MEET TEAM ExZ
Molly Clark
Barre, Zumba®, Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Gold Zumba® Gold-Toning, AFAA, CPR, AEA
Molly has been a certified group fitness instructor for over 3 decades starting at the age of 16! She recently relocated to CT from NYC and is passionate about serving the community by providing movement and exercise for everyBODY. AFAA/AEA/CPR certified, licensed in Zumba®, Zumba®Toning, Zumba Gold®, Zumba®Gold Toning, Aquatic Fitness, former Fluidity® Barre lead instructor. When she isn’t teaching, she loves to garden and spend time with her husband, two sons and dog, Tucker
Natalie Kikkenborg
Zumba Jammer™, Zumba®, Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Gold Zumba® Gold-Toning,
Zumba® Kids + Kids Jr, AFAA, CPR
Natalie fell in love at her very first Zumba® class back in 2015 and in that moment this was a fitness program that she wanted to make a daily part of her life, so she became a licensed instructor in 2016. Shortly thereafter, she discovered a love for working with active older adults, people with varied abilities and physical limitations so she became a Zumba® Gold instructor in 2017. Natalie believes that fitness should be accessible for everyone, NO MATTER WHAT! In 2019 she was handpicked by the Zumba® home office as a Zumba Jammer™ (licensed choreographer) for the Zumba® Gold program.
Maria Bernardo
Zumba®, CPR
Maria Bernardo is a Guilford, CT native who found her love for Zumba® In college. She took weekly classes and master classes throughout the years. After college she moved back home to Guilford where she met her husband and began her Nursing Career at Yale New Haven Hospital. She taught at StudioOne Branford from 2013-2015 and obtained her ZIN™ License in April 2019. Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends and thrives on bringing joy and positive energy to others! She is excited to continue her Zumba career at ExZ!
Marina Rossi
Zumba®, Zumba® Gold, Zumba® Kids + Kids Jr., CPR
As a ZUMBA ® instructor of 11 years my style is bright, bold and loud. I believe in feeling the music to find your confidence, your workout and your success. I got my start when a coworker invited me to take a class that night. I was 70 pounds overweight, self conscious, tired and depressed but 60 minutes later I was hooked. Now my goal is to show people that they don't need to be fit, have their "ideal" body, or be a pro dancer to participate in a group fitness class. I work hard every time I instruct to bring a great workout to everyBODY in the room, whether beginner or fitness junkie. You can be ready to try something new or as intimidated as I was that first day, but check out my schedule and come Join the Party™.
Nilda Alicea
Zumba®, Zumba® Gold, CPR
I was born and raised in the lovely island of Puerto Rico, where my love for dancing first started. After graduating from college, I moved to New Haven, CT to pursue a graduate degree in Pharmacology at Yale University. It was here where I took my first Zumba® class and wow, did I love it. Zumba® has been a way for me to celebrate my roots while exploring the rhythms of other cultures at the same time. Not surprisingly, after almost 10 years of attending Zumba® parties I finally took the leap to become licensed to teach Zumba® (2018) and Zumba® Gold (2019). As an instructor, my goal is to create a welcoming and fun environment, where participants feel free to let loose and have the best time as they work on their fitness goals. When I am not leading a Zumba® class, you can find me in the classroom teaching chemistry, in the lab working on research, or spending some quality time with my family.
During the last four years, I have grown a lot as a Zumba® instructor and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you at ExZhilarate Fitness Studios!
Kenny Ward
Yoga Sculpt, All Levels Flow, Yoga
Kenny Ward teaches a unique combination of yoga, dance, and sculpting muscle work. His classes are music-driven and are a welcoming environment for students of all levels. Originally from Connecticut, he got his start teaching yoga and fitness classes on his college campus and around Connecticut. Later, he spent four years refining his skillset while teaching at studios, workshops, and events on the island of Maui, Hawaii. In 2021, he returned to Connecticut and joined the team at ExZhilarate, where he teaches Yoga Sculpt and All Levels Yoga Flow classes.
