Instructor and Trainer Profiles
Dan Taylor
Studio Owner
NASM-CPT; ACE Certified Personal Trainer
After 15 years working in corporate finance management, Dan started Tri Valley Trainer in 1998. He has been a continuing education faculty member of the American Council on Exercise and the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and writes a weekly wellness column for AOL news website Patch.com (Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon editions). Tri Valley Trainer conducts corporate and non-profit seminars, lunch and learn presentations, employee weight loss contests and on-site exercise classes. The studio is the home for private client training and classes by the finest, most committed group exercise class instructors in the Tri Valley area. Additional studio events will include weekly group meditation, monthly workshops by other preventive wellness practitioners and periodic fund raisers for local altruistic organizations. Dan teaches Club TVT TRIAD sessions and can be reached for inquiries about personal training at (925) 413-2268.
Melissa Dickey
NASM-CPT, Studio Co-Owner
Melissa developed a passion for fitness while working in the health club industry throughout college. A mother of two, she is committed to living a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a variety of approaches to exercise including HIIT, body-weight resistance training, boxing and Crossfit, which enhance her quest for lifelong wellness. Her philosophy for personal training is simple, partner with clients to help them achieve their personal fitness and wellness goals through positive and responsible coaching in a safe, fun environment. She will address diet and nutritional opportunities for the client, and design personalized programs that are efficient and challenging, while always working the body towards balance. Melissa teaches Club TVT TRIAD sessions and can be reached for inquiries about personal training at (925) 784-4511.
Denny Posson
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Denny is also an ACE-Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach and Nutrition Specialist. She has been a personal trainer in gyms and in-home as well as an instructor in corporate fitness classes for since 2000. She is passionate about motivating people to live a healthy lifestyle by eating clean and moving! Enthusiastic about continuing her education and staying with many of the current trends, Denny has recently become certified in TRX and Tabata Bootcamp. She has run a marathon and runs many half-marathons and 10ks, frequently placing in the top three in her age group. Denny is also an avid kayaker and healthy cook. Denny teaches Club TVT TRIAD sessions and can be reached for inquiries about personal training at (925) 998-1352.
Specialty Class Instructors
Angela Banke
Zumba Instructor
Angela is from Livermore California and loves being fit and active. Zumba has given her an outlet to be passionate about life and stay fit as well. Zumba gives class participants a fun, intense workout, while the music and movements motivate students to work hard and have a blast! Angela updates sequences to her class regularly, and participates in Zumba Fitness Master classes to keep her classes fun, fresh and challenging.
Patricia Clock
Zumba Instructor
Patricia is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has been living in California since 2006. She has a Masters in arts and acting and her passion is dance. She grew up surrounded by Samba (Carnaval in Rio is the largest popular Street Party in Brazil), Axe, Bossa Nova and Latin music. She has studied ballroom dance and when she discovered Zumba two years ago it was “Love at first dance.” Mixing easy-to-follow routines with energetic music, her class will keep you fit while you’re having fun!
Vrushali Tembe, MS
Yoga Instructor (RYT)
Vrushali is a graduate of Cosmic Dog Yoga teacher training program certified by the Yoga Alliance. She began her yoga journey as a teenager in India and has explored different styles including Vinyasa Flow, Hatha and Bikram Yoga. She is deeply committed to helping people achieve their highest potential. Vrushali studies with master teachers such as Suzanna Spring, but relies strongly on her own personal practice and intuition to influence her teaching. Her teaching incorporates knowledge of alignment and sequencing to ensure safety while allowing students to develop to their full capacity in the posture. She believes the key to physical vitality is a strong, flexible body; the key to mental vitality is a calm, quiet mind. Fitness-level modifications are always provided in her classes, offering students both stronger and gentler option so that each individual can truly cater to their own individual needs in a non-competitive environment.