Meet Our Instructors

Betsy Lui

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Betsy Lui is a dedicated advocate for holistic well-being, specializing in mindful movement and breath. With over a decade of experience in yoga, she is committed to sharing her extensive knowledge through inclusive classes that promote physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

Betsy emphasizes personalized guidance, ensuring that each student feels supported on their unique wellness journey. As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) with the US Yoga Alliance, she has further enriched her expertise through a Singing Bowl Certification from the Natural Soundhealing International School in Nepal, as well as a 60-hour Acu-Yin Yin Yoga Teacher Training.

Additionally, Betsy is a Certified Pilates Instructor, blending various practices to enhance the overall well-being of her students.

Dani Kopczynski

KICKBOXING INSTRUCTOR

Teacher and owner of Tough Cookie Lifestyle, Dani uses her expertise from cross-training for competitive sports, like amateur boxing, kickboxing and her passion for bodybuilding to create, implement and train to build and shape your physique.

Dani taught fitness kickboxing for several years, fought competitively for 2 years and has been involved in fitness boxing for over a decade.

For over 4 years, Dani has been training and practicing nutrition to help people reach their health and wellness goals. Whether that be building muscle, losing weight, improving your health, or preparing for sports performance, Dani creates comprehensive, personalized, custom nutrition and training programs to meet your needs. Where the mind goes, the body follows. Dani uses a holistic approach to help you transform your habits, mindset and lifestyle to reach your health and fitness goals.

Engineering for Kids

JUNIOR ENGINEERS & MASTER MACHINES INSTRUCTOR

Engineering For Kids is a global hub for young learners, dedicated to meeting the growing demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in today’s world. The organization focuses on introducing children to the exciting field of engineering from an early age, fostering curiosity and creativity to help them develop essential skills for success in the 21st-century workforce.

With a belief that every child has the potential to be an engineer, Engineering For Kids offers innovative, fun, and interactive programs that inspire children to explore the endless possibilities of engineering in a safe and supportive environment.

Hiroe Bellows

HIIT INSTRUCTOR

Celebrate what your body can do! Hiroe Bellows has been a group fitness instructor since 2014 and loves the connection she has with her participants. She is licensed to teach Strong Nation™️ (a full-body HIIT workout), Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Zumba Kids, Zumba Kids Jr., and Aqua Zumba. Hiroe also holds certifications as a Canfitpro Fitness Instructor Specialist and Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach.

Growing up playing basketball taught her the value of teamwork. Did you know that participants are likely to work harder in a group fitness setting than when working out alone? Plus, it’s so much more fun!

In her HIIT classes, attendees can burn calories while toning their arms, legs, abs, and glutes. Hiroe mixes explosive moves like high knees, burpees, and jumping jacks with isometric exercises such as lunges, squats, and kickboxing.

Fitness is Hiroe’s passion, and she is grateful to share it with others! She also enjoys dancing, swimming, baking, traveling, spending time at the beach, and sharing laughter. Hiroe looks forward to seeing everyone in class!

Mauricio Arrioja Baschuk

PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTOR

Mauricio was born in Mexico City and began playing tennis at the age of six. With many years of experience as a certified tennis instructor, he expanded his expertise by becoming a certified pickleball instructor two years ago. Mauricio is passionate about teaching pickleball because it is a sport that spans generations and offers a lifelong, enjoyable activity. He believes pickleball’s accessibility makes it an inclusive sport, allowing individuals of all skill levels to participate, have fun, and thrive.

Pam Gabris

ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR

Hi! I’m Pam Gabris! For the past seven years, I’ve been a Zumba instructor, and I absolutely love dancing to internationally inspired music to make workouts enjoyable and energizing! I’m excited to share my “Heart & Soul” workout with you. My goal is to send you home with a smile on your face and a little sweat to show you’ve worked hard. Bring a friend along and make new connections as you have fun getting fit together!

Shizuko Shirotori

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

 Shizuko has been teaching Pilates since 2003, learning both Contemporary and Classical Pilates in New York. She came to Canada in 2013. In 2017, she earned a diploma as a Therapy Assistant (TA) at SAIT and has since worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a senior care center.

“Movements heal” is a phrase she learns and feels from the heart, and she believes that any movement is not wrong. While there are various “styles” of classes featuring the same movements, her style would be categorized as “Flow.” Of course, sometimes it is necessary to stay still in a position and breathe, allowing for a stretch. All of these experiences are lovely.

Shizuko obtained a Master’s degree in Dance Education from New York University and became PMA certified in 2013. She enjoys listening to and watching Flamenco music and dance, appreciates plays in theater, and enjoys painting and other arts.

Sportball

MULTI-SPORT & BASKETBALL INSTRUCTOR

We have one goal here at Sportball: to help kids gain the confidence and competence they need to stay active for a lifetime. Of course, that doesn’t happen by accident. Every Sportball program is designed to nurture healthy minds and bodies through fun-filled activities that kids get pumped for every week!

Vanessa Mockaddam

DANCE FUSION INSTRUCTOR

Miss Vanessa discovered her vocation by becoming a Dance Teacher and School Teacher. In all her classes, she prioritizes a positive attitude, a welcoming space for learning, and FUN! Miss Vanessa completed Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers Jazz examinations, Royal Academy of Dance advanced graded Ballet examinations, Al Gilbert Tap examinations, and the Yellow CanGym Badge skills in Gymnastics (Acro).

Beyond teaching Jazz, Ballet, Tap, and Acro, she has also taught Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Character Ballet – in both Competitive and Recreational dance programs, to dancers aged 2 to 18 years old, and with three of Calgary’s most reputable dance studios. In school, Miss Vanessa has worked as the Co-Director of Dance Choreography for three Musicals and has innovated and taught a Dance Option class.

Miss Vanessa spends her free time filming dance videos with her brother as well as writing and recording poetry. She is thrilled to have published her first poetry book this year. With the new dance season around the corner, she cannot wait to share her love of movement with the vibrant community of Rockland Park!

Young Rembrandts

EARLY LEARNERS & ELEMENTARY DRAWING PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Discover Young Rembrandts, Where Art Education Meets Excellence. In addition to the academic benefits, involvement in the arts can also have positive effects on a child’s emotional well-being. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a piece of art can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

The Young Rembrandts method not only teaches children how to draw, but also focuses on building important life skills. Through our classes, students learn to follow directions, work independently, and develop problem-solving skills. By providing a structured environment for artistic expression, we give children the tools they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.