as an assistant coach & strength coach for the Carolina Elite youth track and field club, while designing and teaching strength and fitness classes for third and fourth graders at Baileywick Elementary School, in Raleigh, NC.
Ms. Fleming has authored a certification course for the ISSA, Specialist in Group Fitness, which she is currently teaching for the ISSA’s online college. As a writer and educator, she provides articles, educational materials for fitness training and performance nutrition on the ISSA blog, online publications, seminars for coaches, athletes and for other clients on her professional websites.
In her private practice, Ms. Fleming currently trains a broad range of individuals in both personal and group settings including children, adults, senior citizens, and athletes of all ages and sports. As an athlete, she enjoys competing in powerlifting and highland games and creates a well-rounded fitness program for her family. Prior to her training career, Ms. Fleming worked as a medical researcher for ten years in both the university and private sector in which she co-authored many scientific articles and grant applications.
Patrick Gamboa, BS, MSS, FNBFE
Mr. Gamboa has been a NBFE Fellow since 2005 and in the fitness industry for over 25 years. With academic degrees in Exercise Physiology and Biology respectively, he provides leadership in the industry as an educator, writer, consultant, coach and trainer. Patrick is an ISSA Master of Fitness Sciences, an ISSA Master of Sports Sciences and the Head Master Trainer for the ISSA with more than 15 Fitness and Nutrition related certifications.
Upon completing his degree Mr. Gamboa worked in a variety of different settings, working primarily as a biology teacher, trainer and strength and conditioning coach where he contributed to leading the John Muir Mustangs Outdoor Track Team to a 1997 High school outdoor State and National championship. During these initial years Mr. Gamboa developed his love for the sport of natural bodybuilding and is natural bodybuilding champion with the NPC, UNBA, ABA and the ACBA having competed in each of the last ten years.
Mr. Gamboa currently serves as the COO. He is the Editor in Chief of the Associate Newsletter and the Pro Trainer Online magazine. In addition to his responsibilities with the ISSA, he is a Distance Education Training Council certified evaluator and a Regional Lead Testing Coordinator for the National Board of Fitness Examiners.
Laura A. Gladwin, LGA Fitness, MS, MAFP, FNBFE
Ms. Gladwin has been an NBFE Fellow since 2005 and is the owner of LGA Fitness Consulting specializing in wellness educational program development and implementation. Ms. Gladwin received her undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Health from Michigan State University and her Masters, specializing in Exercise Physiology and Gerontology from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).
Ms. Gladwin served as an associate professor for the Division of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at CSUF and an instructor for CSUF Senior Fitness and St. John Fisher/LIFESPAN Gerontology Certificate Programs. As former Director of Education for AFAA, she led a team of subject-matter experts who were instrumental in the development of AFAA’s standard and guidelines, certifications and specialty workshops. Ms. Gladwin also assisted in the development of the practical component for the NBFE examination process.
Ms. Gladwin is the former Director of the You’re in Charge! health promotions program at Preferred Care/MVP, an HMO located in Rochester, NY, where her staff served over 150,000 commercial and 60,000 Medicare members providing wellness programs within the community and workplace. Under her leadership, the You’re in Charge! program was awarded the 2002 Health Care Achievement Award. She also has worked very closely with the Medical Fitness Association and was honored with the 2013 Marla Richmond Award for her creativity and dedication in health and fitness education.
With over 35 years, experience in the fitness industry, Ms. Gladwin has worked closely with many of the industry’s leading organizations. In addition, Ms. Gladwin is recognized for her roles as an editor, author, mentor and international presenter/instructor.
Chad Hallett, CPT, SSC, USAW SPC, LMT, FNFBE
Mr. Hallett is a well-recognized Sports Performance Coach and Personal Trainer in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area and has been active in the fitness industry for 10+ years. He is the owner of Adrenaline Sports LLC a Sports Performance and Personal Training facility located in Cherry Hill, NJ, offering one-on-one training, group fitness, strength & conditioning for athletes of all levels, as well as corporate wellness programs and massage therapy.
As an avid trainer, he knows the importance of taking care of the body and has a desire to be a great influence on others. His dedication and respect for fitness helps him continue to improve with his own training, as well as motivates and inspires his clients to attain their personal goals. Mr. Hallett has worked with numerous athletes in High School, Collegiate and on the professional level. He also works with clients for general fitness in various levels as well as special populations.
Mr. Hallett has obtained a degree in Exercise Science as well as certifications from USA Weightlifting as a Sports Performance Coach, International Sports Sciences Association as a Specialist in Sports Conditioning, Specialist in Fitness Therapy, Specialist in Youth Fitness and Personal Training, The National Academy of Speed and Explosion as a Specialist in Speed and Explosion and Combine 360 powered by Under Armour as a Level 3 Coach. In addition to the certifications, he has earned the Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor title from RKC Master Mike Mahler and level 1 Coach under John Brookfield’s Battle Rope Training System. He is also a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Paul Hovan, Jr., BS, CFT, FNBFE
Mr. Hovan, Jr. is the Founder and President of Hov Hustle Fitness, LLC – an online personal training and nutrition consulting business. He founded Hov Hustle Fitness his senior year of college and has trained hundreds of clients. Mr. Hovan has used his expertise and background as an Exercise Science Specialist and Fitness Expert.
Mr. Hovan became a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine when he was 18 years old, holds numerous certifications through ISSA and frequent writer for Ironman Magazine and several eBook projects. He graduated with his Bachelors in Physical Education/Exercise Science from Central Connecticut State University.
Mr. Hovan was awarded with the 2016 Outstanding Honor Graduate Award at the 90th Annual Distance Education & Accrediting Commission [DECA] Conference in Washington, DC in April 2016. This award was presented to him as a graduate of ISSA over 1.5 million students that the DEAC accredits. He has been featured in national campaign ads and the April 2016 issues of Flex Magazine and Muscle & Fitness Magazine.
Mr. Hovan trains clients ranging from bodybuilding competitors, to serious athletes, to the average individual who wants to lose weight throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and South Korea. He is currently back in school to obtain his Bachelors of Science in Nursing and become a Registered Nurse, to help people who need the highest level of care.
Sean Johnson, JRT Fit, CPT, FNBFE
Mr. Johnson is the sole owner of JRT Fit, a private personal training club in Littleton, Colorado, where he provides industry-leading approaches to injury prevention and post-rehabilitation exercise. As a mentor to other trainers, he teaches and encourages scientific inquiry as well as best practices for effective, low-cost marketing. Mr. Johnson has been a personal trainer for over 18 years and is currently certified through ISSA, NASM, and APEX with specialties in Fitness Therapy, Performance Nutrition, Corrective Exercise, and Performance Enhancement. He has held previous certifications with ACE, ACSM, and AFTA.
Prior to establishing JRT Fit, he served as Director of Rehabilitation Services for Foothills Chiropractic & Wellness in the south Denver metro area. His clients have included athletes, doctors, physical therapists, and other trainers. Sean started in the industry by training at numerous area gyms including Life Time Fitness, Bally Total Fitness, Club USA, and 24-Hour Fitness before taking on his first co-ownership and management role in 2001 at Body Werx, a private membership and personal training club in Littleton.
Dean Lelm, MS, LMT, CPT, FNBFE
Mr. Lelm has his Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and Masters in Exercise Science/Education, from Minot State University in North Dakota. He holds a degree in Massage Therapy and has experience in sports medicine and physical therapy. As a Certified Trainer and Holistic Nutritionist through the NCEP, his goal is to expand the NCEP’s practical approach for aspiring personal trainers throughout the United States.
Mr. Lelm has been training a wide variety of individuals for over 20 years. His clientele includes fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, clients with disabilities, youth and the aging population. Training high school athletes the right way is important as marked by his dedication in the Exercise Physiology Department where he was the head strength and conditioning coach for athletes in North Dakota for 15 years. With his move to Redondo Beach, California he works as a personal trainer, fitness manager for a high-end health club and serves as an instructor of the NASM curriculum at a local college.
Mr. Lelm first became interested in health and fitness when he was competing as a collegiate athlete in basketball. He has personally experienced the benefits of health and fitness and gets great joy out of “teaching it forward.” He enjoys sharing and educating others about NCEP’s approach to fitness. He truly sees how fitness should be more fun, not more work.
William Lockley, BA, CPT, FNBFE
Mr. Lockley has had a covenant career, training professional athletes in the NFL, MLB, Olympics and UFC. A few to include Larry Johnson [Kansas City Chiefs], Bryant McKinnie [Miami Dolphins] Terrelle Pryor [Oakland Raiders], Jon Beason [Carolina Panthers], J.P. Arencibia [Texas Rangers] and more. Currently he works as the Director of Business Development and has been featured or published articles in Men’s Health, Huffington Post and other national publications.
Mr. Lockley has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Florida International University and credentialed in numerous certifications from NSCA-CSCS, USA Track and Field Level 1, CPR/AED, NASM-FNS, MMACS, ACE-GFI, Precision Nutrition Level 1, ISSA-CFT, TRX, ViPR and Trigger Point Therapy. He enjoys innovative programming and community achievements like taking his athletes to State Championships, encouraging citizens of his city to lose 100,000 pounds in one year, while giving hundreds of presentations to athletes, corporations, community organizations and the media.
Dorette Nysewander, EdD, MS, MBTI, FNBFE
Dr. Nysewander has been a NBFE Fellow since 2005 and as President of D Group Consulting Services, Inc., she provides leadership facilitation and consultation services, develops innovative curriculums and implements organizational health, wellness or behavior change initiatives worldwide. Through public-private partnerships she challenges accomplished workforce teams and creates standard operating procedures.
As a researcher, writer and professor she develops forward thinking curriculums for academia and business, master’s accreditation standards and links education to business results. She received a doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Health Care Education from Nova Southeastern University, holds a Masters in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University, and Bachelors of Science from Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Nysewander directs strategic planning initiatives for the development of community councils, standardizes operation logistics for over 150 corporate sites simultaneously and organizes hundreds of philanthropic volunteers with proven results for business and public commerce. As an accomplished speaker, she has given over 1,200 presentations for clients across 4 continents and recognized as one of 75 Most Influential People in JAX Healthcare, 904 Magazine 2012. She has certifications in fitness, leadership and behavior change theories, authored numerous allied health and fitness curriculums, articles, websites, magazines and participated in media events. Committed to innovation in supporting people in environments to improve their health, learn and honor their gifts.
Jason Pierce, CWO USMC, CPT, FNBFE
Pierce is a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the United States Marine Corps and has been serving for over 20 years. CWO Pierce thrives in challenging environments and has been on four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Black Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and recognized for excellence on both the Physical and Combat Fitness Tests. As a seasoned officer, he delivers a wealth of military knowledge, experience and leadership to the fitness industry. CWO Pierce combines technical military proficiency with his acumen to educate others on the physical rigors of the military. He diligently seeks to mentor Marines on physical fitness, coaching and assisting service members, veterans and Division 1 Athletes.
CWO Pierce has competed in Men’s Physique in the National Physique Committee, powerlifting in the Southern Powerlifting Association, Triathlon with USA Triathlon, and Marathons with U.S. Road Running Association. He is a member of the New Orleans Track Club and was the Captain of running team who finished third place in its very first season. He has an academic degree in General Studies and is currently finishing a degree in Transportation and Logistics Management.
CWO Pierce was a published fitness and nutrition writer for a newspaper column reaching over 50,000 readers weekly and submits fitness articles in other countries. He has experience working with operations and development with a startup supplement company. As a fitness trainer, he holds certifications as an ISSA Master Trainer - Personal Trainer Certification, Fitness Nutrition Certification, Exercise Therapy Certification, Senior Fitness Certification, Youth Fitness Certification, and Strength and Conditioning Certification. He continues to work closely with professional fitness trainers in Italy, Mexico, UAE, and India.
John Rowley, UX3, CPT, FNBFE
Mr. Rowley is the Founder and CEO of UX3. This innovative company has helped many athletes, those aspiring to gain personal health and well-being and individuals recovery from illness. When a devastating car accident cut his promising college athletic career short, he had a choice. Give up his dream and accept the fate others thought he was doomed to, or search out a new course to better his life. So, he did what winners do. Mr. Rowley faced the challenge and conquered his limitations. Determined to be healthy again, he took on recovery with a vengeance, studying kinesiology, exercise, anatomy, fitness and nutrition.
Mr. Rowley’s winning attitude serves him well, as it enabled him to work his way up from a janitor in Brooklyn to the high-powered world of New York City real estate. As one of the youngest Senior VP’s in Manhattan, his reputation as a top executive enabled him to represent some of the most prestigious properties on Park Avenue and the Upper East Side.
With this background in both real estate and wellness, it seemed only natural that his next step would be combining the two. Stretching his entrepreneurial wings, he bought the Brooklyn gym featured in the movie Pumping Iron – starring famed body builders Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.
Mr. Rowley went on to combine his unique knowledge and his passion to help people with his run-away best seller, Old School New Body. An international sensation, it has motivated people worldwide to work harder toward physical, mental and spiritual fitness. As the author of two other books, The Power of Positive Fitness and Climb Your Ladder of Success Without Running out of Gas were best sellers and well received by the media.
For over 35 years, John has used his passion to inspire others. His simple solutions, crafted from what he’s learned from top athletes, doctors and even celebrities, have change people’s lives. He is very passionate about sharing his knowledge with others, so they can become healthy, lean, fit and successful in their own lives!
J.R. Smith, Fit Maxx, CPT, FNBFE
Mr. Smith is the CEO and owner of Fit Maxx an organization dedicated to helping people improve their lives. For over 34 years, Fit Maxx has created innovative programs: Body Sport Strength and Conditioning, Boot Camp Transformation, Obesity Rehab, Post Rehab/Medical Exercise, wellness initiatives of all areas of needs, as well as the first to create personal training in Southern Kentucky to target baby boomers!
Mr. Smith holds an education degree from Somerset College, certifications in Performance Nutrition, Medical Exercise Specialist, Certification Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist High School Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Personal Training, Body Building Sciences and Olympic Weight Lifting Instructor.
Mr. Smith’s passion is helping people. It’s that simple. I want to see individuals get better each day. It’s a process that can’t be rushed. It must be nurtured and managed like any other lifestyle change. Through a step by step process my clients work through the Fit Maxx Mastermind Success Coaching program that produces desirable results for clients.
People need help, but they have nowhere to turn. As such, they are pulled into a marketing vacuum that presents itself as the solution, when in reality, it is full of failure---92% of individuals begin to implement a lifestyle change. While 8% are successful, it is that 8% that pursued a coach with a working strategy to help them become successful. I like to say that my clients are the 8 Percenters!
Brian Theiss, Theiss Care, AA, CFT, MFS, FNBFE
Mr. Theiss is the Founder and CEO of American Built Bodies, Theiss Institute and Theiss Care, LLC a multidimensional corporate executive health and wellness consulting business. He received his AA from Moorpark College majoring in Biology, minoring in Chemistry with a background in Sports Medicine. He served as a tutor for Santa Barbara City College, UCSB in Chemistry, Biology, and Physiology for 8 years. As a wellness and fitness expert he holds a certification through ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association).
Mr. Theiss has served as the President of Starkey Hearing Foundation working with thousands of patients worldwide. He has been awarded by the Saint John’s Health Center and John Wayne Cancer Institute for valued contributions to the Brain Tumor Center in 2010. He received the World Vision Project Global Humanitarian Award in 2012, for being the most prominent health and fitness consultant in the world for changing lives through the development of revolutionary techniques and processes in the health management. The UCLA Pituitary Tumor Group Appreciation Award, recognized Mr. Theiss for being a valued contributor. He was the Trainer and Performance Consultant for the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team in 2001 and facilitated the VO2 Test Program for the Los Angeles Kings 2000-2005.
Mr. Theiss is a featured keynote speaker, publisher and author. In 30 years of business, he has worked with 975 physicians, 19,000 clients worldwide, and established himself as a pioneer in the field of executive health and wellness.
William Lockley, BA, CPT, FNBFE
Dorette Nysewander, EdD, MBTI, FNBFE
Jason Pierce, CWO USMC, CPT, FNBFE
John Rowley, UX3, CPT, FNBFE
J.R. Smith, Fit Maxx, CPT, FNBFE
Brian Theiss, AA, CFT, MFS, FNBFE
Patrick Gamboa, BS, MSS, FNBFE
Laura A. Gladwin, MS, FNBFE
Chad Hallett, LMT, CPT, FNFBE
Paul Hovan, Jr., BS, CFT, FNBFE
Sean Johnson, CPT, FNBFE
Dean Lelm, MS, LMT, CPT, FNBFE