 
| Highly Trained & Qualified Team
The Playground has built an experienced team of professionals in order to cater to the members every need. This team includes:
- Nutritionist
- Personal Trainers
- Professional Instructors
- Life Coaches
- Motivational Speakers
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Team Members
Below is a list of our qualified team. Each team member is dedicated to helping you reach your goals by understanding who you are.
Karen Roche
 Karen Roche has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. In 1990 she opened her first hair salon which then grew into four salons 10 years later in the towns of Newington, Southington, Kensington, and Plainville. Karen’s hairstyling expertise has lead her to film projects, photo shoots, hair shows, educating, and much more. In 2005, she came to the wonderful city of West Hartford to downsize and opened a small, intimate salon call “The Playground” (which stands for Know Who You Are). With God on her side, she has since grown and established a beautiful fitness and health studio in West Hartford Center called “The Playground” which is dedicated to helping people become healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Karen is also the proud  mother of four beautiful children whom she adores more and more each day. In January 2009 she has become a Certified  Dream Coach from her mentor Marcia Weider. Karen has always lived life with passion and purpose. She is a firm believer that you can achieve any one of your dreams with perseverance and passion. Now Karen has the format and strategy to teach others how to achieve their dreams and goals. Life is to be Lived!! Enjoy!!!
Karen Roche CEO, The Playground Certified Dream Coach
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Glenn Marcella
 Mr. Marcella is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, a resident of West Hartford, and has lived in Connecticut all his life. Marcella has operated a Fitness Consulting business since 1992. He is a Certified Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, National Osteoporosis Foundation and National Academy of Sports Medicine. Mr. Marcella’s work with the prestigious Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut Health Center as an exercise researcher and instructor in the field of exercise and aging has led to important publications in journals such as, The American College of Sports Medicine, The Annals of Internal Medicine, and The Gerontological Society of America, among others. He has been able to successfully bridge the gap between clinical research and functional application in his private practice. He is an enthusiastic and compassionate teacher. Miriam Nelson PhD. And best selling author of Strong Women Stay Young, Strong Women Stay Slim and Strong Women, Strong Bones calls Mr. Marcella "an excellent trainer...he is great at what he does." )
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Ben
 Ben is an avid marathoner and has completed 14 marathons within the last 3 years. He has also completed ultramarathons and several Duathlon and Triathlon events. He started taking Spin Classes in 2002 and discovered the magic of indoor cycling as an efficient tool for endurance and strength training for running, cycling and swimming events. In 2010, he became a certified Spin instructor. In addition to teaching indoor cycling, he is willing to share his running, swimming and biking experience with first time and veteran athletes training for 1/2 and full marathons, duathlons as well as sprint, Olympic, 1/2 Ironman and full Ironman distance triathlons.
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Sifu Pete Untiet
Dan 4th (degree) Black Belt
 Twenty-one years of experience in the Martial Arts, in Chinese Kenpo, Taijiquan (Tai Chi), presently studying Yin Style Baguazhang under He Jinbao of China. Fifteen years teaching Kickboxing to music and Taijiquan. My interest in teaching is to see people develop and feel good about themselves, in opening up the joints of the body.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is a Martial Art incorporating slow movement that help the central nervous system, balance, and circulation of blood and Chi.
Kickboxing is a designed class to open the joints of the body with music and martial arts movements.
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Angelique Jacques
 Yoga Instructor
Rock & Roll Yoga: Think you need to be flexible to take a Yoga class? Think again. Refresh classes are designed with the understanding that our bodies are different from person to person, even day to day. As a Kripalu Yoga influenced class, particular attention is paid to injuries and limitations with posture modifications offered. Classes can range from gentle to vigorous, deep stretching to cardio. Class environments are fun and comfortable and always accompanied by great music!
 BIO: Angie Jacques began her yoga practice 12 years ago and has been committed to it ever since. Seven years ago, Angie completed an intensive training at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA which included over 200 hours of course work in principles of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, pranayama techniques and relaxation and meditation methodology. Angie's background in ballet and competitive sports shines through in her teaching. Her presentation is warm and compassionate while encouraging her students to reach their personal best. When she isn't doing yoga, you can find Angie on her mountain bike enjoying the outdoors or telemark skiing on the hills of Vermont.
Angelique Jacques Member Services Director
What her students are saying:
"A Yoga session with Angie is an experience. It soothes the body, mind and soul."
KP~ Farmington, CT
"I joined Yoga for therapeutic reasons after ACL surgery. My intent was to be a short-time participant. I learned that not only did Yoga aid in my recovery; it improved my overall flexibility, balance, strength and more importantly, reduced stress. Now, fully recovered, I continue to attend Angie's class. Classes are challenging and the instruction is tailored to suit individual needs. I LOVE this class!" BM ~ Farmington, CT
"Yoga has completely changed my body. I was a dedicated gym member but found after a while, my body seemed to reach its max. With Yoga, not only am I noticeably more toned, but I have increased in flexibility and energy. Don't miss a chance to take a class with Angie. The atmosphere is laid back, fun and always a personal challenge. You will not be disappointed!" RT ~ West Hartford
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Nick Ricciardi
 Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor
Health and Fitness has always played an essential role in my Life. I am currently a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and have worked at a variety of health clubs throughout Boston and Greater Hartford. Helping my clients ascertain their goals is extremely rewarding and gratifying.
In addition to my work in fitness facilities, I have a 200hr yoga certification through Samadhi Yoga Studio in Manchester, CT. Yoga serves as a critical part of my Life, and helps me stay strong in Body, Mind and Spirit. It has strengthened my ability to stay present, focused and relaxed. I also have a background in Martial Arts- receiving training in Bushido Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido and Tai Chi. My overall health and well- being as improved since these practices, and I enjoy showing what I know to the community.
When I am not on the mat or in the gym, I am a full-time teacher for Hartford Public Schools. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my seven year old daughter, and spending time with friends and family.
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Sarajean Walsh
 Sarajean Walsh is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and AFAA Certified Group Exercise instructor. She has been kickboxing since the age of 15 and teaching since the age of 19. Walsh studied Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do under the instruction of Sifu Collin Lieberman at Centerline Martial Arts for 3 years. Currently, SJ is working on the completion of her Master's of Science in Wellness. As a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, Sarajean leads several Yoga classes a week, which cater to all levels. Over the last two years she has studied Ayurveda, the Indian medicine system that is the sister science to Yoga. Currently, Sarajean holds a certification as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, connecting the healing power of medicine and holistic living to the tradition of Yoga. In 2011, Sarajean will be away for 5 weeks studying more Ayurveda at Kripalu Center with world renowned teachers such as Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Robert Svoboda, Dr. Scott Blossom, Dr. Claudia Welch, Dr. Partap Chauhan, Satya Narayan Das and others from across the globe. In June of 2011 she will be an official Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consulant and able to coach people through healing and health more deeply.
Furthermore, in 2011, Sarajean will be completing her Pranakriya™ Yoga Therapy Certification Program under Yoganand Michael Carroll and other great minds alike. Sarajean is an Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica and truly lives a life of health and fitness. She is a practicing Vegan of 8 years and guides people through natural nutrition programs of all kinds, not just vegetarian. As an avid runner, kickboxer, fitness professional, yogini, and Ayurvedic practitioner, you can turn to Sarajean for whatever your healthy lifestyle goals are and she will be able to send you in the best direction for you. Come burn 800 calories in her 321 class, or stretch out getting ready for a long weekend or a NAGA competition in her yoga class… Join one of her Pilates or Muscle classes to get your core and body strong and toned or jump into one of the running groups.
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Laurie Venora
Bio coming soon.
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