Fitness & Wellness

Lisa Lewis has a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from Arizona State University and is finishing up her Doctorate in Health Promotion and Wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She was the head exercise physiologist for The Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics here in Phoenix from 1985 to 1999. Lisa has been the consulting Exercise Physiologist for the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team since 1986. She was the GCC Fitness Center Director from 1999 to 2001 and is now full time faculty and Department Chair. Lisa serves as a contributing editor for the Journal of Health Promotion and holds multiple certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Courses Taught:
EXS 112 - Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
EXS 125 - Exercise Science
EXS 132 - Cardiovascular Fitness-Physiological Principles and Training Techniques
EXS 142 - Principles of Safe Exercise
EXS 145 - Exercise Testing & Prescription
EXS 212CR - Cardiovascular Lab
EXS 239 - Practical Applications of Personal Training Skills and Techniques - Internship

Joe Kersting has been coaching football here at GCC since 1988 having been Head Coach for 16 of those years. Under Joe's coaching, GCC holds three National Championship titles. Joe holds honors and achievements as the selected Conference Coach of the Year 11 times, the 2005 National Junior College Coach of the Year and has been inducted in the the NJCAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006. Joe has been a residential faculty member since 1991.

Olivia Templeton has been teaching at GCC since 1980. She currently is the GCC Personal Trainer/Aerobics Certification Program Director and Assistant Department Chair. She teaches numerous activity courses, and coordinates the GCC Aerobics Program. Olivia also teaches the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer Certification courses for local Fire Departments.

Courses Taught:
Aerobics
Fitness Center
Fire Department IAFF/IAFC/Ace Peer Fitness Trainer Certification
Downhill Skiing
Cross Country Skiing

Connie LaBuhn is the Fitness and Wellness Department Chair. She is a full-time faculty member at GCC teaching First Aid, CPR and is an Adapted Physical Education Specialist. She has a Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona.

Courses Taught:
HES 154 First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
PED 140 Principles of Safe Exercise
Fitness Center

Scott Henry earned his M.S. in Exercise Science from Miami University in 1991 and is C.S.C.S. certified. Scott was a full time Personal Trainer for 15 years. He was part-time faculty at Paradise Valley Community College for 8 years and Director of the Glendale Community College Fitness Center for 3 years. Scott has been full time faculty in the Fitness and Wellness Department at Glendale Community College since 1996. He has also trained numerous collegiate athletes and teams.

In 2002 Scott was Regional Powersport Champion in the Masters Division, 181 weight class. In 2003 he was the National Powersport Champion in the Masters Division, 181 weight class. Scott currently holds the National Deadlift record with 510 pounds.

Courses Taught:
PED 125 - Exercise Science
PED 130 - Strength Fitness
PED 133 - Advanced Strength Training
PED 202XP - Weight Training for Women

Louise So was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and earned a swimming scholarship in 1986 to attend the University of Iowa. She has a BA in Journalism and Health Promotion and an M.A. in Administration of Fitness & Wellness Programs, from the U of I. She directed the Fitness Center and Employee Wellness program, and taught Exercise Science and Nutrition at Kansas City Kansas Community College from 1992-2001. While at KCKCC, she developed the Exercise Science Certificate, AA and AS degree programs.

Louise moved to Phoenix in 2001 to pursue her competitive masters swimming career. She directed the Fitness Center and Employee Wellness Program at Glendale Community College until fall 2005, when she began teaching full time in the Fitness & Wellness Department. Louise is a certified ACSM Health Fitness Instructor, and is currently working towards her Registered Dietitian certificate.

Courses Taught:
PED 112 - Exercise Science
PED 125 - Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
PED 103VH - Swimming
FON 105 - Nutrition for Fitness Professionals
PED 123 - Active for Life

Prior to joining GCC's Fitness Center in 2008, Margo's experience in the fitness industry ranges from medically based fitness centers to commercial clubs. She currently is also a National Trainer for Les Mills, a group exercise company.

Courses Taught:
EXS 112 Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
FON 105 Nutrition for Fitness Professionals

Stephanie Sawyer is from Phoenix, AZ and has been teaching group fitness classes since 1981. She joined the Maricopa County College District in 2004 and teaches a variety of classes at GCC in the certification program, as well as, physical activity classes. Stephanie also trains in the GCC Fitness Center and in Adapted PE and is also certified through the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor. She has been a featured key-note speaker for a number of women's groups, in addition to radio interviews and television appearances on fitness. Stephanie was named Instructor of the Year at the Bally's Total Fitness in Glendale, AZ in 1999.

Courses Taught:
EXS 239AB - Internship - Methods of Group Exercise Instruction
EXS 142 - Introduction to the Fitness Profession
EXS 112 - Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
EXS 123 - Active for Life
PED 101 SM – Swimming
PED 101 – has taught a wide variety of group fitness formats and Silver Sneaker classes