All of our program coordinators and instructors hold either a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in exercise science, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, nutrition or an exercise science-related degree. They all strive to support their students and become valuable resources and mentors well after they graduate.  See below for the program coordinator bio's.

Ken Baldwin, M.ED., is the Program Coordinator and an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training. He is the former Chair of IDEA’s National Personal Trainer Committee and Chair of the Senior Fitness Subcommittee for the Massachusetts’s Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports. Ken is the Senior Editor and lead author for the American College of Sports Medicine - ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer Manual (2nd Ed.) and textbook. He continues to serve on national committees for ACSM, AAHPERD (AAPAR), and the Medical Fitness Association (MFA). He has been honored with numerous awards including IDEA’s Personal Trainer of the Year Award, presented at the IDEA International Personal Training Summit.

David Flench, MBA, ACSM HFS, is the program coordinator and an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Fitness Business Management. He has over 13 years work experience in health and fitness, and is currently the General Manager for the Healthplex Fitness Center at the Institute for Advanced Medicine in the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System in Sarasota, FL. David is responsible for the strategic planning and operational oversight for the Healthplex, a new 80,000 square foot state-of-the-art medically-integrated health and wellness center. David attained his Master of Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, OH and his Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Exercise Science from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. David recently finished a three-year term as the Chairman for Florida Regional Chapter of the Medical Fitness Association (MFA), continues to serve on national committees for MFA, and was the 2009 recipient of the MFA Don Schneider Distinguished Service Award. He is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Leadership Sarasota County, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RD, CDE

Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RD, CDE is the Program Coordinator and an Instructor for the Professional Certificates in Nutrition, and an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Advanced Personal Fitness Training.  She is a Certified Diabetes Educator, holds a Bachelors of Science in Clinical Dietetics and Masters degree in Nutrition Education and practiced as Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian for 10 years.  She has the Certificate of training for Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management.  Melissa has 15 years of diverse experience in clinical care, nutrition management, nutrition counseling, critical care curriculum, nutrition education, media and writing, and currently serves as Co-President of the Los Angeles District of the CDA and spokesperson for the California Dietetic Association.  In 2006, she started SuperKids Nutrition Inc…to save the world one healthy food at a time™ a company and mega Website resource for easy-to-read credible nutrition information and activities for families.

Jasmine Jafferali, MPH, is the Program Coordinator and an instructor for the Professional Certificate inWomen's Exercise Training and Wellness. She has a diverse fitness background with over ten years of industry experience in campus recreation, corporate wellness, and the commercial health club setting. She has presented on a wide range of health and fitness topics for the community, at major corporations, and at national and international conferences. She also advocates bringing the fitness and medical community together through wellness and preventative programming. Jasmine specializes in Women’s Health and Wellness focusing on pre and postnatal fitness and is a Master Trainer for Healthy Moms® Fitness and Resist-a-ball®.

Natalie Johnson, MS, is the Program Coordinator and an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults. She is a Fitness Professional with over 26 years experience in the field. She has a MS in Wellness Promotion and a BS in Exercise Physiology. Natalie is a Certified Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Sports Nutritionist, Wellness Coach and Pre/Post Natal Specialist. Natalie has taught for San Diego State University and continues to teach other fitness professionals through a mentorship program she runs through her business "Fit Chicks". She currently manages the preventative programs for a Medical Health Plan and is the Regional Director for the Medical Fitness Association.