meet our staff!
At the Lake Forest Fitness Center, our team is the heart of everything we do. From expert trainers to friendly front desk staff, each person is here to support your health and wellness journey. We are passionate about creating a welcoming, energizing, and encouraging environment for every member. Whether you are just getting started or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, we are here to help. 
Get to know the dedicated individuals who make our Fitness Center a great place to work out and connect!

----John Eldridge 2 crop.jpg   John Eldridge
Program Manager
(847) 810-3940
Jim Thiel - Fitness Center Manager   Jim Thiel
Fitness Center Manager
(847) 810-3918
Chris Pommer - Fitness Center Manager   Chris Pommer
Fitness Center Manager
(847) 810-3918
Danielle Knighton - Group Exercise Coordinator Danielle Knighton
Group Exercise Coordinator
(847) 810-3935
Roseann Giangiorgi - Membership Coordinator Roseann Giangiorgi
Membership Coordinator
(847) 810-3937

Personal Trainers

Cate Demet

CATE DEMET
Personal Trainer

Education:

  • Master’s Degree from Dominican University (River Forest, IL)
  • Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana State University – Volleyball Scholarship, SEC Champions 1986 and 1988
  • Graduate of Stevenson High School – Three-sport varsity athlete (volleyball, basketball, track), All-State Volleyball, High Jump record holder (5'4")

Past Experience:

  • Completed 10 Chicago Marathons
  • Competed in 150 triathlons
  • Ranked 17th nationally as an elite stair climber

Certifications:

  • National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF) – Specializing in youth, prenatal, senior, military, and sport-specific training
  • CPR/AED Certified
  • Certified Madd Dogg Spin Instructor

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CORBIN CORNELISON

Personal Trainer & Performance Coach

Education:

  • BS in Organizational Leadership (University of Charleston, WV)

Past Experience:

  • Retired military 22 years in special operations
  • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Master Training Specialist (MTS)
  • Hand selected by NSW to manage Warrior Toughness, the US Navy's mental toughness program

Certifications:

  • NCSF - National Council on Strength & Fitness Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
  • NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
  • NCSF Suspension Trainer Specialist Certification
  • CPR/AED Certified

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ESTHER GUTIERREZ-SLOAN

Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

Recognition:

  • Inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2010 as the pioneer of Latin rhythm and dance in the aerobic industry
  • Awarded the 2010 Keeper of the Flame Award by the Chicago International Salsa Congress
  • Featured in the 2011 AETNA Insurance commemorative Latino calendar "Dancing to be Healthy"
  • Featured in over 50 newspaper and magazine articles

Past Experience:

  • Creator of SALSArobics® and founder of SALSArobics, Inc.
  • Presented at national and international fitness conventions
  • Starred in four fitness videos
  • Creator of the "Fit to be Me" with SALSArobics program for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Certifications:

  • Total Body Training Systems by Robert Gadja, RKT
  • CPR American Heart Association
  • American Council on Exercise

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JIM RISI
Personal Trainer

Education:

  • BA in Physical Education

Past Experience:

  • Over 30 years in experience with Personal Training
  • Coach of Youth Traveling Baseball, Youth Fitness and Training, and Baseball Clinics throughout Lake County
  • Experience with all populations

Certifications:

  • ACE Personal Trainer
  • NFPT Personal Trainer
  • CPR American Heart Association