Meet The Instructors
Owner/Operator/Manager/Janitor
Kathleen Riskey
My love for movement and music started at the young age of 3 when my mom enrolled me in a weekly tap dance class. I dabbled in other things and some sports growing up but I definitely gravitated towards all types of dance...my favorite was always tap! I was recruited to attend Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa State College) as one of the very first to major in the brand new Dance program. I graduated in 2006 with my BA in Theater Arts-Dance and continued teaching as an adjunct professor (teaching tap of course!) ​
I started taking Les Mills BodyFlow while pregnant with my 3rd child and its what kept me sane! And even though it was mostly yoga, it still felt like dancing to me. I got certified in BodyFlow a year later and have never looked back.
My favorite part of teaching is the connections I make with the people....both in my classes and out! The gym has become my home away from home, and the people my second family. Movement and music have been back bones to my life...and I opened Riskey Fitness to continue to help others find the joy of movement and connection with people that has meant so much to me.
Take my classes:
-BodyFlow: Thursdays noon
-BodyPump: Tuesdays 9:30am
-Les Mills Strength Development: Wednesdays 4:30pm
-Functional Strength: Mondays 5:30am, Thurs 5:30pm
-SoulBody Barre: Mondays 9:30am​​​
Instructor
Janae Steward
Janae is a dedicated fitness instructor of 20+ years with great love and passion for helping and inspiring people through movement. Her classes are the perfect combination of hard work and a dance party! You will leave feeling energized and inspired!
Janae has certified in general group fitness, AFFA personal trainer, Turbo kick, Hip Hop Hustle, PIYO, Barre Above, Les Mills Barre, Les Mills GRIT, Les Mills Sprint, SHiNE dance fitness and Soul Body Restore, and currently teaches for the CMU department of Kinesiology.
Aside from health and wellness, she LOVES being a mom to her 3 kiddos, a wife, and performing! She holds a degree in Musical Theatre and minor in Dance. When not working out she loves to be with her family, (they are her JOY!), lift weights, volunteer at the school, bake cookies, watch her kids activities, play games, get massages, take walks, eat, and research health and wellness!
Take class with Janae:
-ShiNe Dance Wednesday 5:45pm, Friday 10:45am
-Mat Pilates Monday & Friday at Noon
-Strength Training 101 Saturday mornings on a rotating basis.
Instructor
Miriam Deming
Miriam Deming is a mother of two children, married to a wonderful husband. She took BodyBalance classes for over 10 years and was thrilled to finally become an instructor! She has been teaching it for two years now. She also received her registered yoga teacher 200 hour and yin certification.
In addition to teaching fitness and yoga, she teaches singing lessons and directs a community youth and adult choir. She loves the camaraderie, self-acceptance, and growth that comes from teaching fitness and looks forward to being a part of the Riskey Fitness community!
Take class with Miriam:
-Hot Yoga: Tuesdays Noon (50 minute) and
-Bodyflow: Saturdays 9:30am (55- minute)
Instructor
Talene Walker
Talene is a Colorado Native and is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist. She has a passion for helping people of all fitness levels and ages to build strength, flexibility, better balance and a healthier lifestyle. She does this through whole nutrition and an exercise program that fits the individuals needs and teaching classes! Her philosophy is that our bodies are created amazingly to adapt, heal and repair and that consistency is the key to a healthy and fit life. She’s been teaching/training for the past 14 years here the Grand Valley.
When she’s not training or teaching she loves staying fit, eating healthy, making her own soaps and detergents, milking the cow, and making milk products, gardening, sewing, doing renovating projects, coaching soccer or helping coach baseball, playing the piano and singing. She has 4 kids: 2 adults and 1 graduating this year, all of which graduated or will graduate homeschooling and she homeschools her youngest. She also runs her farm with fruit trees, a huge garden, cows, pigs, chickens, peacocks, dogs, and cats.
Her Riskey Fitness classes currently are:
-Mondays at 4:30pm Les Mills BodyFlow (45 minute)
-Thursdays at 5:30pm 30 Min Core
*Talene is also the head of our Small Group Training Program! Schedule your FREE consultation today!
Instructor
Rikki Crabtree
Rikki started in fitness at 30 years old and took her first group fitness class a year later. She fell in love with Bodypump and to this day can’t get enough of it! She was hooked after she walked out of class feeling stronger than ever! It brings her so much joy to be able to share her passion for lifting and music with others!
Her participants get a great workout with precise instruction, making it safe for everyone to lift weights. Another highlight of her classes is that she also includes a little bit of karaoke and a whole lot of fun!!!
She makes jokes that she has a “boatload” of kids, but really it’s less than a basketball team!
Outside of group fitness, she enjoys the outdoors, BBQ’s with family and dance parties with her twin girls. She is a Grand Junction native and loves her hometown!
Come take her classes:
-Bodypump: Mondays & Fridays at Noon
-Cardio Sculpt: Wednesday at 9:30am
Instructor
Kelli Esplin
Hi, I’m Kelli! I am a former elementary school teacher and a mother to 2 little girls. I have been a participant in group fitness classes for 8 years, and that is where I found my love of BodyPump. I love the community of group fitness and the chance to connect with so many people. That is what drove me to become a BodyPump instructor! It’s an upbeat, full body workout with good music and good people. I try to bring that energy to every class I teach and I hope for the chance to connect with you!
Kelli's classes at Riskey Fitness:
-Bodypump: Tuesdays 5:45pm & Thursdays 9:30am
-Bodypump HEAVY: Mondays 4:30pm
Instructor
Cristina Ryan
Hi! I’m Cristina Ryan and I basically eat, sleep & breathe dance! Not only do I teach dance fitness, and take dance classes, but I also provide administrative services to two professional ballet companies. What can I say? I’m a dance fanatic!!
I’m here to amplify joy and build confidence—one routine at a time—because I truly believe that dance is for everybody and every body. I am a Legacy Instructor and Pro Trainer for GROOV3™, a choreo-driven, dance fitness experience that breaks down choreography step-by-step slowly, then builds it back up to tempo—so you can dance like a music video pop star! Each week we will learn a new routine fueled by non-stop DJ-curated music in a high-energy, welcoming space where you'll sweat hard and smile big. If you don’t leave my classes sweating and smiling, I haven’t done my job.
When I’m not in the studio, you’ll find me participating in community theater, exploring the backroads on my motorcycle, or sitting at my craft table crocheting or jewelry making or practicing whatever new craft I decided I just had to learn.
I’m excited to be joining Riskey Fitness and can’t wait for you all to fall in love with GROOV3, just like I did! #swugs
-Come try it Tuesdays 4:30pm
Instructor
Brian Somerville
“For much of my adult life, I have been in-and-out of various gym memberships. I’ve always enjoyed working out and going to the gym, but struggled with consistent motivation. I primarily worked out by myself through various methods and would be consistent few weeks, and then burn-out from over-working myself. So then I wouldn’t go to the gym for a while, and at some point get back into it and over-do it once again. It was a constant cycle of ups and downs, without enough consistency to ever see results.
In 2012, I got a membership to Crossroads Fitness and decided to try something different. Instead of working out by myself, I decided to try a Group Fitness class. I remember very vividly the first Group Fitness class I ever took. It was a kickboxing-style class, and I was out of shape and nervous. I remember pushing myself extra hard because I felt insecure and didn’t want people to know how out-of-shape I was. I also remember the Instructor and all the other members in the class were very friendly and welcoming and that made a good impression on me. Even though I was completely exhausted after that first class, I was happy and couldn’t wait to go again. I was exhausted and energized at the same time! I quickly got hooked on Group Fitness classes. I love the camaraderie and energy and have made many new friends over the years. Staying consistent was much easier and enjoyable. I became a “regular” in multiple Group Fitness classes. Going to class became a part of my lifestyle, and fitness became a consistent priority. I lost about 35 pounds, gained more confidence and felt so much better.
I got my first certification as an INSANITY® Instructor in 2016 and have been teaching high-intensity classes consistently for the past 9 years at Crossroads Fitness. While I will continue to teach at Crossroads, I am very excited to also be a part of the Riskey Fitness team!
In 2020, I added a few more Group Fitness certifications: SH1FT, which is another high-intensity body-weight format, and L1FT which is strength/resistance training with weights.
Outside of classes, my wife Audrey and I have been married for 20 years and have three beautiful girls (16, 12, and 7 yrs old). When I’m not teaching classes, I also work full-time as a Mechanical Engineer for Bighorn Consulting Engineers. In my free time, I love getting outside usually to go camping, hiking or mountain biking or sitting on the porch sipping a big cup of coffee!”
Take class with Brian:
-Rise & Grind Wednesdays 5:30am
Instructor
Kenya Meyer
Hello, friends! I’m Kenya Meyer and I can’t wait to sweat and have fun with you. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in May of 2026 from Colorado Mesa University. I am a certified group fitness instructor specializing as a Les Mills BodyPump Instructor. I’ll bring the good vibes and motivation so we can accomplish a great workout and get stronger together. Whether you are a BodyPump regular or just trying it out for the first time, I will take you through each move for a high-energy and effective workout.
I love fitness because it is a way to see what our bodies are capable of. The feeling of completing a tough workout lights me up and I want it to do the same for you! As a former competitive gymnast for 13 years and a current collegiate springboard diver, I bring the same energy to studio that I would to a competition.
When I am not teaching or at the pool, I enjoy being on the lake, paddle boarding, hiking, and just spending time with friends and family. I love coffee and am always down to go to a coffee shop and catch up.
If you are looking to feel empowered, strong, and have a blast while doing it, I’d love to see you in class. Let’s get moving and grooving together!
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Kenya teaches Bodypump Friday mornings 5:30am!
Instructor
Lauren Carpenter
“I fell in love with the Zumba fitness program as a student after I lost weight, gained confidence, and started to love myself. I have been teaching Zumba classes for almost 13 years and it has been one of the best and most rewarding decisions of my life. I love being able to bring a community of people from different walks of life together to spread joy, confidence, and help them lead healthier lifestyles. I have also had the pleasure or mentoring many new Zumba instructors just starting out in their journeys. My classes are for everybody! No dance or prior fitness experience required. Other classes I have taught are Barre, Les Mills BodyCombat, Kids Dance Fitness, and a Move & Groove class for Seniors.
When I am not teaching I love spending time with my family, cuddling with my 3 dogs, listening to music, and making tumblers.”
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Take class with Lauren Thursdays at 6:30pm
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Instructor
Kim Huskey
“Hi everyone! My name is Kim and I'm a certified SHiNE Dance Fitness and SHiNE LIGHT instructor. I'm a retired elementary teacher and I've been a fitness instructor since 2022. I joined Jazzercise more than 20 years ago and discovered that if you really, truly love the exercise you do, you'll never stop doing it! I kept coming back for the workout but also for the community. My closest, lifelong friendships were built in that community.
Over the years, many people suggested that I become an instructor. After retiring from teaching, I decided it was exactly the right time to try something new. My husband Eric and I moved from Aurora, Colorado to Fruita in the summer of 2025. I joined Riskey Fitness not long after, and in January I became an instructor.
Teaching group fitness is so rewarding! I strive to create a positive, supportive atmosphere where participants are motivated and encouraged to get the most out of their workout and have FUN at the same time! I hope to make people smile, laugh, move their bodies, forget their inhibitions, and leave the dance floor tired and exhilarated!"
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Kim currently subs SHiNE DANCE but keep an eye out for her name on the schedule soon!
Instructor
Amy Chacon
"My name is Amy Chacon and my love for group fitness began when I was in high school and has carried on throughout my life. I have taught group fitness classes such as step aerobics, water fitness, Les Mills Bodypump, circuit training and many more at several clubs and unique environments such as hospitals and churches. But I have always loved the creative cardio and toning workout of step aerobics best and am so excited to have the opportunity to share this passion with a new group of people at Riskey Fitness!"
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Take Cardio Step with Amy:
-Mondays 5:30pm
-Fridays 9:30am
Instructor
Roxana Espinosa
“Hi! I’m Roxana. I’d love to invite you to take one of my high energy group fitness classes. Positively infectious! Smiles guaranteed I pride myself in facilitating a safe space conducive to growth, expression, and positive change. All fitness levels are welcome! Everyone on this team is here to support you on your health and wellness journey. See you soon! ”​
Roxana currently subs Zumba and Cardio Hip Hop!
Instructor
Faith Ridgway
Hi, I'm Faith!
My love run deeps for music! I am an old soul with a wide diversity in taste.
With a drummer as a dad, I grew up dancing to anything with a beat and spent my youth in competitive cheerleading. After overcoming injuries, I found myself stepping in to a group fitness class. I knew instantly that I wanted to help others feel the way I did that day. I wanted to create that safe space, where you can have fun, and dance it out, and leave feeling refreshed, uplifted, and inspired! I became a licensed Zumba Instructor in 2016 and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The program has brought so many wonderful people in to my life, kept me moving, and built my confidence.
Outside of the studio, I am a full time event manager. I am a proud wife, mother, dog mom, and Disney nerd. I enjoy traveling, concerts, a good ol Broncos or Nuggets game, and of course working out with my besties!
Faith is currently subbing at Riskey Fitness