Meet the YMCA Fitness Instructors
Carrie Soo Hoo
Carrie first joined Zumba for the music and cardio but quickly discovered a passion for movement, wellness, and community. She loves how dance creates space for joy, connection, and belonging. Join her for a class full of energy and fun where everyone is welcome!
Barett Otani
Groov2Fit with Barett is an easy, fun party dance experience led by Barett, a passionate instructor known for his uplifting energy that gets everyone moving and smiling. With Barett’s encouraging vibe and infectious love for music, you’ll learn trendy, feel-good steps in a welcoming space where there’s no judgment and no pressure—just pure joy and…
Estelle Leslie
Get ready to party yourself into shape! Estelle is a certified ZUMBA® fitness instructor since 2014, specializing in creating fun, high energy workouts that make you forget you’re even exercising. She loves interacting with her participants and seeing them grow in confidence and embrace their own unique style on the dance floor. Come and join…
Shara Miranda
Aloha, My name is Shara Miranda and I’m a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor here at the YMCA. I like to incorporate functional exercises and movements to benefit you in your everyday life. In my classes all ages and levels are able to participate as we use a variety of equipment and machines…
Laura Doria
Aloha! I’m Laura, I’ve been a Y member since 2013 and yes, I call YMCA my 2nd home. I am a licensed Zumba (2011) and Strong Nation (2016) fitness instructor and also a certified Personal Trainer. I love dancing and gardening. It’s great for the soul, mind and body. I’m most passionate about working out…
John Lafaele
John Lafaele is a dedicated rugby coach in Hilo and a Strength and Conditioning instructor at the YMCA. Passionate about fitness, John enjoys working out and helping both teens and adults reach their health and fitness goals. He loves supporting kids and adults in building strength, confidence, and healthy habits.
Romy Salvador
Romy taught Tahitian Dance for over 20 years and want to continue to share her passion of Tahitian Dance with the community. Romy believes in “you wont know, till you try”. Come build your self confidence… Tahitian is a great exercises and keeps your mind & body happy!
Rinya Boone
Rinya loves to give back to the community through dance. She enjoys her time on the dance floor and connecting with others. Don’t just dream it, ZUMBA IT!
Keliko Nathaniel
Keliko is not afraid to start or end the day with a fun jam session. His passion for staying active & performing onstage started from a young age & will not stop anytime soon. Dance to various rhythms & beats from around the globe in his exciting Zumba classes! You are sure to break a…
Joseph Lo
Joseph has been teaching Kung Fu and Qigong since 2007. In 2012, the State of Hawaii recognized Joseph to be a Skilled Martial and Healing Artist of Chinese Kung Fu, Qigong, and Hawaiian Lomilomi. Joseph received his Master of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2015. Kung Fu and Qigong has served as…
Mie Fowler
Mie grew up in a ski resort in Japan, she learned the importance of physical and mental health from very active parents. She is a healthcare provider, NASM certified personal trainer, and Strong Nation and CIRCL mobility instructor. Mie’s goal is getting fit while having fun!
Moses Lee
Moses brings high level energy to his early morning and evening Zumba classes. Burn off calories by dancing to different kinds of lively tunes, such as salsa, merengue and samba, but also other types of modern music like hip hop and dance. The best part of it all is that it doesn’t even feel like exercise!
Vanessa Riviera
Vanessa believes that we need to keep active for as long as we can and likes to try different things. In 2009, she tried Zumba with a friend and had a blast. Vanessa is now an instructor, certified in Zumba (2015) and Toning (2017). Dance, have fun and exercise to Zumba oldies with Vanessa on…
Yolanda Tansley
Aloha, YMCA family I’m Yolanda Tansley. I teach Silver Sneakers, Senior Circuit, Cardio-kickboxing and hopefully soon more classes. I like to spend time with my husband, my two young adult children, and my dogs. I have been in the fitness industry for a little over 10 years and I love helping people feel better through…
Maxine Barrere
Meet Maxine Barrere! Maxine is a wife and mother of 2 energetic boys! Zumba has always been her “zin”, a place where she can just let loose. Max hopes to see you at her classes, she promises to bring a sweat to your workouts!
Maryline Kettavong
Maryline is a licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor. She has been certified since 2016 in Zumba, Zumba Gold, Toning and Strong Nation. Growing up in France, she started at the age of 9 with Ballet and continued her journey with Jazz and Contemporary in her teens years. She loves sharing her passion for dance “There is…
Harriet Rocha
Zumba Gold Toning, Zumba Gold Chair/Toning, Senior Fitness Specialist. Certified instructor of 11 years. Harriet loves teaching and loves her students!
Dylan Vincent
Dylan is a professional Tahitian dancer and instructor specializing in ‘Ori Tahiti for Vahine. Born and raised in Hilo, he has spent years training, performing, and competing in Tahitian dance across France and California. In addition to his extensive experience on stage, Dylan developed a successful self-paced Tahitian dance app, making this beautiful art form…
Cheryl DeMello
Cheryl is a working mom with 4 incredible sons, She is a grandma of a little boy that she adores! Her dream was always to become a Zumba Instructor. Cheryl’s hard work, dedication and Faith got her to fulfill her dream. She feels truly blessed to be an instructor at the YMCA. Her motto “no…
Charlene Lagrimas
Family, friends, hula, fitness, teaching – these are my passions. They all come together at the YMCA where I have been teaching a variety of classes in the last few years. My students and the staff have become friends and family as we share our love of hula, of fitness, and of the “Y.”
Andee Kunimura
Andee loves line dancing to Soul, Pop, Hip Hop and Ballroom. She has a passion for fitness and dance. Join Andee at the YMCA!!
Fitness classes are offered daily at the Y. All Y classes are available FREE to active Island of Hawaii YMCA Gym Members, we are also accepting fitness center Drop-Ins for fitness classes. Check out our fitness class schedule here.