Award-winning,
internationally known and highly sought after instructor, educator and
performer, Roxanne (who dances under the name
Raksanna) has been involved in the
dance and fitness industry since the late 1980's. She is known for her
powerful, dynamic performances and her inspiring, nurturing teaching
style.
Raksanna
travels to Egypt twice a year to study and
train with the world's greatest teachers and choreographers such as
Raqia Hassan, Randa Kamel, Momo Kadous, Magda and Atef (directors of the
world-famous Reda troupe), Dr. Mo Gaddawi and mroe. Her first
significant and influential teacher was Jasmin Jahal, whom Raksanna
studied with and mentored under for more than ten years.
For nearly 20 years, Roxanne has taught
multiple forms of group exercise such as hi/lo aerobics, step aerobics,
interval / circuit training, boot camp, cardio kick boxing, Latin
rhythms, precision sculpt, Stott Pilates, yoga and Egyptian Cabaret and
Folkloric Belly Dance. In addition, she has trained clients with from
elite athletes such as Caitlyn Chase, a member of the US Olympic Women's
Wrestling team, to senior citizens with health concerns to individuals
living with severe weight management and health-related issues.
Roxanne began her dance and fitness
career New York, where she established programs at State University of
New York (SUNY), Potsdam and Clarkson University. The program at SUNY
Potsdam was aimed at community participants and the curriculum at
Clarkson University was designed for the Clarkson University Golden
Knights (NCAA Hockey Champions for ten years running).
Roxanne is President and CEO of the
Studio. She holds a Masters degree in Management, a Bachelor degree in
Marketing and a Bachelor degree in Social Science from Clarkson
University. In addition to her fitness career, she has over 12 years of
corporate leadership experience, most recently at General Electric as a
senior leader of Marketing & Communication. She lives in Naperville with
David (her husband), Tony (her son) and
Lucky (the dog).
A firm believer in continuing education,
Roxanne is an advanced Authentic Middle Eastern Belly Dance student and
mentors under Jasmin Jahal, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning
performer, dancer and educator. In addition, Roxanne constantly attends
annual conferences, seminars and workshops to stay on the leading edge
of dance and fitness.
Certifications
AFAA Primary Group Fitness
Instructor
AFAA Personal Trainer and Fitness
Counselor
AFAA Weight Training
AFAA/Reebok Step Aerobics
AFAA Kickboxing
AFAA Yoga
AFAA Telefitness
AFAA Fitness Practitioner (in
progress)
Johnny G Spinning
Stott Pilates Mat
Stott Pilates Reformer
Stott Pilates Cadillac, Chair and
Barrel
Turbo-Kick Instructor
BOSU Fitness Instructor
Resist-A-Ball Instructor
Urban Rebound Instructor
AAAI/ISMA Yoga Phase 2
American Red Cross CPR
Master Reiki Teacher
Education
Master of Science, Management
(Concentration: Marketing), 1997, Clarkson University
Bachelor of Science, Marketing,
1996, Clarkson University
Bachelor of Science, Social Science,
1996, Clarkson University
Select Professional Experience
President & CEO, Roxanne's Studio,
2003-Present
VP, Marketing & Communications, GE
Specialty Insurance, 2001-2003
Senior Manager, GE Partnership
Marketing Group, 1999-2001
Manager, GE Railcar Services,
1997-2001
Marketing and Communication Lead,
Clarkson University, 1992-1997
Fitness Instructor and Coach,
Clarkson University, 1992-1997
