team bodyfit
Ramona Darden
owner and personal trainer
Ramona received her Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences from San Diego State University with an emphasis in Athletic Training. During that time she had the opportunity to work in the Athletic Department as an assistant Athletic Trainer for the San Diego State Football Team and as an assistant Physical Therapist in the Rehabilitation Department working with clients with ALS, MS, as well as those recovering from injury.
She did an internship with the corporate headquarters for Carl's Jr. and accepted a position as Assistant Wellness Director after graduation. She later went on to work as an Exercise Physiologist for the World Famous Golden Door Spa where she had the opportunity to work with celebrity clients.
After the birth of her son Chadwick she returned to Maine to be closer to family where she grew up and worked for corporations such as LL Bean, UNUM, Hannaford Bros. and Brunswick Naval Air Station as well as private Health Clubs developing their Wellness programs.
And then started her own Wellness Studio in Buxton Maine until her venture to Virginia in 2004. She became certified as a Personal Trainer with ACE, working in private gyms in the area and become the owner of BodyFit in 2009. She moved the studio to White Stone in 2014, providing a private and motivating setting that includes the resources for individuals to be successful in their pursuit of overall health and well-being.
Emily Sears
Personal Trainer
Emily is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and glute specialist from Scottsdale, Arizona and her love for fitness stems from a lifetime of dancing. She began dancing at 5 years old and has continued ever since - most notably as a dancer in the Super Bowl 49 halftime show with Katy Perry, a member of the University of Oregon dance team and professionally for the Arizona Rattlers, Arizona’s indoor football team.
Emily graduated from Arizona State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications and a concentration in public relations. She received her Master of Science in digital audience strategy from Arizona State in 2021 while studying for her personal training certificate.
Before BodyFit, Emily was a trainer at ReckFit total body fitness in Scottsdale, focusing on group weight-lifting classes combining pilates and weight training principles. Emily has a passion for helping clients discover their strength and helping them to nurture a healthy lifestyle. She’s currently accepting clients and would love to help you find your confidence in the weight room!
Outside of BodyFit, Emily works for a global PR agency, teaches dance at the local dance studio and does freelance social media and digital marketing. You’ll likely find Emily at BodyFit early in the morning before boot camp classes or taking a walk around the Northern Neck with her Frenchie (named Autzen, after the U of O football stadium).
Helen Chung VasiliadiS
World Champion KICKBOXING, WELLCOACHES CERTIFIED Health and Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer and Culinary Health (CHEF) Coach
Helen has a very extensive background in the Gym Business. She studied exercise science at GMU and graduated with a BS in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise Physiology. She is co-founder and owner of 1 To 1 Fitness Center in the DC Metro area established in 1987 and has over 40 years of experience in the industry. She is a Personal fitness trainer and a Wellcoaches Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Harvard Medical and Lifestyle Medicine Culinary Health Coach. In addition, Helen is a World kickboxing Champion(Munich Germany in 1987). She received her black belt in 1976.
She is originally from South Korea(1970), she grew up in Arlington, VA and has 5 grown children that she has raised in Great Falls Va.
Helen offers Health and Wellness Coaching- in person and virtual , Personal Training, Private martial Arts fitness and self defense classes and is also the instructor of the Silver Sneakers Class.
“I am so thankful that everyday I make a difference in people’s lives to make them healthier and Well. Everyone’s Wellness is so different… it could be weight management, better health, better sleep, better nutrition, being more social, happier personally and professionally.. whatever it is, I don’t tell my clients what to do. They tell me what they are gonna do. I just empower facilitate and make them accountable for the behavioral changes they want to commit to to make themselves Well”
Ashlay Chawla - Karmnanda
Yogacharya (Guru) & Reiki Grand Master
Yoga Philosophy Teacher
Born and raised in Rishikesh, India, known as "The Yoga Capital of the World", Ashlay has 6 years of experience teaching yoga and meditation along with 4 years as a Reiki Healer. From Ashrams to 5-Star luxury resorts, he has taught people from diverse backgrounds all over the world. Ashlay's authentic knowledge and genuine character inspired the creation of Rishi Yoga & Wellness.
Diploma in Yogic Science from Jai Ram Sanskrit University
Certificate in Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Meditation, & Thai Massage Therapy from Light in Himalayas Yoga Center
Reiki Level 1, Level 2, Master, & Grand Master Degree from Braham Yoga Healing Center
Certificate in Ayurvedic Massage Therapy & Reflexology from Braham Yoga Healing Center
Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) from Alakh Yog India
Emily Chawla
Yoga Instructor & Reiki Grand Master
Emily has spent her life teaching others. From martial arts to scuba diving, being an instructor has been her life's passion. She discovered the power and beauty of yoga at 16 years old and now has chosen to combine her refined teaching abilities with her love of yoga to bring spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional transformation to those around her.
Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) from Rishikesh Yog Kendra
Reiki Level 1, Level 2, & Master Degree from Rishi Yoga & Wellness
Reiki Grand Master Degree from Braham Yoga Healing Center
Ja’Nae Washington
My name is Ja’Nae Washington and I have been an athlete all of my life participating in sports like basketball, track, cheer and most of all dance. My first time getting into fitness and nutrition was 2010 after having my first child, my only goal was to get back into shape as I was a full-time dance major in college. I received my B.F.A in Dance Performance in 2013 and when I started to pursue my dance career full time in NYC, I realized how much I needed to be and stay in shape to keep up with the career demands. I started getting into weight lifting in 2015 and I fell in love and my new passion was born. Not only did it make me a better dancer but a better human being altogether and from there it became a lifestyle. I competed in my first bodybuilding competition in 2016 and after that I knew that I wanted to help others change their lives too. I started personal training and group fitness in 2018 in NYC but my dance career prevented me from fully investing in it as a career at the time. I took a leap of faith and started F.R.E.S.H Flex October 2020 now a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, with my 10+ years of experience as a professional dancer, athlete, and body building competitor, I am more than committed to helping you change your life and reach your goals!