Meet REC's Fitness Certification Faculty
Written By: Rachel Ribeiro
BRENNA JOYCE
Group Fitness Instructor Program Faculty
Brenna Joyce holds a Master's degree in Kinesiology from SDSU and a Bachelor's degree in French Literature from UC San Diego. Brenna holds certifications from UCSD Extension in Exercise Science and Fitness Instruction and is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and brings extensive knowledge and experience to her role as a Fitness Instructor at UC San Diego REC.
Her area of expertise lies primarily in strength training, where she excels in guiding individuals toward their fitness goals.
Brenna is driven by a deep-rooted passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. She finds fulfillment in helping students and individuals with their fitness, well-being, and welcomes opportunities to pass down her knowledge - she most enjoys the opportunity to teach those who want to help others.
When it comes to her own fitness routine, Brenna thrives on variety; engaging in activities such as running, swimming, cycling, hiking and strength training. Outside of work, Brenna finds joy in staying active through training and dancing, as well as pursuing her interest in nutrition.
Additional Certifications: Exercise Science and Fitness Instruction, UCSD Extension; ACE Personal Trainer
PAULA POH
Group Fitness Instructor Program Faculty
Paula Poh earned her PhD from the University of Illinois and began teaching fitness programming in 2008, starting at UC San Diego REC in 2016.
With a passion for fitness and well-being, Paula holds certifications in Zumba, cycling, and HIIT. She brings a dynamic energy to her classes, fostering an environment that is both invigorating and welcoming.
Paula finds fulfillment in mentoring and guiding future group fitness professionals. She believes that empowering others to teach fitness and well-being is essential for a healthy society and she is dedicated to providing students and individuals with the tools and education needed to create safe and inclusive environments.
In her own workout routine, Paula embraces variety and enjoys anything and everything that keeps her moving, especially classes with fun music to keep the energy high. Paula finds joy in dancing, indulging in brunch outings, and spending quality time with her beloved dog.
JENNIFER SANTINI
FitLife Master Instructor
Jennifer Santini holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Botany, both from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She has been teaching fitness programs at UC San Diego REC since 2017 and has been involved in teaching group fitness since 1992. Jennifer is certified in Stages cycling and specializes in group cycling, boot camp, and strength training. Her passion for health, wellness, and fitness drives her to help others achieve their fitness goals, enabling them to become more energetic and confident.
In her own workout routine, Jennifer enjoys a variety of exercises including free weights, running, cycling, hiking, backpacking, trail running, and spending quality time with her family.
ELDRIDGE ALCANTARA
Group Fitness Instructor Program Faculty
Eldridge Alcantara holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle (2020), an M.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from UC San Diego (2009), and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UC San Diego (2006). He began teaching for UC San Diego REC in 2016 during his summer breaks from graduate school. Certified in Adult First Aid, CPR, and AED, as well as completing the Group Fitness Instructor Training Program at the University of Washington, Seattle in 2015, Eldridge specializes in Cardio Kickboxing and Core Fit classes. His motivation to help students and individuals with their fitness, well-being, and certification preparation stems from his own experience in a similar certification program. Eldridge is committed to paying it forward by mentoring others on their fitness certification journey, helping them discover their teaching style, and providing them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed.
In his workout routine, Eldridge prefers alternating between cardio and strength workout days, occasionally incorporating circuit training for variety. Eldridge also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
STEFANY ALVAREZ
Fitlife Master Instructor
Stefany Alvarez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Science. She began teaching at UC San Diego REC in January 2022, rekindling her passion for group fitness in January 2020 after initially teaching for a year in 2017. Certified as an ACE Group Fitness Instructor, Stefany specializes in Bootcamp, HIIT, and Spin. Her objective with each class goes beyond the workout and focuses on the goal of making her classes enjoyable for all participants. Stefany's fitness philosophy revolves around total body fitness, emphasizing joy in movement. She is dedicated to instilling this positive philosophy in her students, with the hope that one day, everyone will move because they love their bodies, not because they want to change them.
In her own workout routine, Stefany favors HIIT and Bootcamp sessions, particularly enjoying Insanity by Shaun T. Beyond the fitness studio and her work, Stefany finds pleasure in running, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and savoring her coffee on leisurely Saturday mornings.
MICHELLE JIMMINK
Pilates Teacher Training Program Faculty and Coordinator
Michelle Jimmink holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics with a minor in Philosophy from UC San Diego's Revelle College and a Master of Business Administration from CSUSM. She is a certified Pilates instructor with extensive expertise in various Pilates specializations. Michelle began teaching at UC San Diego REC in June 1996 and discovered Pilates in the early 2000s, using it to heal from multiple injuries. Since becoming a Pilates instructor in 2006, she has taught over 20,000 hours of Pilates and works as a Pilates Specialist in a Rheumatology Physical Therapy Clinic. With a passion for helping others achieve and maintain good physical movement and quality of life, Michelle is committed to mentoring future instructors in the Pilates field.
Michelle's preferred personal exercise routine includes daily Pilates sessions, complemented by activities like swimming, hiking, and paddling. She also enjoys raising and training huskies and husky mixes to improve their chances for adoption, as well as leading a Girl Scouts Troop in outdoor adventures and community service.
VANESSA LANIAWE
Fitness Coordinator, Personal Trainer Certification Program Faculty
Vanessa Laniawe holds a Masters of Science degree in Kinesiology, Integrative Wellness from Point Loma Nazarene University. She has been working with UC San Diego REC since 2023, specializing in strength training, and has been leading fitness classes since 2007. She has taught at both the high school and collegiate level, even helping to create an exercise science career pathway for high schoolers.
With a passion for health and fitness, Vanessa is certified as a CrossFit trainer and A.C.E. Personal Trainer. Additionally, she holds A.C.E. specialization certifications in Orthopedic Exercise, Fitness Nutrition, Sports Conditioning and Youth Fitness.
Vanessa values and appreciates all aspects of wellness, including emotional and spiritual health. Her expanded capacity includes coaching youth, adults, and seniors in CrossFit, weightlifting, kickboxing, TRX, and various HIIT style classes. She is motivated to give back to UC San Diego Recreation by sharing the tools and knowledge that have changed her own life for the better.
During Vanessa’s free time, she plays video games or board games and loves taking her dogs out. Vanesa also enjoys trying out new recipes.
Additional Certifications: TRX Suspension Trainer, Senior Conditioning Specialist | E.T.C.
ARTURO GALVEZ
Yoga Teacher Training Program Faculty
Arturo Galvez holds degrees in Telecommunications, Radio & TV Production, Education, and Social Work. He has been teaching at UC San Diego REC since the spring of 1980, with a teaching career that began three years prior. As an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (500 Yoga Alliance), Arturo has undergone extensive studies with master Yoga teachers such as B.K.S Iyengar and Indra Devi, as well as philosopher Georg Feuerstein.
Arturo is passionate about helping students deepen their understanding of yoga through certification, viewing it as a process to become the best version of oneself and he specializes in teaching yoga to diverse populations, including professionals and those with special needs, in both large group and private settings. He is an experienced media presenter, having produced numerous online yoga segments, television programs, and radio broadcasts. Additionally, Arturo conducts seminars both domestically and internationally, specializing in teaching the History and Philosophy of Yoga at the university level. He is credited with starting one of the first yoga programs associated with a public university in the country.
His preferred type of exercise or workout routine is yoga in all its forms and Arturo also enjoys traveling and developing cultivars, though his work remains a significant aspect of his life.
