The best instructors who have a passion for fitness, teaching, and the community.
Sue Costigan // Owner
"The hardest day of a new workout is the first day, because you don’t know what to expect. Everyone is intimidated on the first day - EVERYONE. All those people in that first class who looked like they knew what they were doing? They didn’t have a clue on their first day either. So take some pressure off yourself and be proud of yourself for trying something new….and come back tomorrow!"
Sherri Riley // Instructor
A passionate animal advocate, she devotes many weekends to transporting animals from shelters and pounds to safe havens with rescue groups.
Christina Burdiak // Instructor
Christina started her nursing career at Akron City in the ER. Then decided to pursue a career as an open heart ICU nurse, which led to becoming a Flight Nurse.
Jen Hohman // Instructor
When she is not working as a nurse or instructing barre classes, she enjoys many outdoor activities like gardening, biking, hiking, swimming, water & snow skiing.
Alyssa Nitz // Instructor
Alyssa is a stay at home mom to her three children (with another on the way!), married to her high school sweetheart. A former English educator, she has the heart of teacher, and loves to see clients discover their own strength, and do hard things. When she’s not at Tru Barre she enjoys cooking healthy, delicious meals for her family, curling up with a good book, or scouring the aisles of Home Goods for decor items.
Rebecca Alspach // Instructor
Rebecca is passionate about nutrition and healthy living. She fell in love with the way barre combines elements of pilates and yoga in a challenging full body workout. She has a career history in business management, and a masters degree in business education. Outside the studio, she enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and three daughters.
Kim Ridge // Instructor
Kim enjoys staying active, and with two sons, Brendan and Bryce, who play multiple travel sports, she and her husband are always on the go. Aside from barre, Kim’s other passions include playing competitive volleyball, both indoor and sand, and long hikes with the dog.
Lana Carrino // Instructor
I began my fitness instructor journey over a decade ago. I love helping people look and feel their best. I am a Human Resources Director by day. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, read a good book or gossip magazine and watch General Hospital!
April Levack // Instructor
April fell in love with barre when she discovered that it was a combination of physical and inner strength. After several years of competitive mountain biking, April found that she was able to tap into the same discipline and growth that barre has to offer. Additionally, April is grateful to be a part of a community of strong women who support each other.
Outside of barre, April teaches high school art, coach various sports, and continue to paint for her husband’s design/build business.
Erica Weibel // Instructor
Erica is a student at Kent State University, studying Interior Design. Erica fell in love with barre a few years ago and is very excited to be able to help others fall in love with barre too!
Outside of barre, Erica enjoys hiking and spending time with her two German Shepherds and taking care of her houseplants.
Katie Widness // Instructor
When she isn’t busy supporting a number of nonprofit missions in NE Ohio through her consultancy, Katie might be found listening to music (live, when possible,) traveling, gardening, tackling creative home improvement/design projects, subbing as a cook in a friend’s wine bar kitchen… or who know what?! She is passionate about the positive effects of a regular (Tru) barre practice, and over the last couple of years has found that layering in yoga is the perfect complement. In 2022 she completed yoga teacher training (RYT200) and is now diving deeper into the Yin style with an additional 100-hour certification. She is mom to Firestone HS and KSU grad Jake, who is now off to pursue his best life and lives in West Akron with her husband Chris and 2 lovable (but completely codependent) pups