Meet the Team

Kim Beard

Kim Beard has worked in the health and fitness industry since 1991. Her work experience includes positions in personal training, group fitness instruction, fitness, wellness and health promotion. She has worked at a variety of locations, including: YMCA, USAF Health & Wellness Center, colleges, private health clubs and fitness centers, and MCCS Health Promotion. Currently, she is the Health Promotions Manager for MCCS Health Promotion, Okinawa, Japan and also has the pleasure of teaching group fitness classes here. She has a B.A. in Exercise Science, and is finishing a thesis for her M.S. in Kinesiology and starting a M.S. in Health Promotion. Her certifications include: ACSM Health Fitness Specialist; ACE Personal Trainer, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and Clinical Exercise Specialist; AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, AHA CPR/First Aid, and numerous group fitness certifications in spin, power cycling, pilates, yoga and aqua. Kim’s goal each day is to make a difference in at least one person’s life. She feels that by reaching just one person in a positive way that each and every day is a success

Neil Roberts

Neil Roberts is the Fitness Director for MCCS Health Promotion Okinawa, Japan. He is certified in the following: ACSM Health Fitness Specialist, ACE Personal Trainer, Indoor Spin Instructor, TRX Individual and Group Instructor, and American Red Cross CPR/AED. He is in charge of running a fitness program that provides services to approximately 22,000 Marines, Sailors, DOD employees, Spouses, and Dependants. He manages six offices spread over the island on Marine Corps bases Kinser, Futenma Air Station, Foster, Courtney, Hansen, and Schwab. The fitness program is a robust program that offers a Personal Trainer Prep Course, Boot Camps, Personal Trainers, Nutritional Counseling, Tobacco Cessation, Return to Readiness BCP programs, Exercise testing, Micro Fit Assessments, and individualized exercise programs. Neil is here to assist the residents of the military community in any fitness or health goals that they have.

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Kendra Blakeslee

Kendra Blakeslee developed a passion for fitness at an early age, and fitness has always been a key part of her life. Over the years, Kendra has been involved in gymnastics, karate, rowing and weight lifting. Kendra graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA and an MBA in Marketing, but soon realized that her true calling was in the health field. Kendra is passionate about helping people to achieve their fitness goals through a combination of strength, endurance and flexibility. Kendra has been committed to yoga for several years, and completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2008. Soon after, Kendra became an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. Kendra is also a certified spin instructor through Schwinn Cycling and is a certified TRX personal and group instructor. Kendra is the Group Fitness Director.

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Christina Butler

Christina Butler hails from the small town of Medfield, Massachusetts. In 2005 she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. Christina specializes in the treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning of athletes and their sports related injuries. In addition to her ATC, she is TRX certified for personal and group training. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Nutrition and her ACE certification in personal training. Christina is currently the Fitness Coordinator at Courtney Ironworks Gym, but you may also find her at one of the SMART Clinics on Okinawa. Christina believes that the key to living a healthy life lies in listening to your body and understanding how it works. She is a strong proponent of health and fitness education and thinks that a little yoga and a good diet can go a long way!

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Takemitsu Shimoji

Takemitsu Shimoji is the Fitness Coordinator at Camp Schwab where he has been helping get Marines fit since 1994. Shimoji-san has his Fitness Training Instructor certification through The Japan Society for Physical Culture and he is an accomplished bodybuilder. His accolades include: 1st place Mr. Okinawa (1985), Best Overall at Kadena Bodybuilding Tournament (1995), and 3rd place Masters’ Division in Mr. Japan (2005). Shimoji-san enjoys his role as a Fitness Coordinator because he likes keeping people healthy.

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Lisa D Ruhe-Tschippert

Lisa D Ruhe-Tschippert is the Fitness Coordinator at Kinser Athletics. She holds a degree in Exercise Science and Physiology as well as 4 ACE certifications, including her ACE Personal Trainer. She previously taught in the Physical Education Department at Sinclair Community College, where she demonstrated her passion for educating and empowering others with the knowledge and tools to achieve a healthy lifestyle. As a firefighter, her unwavering dedication to health and wellness lead her department to excel beyond expectation through the implementation of a mission specific functional fitness program. She has dedicated the last 8 years to helping others and is excited to continue teaching and inspiring others to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

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Luis Arroyo

Luis Arroyo is the Fitness Coordinator at MCAS Futenma. He has been involved in fitness and sports his entire life. Luis has competed in weight-lifting, running such as half-marathons and track and field events, and recently placed 5th in the light-middleweight class at the 2009 Far East Body Building competition in Okinawa. Luis is always ready to help his clients develop and lead healthier lifestyles. No matter what your fitness levels or goals, Luis can assist with programs in running, weight training, functional fitness or nutrition. Luis believes that anyone, at any age, can lead a healthier and longer life through fitness by taking one day at a time, being consistent and setting realistic goals.

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Melissa Patterson

Melissa Patterson joins us from Houston Texas, where she worked as a personal trainer. In 2007 she graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology from Sam Houston State University. She is currently pursuing a M.A. in education, as well as many certifications to further her career in fitness. Melissa comes from a family of athletes and has participated in many sports ranging from gymnastics to equestrian sports. She is committed to using her knowledge of health and fitness to enrich the lives of others. You can find her at the Hansen House of Pain, where she is the fitness coordinator. To Melissa, the best medicine is a good diet and active lifestyle, and she believes fitness never has an offseason.

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Terumi Nagai-Luebbers

Terumi is the Fitness Coordinator at Camp Foster's Gunners Fitness Center. She is a Japan Triathlon Union Certified Coach, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor, and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor. She is also a certified lifeguard with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer certification. Terumi has a Bachelor's Degree in Science Education and two Master's Degrees (Geology and Business Administration). She is also a competitive athlete and has competed in many races, including the Okinawa Marathon (1st Female in Civic Division in 2005), Izena 88 Triathlon (3rd Female Finisher in 2007), and Ironman Japan (5th in her Age-Group in 2005). Her intense desire to be a better athlete led her to study fitness and training, leading her into a career as a fitness coordinator. She enthusiastically supports the local military community's endeavors to develop and improve their fitness abilities, meet their goals and live a healthier life.

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