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Rhyze Fitness

The Team

YOUR RHYZE CREW

Meet the instructors bringing dance, yoga, strength, and high-energy movement to the Rhyze floor.

Vanessa Ramos, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

Founder & Creative Director

VANESSA
RAMOS

Find the power in your own rhythm.

Vanessa's foundation in movement began in her teenage years, when she first discovered her drive for fitness and discipline. While she entered the industry as a certified personal trainer, she quickly transitioned into group exercise and found her true calling. For nearly two decades, she has dedicated herself to dance fitness, building an extensive career as an instructor while simultaneously performing as a professional showgirl. Her time on stage for high-profile events provided the creative spark to launch her first business, Bastet Ent, a specialized agency for elite dancers and specialty acts. Now a seasoned entrepreneur, Vanessa has channeled her lifelong passion for dance and her deep expertise in group movement into her second venture, Rhyze Fitness. As a wife and mother of two, Vanessa understands the importance of balance and the deep need for community. Her mission is to bridge the gap between high-end performance and boutique fitness, moving away from the intimidation of traditional gyms to create an inclusive, high-energy space. Rather than focusing solely on technique, Vanessa prioritizes making every person feel welcome and empowered, helping them find their own rhythm and a sense of belonging through the joy of dance.

Melissa Llanos, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

Co-Founder · Instructor

MELISSA
LLANOS

Your only limit is the one you build yourself. Let's break it down together.

For Melissa, movement isn't just a workout, it's a lifelong language. Born and raised in Colombia, she has been dancing since she could walk, carrying the vibrant rhythms of her heritage in every step. For years, friends and students alike told her the same thing: 'You were born to teach.' After a lifetime of movement, Melissa is finally stepping into the role she was destined for. As the co-founder of Rhyze Fitness, she brings that lifelong passion to the floor, helping you find your own rhythm while pushing your limits. To Melissa, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing her community Rhyze together. When you step into her class, expect high energy, authentic soul, and a reminder that you belong on this floor.

RITMO · Latin Dance · Choreography
@mllanos.rhyzemelissa@rhyzefit.com
Tricia Johnsen, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

HIP-HOP HAPPY HOUR

TRICIA
JOHNSEN

Tricia Johnsen is a dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor with a background in TV, video, film, and the music industry. Her performance and choreography credits include work connected to music and entertainment projects such as Chris Brown’s “Run It,” Samantha Jade’s Step Up, and David Archuleta’s “Crush.” She is the founder of TCJ Dance Fitness, a brand she has run for over 10 years, offering high-energy, beginner-friendly dance fitness classes as well as specialized formats including heels and themed choreography sessions. In addition to group classes, Tricia also creates private dance party experiences, signature Hip Hop Half Hour sessions designed as fun, high-energy private events for groups.

Hip-Hop · Dance Fitness
Adrianna Jones, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

RYT 500 (YOGA) / PILATES

VINYASA FLOW, PILATES & FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT

ADRIANNA
JONES

Adrianna teaches yoga for modern bodies. With more than seven years of teaching experience and a 500-hour Vinyasa certification, she combines traditional yoga practices with a deep understanding of strength, stability, mobility, and functional movement. Her approach emphasizes mindful movement, intelligent alignment, and developing strength throughout the body's full range of motion. Known for her focus on balance training, joint health, and the mind-muscle connection, Adrianna helps students build not only flexibility, but resilience, confidence, and trust in their bodies. She is passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone, from first-time students and active older adults to seasoned practitioners looking to deepen their practice. Her classes offer an inviting blend of challenge, curiosity, and self-discovery, encouraging students to move with intention and leave feeling stronger, more connected, and more capable than when they arrived.

Vinyasa Flow · Pilates · Functional Movement
Julie Reese, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

HIIT INSTRUCTOR / PERSONAL TRAINER

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS & CONDITIONING

JULIE
REESE

Julie is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Corrective Exercise Specialist dedicated to helping individuals build strength, confidence, and a healthier quality of life through functional fitness. Her athletic journey began in dance, training from age three through her twenties, before she transitioned into competitive boxing and CrossFit. With over a decade of experience as a full-time CrossFit coach, Julie brings a diverse skill set to every session. She holds additional certifications in kettlebell training, Olympic lifting, powerlifting, strongman, and boot camp instruction, allowing her to create dynamic programs tailored to all fitness levels. As a mother of two active boys, Julie understands the challenges of balancing fitness with everyday life. Her coaching combines accountability, education, and encouragement to build sustainable habits. Julie believes true fitness is about pushing beyond perceived limitations and finding the confidence to embrace challenges, while emphasizing self-compassion and recognizing that progress is not always linear. Whether you are a beginner or looking to elevate your performance, Julie is committed to guiding you through safe, effective, and empowering workouts.

HIIT · Functional Fitness · Conditioning
Nicole Finley, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

Heels 101 / Hypnotic Heels

NICOLE
FINLEY

Nicole Finley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Montclair State University, where she received the Choreographic Excellence Award. A lifelong dancer with a competitive background, she has had the privilege of working with acclaimed choreographers such as Maxine Steinman, JT Jenkins, Urban Bush Women, and Karen Gayle. Nicole’s professional performance career took off in hip-hop, featuring in music videos for artists like Diggy Simmons, Maino, Swizz Beatz, Juelz Santana, and Jadakiss, as well as performing at major events across the East Coast. With over 20 years of teaching experience across the tri-state area, Nicole educates dancers of all ages and styles, earning top score and choreography awards at both regional and national competitions. To keep growing as an educator, she regularly trains at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway and attends top teacher conventions. Nicole is dedicated to sharing her lifelong passion, technique, and creative energy with every student who walks into her class.

Heels 101 · Hypnotic Heels
Rachel , instructor at Rhyze Fitness

SOUL LINE-DANCING

RACHEL

Rachel brings connection, rhythm, and pure joy to the Rhyze floor through Soul Line-Dancing. Her class guides students through smooth, synchronized patterns set to the best in soul, neo-soul, old-school R&B, and country. Whether someone has two left feet or is already a seasoned slider, Rachel creates a welcoming space where everyone can fit right in.

Soul Line-Dancing · Rhythm · Community
Mackenzie Heffernan, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

GROUP FITNESS / YOGA / POUND

GLOBAL HIIT, VINYASA & CARDIO PILATES

MACKENZIE
HEFFERNAN

Mackenzie Heffernan was born and raised in Sussex County. Her wellness journey started with nonprofits such as PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT and Girls on the Run. She first became certified to teach POUND fitness, a cardio Pilates workout with drumsticks. While attending Rutgers University, she joined the wellness team at Rutgers Recreation and received her NAFC Group Fitness Certification. After graduating college, Mackenzie taught at boutique studios and gyms, then completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Moksha Yoga Amazonica. When she became a mom, motherhood became her motivation and she continued teaching. She began working at the YMCA in Monmouth County in 2018 and then in Sussex County in 2022. Mackenzie is proud to be part of the personal training team and ready to help students reach their wellness goals.

POUND · Global HIIT · Yoga · Vinyasa
Carla Hotrock, instructor at Rhyze Fitness

CORE-WERK

CARLA
HOTROCK

Carla is a passionate fitness professional with over 15 years of experience helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident. Her classes are designed for all fitness levels, with a focus on building strength, improving endurance, and creating healthy habits that last a lifetime. Known for her motivating coaching style and positive energy, Carla believes fitness is about so much more than changing your body—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a mindset that carries into every part of life. Whether you’re picking up a dumbbell for the first time or looking to challenge yourself, she’ll meet you where you are and help you reach your next level. Outside the gym, Carla is continuing her education in healthcare while inspiring others to live stronger, healthier lives. Her motto is simple: Strong body. Strong mind. Strong spirit.

Core-Werk

JOIN THE RHYZE CREW

We're building a roster of passionate instructors to join us on the floor. Think you'd be a great fit for the Rhyze crew?