Alison Rootberg, founder of Wellness4Every1, is an education consultant whose primary focus is arts and wellness programming. She completed her MFA in Dance and Integrated Media at the California Institute of the Arts. Rootberg also has a BFA in Dance and a BS in Inter-Arts and Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed her 200 hour yoga certification in 2011.

Rootberg has taught/developed programming for grades PreK-12 for over 100 Chicago Public Schools. She has also taught/developed workshops for hundreds of students at the Allstate Arena, Mayor Daley's Book Club Conference, Millennium Park and the Taste of Chicago. Additionally, she has taught at CorePower Yoga, Jewish Child and Family Services, Lurie Children's Hospital, and Roosevelt University. While in Los Angeles, Rootberg developed/initiated new class curriculum for over 60 public and private schools. She also taught art/technology classes at over 30 public and private schools.

Her work has been presented throughout the United States, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Rootberg was selected/attended the Sydney Kahn Summer Institute at the Kitchen in New York, the Music and Dance Exchange at Dartington College of Art in Devon (United Kingdom), and STEIM in Amsterdam (Netherlands) for a residency in the Electronic Performance Arts. She has also been accepted to and presented her work at the Artificial Reproduction Technologies Conference (NY), the Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival (WA), the International Computer Music Conference, the International Digital Media and Arts Conference, the MacWorld Conference, and the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. Rootberg has served as a board member of the New West Electronic Arts and Music Organization (NWEAMO) and the Dance Resource Center (DRC).

Christine is an international fitness educator, chronic disease wellness specialist, and recipient of the IDEA World 2023 Fitness Professional of the Year. She is the CEO of CONTI: a woman-owned enterprise offering keynote speaking, chronic disease wellness, mindset coaching and continuing education for fitness professionals, schools, and private companies. Christine is the best-selling author of SPLIT-SECOND COURAGE, the podcast host of the Two Fit Crazies & a Microphone Podcast, co-founder of REINVENTING THE WOMAN INTERNATIONAL, a triathlete guide for special needs athletes, and a 4x IRONMAN. After receiving a life-changing diagnosis at age thirty, this former investment banker, board certified teacher, and all-American athlete believes that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Jai is the Regional Partnerships Director at Wellness4Every1. As a seasoned sales, marketing, and partnerships executive with more than 30 years of experience, Jai enjoys building meaningful, strategic relationships and driving growth across the media and education sectors to make a lasting impact. She also collaborates with business and corporate sponsors to create fundraising initiatives that raise both awareness and critical funding for schools.Inspired by her daughter, an educator, Jai transitioned into education partnerships and spent four years at NextWave STEM cultivating relationships with schools and districts across five states, helping connect educators with innovative curriculum solutions. Today, she leverages her expertise in business development, marketing, and community engagement to help schools implement wellness programming that supports students, educators, and families while also building corporate partnerships that generate awareness and funding for schools. Passionate about creating meaningful connections that drive positive impact, Jai believes lasting success is built on trust, collaboration, and service. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, spinning, cooking vegan and vegetarian Indian dishes, and spending time with her four grandchildren, who keep her smiling and active.

Merissa is the Director of Education for Wellness4Every1. She has worked as a curriculum writer and arts educator for over 24 years. Merissa spent the past decade doing freelance work with organizations such as CISC, Ingenuity, Columbia College, Girls in the Game, Sky Arts and the Loft Academy, LA. She started her career as a Teaching Artist through the Arts Bridge program at UCLA, where she earned a BA and MA in Theatre. After serving as an educator and teacher trainer in the Peace Corps, Thailand, she relocated to Chicago from her home state of California. Her first job in Chicago was as a curriculum writer and teaching artist for Silk Road Rising. She served a term on the ITA board as the Theater for Young Audiences Representative, helping plan several Theater in our Schools conferences and is currently a proud Board Member of  Playmakers Lab. Merissa was the Education Director at Adventure Stage Chicago for 6 seasons, helping bring theater and creative writing to middle school students all over Chicago and is currently the Education Director at Lifeline Theatre. She is the co-founder of the Chicago Arts Educator Forum and a proud member of the Arts Ed Chi collective.  In her free time, she is a singer and visual artist. She loves to travel and make art and food with her two kids. 

With over 25 years of movement coaching experience, Steve Feinberg is a creator of global fitness brands and programming, most notably SpeedBALL Fitness and HIPBOX. Steve was a competitive amateur fighter, a conditioning coach for professional world and regional champions, 2nd assist professional cornerman, and head coach to local amateur champion fighters. Along with having run and developed class formats for a martial arts school with 500+ active monthly students in his youth programs, he’s also the architect and teacher of the KidzBoxing program (PS 6, Manhattan, grades 2-6) and most recently the Art of Boxing through Wellness4Every1® (Chicago, virtual grades 4-6).

Susanna is the Education Manager for Wellness4Every1. She taught dance and movement residencies in Chicago for over a decade, working in public, private, and charter schools throughout the city. Susanna holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Dance from Macalester College, and has completed professional development with the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, Luna Dance Center in Berkeley, the National Dance Institute, and Lincoln Center Education in New York. She is an avid salsa and swing dancer, a fitness instructor, and enthusiastic world traveler.

Andrew Thorp is a three-time Golden Gloves champion and top ten nationally-ranked amatuer boxing official who brings a unique blend of discipline and creativity to the classroom. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts and experience as a TV/Film/Stage actor, he also shares his expertise as a teacher at Second City and CirquesExperience. Beyond the professional realm, Andrew volunteers with The Chicago History Museum and Open Heart Magic as a certified hospital magician to bring joy to children.

Anita Nicole Brown took a swing dancing course while a student at Columbia College Chicago, after regaining the ability to walk from her battle with Diabetic nerve damage in her legs and feet. From 2000 until 2017, Brown engulfed herself in the world of swing dancing. She took part in all the social dances, the balls and even competed often, always finishing in the top three places. In 2017, Brown joined Dancing with Class. Brown has continued her position as a Teaching Artist of Dance & has never looked back.

Cassie Elliot is a yoga instructor new to the Chicago area and excited to be involved in the community. She grew up in the rolling hills of West Virginia and graduated with a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising from the Art  Institute of Colorado in 2012. Ever since she has looked for adventure and creativity in the outdoors. As a Ski Instructor for the last 13 years in Wyoming, she has worked with kids of all ages inspiring personal growth, a love for movement, and of course fun! Cassie also is a licensed Grand Canyon River Guide where she takes people of all ages through two week white water rafting trips, camping, hiking and cooking outdoors along the way. She loves to guide people to new skills they didn’t know they were capable of. When she’s not on the move you can find her playing music, crafting, and cooking with friends and family.

Christina Noel is a Teaching Artist, photographer, and yoga instructor originally from Toronto, Ontario, whose style is informed by having practiced, taught, and trained in various healing modalities all over the world. Certified in collective trauma healing, Christina brings a deep awareness of the needs of the spirit and a rich knowledge of the body and nervous system to her instruction of yoga and meditation. Her unique, adaptable, and intuitive teaching style supports connection while honoring all differences -- whether in the studio, online, in an elementary or high school, corporation, police department, or prison. With gentleness, grace, and humor, Christina brings her students into the 'now' and helps each practitioner reach toward their intention safely. Spontaneously adapting her mindful movement practice for the population she is serving, Christina helps students dissolve any barriers in their bodies and minds and nurture their own nature.

Daniel Gibson has been a movement professional for close to two decades. His training includes dance (hip-hop, breakdance, contemporary, jazz, and ballet), yoga, and various fitness modalities. Originally a Georgia native, he moved to Chicago to pursue a career in dance and the performing arts. He has performed with hip-hop crews (Culture Shock Chicago), modern dance companies (Lucky Plush Productions and the Seldoms), and Chicago’s fusion-based company, Chicago Dance Crash. Having a background in dance, movement, and physical theater, Daniel has also done commercial work with the Disney channel. While performing, Daniel fell in love with teaching and presenting. He has taught full time in the classroom for 6+ years with Kipp Chicago, been adjunct faculty at NIU, and travels nationally to speak and present workshops on dance, mindfulness/yoga, and team building. His journey into mediation and yoga began 8 years ago and he has been teaching mindfulness practices for the last 6 years in schools, with companies, and at various studious/gyms. He has done workshops with the University of Kentucky dance team, the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders training program, USASF varsity brands, and several other organizations.

Danielle Gilmore began her yoga practice journey in 2001. Learning and receiving the benefits, her yoga practice became a part of her daily ritual to complement her dance training. Yoga has been a guide in Danielle’s self-discovery and injury prevention. Danielle received her 200 Hour Teacher Training under Suddha Weixler in 2011. She has taught at Chicago Yoga Center, Dovetail fitness studio, Elate Yoga, Xport fitness, and many corporations/residential buildings in Chicago. Danielle had the honor of working with Chicago Blackhawks in 2012-2013, focusing on injury recovery, meditation and mental wellbeing for the players. Danielle is also certified in Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga (2015). She has a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance Performance from the University of Arizona.

Elena Soultanska, known as Elena Bali, is a dance instructor at May I Have This Dance, and a Teaching Artist for Wellness For Everyone, Dancing with Class, and Academy of Music and Art. Elena graduated from National Music Academy of Bulgaria. Her skills are dance performing, teaching all ages, choreographing, managing show teams, and editing music and videos. She is mostly experienced in Latin Dance (Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue), Ballroom, Hip-hop, Zouk, and Kizomba. Her favorite program for children is Dance Around the World. Elena also teaches Line dance and Latin Dance at District 214 Community education, at Triton College Continuing Education, and at Oak Park Township. She is a founder and choreographer of AMAZONIA Dance Project, a dance troupe in Europe. Elena speaks English, Bulgarian, Russian, French, Portuguese and a basic level of Spanish.

Holly DuPart came from a career in real estate and project development where she focused on transforming spaces into environments that foster connection, creativity, and community. After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus she took matters into her own hands, dove deep into research, and began healing herself through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Now, she focuses on transforming people. As an educator and speaker, Holly shares what she’s learned through cooking demos and wellness talks, helping others discover how food can be both healing and joyful. She loves to teach people how to eat with intention, prepare nourishing meals, and take control of their health—one delicious step at a time. Holly has a lifelong background in public speaking, theatre, and competitive forensics. From the stage to the speech team, she’s spent decades mastering the art of communication, performance, and connection. Today, she teaches public speaking and life skills to CPS students, helping the next generation find their voices and build the confidence to use them. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or in the kitchen, her  mission is the same: to inspire others to live well, speak boldly, and lead with intention.

Itza was born and raised in Mexico where she began her formal training in dance when she was 12 years old. Itza received her Bachelors and Professional degree in Stage Dance from the Centro Universitario de danza de la Universidad de Colima. Her undergraduate dance education focused on technique, theory, and movement in ballet, modern, jazz, folkloric, and performance dance. After graduating, Itza worked as a professional dancer performing in nightly shows at five-star resorts in the internationally-popular Mexican vacation regions. Her training and performances included many numbers based on Latin, Ballroom, Jazz, Salsa, Folk, and Disco dance. Itza moved to Chicago in 2010 and has been part of the May I family since 2010. Itza has worked with Dancing with Class for 10+ years and is thrilled to be part of the Wellness4Every1 family!

Jay Taylor spent his 10-year teaching career working with students with disabilities before transitioning into the world of sound meditation. He began his work as a facilitator in 2017 and since then has facilitated over 2,000 meditation experiences using a variety of healing instruments including singing bowls, gongs, drums, rattles, flutes, electronics, and field recordings. 

In 2020, Jay partnered with the Ahimsa Yoga Studios to co-found the Ahimsa School of Sound Healing of which he is the director and curriculum creator. It is Jay’s mission to reduce the barriers of entry to meditation and support participants in not only reaching deep states of relaxation, but in developing a deeper connection to their own potential and intuition.

Liora Lahav is a professional dancer, singer, and actress with over 20 years of performing experience. Liora began as an assistant dance teacher, and had her own classroom for the first time at age 14. She holds a Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre from Laine Theatre Arts College in England, a BA in Musical Theatre from The University for the Creative Arts in England, and a Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education from the International Society for Teachers of Dancing.

Mark Vaughn began his artistic journey in 1978 with the Country Theater Workshop in Barbados, studying Afro-Caribbean, modern, and jazz dance, and later deepening his knowledge of African culture through multiple study trips to Senegal. A two-time national dance champion in Barbados, he also held leadership roles as Assistant Artistic Director and national dance instructor. Since moving to Chicago in 1989, Mark has performed with several prestigious companies including the Najwa Dance Corps and Muntu Dance Theater, appeared in national productions and television, and taught at numerous institutions including Columbia College, Purdue University, and Northern Illinois University. He has served as a lead artist for Gallery 37 and After School Matters, and continues to teach with AileyCamp Chicago, Hyde Park School of Dance, and Wellness for Everyone. Also a skilled musician, costume designer, drum maker, and craftsman, Mark holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is guided by the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required.” 

Meghan McDonough is a certified Veda Yoga instructor from Dancing Shiva Yoga & Ayurveda in Los Angeles. She has taught privately and in group classes in both Los Angeles and Chicago for almost two decades. Since returning to Chicago in 2016, Meghan has taught with Chicago Park District teaching yoga to toddlers, seniors and students of all ages and experience levels. Meghan has taught workshops and yoga classes through Anne’s Haven and currently teaches yoga at Deep Roots Chiropractic & Wellness Center. She continues her yoga studies with Dr. Vartika Dubey and KaivalyaDham Yoga Institute in Hatha/Raja Yoga. Meghan is also a student of Earth Magic Academy where she has learned to cultivate, sharpen and listen to her intuition and use intuitive skills to help others with her Magnetize Your Light book, and workshops.

Meghan McDonough is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Intuitive Spirit Guide, Actress and author of Magnetize Your Light, a coloring book and journal to help ignite intuition, creativity and purpose. Meghan has been teaching yoga for over two decades. She has developed Ignite Your Life & Magnetize Your Light Jr, ( a program to support pre-teen/teen girls through their transitional time into woman-hood) by utilizing her yoga knowledge, creativity and intuition. As a yoga instructor she has taught workshops in Yoga & Ayurveda in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

Melanie Zehner (She/Her) is an actor (AEA/SAG-AFTRA), writer and teaching artist from Upstate NY. She is currently living in Chicago, IL. She graduated with her Bachelors in Theatre from SUNY Potsdam, received her Masters in Physical Acting from the University of Kent Canterbury and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory. Currently, Melanie is working on receiving her 200 RYT certification through Zen Yoga Garage. Melanie has worked as an actor with multiple theatre groups, as well as participated in different film projects. Melanie has written theatrical works for Laugh Index Theatre and Museum of the Bible. Melanie has been a teaching artist since the age of fifteen. She has taught with the Syracuse Children's Theatre, Imagination Stage, Sitar Arts, ArtStream Inc, Museum of the Bible, Bear Book Club, A.B.L.E Ensemble, The Viola Project and Music House Chicago. With Bear Book Club, Melanie created the curriculum for the first online Korean improv classes. In her spare time, Melanie likes to drink tea, read books and eat new vegan desserts. Defy Gravity!

Nicole Gifford is the Artistic Director of Nicole Gifford Dance and has been performing, choreographing & producing dance in Chicago since 1998. A graduate of Western Illinois University, she earned her BAS in English, with minor degrees in Dance and Creative Writing. Nicole has received support for her choreography through the Chicago Cultural Center’s Department of Cultural Affairs, with a Dance Bridge Residency and her work has also received support from the Illinois Arts Council. Since 2007, Nicole has been teaching social dancing to adults at May I Have This Dance and through their youth program, Dancing with Class. She is also the co-founder and producer of Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival.

Prerna Bajaj is a trained Hip Hop dancer from Chicago, originally born and raised in India. With a background in software engineering, she made a bold career shift a few years ago to pursue her passion for dance wholeheartedly. Today, Prerna is proud to work with Wellness4Every1, teaching dance to students across various grade levels. She also serves as the assistant director of a Hip-Hop crew in Chicago, where she and her team perform and compete annually.

Prerna continuously grows in her craft by training with diverse choreographers in Chicago, embracing different music styles, cultures, and histories to enrich her choreography. Dance holds a huge part of her heart, and she brings all her energy and dedication to each class, striving to make every student feel included, energized, and happy.

Reyna Hoerdeman is a women's health and fitness professional who enjoys helping women build their dream life one daily wellness habit at a time. She has been a fitness & wellness professional for 10+ years with modality certifications in barre, boxing, yoga, yoga sculpt strength training, HipBox, Speedball, and more. Reyna is also completing her nutrition certification and helps busy women utilizing nutrition, fitness, and accountability. Reyna believes to build daily habits you have to enjoy them or it won't turn into a happy & sustainable lifestyle. If you are a busy woman who is ready to take the journey to build your happy and healthy lifestyle, she is your gal.

Sadira Muhammad is a senior Teaching Artist. She is a seasoned Chicago teaching artist of Modern and Afrocultural dance with a specialty in integrating history and literature. Her work in the classroom focuses on developing accessible structures for learning and promoting student voice and identity. She has the unique experience of having been an arts education administrator at Columbia College Chicago in support of a cadre of multidisciplinary artists and educators. Sadira has extensive performance experience. She is well versed in various forms of dance through classes at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana/ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, training under many African and Caribbean nationals such as through her liaison work with the international artists of Dance Africa Chicago, and through the Muntu Dance Theater's community classes. Sadira has traveled to dance conferences and workshops throughout the US and abroad, and has studied Horton and Graham technique under scholarship at the Joseph Holmes School (re-emerged as Deeply Rooted Dance Theater). She is a long-standing principal performer and Assistant Artistic Director of the West Indian Folk Dance Company. Sadira holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Dramatic Interpretation from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Robin Goldberg is a certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach and cookbook author.

After 10 years of a high-paced, high-stress career in marketing, Robin decided to leave her job to follow her passion of nutrition and wellness. She started Robin Goldberg Nutrition + Wellness, LLC as a way to share her knowledge and help others create a lifestyle change that will better their overall health and wellness for the long term.

Robin's philosophy is about moderation and balance, not about diets or quick fixes. She believes in teaching people about nutrition and how food works for our bodies. She knows there is not one path that is best for everyone but believes in the power of knowledge and understanding the benefits food and nutrition have on our overall health and wellbeing.

Robin started curating recipes after a few friends came to her asking for some suggestions on how to get their kids to eat more veggies. The success of the recipes lead her to developing her cookbook, Hidden Veggies, Recipes Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love. And her second book “Hidden Veggies 2: Snack Attack”. The cookbooks are filled with easy, fun and delicious recipes all with hidden veggies.

Although originally curated with the picky kid in mind, the recipes have been enjoyed by people of all ages. To find more information about Robin or to purchase her cookbook visit her website RobinGoldbergNutrition.com

Tyla Howell is a passionate and versatile dance teacher with extensive training and experience in various styles of dance. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Tyla graduated from Point Park University with a degree in dance, where she honed her skills in multiple techniques, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and modern dance. With years of professional experience as a dancer, Tyla has performed locally and nationally, showcasing her talents in various productions and performances.As a dedicated educator, Howell has taught at renowned dance studios across the Atlanta area and the Chicagoland region, sharing her expertise and inspiring students of all ages and skill levels.