Meet the Coaches at Beyond Fitness Family!

At Beyond Fitness Family, we are truly a...family! This month we are featuring a few of the women who help make our community what it is! Our coaches and general manager all play a vital role in cultivating confidence, empowerment and strength in our members while making it fun. Click each name below to learn more about our incredible team!

Marisa Manzo, General Manager & Head Personal Trainer

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

Being the general manager, I have learned many transferable skills from the classroom (my college background is education). Some of those skills include leadership and team management, communication and conflict resolution, goal setting, and organization/time management. 

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

Listening to their needs - that's what we're here for. Being intentional with the workouts or programs that will help them reach their goals. I always do check-ins, does anything hurt? Do they feel a specific muscle being activated? 

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

It all started back when I took to fitness and working out consistently in my young 20s - I never really thought about becoming a trainer until Haley reached out to me and asked if I was interested in working with her part time while I was a full time teacher.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

The vibes and community of being an all-women's gym. Women are so relatable and being able to help them overcome fear, reach their goals, or just want to be around other like-minded women is what we're all about!

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

My first name, Marisa, is a combination of my dad's name (Mark) and my mom's name (Lisa). This was not intentional when they picked my name!

What's your go-to hype song?

Closer by the Chainsmokers

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal? 

A nice pasta dish with added protein! 

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

Continue to help the BFF community grow as I transition into being a first time mom. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

It can be scary, but with the right guidance and support, you will see results in no time! 

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

Routine routine routine - plan your workout so it becomes part of your routine and not a chore. For example, if you can make it to the gym before work, do that. If you go everyday after work, do that. A matching workout set always makes me feel good, too!

Beth Henigan, Physical Therapist & Pelvic Floor Specialist

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

I'm a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), OMPT (orthopedic manual physical therapist), and pelvic floor physical therapist. I'm also a doula and a certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist (PCES).

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

I focus on rebuilding strength and athleticism. Functional training, especially training the moves beyond the frontal and sagittal planes to help build coordination and mobility. 

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

Becoming a PT was inspired by my great grandma's battle with ALS and my own injuries as an athlete. I pivoted into pelvic health after navigating high risk pregnancies, preterm birth, and postpartum complications.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

I love that we have been able to break out of the traditional mode and build solutions for moms.

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know? 

My husband and I are high school sweethearts and avid rock climbers (so are our kids).

What's your go-to hype song? 

Lately my 5 year old and I jam to Golden.

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?  

Cottage cheese and blueberries.

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year? 

Growing my practice to add on other clinicians, rehab from Endo surgery and get back to my current PRs by July next year.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey? 

Drop the perfectionist "all or none" mentality. Life happens, get back on the consistent, sustainable horse as fast as you can, but don't throw everything away if you have a bad day, week, or month

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices? 

I have so many so many pelvic floor things in my office. Love a good foam roller. Big on meditation. I have a deep love of pre-workout on leg day.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I'm a mom of 2 boys who are very sweet but like also pretty feral. 

Ava Mackovski, Personal Training Coach

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

I am a certified personal trainer and certified nutrition coach through NASM, I also have a degree in dietetics with a minor in health promotion from Michigan State!

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

I aim to make training fun and enjoyable to help build a client's strength and confidence. I make sure to focus on including a variety of exercises that challenge form, endurance, and balance. I want all clients to feel accomplished and motivated after training!

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

I have always had a passion for health and fitness and wanted to help others navigate their training, move their body, and increase their confidence and understanding of what they can do. I love to coach and create workouts that really challenge others and myself!

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

The people and the environment! Everyone is so friendly and it is truly such a comfortable and supportive place to be.

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

I'm an only child, and I have also been a dancer my whole life!

What's your go-to hype song?

Literally any rap song from the early 2000s.

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal? 

Greek yogurt with berries and peanut butter   

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

To find more balance in life, I want to continue to challenge myself and stay consistent, but also remind myself to slow down and enjoy the process along the way :)

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

Find workouts and activities that you enjoy doing, focus on how you feel, and chase progress not perfection.

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

One of my go-to habits is daily walking, I love to go on long walks especially when the weather is nice. I usually track steps using my apple watch! I also make it a habit to frequently mix up my training and do a variety of exercises during the week, whether that be strength training, cardio, or pilates! 

Anything else you'd like to share?

I have a coffee obsession ☕️

Ariel Edmonson, Yoga Instructor

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

I am a RYT-500 and finishing my power Pilates certification. 

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

I just try to meet people where they are at. You don’t have to be the most flexible for a yoga class, it’s just about making ourselves feel good! 

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

Yoga helped me in so many ways when I began practicing. It helped me focus better, sleep sounded, and reduced my anxiety, I wanted to share that with others! 

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

I love the small class sizes for the studio, it’s nice to get to know everyone and watch their practice develop! 

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

I am a part-time farmer! I have about 100 chickens and grow a lot of my own food! 

What's your go-to hype song?

Seven nation army by the White Stripes! 

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?

I love a smoothie bowl! 

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

I’m trying to prioritize sleep by going to bed a little earlier every night.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

Don’t be hard on yourself, everyday is a practice, not a performance.

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

I’m a skincare girlie so the last year I’ve incorporated face yoga in to my nightly routine and it’s so relaxing and just melts away any tension from the day.

Angela Simoski, Pilates Coach

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

I am a Merrithew STOTT trained Pilates instructor in both Mat & Reformer Pilates and am completing a supplemental course on the anatomy of movement for Pilates instructors

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

My philosophy when it comes to working with clients is I like to approach movement as a full mind body experience. By combining the classical Pilates principles with dynamic movements and an emphasis on breath, clients will have complete mind body awareness. 

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

I wanted to become a Pilates instructor since I seen what lovely benefits Pilates has had on me and my body, I wanted to share this amazing practice and continue to build this wonderful community. 

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

My favorite aspect of being part of the BFF community is the female empowerment and the kindness I have seen from all the coaches & clients. Everyone is always supporting each other and motivating each other in such positive ways and there is no judgement! 

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

A fun fact about me is that I actually was a tennis player for 13 years before becoming a Pilates instructor, so sometimes I like to combine some movement and cardio philosophies from tennis in my workouts  

What's your go-to hype song?

"Be The One" by Eli Brown. 

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?

I love a Made Good granola bar with LMNT electrolytes on the side! 

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

A fitness goal I want to reach in the next year is to finally be able to run a 10 minute mile! (I am 30 seconds away!) & to further my Pilates education by completing further education courses on Pre & Postnatal Pilates. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

Don't get overwhelmed! There is so much information to absorb, take it day by day. Changing daily habits gradually has a large impact. 

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

Go to fitness products: anything Bala! (specifically the bangles & beam). Go to wellness practice: the sauna for 10 mins after a workout! 

Kiley Yerkovich, Personal Training Coach

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness? 

I am CPA and First aide certified. I am also a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) chapter and currently enrolled at Oakland University majoring in Exercise Science.

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

I always want people to feel confident in what their goals are and just want to inspire them to do their own personal best. Helping clients reach their fitness goals is about honoring their own journeys whatever they are. I hope I inspire them to see that they are capable and strong and able to do whatever they want on their fitness journey.

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach? 

I grew up dancing and studying all types of dance and also competing for 16 years. Fitness has always been a huge part of my life and I love to help others achieve their goals. Another inspiration would be my brother who is a certified personal trainer and certified in nutrition.  

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

All the amazing members and staff and that we truly are "family".

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

I love Disney and love my dogs!

What's your go-to hype song? 

Plain Jane Remix.

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal? 

A protein shake.

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

Within the next year I would like to go to more concerts personally & for fun. Within the next two years I would like to earn my Bachelor's of Science with a major in Exercise Science and also obtain my personal trainer certification. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

Set short term goals that are easily reachable to keep you on track. The long term goal will come in time. If you are on a weight loss journey remember the weight did not come on overnight so it will not come off overnight and there will be ups and downs. Consistency is key and never stop giving up on you. 

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

I use pre-made healthy meals from MI Nutrition to keep me on track on busy days. Prioritize rest and drink lots of water.

Mikayla Nowik, Personal Training Coach

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

I got my CPT certification through the W.I.T.S personal training program. I have also gained a lot of knowledge through my own trials and experience in the gym. 

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

I truly believe whatever anyone’s goal is, it is without a doubt possible, all you need is consistency, dedication, and patience! 

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

Once I finally understood what needs to be done to achieve my goals, I fell in love with the idea of being able to push my limits and create new goals in the gym. That is why I wanted to be the person that others can come to, to be able to teach them enough to get them to an area where they are confident enough to be able to achieve there goals on their own and fall in love with the process like I have! 

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

My favorite part of being part of Beyond Fitness Family is seeing how strong all of the women are that walk into that gym. I love growing connections with all the women and being part of their fitness journeys! 

 What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know? 

Something you may not know about me is I am in college right now for Nursing! 

What's your go-to hype song? 

“Rock Ur World” by Knock2 

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?  

My go-to post workout meal would ground beef and some well seasoned sweet potatoes, with a scoop of cottage cheese! 

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year? 

A goal of mine this year is to be able to work with more women one on one to be able to help them grow in a routine that is specific for them! 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey? 

You will find your self falling behind on your progress at times, but hop back on track and stay consistent, you will reach your goal if you want it bad enough, also be patient! 

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices? 

My favorite habit is drinking my pre-workout drink before the gym, right when I make that drink, I’m going no matter what, it keeps me consistent and accountable 

Anything else you'd like to share?

If you’re looking for someone to help you reach your goals, I would love to help you get there! 

Rachel Featherstone, Personal Training Coach

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

NASM CPT, Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Specialist

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

Balanced, sustainable, & empowering - I like focusing on strength, confidence, & realistic lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes!

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

After I hired my own coach! I've always loved fitness & nutrition, but having someone tell me EXACTLY what to do took the guesswork out of it and that's when I really started seeing results and feeling like all my hard work was paying off.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

The women! The coaches and the members are all so supportive of each other and fun :)

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

I danced growing up but stopped after high school. I just started taking adult dance classes and am LOVING dancing again! 

What's your go-to hype song?

The Spins - Mac Miller

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?

Eggs, egg whites, & toast (boring but hits the spot every time lol)!

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

Continuing to grow & learn as much as I can to change the lives of SO many more women.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

DON'T GIVE UP! Not every day is going to be perfect, but being consistent even when it's hard is what's going to get you where you want to be.

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

Walking pad!!!!!!!!! Bonus points if you listen to a wellness/mindfulness podcast while walking.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I like dogs :)

Carly Robinet, Personal Training Coach

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients? Whenever I work with clients my biggest philosophy is always focusing on the individual, prioritizing safety, and building confidence.

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

I started going to the gym a couple years ago and I completely fell in love with it. When I started becoming more advanced, I had a friend who wanted to get into the gym and asked me to help her. I loved helping her out and it sparked a new interest for me to become a trainer!

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

My favorite part about being part of BFF is the never ending support. Everyone has been so supportive and nice when I started working here, it really helped me feel more confident and empowered.

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know? I am a very big Star Wars nerd!

What's your go-to hype song?

My go to hype song right now is probably Turn Heads by Dem Franchize Boyz

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?

I usually workout in the morning so I eat breakfast after I go to the gym and my favorite breakfast to have is a sweet potato waffle with avocado, and a fried egg, and some hot honey sauce. 

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year? A goal of mine is to stay consistent and reach the physique that I am aiming towards.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

Focus on consistency. Even on days you don’t feel motivated, try to stick to routine. It will help in the long run!

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

Wrist straps really helped me with my grip when I started lifting heavier. They also help me keep proper form for certain exercises.

Isabel Karam, Personal Training Coach

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

I played collegiate soccer at Northwood University! For soccer training, I did a lot of running & weight lifting.

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

I enjoy focusing on empowerment & setting achievable goals! It is so important to have proper form, & I want to ensure clients are comfortable & confident in their abilities.

What inspired you to become a personal trainer/coach?

I’ve been running & weight training for 10+ years & love cheering people on! It makes me so happy to uplift someone & be their biggest hype-woman. I have always had a passion for exercising & love to share it with people around me!

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

The community is SO positive & loving! I love being a part of an incredible team & working for our amazing owner, Haley. She has created a safe, encouraging, & positive environment where women can be themselves, work towards their goals, & be surrounded by empowering women!

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

I LOVE the Twilight movies & walked down the aisle to one of the songs from the soundtrack!

What's your go-to hype song?

Music is keyyyy to a killer workout for me! Right now, for lifting, my go-to hype song is Let’s Go by Key Glock & for running, my go-to song is Appetite by Chris Lorenzo!

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?  

After a workout or run, my go-to meal is a protein shake at home!

What's a goal of yours (personal, fitness, fun, professional, etc.) that you'd like to reach in the next year?

A big goal for myself next year is running the Detroit Free Press Marathon! I ran the half-marathon a couple of years ago & am going to challenge myself with the full marathon!

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their fitness journey?

One piece of advice for someone starting their fitness journey is to be patient! Progress does not happen overnight. If you are just starting, I recommend sticking to a workout schedule for 2 weeks. Whether it’s pilates, lifting, or running, the plan you start feels less daunting and becomes more of a routine!  

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

I absolutely LOVE the On shoes! They are so supportive, & I have a pair for lifting & a pair for running. 10/10 recommend this brand! 

Amanda Maltese, Registered Dietitian

What certifications or education do you have in health, fitness, or wellness?

Master of Science in Human NutritionRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

What’s your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?

My approach combines client-centered coaching with evidence-based nutrition. I focus on helping clients understand their bodies, build confidence around food, and create realistic habits that fit their lifestyle—no quick fixes.

What inspired you to become a dietitian?

I’ve always been passionate about helping people feel strong, confident, and in control of their health. Seeing how nutrition and lifestyle changes can transform someone’s energy, mindset, and overall well-being inspired me to become a Registered Dietitian.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Beyond Fitness Family community?

Helping women feel their best through personalized nutrition recommendations and being part of a supportive, uplifting community that genuinely celebrates everyone’s progress!

What's a fun fact about you or something people may not know?

I love cooking and trying new recipes, spending time with my adorable Ragdoll cat, Princess, and skiing as much as possible during the winter!

What's your go-to hype song?

Any good house or EDM—instant energy!

What's your go-to post-workout snack or meal?

My post-workout rule is always protein + carbs + hydration. Lately, my go-to has been a chocolate protein shake with banana and almond milk—quick, delicious, and satisfying!

What's a goal of yours that you'd like to reach in the next year?

I’m currently working toward a functional nutrition certification so I can offer more advanced support, and personally, I’m really focusing on staying consistent with my lifting routine.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting their health journey?

Have a nutrition and fitness plan that fits your lifestyle—consistency beats perfection. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or support along the way!

What are some of your go-to wellness/fitness products OR habits/practices?

Eating slowly and chewing my food well, daily walks (8,000+ steps is my non-negotiable!), and scheduling movement into my day like any other important appointment.