The Best Shape of Your Life,
mentally and physically speaking.
At Grounding Spot, our expert fitness, yoga, and Pilates instructors offer personalized, empowering support in a welcoming space. Whether you're building strength, finding balance, deepening your mind-body connection, or reaching for new goals, we're here to inspire, challenge, and nurture your journey to living fully.
Meet your world-renowned instructors.
Nancy Gerald
Bikram Guru
Meet Nancy, a highly qualified and compassionate professional in the field of holistic wellness, dedicated to guiding individuals towards achieving their health, wellness, and life goals. With certifications as a Health Educator, Health Coach, and Life Coach, Nancy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her deep understanding of wellness is further demonstrated by her certification as an E-RYT-500 Yoga Instructor, showcasing her mastery of yoga practices and her ability to guide others toward transformation both physically and mentally.
Nancy's genuine passion lies in helping yoga students unlock their full potential and experience the transformative benefits of yoga, from increased strength and flexibility to enhanced mental clarity and emotional balance. She combines her proven coaching techniques with authenticity, empathy, and a deep knowledge of the body and mind to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
Bryan Emmith
Personal Trainer
Bryan is a passionate and dedicated wellness professional who teaches a variety of mindful and fitness classes, blending physical movement with a focus on mental well-being. With a strong belief that true health starts from within, Bryan specializes in health and nutrition coaching, guiding his clients to make intentional, nourishing choices that positively impact both body and mind. He is particularly focused on the powerful connection between nutrition and mental fitness — helping individuals understand how the foods we consume can influence mood, energy levels, and overall mental clarity.
Bryan's approach is holistic, combining fitness routines with practical nutrition advice to create sustainable, balanced lifestyles. His classes emphasize mindful movement, which supports not only physical strength but also emotional resilience. Bryan’s coaching is rooted in empathy, personalized attention, and a deep understanding of how small changes can lead to profound, lasting results. Whether he’s leading a fitness class or working one-on-one with a client, Bryan is committed to helping individuals achieve greater wellness and vitality, fostering a sense of balance and well-being in all aspects of their lives.
Tom Palmer
Bikram Guru
Meet Tom, an esteemed international yoga instructor, bodyworker, and healer with an impressive 18 years of personal yoga practice and 17 years of experience instructing yoga. Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teachings. His transformative journey began with an extraordinary achievement: losing and successfully maintaining a weight loss of over 100 pounds. Now, at the age of 60, he embodies a healthy lifestyle centered around nutrition, meditation, yoga, energy healing, and an unwavering dedication to his ongoing personal growth. In addition to his extensive yoga training, Tom holds certifications as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT MA56892) and is Board Certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). He also carries the designation of Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200). These credentials validate his commitment to providing exceptional care and service to his clients. Tom offers the ancient art of Thai Massage and specializes in healing the mind, body, and soul, relieving aches and pains. His intuitive gifts enable him to apply the right techniques with care and compassion, resulting in improved overall health for his clients. Tom's dedicated studies with traditional Thai healers in Thailand have deepened his understanding of this ancient healing practice. Whether you're seeking relief from specific discomfort or aiming to enhance your overall well-being, Tom's Thai Massage sessions are tailored to meet your unique needs. Experience the rejuvenating power of Thai Massage and embark on a journey toward holistic wellness. Please note that it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for any persistent or severe pain or medical conditions. Individual results may vary. FL LMT MA56892, NCBTMB Board Certified, E-RYT 200
Joanie Flavin
Yoga Instructor
Joanie has gratefully made her living through yoga for 20 years. She's endlessly inspired by its benefits to all bodies. Her classes aim to create a safe space to explore and understand each individual's needs.
Joanie has studied the many ways to utilize yoga as a means to a better quality of living. She looks forward to gently opening a new door for her student's well beings and kindly encouraging them to explore new things from within. Joanie gives love, compassion and her immense yoga knowledge to all students!
Mona Colton
Pilates Inferno, Zumba & Yoga
Mona brings over 35 years of dynamic fitness expertise to our community. Mona served as a 5-star ELI Master Trainer and a three-level Stripe TRX Instructor for Lifetime Fitness. She also traveled nationally as the MC for "The Reebok Step" competition alongside Olympic legend Nadia Comăneci, leading seminars, trainings, television appearances, radio interviews, and contributing to major fitness magazines.
Mona’s specialties include Stott Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, TRX, Spinning, Step, Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Ballet Barre, Power Train, HIIT Weight Training, Bosu, and Meditation. Her passion for movement, energy, and excellence shines through every class she teaches, inspiring students of all levels to find strength, balance, and joy in their fitness journey.
Nina Ackley
Yoga Instructor
Nina Flor is a certified Yoga and Mindfulness instructor with a background in Emergency Medicine as a Registered Nurse. Her yoga journey began 20 years ago when her mother invited her to join a class — and from that moment, Nina fell in love with the practice. She was captivated by the asanas, the spiritual teachings, and the profound connection with her body and breath. Right from the start, she recognized that yoga was more than just a physical practice — it was a way of life. Over the years, Nina became a regular in yoga studios, where the "Work In" of yoga became just as important to her as the physical postures.
With five years of experience in the Emergency Department, Nina witnessed the impact of illness and pain, which only deepened her connection to her yoga practice. The mat became her sanctuary for strength, balance, comfort, and inner peace. Eventually, she realized that yoga was her calling, and she wanted to share its transformative gifts with others. Fully immersing herself in the study of yoga, Nina now teaches with an abundance of gratitude, offering classes in Gentle Flow and Vinyasa Yoga. When she's not on the mat or working in the ER, she enjoys spending time in nature with her dog, cats, and daughter. Nina brings mindfulness, joy, and gratitude into every practice, and she’s excited to share the breath and movement of yoga with her community. Namaste.
Vivi Hirsh
Yoga
When Vivi found yoga, she found love. Whether by accident or fate, her journey began in 2016 after attending a few Hot Yoga classes — and it quickly became a life-changing passion. Yoga opened the door for Vivi to discover an inner peace that many seek but few truly experience. Within the same year, she earned her 200-hour teaching certification through Absolute Hot Yoga and has been deepening her practice and teaching ever since.
Vivi holds an E-RYT 200 and RYT 500, with additional certifications in Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and Children's Yoga. With a wealth of international teaching experience, she brings a powerful and compassionate presence to every class, inspiring both adults and children. Vivi believes that meditation cultivates mindfulness and that yoga strengthens the connection between body and mind, leading to greater health, vitality, and harmony. Known for her warm and friendly demeanor, Vivi creates a welcoming environment — both in-person and online — where students of all levels feel supported and excited to grow. She looks forward to guiding you on your next journey through practice.
Valeria Otero
Pilates
Valeria is a Certified Group Fitness and Mat Pilates Sculpt Instructor with a passion for making exercise not only effective but also enjoyable and empowering for everyone. With a warm and welcoming approach, Valeria believes that fitness should be accessible and fun, regardless of age, experience level, or body type. Her classes are thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals at all stages of their fitness journey, creating an inclusive space where everyone feels supported, motivated, and inspired to thrive.
With her upbeat energy and positive attitude, Valeria encourages her students to embrace their unique strengths while challenging themselves to reach new heights. She blends the benefits of Pilates with dynamic group fitness techniques to offer classes that build strength, flexibility, and confidence. Her goal is to create a fitness experience that not only tones and sculpts the body but also uplifts the spirit, leaving everyone feeling empowered and excited to continue their fitness journey. Valeria’s passion for health and wellness is contagious, and her classes offer a fun yet focused atmosphere where students can feel both challenged and encouraged, no matter their starting point.
Sheryl Altman
Instructor
Sheryl Altman, originally from New York City, stumbled upon yoga class to enhance her vocal skills. Intrigued, Sheryl attended her first Bikram yoga class — a decision that would change the course of her life.
The experience was transformative. The heat, the postures, and the deep, conscious breathing expanded her mind, body, and spirit in ways she had never imagined. This newfound connection led Sheryl to pursue her passion for yoga further, and she completed her teacher training in 2016 in Huntington Beach, California, under the guidance of Craig Villani. Upon returning, she made the life-changing decision to leave the corporate world and become a full-time yoga instructor. Her love for yoga continued to grow, and she expanded her expertise to include teaching Mat Pilates, Barre, Dancefusion, and Aqua Fitness.
Today, Sheryl’s number one passion is teaching and inspiring her students with the healing power of Bikram yoga. She finds joy in helping others connect with their bodies, reduce stress, and achieve a sense of balance and well-being. Sheryl’s journey from the corporate world to the yoga mat has been one of personal transformation, and she is dedicated to sharing that transformation with her students, guiding them toward their own paths of physical and mental growth.
Sarah Finniss
Mat Pilates, Senior Fitness & Yoga
Sarah’s journey into the world of wellness began in 2017 when she relocated to southwest Florida to take on a position as an Art teacher at a private elementary school. During this time, Sarah discovered the transformative power of yoga and decided to deepen her practice by earning her 200-hour Yoga Instructor Certification in the serene surroundings of Bali, Indonesia. Inspired by the teachings of yoga, Sarah began integrating her knowledge into her role as an educator, teaching yoga to children in the classroom and fostering mindfulness and movement from a young age.
Over the years, Sarah’s career evolved to embrace a broader focus on fitness, as she became more passionate about helping people of all ages achieve their health and wellness goals. She earned her Personal Trainer certification through ACE Fitness, as well as a Specialization Certification in Senior Fitness, allowing her to design fitness programs for diverse age groups. Sarah is also a certified Stretch Coach and Mat Pilates Instructor, expanding her ability to guide individuals in improving their flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Today, Sarah teaches a variety of fitness classes across local communities, while continuing to share her love of art and creativity by teaching online art classes to children on the side. Her journey blends her love for both fitness and education, and she is committed to empowering her students to lead healthy, balanced lives through movement and mindfulness.
Colleen Weiglein
Instructor
Colleen’s yoga journey began in a unique and meaningful way — teaching yoga to children as a Montessori educator. This early experience sparked a deep connection with the practice, and Colleen quickly realized the transformative power of yoga, both for children and adults alike. Over time, she expanded her teachings to various studios, private clients, municipalities, underserved schools, and organizations like The National Eczema Association. She has also brought her classes to virtual platforms and corporate settings, proving that yoga is truly for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.
Throughout her journey, Colleen has found both peace and purpose in yoga, which has fueled her passion for sharing its amazing benefits with others. Her classes are designed to inspire, energize, and uplift, with high-vibrant playlists that set the tone for each vinyasa flow. Colleen’s dynamic and accessible approach to yoga ensures that students of all levels can experience the profound effects of the practice, from physical strength to emotional balance. Whether in a studio, a corporate setting, or online, Colleen is dedicated to helping her students connect with themselves, discover inner peace, and live more balanced lives. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication to yoga make her classes an energizing and enriching experience for all who attend.
Frances Borshell
Pilates & Meditation
Frances Borshell is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of expertise in mergers & acquisitions within healthcare and a deep passion for wellness. As a co-founder of Grounding Spot, she has combined her business acumen with her commitment to improving the well-being of others. Frances’s passion for Pilates and meditation shines through in her role as a dedicated instructor, where she leads Mat Pilates and Hot Mat Pilates classes. She also trains others in the Grounding Spot Meditation technique, helping individuals achieve mental clarity, mindfulness, and balance.
Frances’s journey into wellness was driven by her desire to create a space that nurtures both the body and mind. With a strong foundation in business and a heart for healing, she has built a career that is dedicated to promoting holistic health. Whether guiding a Pilates class or leading a meditation session, Frances’s focus is on empowering others to connect deeply with their bodies and find peace within themselves. Her work at Grounding Spot reflects her belief in the transformative power of mindful movement and meditation.
Unwind & Thrive
Welcome to Grounding Spot where you can unwind, thrive and love life. Grounding Spot is the world's first mental fitness club and superfood cafe. Come join our community.
UNWIND
EVERY DAY
Through our commitment to wellness, connection, and authenticity, we aim to inspire and guide our community to lead fulfilling lives, grounded in stability, and flourishing in genuine, lasting well-being.
At Grounding Spot, our mission is to empower individuals to thrive in the pursuit of holistic wellness and balanced living.
THRIVE
EVERY DAY
GET GROUNDED
EVERY DAY