Meet the Fit Fam
Certified coaches, dance and Zumba instructors, and a registered dietitian, all here to guide your weights, your form, and your progress. Get to know the people behind MFA Fitness.
Mayeisha Parker
Founder & Artistic DirectorThe founder and visionary behind MFA. Her passion for the arts began with African dance in a Brooklyn community center, and she went on to train in acting and musical theatre, earning a BFA acting scholarship at age 16. A mother of five, she created MFA as a safe space to move, express, and grow through dance, fitness, and performance. More than 15 years later, MFA spans two locations with award-winning teams and the area's largest preschool performing arts program.
Tamia Gilliard
Fitness Director & CoachTamia brings high energy to every class for all ages and levels, teaching Xtreme Hip-Hop Step, AMPD Kettlebell, and line dancing. She's focused on making a difference through fitness instruction, wellness coaching, and community outreach.
Elba Rivera
CoachInstructing since 2006, Elba is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer with certifications in Zumba, Sh'Bam, Body Pump, Insanity, CXWORX, and Silver Sneakers. She loves helping clients improve mentally and physically, especially those managing health challenges or physical limitations.
Julie Heintz
CoachJulie trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Modern dance and began teaching dance and fitness in high school. She's certified by AFAA, NETA, Kettlebell AMPD, Barre Above, and Zumba, and has performed Nike fitness demos across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.
Wallis Payano-Batchelor
CoachWith 30+ years of dance experience that began with traditional Dominican music in the Bronx, Wallis brings the party to every class. A U.S. Air Force veteran who toured with Tops in Blue, she has been an official Zumba instructor since 2020 with 15+ years of Zumba experience.
Suzanne Amoruso
Registered Dietitian & Wellness CoordinatorA board-certified dietitian and wellness coach with 20+ years of experience, Suzanne specializes in weight loss, diabetes education, and integrative, functional nutrition. She runs her private practice, Nutrition For You, and lives by her M.I.S.S. motto: Move, Increase water, Sleep, Stress management.
Carolynn Williams
CoachCarolynn is certified across a wide range of disciplines, including Acrobatic Arts (Flexibility, Contortion, and Aerial Progressions), AcroDance, Tap Roots, Giordano Jazz Technique, and USASF cheer.
Come train with us
Your first class is on us. Meet the team in person and find your fit.
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