Meet the NIFS Blog Team

Melissa Cusick                                                                        Indianapolis, IN

Melissa is a graduate from Ball State University were she completed her undergrad and earned her Masters degree in Exercise Science and Physiology at IUPUI.  She began working for NIFS in the Fitness Center in July 2010.  Melissa enjoys working with people and practicing what she preaches by incorporating the healthy options she promotes into her own lifestyle.

Kara Gootee-Robinson                                                           Indianapolis, IN

A graduate from Purdue University, with a Bachelors in Health and Fitness, Kara has been with NIFS Fitness Management since March 2004. She is a certified Intrinsic Coach and enjoys reaching out to individuals who are in need of a healthy lifestyle change. Kara believes fitness can be fun and enjoys helping people make fitness something they can enjoy.

Lori Griffin                                                                              Indianapolis, IN

Lori is a graduate from Truman State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science.  She is an ACSM certified Health Fitness Specialist who began working in the NIFS Fitness Center in September 2010.  Lori loves to encourage and motivate people to better their fitness and over all health.

Anna Hiple                                                                             Indianapolis, IN

A Purdue University graduate, Anna earned her Bachelors degree in Health and Fitness.  She began working for NIFS Fitness Management in February 2007 and is an ACSM certified Health Fitness Specialist.  Anna enjoys having the opportunity to enhance the health and fitness of her corporate members through group fitness, leagues, and their incentive programs.

Lisa Larkin                                                                             Indianapolis, IN

A Ball State University Graduate, Lisa obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. She has been with NIFS since March of 2003 and is a NETA Group Fitness Instructor. Lisa enjoys creating new and challenging workouts for group fitness participants, while helping to improve individuals self esteem by making all fitness levels comfortable to join in the group fitness fun.

Thomas Livengood                                                           Indianapolis, IN

Thomas is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana where he earned his degree in Physical Education.  He began working in the NIFS Fitness Center in April 2008 as a Health Fitness Specialist.  Thomas doesn't just want to give you a workout, he wants to give you an experience every time you come to NIFS.

Jason McClain                                                                       Indianapolis, IN

Jason is an Indiana University graduate with a degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business.  He began working for the NIFS Fitness Center in November 2007 and has a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Villanova University.  Jason most enjoys working with his exceptional colleagues and staff members.

Mechelle Meadows                                                               Indianapolis, IN

Anderson University graduate, Mechelle Meadows, has been with NIFS since August 2008. Mechelle obtained her degree in Exercise Science and is a certified NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist as well as a FiTour cycling instructor. Mechelle takes pride in knowing she impacts several lives each day. Working with corporate wellness clients, she can help them achieve total life balance, starting with exercise. 

Diane Miller                                                                          Indianapolis, IN

Diane is a Ball State University graduate where she earned her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science.  She began working for NIFS in June 2008 and is a certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor and NASM Personal Trainer as well as many group fitness formats including: Zumba, Body Pump and Body Combat, YogaFit, TRX Suspension Training, a Schwinn Cycle Instructor.  One thing she has learned through her fitness career, Nothing is Impossible! 

Jenna Pearson                                                                      Albany, NY

With a Bachelors degree in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College, and her MS in Sport and Exercise Science from Teesside University, Jenna joined the NIFS Corporate Fitness Management team in August of 2010.  She is an ACSM certified Health Fitness Specialist and a certified Spinning Instructor.  Jenna truly enjoys educating her members on the benefits of physical activity, inspiring them to make positive changes, while motivating them to commit to a wellness based lifestyle!

Penny Pohlmann                                                                  Atlanta, GA

Penny is a graduate from Asbury University with a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and obtained her Masters of Education in Health Promotion from the University of Kentucky. She is a ACSM Certified Personal Trainer who has been with NIFS Fitness Management since 2007. Penny loves to educate individuals about simple ways to incorporate healthy habits into their lives while inspiring them to try new things.

Samantha Whiteside                                                            Roanoke, VA

A Virginia Tech graduate, Samantha obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Health Promotion with a minor in Community and International Nutrition.  She is a NASM certified personal trainer and began working for NIFS Fitness Management in November 2009.  Samantha enjoys helping people lose weight and loves going to work every day knowing she will make a difference in someone's life.