Meet our Instructors
Carola Anselmi – Functional Fit
Deb Dop – Step into Sculpt, Morning Yoga
I discovered my love for fitness in high school and have embraced it ever since. With over 30 years of teaching experience, I’ve led a variety of classes, including aerobics, step aerobics, strength training, and yoga. I hold certifications in group fitness, personal training, yoga, and I am also a certified health coach. My philosophy centers on making fitness exciting and enjoyable while helping others improve their health, strength, flexibility, and balance.
Outside of the YMCA, I cherish time with my family. My husband and I enjoy camping and traveling together, and I love staying active through biking, hiking, and paddleboarding.
Sarah Garrett – Boot Camp and Rhythm & Ride
I am a lifelong resident of Ashland and graduate of Southern Boone and the University of Missouri. My husband and I have 3 girls: 13, 12 and 9 year-olds.
My love for health & wellness began as a kid. I loved sports growing up and enjoyed being active. I played basketball and golf in high school. Then after high school, I activated my first gym membership at the first gym in Ashland. When a small group in Ashland spread the word that they were interested in starting a Y, I knew I wanted to help. I have been involved with the SBYMCA since its inception, serving on the Advisory Board for 10 years in the roles of Secretary and President.
Through the years, my love for fitness has increased and evolved. Running became my go-to cardio because I could run from my home, go into town, or get on a treadmill. After a foot injury, I quit running as much and began indoor cycling, which led to my role teaching Rhythm & Ride. I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Schwinn Indoor Cycling instructor. I really enjoy teaching group exercise because it allows me to reach so many people through one class experience, and it provides a sense of community.
In addition to teaching classes at the Y, I am the CFO of Bullard Seed Company and Bullard Family Farms. In my free time, I am a logistics coordinator and chauffeur for my children, enjoy watching my kids at all their sporting activities, and proudly support MU sports! As a committed sports fan and active member of this community, I strive to continue providing quality fitness instruction for the great members of this YMCA.
Michele Love – Functional Fit
I’ve called Boone County home my entire life and moved to Ashland in 2023. Outside of the gym, I’m a mom to my son and recently got engaged! I love being part of the community and am excited to share my passion for health and fitness with others at the Y.
Fitness has become an important part of my life, not only for physical health but also for the confidence, energy, and mental strength that come along with it. I love helping people discover what their bodies are capable of and believe fitness should be challenging, fun, and accessible no matter where you’re starting.
I’m especially passionate about encouraging everyone to strength train and lift heavy weights. Building and maintaining muscle is incredibly important for our long-term health, helping support strong bones, healthy aging, independence, and overall quality of life. I want everyone to feel comfortable picking up heavier weights, taking up space in the weight room, and realizing just how strong they can be.
As an instructor, my goal is to create a welcoming environment for all fitness levels where everyone can challenge themselves at their own pace. More than anything, I want you to leave my class feeling accomplished, energized, confident, and a little stronger than when you walked in!
Lacey Randall – Raise the Barre, Pilates Fusion
I have been teaching fitness classes since 2017, specializing in integrating strength-based yoga poses, Pilates, and ballet movements to create low-impact, high-intensity workouts. I love to promote and reinforce camaraderie and motivation during my workouts.
I earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from William Woods University. Originally from New Bloomfield, I now reside in Hartsburg with my husband and our two young daughters.
My certifications include Aerial Fitness through Aerial Yoga Academy, BodyBalance through Les Mills, YogaBarre, and Stand-Up Paddle Board Yoga through YogaFit. In addition to my role as a fitness instructor, I work during the day as a Learning and Organizational Development Training Manager in the transportation industry.
I look forward to seeing you in class soon!
Lauren Ross: – Hot Yoga
I began practicing yoga around eight years ago as a complement to boxing, functional fitness, and other workouts. After trying my first hot yoga class, I was surprised by how physically challenging it could be and quickly fell in love with the unique combination of strength, movement, balance, and flexibility—and the fun of discovering what my body was capable of.
The Y has been a big part of my yoga journey. I was one of the original attendees of the hot yoga class and spent years practicing here, bringing a few good friends along and making some wonderful new ones in the process. When our longtime instructor moved on, she encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, earn my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) certificate, and take over the class. I’m so glad she did!
I gravitate toward a more active, strength-focused style of yoga, but I believe everyone’s practice should meet them where they are that day. Whether you want to challenge yourself and test your limits or simply need an hour to move, breathe, and reset, my goal is to give you a space to quiet your mind, carve out time for yourself, and leave everything beyond the four corners of your mat behind for a little while.
I’m originally from Houston, Texas, and moved to mid-Missouri to earn my master’s degree in Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Mizzou. My husband and I settled in the Southern Boone community in 2018, where we now live with our two sons. When I’m not teaching yoga or spending time with my family, I love traveling, reading, and spending as much time as possible in my garden.
Keri Salvatore – Hot Yoga
I discovered hot yoga in 2014 after moving to Missouri and was intrigued by how it simultaneously challenged my body and grounded my mind. Over the years, yoga has become essential for helping me live a better, more present life – and it helps give me energy and mobility to keep up with my two children! After years of thinking about obtaining a yoga teaching certification, I was inspired by my beloved yoga teacher at the Southern Boone YMCA, Lisa Murawski, to finally take the leap. I earned my 200-hour certification in 2026, and I love how teaching has given me the opportunity to be creative, continue my personal growth, and meet many incredible people. One of my favorite aspects of yoga is its noncompetitive nature. Yoga is a true lifelong activity that welcomes every body. Whether you are looking to build strength, move your body, or simply slow down and be more present, there is a place for you on the mat!
Outside of the hot yoga room, I am an audiologist with a passion for improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss. In my free time, I enjoy making memories with my husband, daughter, and son, as well as reading, crafting, and traveling.
Katie Villaneuva – Pilates Fusion
I am a dedicated fitness professional with a passion for enhancing the overall health and wellness of the community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Movement Science and hold a certification as an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist with specialized training in female fitness. I am committed to empowering clients to feel strong, happy, and confident in their bodies. With extensive experience working with clients managing chronic diseases, I tailor my programs to meet individual needs, ensuring that every client receives the support they need to thrive. My training approach is rooted in an understanding of movement, a commitment to holistic well-being, and a genuine care for each person’s unique journey to better health.
Donna Wren – Silver Sneakers
Let me tell you a little bit about me! I have lived in Ashland all but 8 years of my life. I lived in Colorado 2 different times and loved it, but I always wanted to “come home.” I am a country girl who loves the outdoors, tending my numerous flower beds, and spending time with my 3 kids and 6 grandkids. I’ve always been an active person and kind of fell into this Silver Sneakers instructor opportunity on a whim. When the previous instructor left, she challenged me to apply for the position. I had been in her classes for a few years and enjoyed the workouts and positive impact they made on me physically and mentally. I have now been employed at the YMCA for about 6 years. The classes I lead are Silver Sneakers Classic (using weights, bands and balls), chair yoga, and floor yoga. I am self-taught, certified through Trivity Health, and have studied on my own to ensure I am always giving my participants a variety of exercises to keep them moving, building strength, and improving balance. I am always open to them for questions and any concerns they might have along their personal health journeys. We work hard but also laugh and have a great time while doing so. The workouts are important to us, but so are the genuine friendships we have developed. To me, my classes are like family.
Ernie Wren – Tai Chi & Self-Defense Instructor
I am a certified personal trainer and senior fitness trainer, as well as certified in group instruction for self-defense and tai-chi. Following retirement, my wife, Danna, and I embarked on an 18-day camping adventure that inspired me to place an even greater focus on health, fitness, and an active lifestyle.
As a martial artist, I am a 2nd-degree American Taekwondo Association black belt and have competed at the national and world levels. I achieved a #8 world ranking and, after returning to competition in my 60s, became the 2026 ATA Missouri Champion in Extreme Forms and Extreme Weapons for my age and belt division.
I practice and teach Chen-style Tai Chi, which is the oldest recognized traditional style of Tai Chi. Chen Tai Chi combines slow, flowing movements with spiraling “silk-reeling” motions and martial arts principles. It promotes balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, relaxation, and mind-body awareness.
I believe Tai Chi is for everyone. Whether practiced standing, walking or seated, it can be adapted to virtually any age or fitness level. My goal is to help participants improve their physical abilities, build confidence, and enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.
My self-defense philosophy follows steps that I abbreviate as A.D.D.A.—Awareness, De-escalation, Defense, and Attack. I focus on practical, “street-smart” skills that help people recognize potential threats, avoid dangerous situations, and protect themselves when necessary.
I am proud to teach at the Southern Boone Area YMCA and to give back to the community I call home.