Our
vision is to be a diverse, highly trained team that is recognized for positively and proactively impacting the health and well-being of the community.
Our mission is to educate and instruct the community through the delivery of comprehensive quality fitness & wellness programs for a strong, healthy Virginia Beach.
Diane Benner, Fitness Unit Supervisor
DBenner@VBgov.com | (757) 385-0406
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional, Les Mills' Certified Instructor, TRX Level 1
Diane has spent 30 years in the fitness industry designing, developing and implementing fitness and wellness programs. She has worked for several not-for-profit organizations, private sector gyms and within the medical community as a rehabilitative exercise specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, with an emphasis in corporate wellness from Shepherd University and completed graduate level coursework in Exercise Science and Wellness at Old Dominion University. Diane loves to be outdoors whether she is gardening, biking or camping. After playing disc golf since the early 1990’s, she has finally received a PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) number.
Diane's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “I am a lifelong learner and ever-evolving wellness professional. My goal is to inspire others, and provide opportunities and tools to help them find their own state of well-being.”
Birgitt Kishbaugh, Recreation Specialist II
BKishbau@VBgov.com | (757) 385-2994
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional
Birgitt comes to the fitness unit with 18 years of experience teaching group fitness classes and managing group fitness programs in the private sector. She has training in a wide range of fitness formats that include Yogafit, SilverSneakers®, Turbo Kick, Bodypump™, Bodystep™, BOSU®, and Drums Alive®. Birgitt’s passion for group fitness carries into her personal life. When she isn’t teaching classes, she takes classes to stay fit. She admits that she has never been a fan of the treadmill; instead, she finds that group fitness classes and learning from other instructors help her meet her fitness goals and keep her motivated.
Birgitt's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Staying fit can be challenging, but there is no reason why you can’t make it fun and a lifetime commitment. No matter how experienced you are in fitness, you can always learn something new.”
Janessa Delaney - Great Neck
JDelaney@VBgov.com | (757) 385-5984
ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
Janessa is a graduate of Iowa State University where she got her B.S. in Kinesiology and Health and minor in Health Promotion. She has experience in teaching a wide variety of group fitness classes and working with diverse populations in the personal training setting. She is also enthusiastic about creating health and wellness incentive programs for behavior change to keep fitness fun and engaging. Outside of work, Janessa enjoys mountain biking, woodworking, cooking and traveling. Janessa has a passion for helping others lead healthy lifestyles.
Janessa's Personal Fitness Philosophy: "Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside."
Karen LeRette - Great Neck & Seatack
KLerette@vbgov.com | (757) 385-5940
NETA Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in group fitness, personal training and aquatic fitness to her new post at Princess Anne Rec Center. As a navy wife and mother of three, she understands the hectic pace of life and the challenges it can bring to staying in shape. She prides herself on getting to know her participants, encouraging them, and helping them achieve their goals. Outside of work, Karen enjoys gardening, boating & fishing with her family and walking her dogs.
Karen's Personal Fitness Philosophy: "Discipline – inside and outside of the gym - for a balanced whole being. Motivate yourself to do well and others will follow your lead."
Laurie Collins- Bayside
LCollins@vbgov.com | (757) 385-5959
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, ACE Personal Trainer
Laurie brings 20 years of fitness experience to the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Fitness Department. Her Fitness career includes teaching a wide variety of formats, personal training, program creation, and Fitness management. Laurie is a Richmond native and Virginia Tech graduate who also enjoys running, kayaking, and paddleboarding with her family when she is not motivating others to find their healthy, happy self.
Laurie’s personal philosophy: “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” - Plato "My goal is to provide enhanced quality of life to VB residents by instilling the value of health and wellness."
Lisa Yancey - Bow Creek
LYancey@VBgov.com | (757) 385-5960
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
Lisa has more than 20 years of experience teaching group fitness classes and personal training clients. She also has experience managing group fitness programs with over 100 instructors at multiple locations. She has taught and trained in many group fitness formats with a focus on incorporating Les Mills programs into the Hampton Roads area over the last 14 years. Lisa is passionate about helping others achieve their goals. This passion was fueled even more so after the birth of her son, William, who wakes up every day challenging Cerebral Palsy. He serves as a reminder that the joy of life is in the journey.
Lisa’s Personal Fitness Philosophy: "Fitness and nutrition is a choice."
Ronnie Miller - Bow Creek
SAMiller@VBgov.com | (757) 385-5960
AAAI/ISMA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, IFTA Certified Personal Trainer
Ronnie grew up loving to dance and participated in all types of sports including track, swimming and even becoming a majorette in high school. Outside of school, she would sometimes attend Jazzercise class with her mom and sister. On occasion, the instructor would allow her to assist with leading classes. The instructor saw the fierce talent and passion that Ronnie had for fitness, so to her surprise, she paid for Ronnie to get her group fitness certification as a Christmas gift! Over the past 20 years, Ronnie has been fortunate to meet and change many lives through her dedication and drive to helping others achieve their goals.
Ronnie's Personal Fitness Philosophy: Coming soon!
Tony Lighthart - Princess Anne
TLightha@VBgov.com | (757) 385-5950
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Tony’s long career with the department has taken him to a variety of recreation centers where he has always excelled in programming for youth, adults, and seniors. This continues to be his focus with the Fitness Unit. He uses his training in SilverSneakers®, BOSU®, and Aquatic fitness to develop programming for all ages and puts his personal talents and interests to work teaching youth skateboarding and women’s surfing clinics. In his time away from the rec center, Tony enjoys cycling, swimming, and studying nutrition.
Tony's Personal Fitness Philosophy: “Use it or lose it.”