About Fit Kids
Focused on delivering physical activity, movement, and mindfulness programs to children in underserved communities, Fit Kids provides schools, after-school programs, and community organizations nationwide with a comprehensive curriculum that includes a variety of sports and fitness activities designed to be fun, engaging, and accessible to children of all ages and abilities.
KEY ACTIVITIES AND GOALS:
PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMS
Fit Kids offers physical activities that help children improve their overall fitness, including strength, endurance, agility, and coordination.
EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
Fit Kids educates children about the importance of physical fitness and how it contributes to overall health and well-being, empowering them to make healthy lifestyle choices.
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Fit Kids aims to instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle in every participant, including the benefits of regular physical activity.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Fit Kids shares the importance of health and fitness with a broad audience of schools, community centers, and other organizations nationwide.
ACCESSIBILITY
Fit Kids works to provide children in underserved communities with access to regular physical education.
Staff
ASHLEY HUNTER
Founder and Executive DirectorWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I strongly believe that physical activity is a critical part of every child’s healthy development, and Fit Kids is helping to make physical activity accessible to all children! I have always been passionate about kids, health, and fitness, and I believe that Fit Kids has the potential to change children’s lives by helping to develop healthy patterns and behaviors at a young age.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I love being active in any way but my favorite activiteis are long walks with my dogs, hikes with friends and family, skiing, and golf.
AMY GORDON
Director of Digital ContentWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I am passionate about kids reaching their full potential. I believe that Fit Kids shows kids how to be better a little everyday by teaching the value of physical fitness and mental wellness. Personally, I love working with the kids at our partner sites. I am very encouraged seeing kids fully engage in the activities!
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I like to stay active by chasing my own kids around and hiking!
JENNA ROSATI
Director of DevelopmentWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I truly believe that if kids have a foundation of enjoying how physical activity makes them feel, they will carry that pursuit of being active with them throughout their life.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I stay active by enjoying family walks, training for 10k runs, and getting a little competitive in F45 interval training classes.
HOPE SCHEID
Curriculum ConsultantWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I’m passionate about Fit Kids’ mission because I believe in promoting active lifestyles and nurturing children’s health and wellness. Play, our brain’s favorite way of learning, plays a crucial role in this. By encouraging kids to stay active through play, we not only enhance their physical well-being but also support their cognitive development and emotional resilience. I’m driven to contribute because I see the lasting impact it has on children, empowering them with the skills to lead healthier, happier lives.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I stay fit and healthy by mountain biking, hiking, lifting weights, and spending as much time outdoors as I can. These activities keep me active and connected to nature, contributing to my overall well-being.
NADIA VOGEL
Grant WriterWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
Fit Kids stands out as a unique organization in their field because we focus on prevention and habit building, reaching our target children before they suffer the long term health consequences of an inactive life.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I enjoy skiing, hiking, and playing with my dog!
NAVITA WILSON
Director of OperationsWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I strongly support Fit Kids’ mission and am dedicated to helping children be active because I believe in the transformative power of health and wellness in young lives. By promoting an active lifestyle and instilling healthy habits early on, we not only address the increasing rates of childhood obesity and related health issues but also empower kids to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
My favorite way to stay active is running. In addition to the physical fitness, running clears my mind, relieves stress, and leaves me feeling refreshed and energized. Plus, the sense of accomplishment after a good run is hard to beat!
— ASHLEY HUNTER, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FIT KIDS
Trainers
TEVYN BONNER
Fitness Instructor
RONDY DOVAL ISAAC
Yoga and Mindfulness InstructorHometown: Palo Alto/East Palo Alto.
Where did you attend high school, college or gain other relevant professional credentials: Palo Alto High School, Teachers: Jillian Glikbarg E-RYT 500, Parayoga Certified/Director of Bindu Teacher Training. Jonathan Rickert E-RYT 500 Yoga & Meditation teacher.
Day job: Consultant and yoga teacher for Art of Yoga Project, Instructor for Black to Yoga, Founder of Barbershop yoga.
Favorite sports to play as a child and/or now: Football-played Pop Warner, High School, and College.
Favorite workout: Now, hiking! I love being in nature. The ultimate is to find the ideal spot while on a hike and flow though some Yoga.
Proudest achievement in sports or fitness: Ran 51.9 seconds in the 400 meters race in high school. Finished 2/200hr teacher trainings in 6 months.
Why fitness matters to me: My clothes fit better, and exercise makes me feel good about myself.
Why fitness is important to kids: Fitness for kids should be fun, a way to explore their abilities. Movement for young folks is important with many benefits. Mentally-eye hand coordination builds stronger connections in the brain. Growing strong bodies-running, jumping, and weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones and muscles. Weight management is helped with daily movements, keeping body proportional to age and height.
Fun fact or anything else you’d like our community to know about you: Favorite movie is Black Panther. Favorite candy is Mike & Ikes. Favorite athlete is Serena Williams. I slipped out the house and tried to catch the bus at 1 year olds by myself. Lol. Makes you wonder what was going on in that house to make a 1 year-old leave.
SERGIO MALDONADO
Fitness Consultant and InstructorWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I have also had passion for fitness and sports. Now with being a trainer and coach for 17 years I get an especially potent sense of purpose from working with youth and seeing their growth with physical activity. Now with being a Dad of an almost two year old the impact of activity and health is even more important to me and necessary in this world.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
Honestly, I love the gym and I love learning new forms of fitness. Some that I am experimenting with is sprint training, underwater pool training and rucking!
EVE SHEN
Fitness InstructorWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
Kids are our future. When we teach our kids to take care of their bodies and their mental well-being, they feel good about themselves inside and out. They carry that confidence to the people around them and their communities.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
“Eating yummy and nutritious food. Eating yummy and nutritious food.
Doing Yoga, swimming, hiking, roller skating, and playing team sports.”
PETER TAPAO
Fitness InstructorHometown: Union City, CA.
Where did you attend high school, college or gain other relevant professional credentials: My first Health and Wellness experience started off as a Front Desk employee in Island Gym in 1998 working part time. I was responsible for opening the gym at 4:30 am. At that time, I had greater ambitions beyond working at the gym. I wanted to make a living in electronic engineering, which I was studying at DeVry University in 2002.
Favorite activities: Working out, hiking, and most importantly being with his family.
Fun fact or anything else you’d like our community to know about you: After graduation I took a trip to the Philippines, where my whole perspective about life changed. The Philippines is a third world country and people are just trying to survive. It’s a struggle every day. I watched my people, my own family, who had nothing, happily share what little they did have with me. This was a truly humbling realization and a lesson that changed my life. I came back from that trip motivated and dedicated to be a personal trainer and group exercise instructor, with a purpose and passion to serve. Fast Forward to now and I’ve done just that. I’ve been a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for 15 plus years, and have many clients who stay with me for 4-6 years. I’m very humbled to have satisfied customers and full classes of happy students. I’m continually advancing my career in an effort to build a healthy community, to establish great relationships, and open myself to new possibilities for growth.
CHERMAYNE NOHEALANI YAGO
Fitness Consultant and InstructorHometown: Kapolei, HI.
Where did you attend high school, college or gain other relevant professional credentials: I attended Fort Hays State University where I played collegiate softball and obtained my Bachelors in Sports and Exercise Therapy.
Day job: I am a private personal trainer located in San Mateo, California.
Favorite sports to play as a child and/or now: Favorite sport was softball but I’ve recently started getting into golf.
Favorite workout: My favorite type of workout is any jumping exercise because it’s the only time I feel really tall (haha).
Proudest achievement in sports or fitness: Going to Red Rocks Park in Colorado and running through every row (69 total rows) all the way to the top in elevation over 6000 feet. Even though my heart was punching through my chest and my lungs looking for air, it was so worth it at the end, because it was a moment in fitness where even I had to prove myself wrong.
Why fitness matters to me: Fitness is important because it lives in everything we do. I believe fitness is a big key to living a long and happy life.
Why fitness is important to kids: Fitness should be important to kids, because as we’re growing, we want our bodies to grow strong physically and mentally!
Fun fact or anything else you’d like our community to know about you: I also used to be a lifeguard for five years in Hawaii, best tan I ever had was during that summer
OMNYA MEDANI
Fitness InstructorWhy are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I believe that kids should have the opportunity to engage in physical fitness and explore sports as early as possible because it teaches teamwork, social skills, and inclusivity. Furthermore, helping kids adopt healthy habits early in life will have a profound impact on their long-term health, supporting cognitive development, academic performance and overall well being.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I love strength training, boxing and dancing. I also love outdoor activities especially on a nice summer day!
LEE PAZMINO
Fitness InstructorBoard of Directors
WILEY ANDERSON
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I believe that the work of Fit Kids improves the overall well-being of youth. Physical fitness is an important aspect not only of good physical health but also stable mental health and healthy emotional regulation. And Fit Kids is inspiring to all for enjoying more physical activity day to day.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I’m a big fan of rucking, hiking, tennis, pickleball and snowboarding…or simply going on a walk with my dogs.
AMY BURNETT
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I am passionate about Fit Kids because movement is so important to overall physical and mental health. Fit Kids has a broad impact on the youth we serve by providing simple and impactful programming to ensure all children have access to fitness and mindfulness activities.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I have always enjoyed being physically active and love to go on hikes, play pickleball, and stay fit with pilates and strength training.
COURTNEY CHARNEY
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I love that Fit Kids helps kids understand the building blocks to a healthy life begins with being active. The skills learned in Fit Kids programs are fundamentals that will serve these students throughout their lives.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I love to go on long walks with my husband and our two dogs – it’s a great way to connect and get exercise.
MARSHAWN DENNY
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I was drawn to the Fit Kids mission because I was looking for a way to continue impacting the lives of youth. As an athlete, I understand the importance of physical activities for physical and mental wellness. I resonate with the mission of Fit Kids and look forward to the program growing and touching even more lives.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
My favorite way to be active is by playing basketball and softball in my free time. This has been a fun way for me to continue staying active and find community with others
MICHAEL T. FREEHILL, M.D.
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
Staying active as a kid is critical health and happiness. FitKids offers this opportunity for so many kids who would otherwise not have the access.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I believe for a kid, making fitness fun via games or friendly competition is the most important ingredient to keeping them engaged.
Daniel Galles
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
Fit Kids’ mission resonates so much with me because staying physically active through sports and playground activities as a kid significantly enhanced my personal growth and happiness in so many ways: finding/making friends, learning to work well with others, increased confidence, and feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally. All kids deserve and need access to resources and instruction for staying physically active, and Fit Kids makes this a reality for thousands of children every year across the country!
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I try to stay fit by riding my Peloton bike at least a few hours every week, and playing a lot of golf and pickleball (my pick-up basketball days I think are over!). I also enjoy exercising my brain by doing Sodoku and Crossword puzzles, and the daily Wordle.
ANDREA HENRY
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I’m passionate about FitKid’s mission because I think that instilling in children the value of moving their bodies and engaging in fun physical activities at any early age is a gift that will improve the quality of their mental and physical lives, for the rest of their lives.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
My favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active are hiking, running, paddleboarding, skiing and walking my dog!
RUSSELL HIRSCH, M.D., PH.D.
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
Human beings are meant to move. All too often in our modern society we adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Fitkids provides a data-driven program available to all children that affords them the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from structured programs that foster movement and mindfulness.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I stay fit and active through cycling, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, swimming and gym based strength and flexibility workouts.
ASHLEY HUNTER
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I strongly believe that physical activity is a critical part of every child’s healthy development, and Fit Kids is helping to make physical activity accessible to all children! I have always been passionate about kids, health, and fitness, and I believe that Fit Kids has the potential to change children’s lives by helping to develop healthy patterns and behaviors at a young age.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I love being active in any way but my favorite activiteis are long walks with my dogs, hikes with friends and family, skiing, and golf.
ANDREW LOGAN
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I am passionate about supporting Fit Kids because it’s an organization that has a major impact on the wellness of our youth by delivering physical activity to all. We know 150 minutes a week of exercise serves as the equivalent to antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines without the terrible side effects and helping develop healthy habits for a lifetime in the face of rising obesity. All children deserve the opportunity to exercise and Fit Kids makes that possible.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
Personally, I work out most days in the gym or on hiking trails, though surfing is my main passion!
JEFF MARQUEZ
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
Every child deserves the chance to thrive physically and mentally. I resonate with Fit Kids’ mission to ensure that all kids, regardless of economic and social backgrounds, have access to essential physical activity and mindfulness, fostering healthier, happier lives.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I try to stay healthy by participating in endurance events like running, century rides, and triathlons, which challenge me physically and mentally. Additionally, I coach my two kids in various sports because I believe sports emulate life in so many ways, offering opportunities to overcome challenges, foster teamwork, and build resilience.
WENDY MCADAM
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
My belief in the importance of physical activity and that all kids deserve the opportunity to be active.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I love to workout on my Peloton, Hike, play tennis and ski.
Juliet Mittlemann
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I have always believed that movement, sport and health have been tremendous ways to give and impact the youth community. My life’s purpose has equally revolved around the student/athlete community. Physical and mental health for the youth community should be readily and easily accessible and a paramount aspect of every and any family regardless of their socioeconomic standing! Being a part of Fit Kids will be another medium and avenue where I can contribute to a shared passion as children experience all the stages of their development. I am honored to be a part of Fit Kids where I can synchronously encourage such an influential cause!
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I run 4 miles every morning and then walk my dog 2 miles right after. I play golf and tennis 2-3 times a week and love being outside. Recently I have started taking my motorcycle back to the racetrack for amateur track days!
SANJAY MOREY
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
The long-term positive impact of physical activity on children is clear – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Fit Kids is certainly having an impact by offering physical activity fitness programs to more than 130 sites in need and almost 25,000 underserved kids and is on target to continue to grow which I think is amazing.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I enjoy playing golf, skiing, hiking and mountain biking.
MAISIE O’FLANAGAN
SARA RATNER
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
I invest a lot of my time in programs that help adolescent mental health. There is a correlation between a child’s mental health and access to physical fitness. Some of those individuals who need the greatest support have the least amount of access. Fit Kids helps address a critical access gap that improves physical fitness and mental health by bringing to communities technology-enabled fitness programs that are easy to use, low cost, and accessible by entire communities. This program is not only community specific but tailored to be culturally relevant for a diverse set of users. Through this, there is a bridge to accessing fitness programs by all.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
Running and training for triathlons.
BILL THOMPSON
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
With three active kids, my wife and I saw first hand how important sports and activities were to their physical, mental and social health! We want to give every child access to all of the benefits of physical activity.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I start every day with an early morning workout and end everyday with 30 min of yoga.
ADAM HARVEY YONKERS
Why are you passionate about Fit Kids mission/helping kids be active/kids health and wellness?
As a teacher, I work with teens all day long and want them to become healthier and happy. Physical exercise is a proven pathway to improve engagement and to create experiences that positively influence youth to pursue full lives. Unfortunately, today, there is the constant pull of technology on our lives, but Fit Kids instead encourages a more active answer to digital distractions.
What are your favorite ways to stay fit, healthy and active?
I swim, play pickleball, ski, hike, and love being active outdoors.
Honorary Board
These esteemed members of the community use their prominent platforms to advance children’s health and fitness and are committed to the future of The Fit Kids Foundation.
BRENT BRENNAN
Head Football Coach, University of Arizona
ALYSON DUDEK
Two-time Olympian and Bronze Medalist, Short Track Speedskating (2010 and 2014)
MICHAEL GRANVILLE
Owner of G:FIT Boot Camp Gunn HS Head Coach Cross Country/Track&Field
DAVE KAVAL
President – Oakland Athletics
RONNIE LOTT
Pro Football Hall of Famer and four-time Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers