The Faculty and staff of the PVCC Fitness Center
are dedicated to providing quality service.
Click on the names listed below to read their biographies.

Craig Adler

Jacky Burke

Lisa Cvach

Karen Fehr

Mark Francis

Ray Laing

Rob Marks

Donna Layshock

Ray Saigh

Sadie Sund

Billy Swisher

Sherri Veach

Fred Vergnetti

Tatum Voeller

Dana Wagner

Craig Adler
M.Ed.  Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona State University
B.S. Nutrition and Hospital Dietetics, University of Illinois
National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise – Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association

Intense cardiovascular programs and exercise programs that combine strength training with cardiovascular exercise are Craigs primary focus in his personal exercise routine. "Given a limited amount of time, modified circuit programs can help promote muscle endurance, strength gains, cardiovascular performance, weight management, and general health and wellness all in a relatively short period of time."

In addition to health and fitness Craig enjoys personal finance and investment management. Before working at PVCC Craig spent 15 years in financial planning and tax management. In 2007, Craig passed a series of IRS exams that allowed him to practice tax and represent tax payers before the IRS.
During his free time, Craig enjoys hiking and riding his bike.  He has hiked the Grand Canyon several times!

Dana Wagner
M.A. Education Counseling, Northern Arizona University
B.A.  Physical Education, Arizona State University
National Academy of Sports Medicine- Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise – Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED – American Heart Association
First Aid Certified – Heart Savers, Inc.

Before joining PVCC, Dana was a Physical Education Teacher for K-12 students . In addition to her many years as a fitness center instructor at PVCC, Dana was also an academic advisor and a Retention Specialist. Currently she is teaching Physical Education at a middle school in Paradise Valley Unified School District. 
Dana has assisted members by utilizing her skills and expertise in Lifestyle Insights, Optimal Performance Training and Senior Fitness.  She has taught courses in strategies for college success and continues to teach Healthful Living as an adjunct professor.
Dana is married with two daughters.  She resides with her husband and family in Phoenix, Arizona.

Donna Layshock Fitness Center Manager
M.A. Education – Secondary Education, Emphasis Fitness and Wellness, Arizona State University
M.S. Computer Information Systems, University of Phoenix
B.A. Physical Education, Arizona State University
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified, American Heart Association
First Aid Certified.

Donna has a variety of degrees, certifications and interests.   In 1992, Donna served as a Fitness Technician and Instructor at Chandler/Gilbert Community College.  A few years later, in 1995, Donna was hired as the Manager of the PVCC Fitness Center and Technician.  In addition, she was the Head PVCC Men's and Women's Tennis Coach.
Donna pursued her certification in computer networking.  She earned her Cisco Certified Network Administration and Cisco Certified Network Professional certifications.  She also became certified as an ACSM Personal Trainer with an emphasis in Senior Fitness.  Continuing her expertise in Fitness, she additionally earned the NASM Certified Personal Trainer certification.
Specialties include Senior Wellness and Women's Weight Training.  An avid exercise enthusiast, Donna is a committed distance runner, bicyclist, swimmer and tennis player.  During the winter months, she enjoys hitting the slopes with her snow skis.  However, what gives her the greatest enjoyment is time with her grandchildren.

Fred Vergnetti
B.S. Exercise Science, Arizona State University
National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise - Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association

Fred has been and instructor at the PVCC fitness center since 1996.   He has had a wide variety of personal training experiences, having worked at Q Sports, Ranch Fitness, Pure Fitness and Maximum Fitness.   He was a Massage Therapist for approximately five years. In addition, he worked as a cook for a local business.
Fred's areas of expertise include weight training, functional training, youth fitness, and senior fitness.
Fred's hobbies started in his high school years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  He participated in the Piper High School Graphic Arts Club and played for the varsity Football Team.  Currently Fred plays guitar in the rock band SoulDriver and enjoys poker, snowboarding and his three children.  During Football season, you can expect to see Fred watching his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Jacky Burke
M.S. Exercise Science, Colorado State University
B.S. Philosophy, Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified.  American Heart Association

 While in Colorado, Jacky was a personal trainer at a health club, an athletic trainer for a men's baseball and an ice hockey team, and a strength coach for the men's ice hockey team.  She is a current member of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
After graduation from CSU, Jacky accepted a job in Florida where she was Director of Aquatic Therapy at the Kissimmee Physical therapy clinic.  In addition she helped manage the Women's Wellness Center in Hunter's Creek, Orlando, FL.
Jacky then moved to Arizona, where she has been a personal trainer and an instructor at Paradise Valley Community college and Scottsdale Community College.  In addition, Jacky teaches Exercise Science classes and is a guest instructor at Arizona State University.
In 2004, despite her active lifestyle, Jacky was diagnosed with osteopenia.  She began researching this disease and osteoporosis prevention strategies.  She continues to review the latest research studies on bone density.  Arthritis, menopause and other women's health issues are additional areas of Jacky's interest and expertise.
Jacky enjoys staying active in her free time by bike riding and hiking.

Karen Fehr  Fitness Center Coordinator and Director
M.S. Physical Education, Emphasis in Exercise Science, Arizona State University
B.S. Physical Education, North Dakota State University
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED/First Aid Certified (American Heart Association)
Intrinsic Coach© (Totally Coached)
Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT); Anusara-Inspired™

Karen has been the Fitness Center Coordinator and Director at PVCC since its opening in 1987.  As full-time faculty, she teaches Healthful Living, Creating College Success, Environmental Wellness, and Yoga Classes at PVCC.  She is a registered yoga teacher, RYT, through Yoga Alliance, the national yoga education and support organization.  Karen completed the Arizona Master Teachers Program in May of 2010.  Areas of expertise include behavior change through lifestyle coaching (Intrinsic Coach©), Optimum Performance Training (NASM OPT), mind/body fitness through yoga and meditation, Functional Movement Screening and Corrective Exercise Intervention.  She attends several workshops and conferences each year to stay current in the fitness and wellness field.  Karen has a number of active professional memberships, including ACSM, Yoga Alliance and IDEA Health and Fitness Association.  Karen's past professional experiences include the Manager of Wellness at Sentry Insurance and the Fitness Coordinator at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn.
Born and raised in western North Dakota, Karen remained in the state to complete her undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University.  Not only was Karen focused on her studies, but throughout her college career, she competed on the NDSU track and field and cross-country teams! 
 Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.  Maintaining and promoting a healthy lifestyle, Karen participates in hiking, camping and bicycling whenever she has the opportunity.  In addition, she consistently practices yoga and functional fitness training in her home and in the fitness center!

Lisa Cvach
M.A. Physical Education, Emphasis Administration. Northern Arizona University
B.A. Physical Education, Cal State University Long Beach.
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
American Council on Exercise, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association
First Aid Certified- Heart Savers, Inc.

Throughout her high school and college career, Lisa enjoyed playing competitive beach and indoor volleyball in Southern California.
After college, she taught high school health and physical education at a private high school.   She also served as the Department Chairperson, Head Volleyball Coach and the Drill team and Cheer leader teams' moderator.
Following her years at the high school, Lisa moved to Division 1 level as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach at the Ohio State University.  In addition, she taught Physical Education major's courses.  Lisa then moved back to Santa Barbara where she spent ten years as a professor in the Kinesiology Department at Westmont College.   She also served as the Intramural Sports Director and Head Women's Volleyball Coach.
Since the fall of 1997, Lisa has worked at PVCC fitness center as a personal trainer and as an adjunct faculty member.  The primary focus of her work is Employee Wellness, Lifetime Fitness and Senior Fitness.

Mark Francis
B.A. Exercise Physiology, Adams State College
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
NSCA-CSCS Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association

Mark was born and raised in Lincoln, England.  While living in England, Mark was involved in soccer and track before playing American Football with the Nottingham Hoods.   In 1992, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona and continued to play football at Phoenix College. 
Mark currently works in the PVCC Fitness Center as an instructor, specializing in sports conditioning and functional training.  In 2010, Mark earned his FMS certification, Functional Movement Screen Specialist.  His current clients benefit from this specialized screening at the beginning of their program design.
Mark's hobbies include outdoor training, hiking, kayaking, and studying military history.  He currently resides in Phoenix with his wife and son.

Ray "Coach" Laing
B.S.  Double Major. Math and Physical Education. Pitsburg State University
M.S. Physical Education, Arizona State University
CPR/AED Certified, American Heart Association
First Aid Certified, American Red Cross

Ray was born in the country and raised in the city!  He was born the youngest of five children in the small farming community of Alma Center, Wisconsin.  His family moved to Kansas City where he attended elementary and high school.  From 1962-64, Ray served in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Ulm, Germany.  After returning home, Ray immediately jumped into teaching math and coaching football and baseball at his alma mater, Wyandotte High School.
Continuing his career in teaching and coaching, Ray moved to Phoenix, Arizona.  He served as head Football Coach at Central High School, taught Physical Education and Math and was the assistant coach for wrestling and baseball.
In 1976, Ray moved up to the college level.  He coached football, taught First Aid, and worked as a Fitness Trainer at Phoenix College.  In 1986 Mesa Community College snagged him to be the Assistant Football Coach, Defensive Specialist.
Coach Ray has been at PVCC since its opening in 1987!  He works in the Fitness Center, specializing in clients with special needs.  Currently, he also serves as the Assistant Football Coach of Brophy High School.
Even during his free time, Ray keeps working!  He has refereed amateur and professional hockey for 40 years.  In addition, he has umpired high school through college baseball for 45 years!
Ray was married for 51 years to his beloved wife, Barbara before she succumbed to cancer.  He enjoys spending time with his three children and six grandchildren.

Ray Saigh
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
B.S. Exercise Science, Minor Health Education, Grand Canyon University
Secondary Teaching Credential, Ottawa University
American Council on Exercise, Certified Personal Trainer
International Sports Science Association, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED  American Heart Association
Lifeguarding with First Aid Certified, American Red Cross

Ray came to the PVCC Fitness Center in 2007 with a wide variety of teaching, coaching and personal training experiences.  He trained students and community members at Mesa Community College Fitness Center.  He has also taught Physical Education at Desert Ridge High School and Gilbert High School.  During his tenure at the latter, he coached the football and baseball teams.  He is currently a Physical Education teacher at Gilbert Junior High School and a fitness instructor at the PVCC Fitness Center.  Balance training and development of core muscle strength are Ray's specialty areas of physical training.  His expertise also includes athletic training of all ages.
Not only is Ray qualified and experienced in the athletic domain but also in real estate investment.  Ray earned his real estate license in 1998.  He has been active in Arizona real estate ever since.
On a personal level, Ray has always followed an active lifestyle.  Born in New York, Ray eventually moved to the desert where he played baseball at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale.  He continued his competitive participation by playing baseball at Grand Canyon University.  He then advanced and played for the Cleveland Indians Professional A baseball team!
When he is not working or spending time with his wife and two children, Ray enjoys playing basketball, softball and jet skiing.

Robert Marks
B.S.  Biology, Arizona State University
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach
CPR/AED Certified, American Heart Association
First Aid Certified, American Red Cross

Robert was born in San Clemente, California.  He has been living in Arizona since 1987.  Robert was a competitive wrestler during his high school years at Horizon High School.  After high school, he attended Washington State and Arizona State University.  He continued his athletic career playing collegiate soccer and baseball. While working on his biology degree, Rob also worked as a full-time kitchen supervisor at a local steakhouse. Upon graduation he was recruited to work as a fitness trainer.   He earned a top spot in personal training sessions and client retention and was even rewarded with a sales trip for his success! The most important lessons Robert learned were the rewards and benefits of honestly dealing with clients, co-workers, and managers.

Sherri Veach   
M.S.  Exercise Physiology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
B.S.  Physical Education, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified, American Heart Association
First Aid Certified, Heart Savers, Inc.

Sherri was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She participated in a wide variety of extracurricular activities during her high school years at Lawrence Central H.S.  Sheri was a member of the student council, a Young Life participant, a varsity cheerleader and a varsity swim and diving team member!  She continued her involvement through college in intramural sports and in the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.
Sherri's expertise includes aquatic instruction, cardiac rehabilitation and fitness training.   For approximately four years, Sherri assisted cardiac patients in their recovery at Scottsdale Health Care.  In 2007, Sherri became a certified instructor with the AEA, Aquatic Instructor Certification.  She currently teaches group exercise in water aerobics at Troon Country Club.  Sherri also works at the PVCC Fitness Center helping both seniors and students attain their personal goals.
In her spare time, Sherri has run a marathon and two ½ marathons. Her next quest?  She would like to try a triathlon!  Photography and outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports round out her leisure interests.  She has 3 children who are all involved on sports teams.  She enjoys being their #1 fan!

Tatum Voeller
M.S.  Human Movement, AT Still University, Mesa Arizona
B.S. Exercise Science, Arizona State University
American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Performance Enhancement Specialist
National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist
CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor, American Heart Association

Tatum came to the PVCC Fitness Center in 2001 with a strong background in cardiac rehabilitation.  She initially worked in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation department at Scottsdale Healthcare.  She then spent nearly 6 years as the Director of five cardiac rehabilitation facilities and served as a cardiac rehab therapist for Advanced Cardiac Specialists!
Tatum is involved in numerous health related programs at PVCC.  She is the primary CPR/AED instructor of the PVCC employees.  In addition, all of the non-credit activity classes come under Tatum's leadership and administration.  She also teaches a variety of exercise science classes in the Personal Trainer Program at PVCC and weight control classes for the Food and Nutrition Program.  As a fitness instructor, Tatum specializes in Senior wellness.  In the Spring of 2009, Tatum was honored as the PVCC Adjunct Faculty of the year!
Tatum's hobbies and interests revolve around her faith and family.  Most of her free time is spent with her husband and two boys, Oscar and Max.  She spends family time playing, hiking and coaching their athletic teams.

Sadi Sund
B.S. Kinesiology, Arizona State University
American Council on Exercise –Certified Personal Trainer
American Senior Fitness Association, Senior Personal Trainer
CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association
First Aid Certified, Heartsavers, Inc

Sadie Sund has been working at the PVCC Fitness Center since 1997. Throughout her tenure, she has trained a wide variety of clientele. Developing fitness programs designed for new users is among Sadie's specialties. Her expertise also includes weight loss programs and incorporation of balance and variety into program design.

In 2005, Sadie also worked with the Health Fitness Corporation at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as a Health Fitness Specialist and a Group Exercise Instructor teaching cycling, yoga, cardio kickboxing, step and body conditioning. Sadie was an intern and the REPS personal training studio in Maui, Hawaii for 4 months studying under the owners, Marjo and Hannu Selin.

Since 2008, Sadie has been serving the La Siena retirement community as a Senior Activities Instructor.  During the same year, she earned her Basic Water Rescue Certification from the American Red Cross.   She currently teaches several fitness classes including sit and be fit, chair yoga, water aerobics and balance classes.  In addition, she designs programs for the senior residents.

Sadie's hobbies include yoga, snowboarding, hiking, group exercise, and dancing. When Sadie isn't participating in her fitness activities she enjoys shopping, going to the movies, and traveling.

Billy Swisher
M.S. Physical Education, Western Illinois University  
B.S. Recreation & Park Administration, Western Illinois University  
American Council on Exercise –Certified Personal Trainer  
CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association 

Billy Swisher started working at the PVCC Fitness Center in August of 2012 teaching Strength Training and Lifetime Fitness classes.  He began his career in Health and Fitness as a YMCA Physical Director in 1994 and was in charge of sports and fitness programming at three different YMCA’s. He has also worked at another local community college teaching activity classes, as well as anatomy and health classes. Billy knew once he started teaching that this was his passion and has continued to be involved in academics ever since.  Along with his work at PVCC he teaches online classes for Kaplan University, Ashford University, and the University of Phoenix, as well as serving as a Wellness Coach at a local nutrition club in Phoenix. 

Billy grew up along the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa and is married with three sons.  He loves to hike, play golf and tennis, watch movies, and is self taught on the acoustic guitar.  For you sports fans out there, he’s a huge Iowa Hawkeye sports fan.  He also roots for the Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Bulls.