At Balans, we are teachers as well as students, continuously incorporating innovative techniques and sound guidance. Everyone at Balans is here to help improve and transform lives for the better. They are a unique and talented team of individuals with a genuine passion for helping people improve their overall well being.

Josefin Persson Kennedy R.Y.T. Yoga and TRX®
Josefin is motivational force and founder of Balans Studio. Seeing her vision realized has been a thrill. She has brought together fitness (cardio-strength and flexibility), nutrition, Swedish style and community responsibility.

Josefin (yo-sa-fin) grew up in a small town in southern Sweden. This instilled an appreciation for walking, running, biking, soccer, and doing cross country for most of her youth. Later Josefin taught gymnastics, jazz, and aerobics. Moving, eating good natural food, appreciating nature and time for reflection, taught her to embrace a more holistic lifestyle. Yoga provided an additional level of enrichment incorporating physical health as well as a peaceful and focused mind.

Josefin loves the fact that beauty is more than outward appearances; it is also the power of inner beauty through mind and body that shapes our lives. She appreciates how the body will let you know what is good and what is not.

Josefin holds a Bachelors degree in Interior and Environmental Design from UCLA. She received her certification in Yoga through YogaWorks and is a member of Yoga Alliances. She is also a certified TRX® Suspension Training Group Course instructor. After living in the US south and west, Josefin and her husband, two beautiful daughters and King, their crazy golden retriever are happy to call Northern Virginia home.

“My vision for Balans Studio is to bring to you a place where you can take care of your whole body with exercise, nutrition and a whole-life approach. When life allows: splurge a little and remember to enjoy the journey.”  — Josefin Persson Kennedy

Shaun Trujillo, Front Desk - Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Shaun comes to Balans by way of Colorado, New Mexico and Las Vegas. Shaun previously served in the Air Force, and has called Virginia home since 2005. He is a Certified Level 1 CrossFit trainer and holds additional certifications in CrossFit Movement and Mobility, CrossFit Gymnastics, CrossFit Nutrition, and CrossFit Kettlebells. He is also a Thai massage therapist and yoga instructor.

Shaun saw his own fitness level improve and learned to appreciate the importance of flexibility. Stretching after workouts transformed into a successful yoga practice. “The Amazing Shauno,” his nickname, is a welcome addition to our amazing staff.

Caryl J. White, MS, RD, LD

Caryl brings over seventeen years of experience to Balans as a nutritional consultant and registered dietician. Her work experience spans collaboration with personal trainers to physicians. She provides comprehensive, custom nutrition and fitness programs including individual metabolic and body composition testing, weekly meal plans, and grocery lists. Caryl also tailors programs addressing a client’s medical issues.

Caryl has her certification in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. She received her Masters of Clinical Nutrition from the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, NJ and her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a concentration in Food and Nutrition from Montclair State College, Upper Montclair, NJ. She is a member of the American Diabetes Association. Caryl is currently teaching core nutrition classes as adjunct professor at George Mason University.
Read about our nutrition programs »

Amy Crescimanno-Word - TRX®, Cycle, Cycle/TRX® Hybrid, Spin Madd Dog Athletic and PT (Personal Training) and Group Certification - AFAA

Amy has been involved in fitness since she was a young teen. Long before teenagers were strength training or even allowed to work out in gyms, Amy got written permission from her parents to join her first gym at 13 years old. She expanded her passion for exercise and movement to dance through high school and on to make the VCU dance team in college.

Amy continues to dance and has been instructing and training others since she was 18. Continuing to add the latest in fitness to her repertoire, she attends any seminars that are cutting edge such as Crossfit, TRX suspension Training, Indo-row, Kettle Bells and Groove Method. As a certified SPIN, TRX Suspension and personal trainer Amy helps others find their love for fitness and taking care of their bodies. She encourages clients to train hard, challenge your body, mix up your training and always take time to stretch and relax the body and mind. The results are amazing and will keep you coming back for more!

PATTY JACKSON - Zumba®

Patty has traveled the world with her husband of 15 years while he was serving in the Air Force. "I have always had the passion for working out and staying healthy so that I can be around to see my children grow and have families of their own," says Patty. A very good friend of hers had been taking Zumba® classes, and she totally loved it, lost weight and decided to become an instructor. "So," says Patty, "I decided if she can do it so can I." Patty believes if you take care of yourself by monitoring your health and following sound mind-body practices, you have found the key to longevity. Patty was certified to teach Zumba® Fitness in 2006. Patty wants you to join her in a get healthy movement love your life to the fullest.

Audra Monk R.Y.T. Yoga

Audra Monk has been a student of yoga since 2000. She began teaching in 2002 and earned her teaching certification from Sun and Moon Yoga Studio. She truly believes that yoga is for everybody. Through yoga, Audra encourages students to develop their awareness of each moment. She loves that strength and grace come together so beautifully in yoga. "It leaves us with a feeling of peace and power after each practice," says Audra. Audra teaches yoga with a lighthearted style, knowing that if we enjoy the journey, we will continue to explore.

DONNA JONES PARKER - Cycle, Mat Pilates and TRX®, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Donna comes to Balans with over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry. She considers exercise, proper nutrition, and consistency essential to achieve improved quality of life and lifelong fitness. Her experience spans weight training, boxing and cardio kickboxing, boxing, Step One and Two, boot camp/circuit training, Pilates/core strength, cycle and cycle interval, and small group training. Donna’s specialties are: body composition management, proper form and alignment, sport specific conditioning, core strength and flexibility, senior fitness, and strength and endurance training. Donna holds a Bachelors in Economics. Her certifications include: ACE Group Exercise, ACE Personal Training, Schwinn Cycle, YMCA Pilates, TRX® Certification. Donna’s goal is to keep it exciting, fresh and fun. She feels that it's never too late to begin — to invest in your health and yourself.

Vanessa Spiller - TRX® and Nutritional Workshop

Vanessa has always possessed a genuine passion for an active lifestyle and nutrition. She enjoys strength training, running and cycling. Vanessa is certified on the TRX® Suspension Trainer, receiving her certification through Fitness Anywhere’s TRX® Group Course. Additionally, Vanessa received her Nutrition and Wellness Consultant certification through American Fitness Professionals Associates. She understands what it’s like to maintain a busy lifestyle while balancing proper nutrition and exercise. Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s degree from Radford University and a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Sherri Troutman - Soul Cycle and TRX® Body Sculpt