IT'S TRUE:
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
IT'S TRUE:
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
We have an amazing team that is dedicated to fitness and helping others dedicate to fitness and themselves
MEET THE TEAM
At AKT we hand-pick the Trainers to make sure we are delivering a Superior Team. They go through a series of interviews and tests to make sure they will be the best fit in our community. They are all certified and experienced and we continue to work with them to ensure they are always delivering the AKT experience that is so unique.
LET US TAKE YOU ON A 45-MINUTE JOURNEY
MEET THE OWNER
CANDACE
Driven by passion and a commitment to community, Candace inspires everyone who steps into the studio. Her coaching style blends positivity, expertise, and genuine care—making every member feel like they belong. With years of hands-on experience and multiple nationally recognized certifications, Candace embodies the spirit of AKT: inclusive, energetic, and results-driven. Whether you’re joining a music-fueled group class or looking for personalized training guidance, Candace brings motivation, support, and a wealth of knowledge to help you reach your goals—all within the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of AKT Brier Creek.
MEET THE GENERAL MANAGER
ASHLEY
With 17 years of competitive dance experience across Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Lyrical, and Hip Hop, Ashley brings a dynamic energy to every AKT class. Originally from Philadelphia, PA she has danced on some of the nation’s biggest stages, all the way from New York to California. In 2015, Ashley graduated from NPTI as a Certified Personal Trainer, working in the health and wellness industry for five years before joining AKT in 2020. In addition to fitness expertise, Ashley is a licensed cosmetologist in both Pennsylvania and North Carolina. What Ashley loves the most about AKT is the energy: “There’s nothing like getting an amazing workout in, surrounded by incredible trainers and the absolute best music bumping!”
MEET ALEX
AKT ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR
MEET APRIL
AKT TRAINER
April is an ACE-certified group fitness trainer with a lifetime of experience in dance, pilates, and fitness. She is from Philadelphia, PA, and currently attends UNC Chapel Hill for Mathematics and aspires to enter the dentistry field. Outside of fitness, she is a dental assistant and a home baker. April loves being in the mountains, hanging out in cafes, and petting dogs. She is thrilled to be teaching at AKT’s loving environment and cannot wait to see the energy that you bring!
MEET BRIDGE
AKT TRAINER
Bridge is an artist from the west coast with experience as a dancer and an aerialist. They moved to North Carolina in late 2024 and are so excited to be starting a life here. Dance and fitness have changed Bridge's life time and time again. It is their privilege and joy to help others feel more grounded, balanced, inspired, and empowered through movement. Bridge’s main hobby is collecting all the hobbies, but some of their favorites include playing with their tortoiseshell cat Goldie, spending time around trees, birdwatching, and painting. Bridge enjoys AKT’s authentic sense of community, colorful Factory lights, and creative fitness formats.
MEET BROOKE
AKT TRAINER
Brooke is from Morehead City, NC and has been teaching group fitness for 6 years, including AKT in Atlanta! Her favorite class is Tone! She is a dance teacher outside of AKT and has been dancing her whole life. Brooke loves iced coffee, reading, going to the beach, and Trader Joe’s. When she’s not at AKT she’s snuggling with her golden retriever, Sadie!
MEET CAITY
AKT TRAINER
Caity was the former lead trainer of the AKT Detroit based locations, she moved to Raleigh and was so grateful for the chance to bring her energy, and passion to the Raleigh community! She has been teaching all formats of AKT for several years, formally was a professional dancer, NFL cheerleader (go Lions!!) and has 13 years of experience teaching many modalities group fitness. Currently she works in medical sales full time, and you’ll catch her any time she can after work and on the weekends with you in the factory! When she's not under the disco ball, she's out trying every amazing restaurant, craft cocktail, nature trail, golf course and everything else this incredible Raleigh community has to offer.
MEET LIANNA
AKT TRAINER
Lianna is an E-RYT 500 yoga and barre instructor and has been teaching since 2015. During that time, she owned and operated her own yoga company, taught for two NYS Universities, and helped facilitate teacher trainings! She strongly believes in offering classes for all-levels of experience with a variety of options, you can always expect to challenge yourself safely, while practicing with a light heart!
MEET MACKENZE
AKT PERSONAL TRAINER
"Mac" is a former collegiate volleyball player from Meredith College with a lifelong passion for fitness and movement. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Health, Exercise, and Sport Science, she began her professional journey in the fitness industry, where she's spent the past two years helping clients of all ages work toward their goals. With six years of volleyball coaching experience and certifications in NASM-CPT and CPR/AED, she brings a strong foundation in athletic performance, coaching, and personalized training. Mac's goal is to empower every client to grow stronger, move confidently, and enjoy the process.
MEET WILL
AKT PERSONAL TRAINER
Will'S start in fitness was his own transformation. He was over 300lbs in 2018 and had tried many times to lose weight before finding what finally worked. Seeing the physical and mental changes he experienced inspired him to help others, so he went back to school. He has now worked in fitness for 3.5 years. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Health & Fitness Science from Wake Tech and hold NASM-CPT, CPR/AED, NASM-SFC, and other certifications. He's helped clients with back, joint, and hip pain; supported weight loss and muscle gain; and have extensive experience improving balance.
MEET STEFFIE
AKT TRAINER
Steffie is a high-energy fitness instructor from Raleigh, NC. Her goal is to inspire and empower women through movement. Her classes will leave you having FUN, getting FIT, and feeling FABULOUS!
