The Team at Fit

Sarah Santangelo

Health and Fitness Manager

Sarah has over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry teaching group fitness classes, coaching, personal training, and managing instructors. Sarah’s certifications include Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Youth Training Specialist, LiveStrong Instructor, and Powerlifting Coach, as well as other specialized areas of focus. She is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the Fit community!

Sarah loves to be active, and when she’s not in the gym, you can find her on one of the many beautiful hiking trails in the area with her dog, or tackling an obstacle course race or athletic competetion with her friends!

JR Vano

Assistant Manager

JR Vano joined the Fit In Boonsboro team in August 2025 after earning his master’s degree in Business and Communications from High Point University, where he also completed his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a focus in data science. JR enjoys working at the front desk and getting to greet members each day. He brings genuine enthusiasm to the Fit community and helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through the door.

Kathy Francis

Yoga & Pilates Instructor

Kathy Francis is a yoga & pilates instructor who has dedicated her career to service in education, wellness, and safety. She embraces a healthy lifestyle through yoga, Pilates, and meditation. Transferring this knowledge from generation to generation remains a guiding focus of Kathy’s work. She has been a yoga and Pilates practitioner for decades and enhanced her skills through training and certifications in yoga, functional aging, and Zen Barre. Kathy earned a Master of Science (MS) in Management with the Johns Hopkins University Police Executive Leadership program and Certificate of Completion in Crisis Leadership in Higher Education from the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Certifications: CPR/AED, Registered Yoga Teacher RYT200, Functional Aging Institute, and Zen Barre Instructor

Therese Bason

Fitness Instructor

Therese Bason is a certified Pilates Mat, Barre, Yoga, and Silver & Fit Instructor. Since 2006, Therese has conducted classes and one-on-one trainings, both in-person and virtually, at many locations in Western NY, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. She has been practicing Pilates and Yoga for decades. She has completed half-marathons and is a member of IDEA Health and Fitness Association. Her training includes Club Pilates, IM=X Pilates Mat, Balanced Body Pilates Reformer, American Council on Exercise Pilates Mat, Yoga Fit, Freestyle Barre, Barre Above, American Council on Exercise Fitness Yoga, Silver & Fit, Arthritis Foundation Exercise, Les Mills, and Reebok Core. In addition, she holds a Group Exercise Instructor Certification through the YMCA of America. It has been the joy of her life to meet so many wonderful people while teaching at many YMCAs, Rec Centers, gyms, hospital wellness centers, daycare centers, summer camps, corporations, and even apartment complexes. She assisted members at the second largest YMCA in America as a group exercise instructor, wellness consultant and wellness coach. Therese has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University and formerly worked as a service coordinator for individuals with developmental disabilities, senior citizens, and economically disadvantaged families and children. She acted as legal guardian for a former client with a developmental disability for twenty-four years. She enjoys music, the beach and spending time with her two sons.

Madison Nittinger

Fitness Instructor

Since 2019, Madi has been teaching Cycle classes, blending a passion for fitness with years of professional teaching experience. By day, this instructor swaps the classroom for the bike, using expert teaching skills to motivate every rider to reach their personal best. Off the bike, you’ll find this adventure-seeker exploring scenic hiking trails or heading to a new travel destination.

Madison Nigh

Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer

Madison is a fitness instructor with a lifelong movement background, including 20 years of dance training, half-marathon completion, and several years immersed in Crossfit. She earned her Crossfit Level 1 coaching certification in 2019 and began coaching shortly after.

After relocating frequently due to her husband’s Army career, she shifted from high-intensity training to group fitness, focusing on longevity, proper form, nutrition, and a sustainable healthy lifestyle. She’s passionate about helping people move well, feel strong, and stay consistent – no matter their season of life.

Outside the gym, she’s a mom, dog-lover, and Ohio native who enjoys outdoor activities, time with family, and advocating for special education students.

Julia Snyder

Front Desk Team

Julia loves Fit! She started coming to the gym when she was 14 years old and joined the team in 2018. She has worked in the Kid Care room and at the front desk. Her bubbly personality is an asset to Fit In Boonsboro. Come in most evenings and be greeted by Julia!

Olivia