MEET OUR TEAM
Tammy has been affiliated with The Gymnasium for the past 15 years, the last 3 as co-owner. She brings her expertise in the group instruction of Group Cycle, Bodypump, Kickboxing, Surfset, and Basic Strength training. Tammy enjoys helping people make the most of their time in the gym and wants members to feel great, see results and actually enjoy working out! Tammy carries a B.S. degree ('93 Health & Fitness) and a M.P.E. ( '04 Athletic Administration) from Springfield College. Along with achieving an educational background in physical fitness, Tammy has also coached high school basketball, tennis and softball and college NCAA Division III Field Hockey & Lacrosse. Tammy currently still officiates high school field hockey and is an adjunct professor in the Physical Education Department at Castleton University. Being able to provide a positive, fun, and motivating environment for everyone is what keeps Tammy excited at The Gymnasium. “I want everyone, no matter what physical shape they are currently in, to feel comfortable coming to The Gymnasium. I want members to realize that regular physical activity can be accomplished on their own or by participating in group classes”. We are here to support your journey of fitness and help you maintain or achieve a healthy and happy life!
Tammy Teaches:
Rob became a member of The Gymnasium in 2005 and soon thereafter began teaching group fitness classes. Rob has years of group fitness experience that dates back to classic step aerobics, toning and basic strength classes. He has been teaching Spinning, Strength & Sweat, and Surfset with us for more than 15 years! Rob rotates into our Saturday morning schedule and teaches our 6 AM and 12:10 Spin Classes! Rob has always enjoyed group fitness classes and stays active with Yoga, mountain biking and hiking too! Rob works full time for the State of VT at the Department of Child Services.
Rob Teaches:
A long time fitness enthusiast, Melissa completed her PiYo LIVE training in 2016. Yoga has been woven into her life for many years and she has blended it with her other fitness pursuits. Her fitness instructing began in 2011 with Zumba and spread into Group Active through the MOSSA Company, which incorporates cardio, strength training, and core/balance work. An injury forced her to stop teaching Zumba. However, once the injury started to heal Melissa immediately fell in love with PiYo after taking her first class. After a slow start, PiYo was instrumental in helping her get back on track, and the strength she has developed because of it continues to amaze her. Melissa states: “From running to skiing, I can feel the power of PiYo, and I now love bringing that to every participant in my classes. I take great joy in watching them grow in strength and confidence through their PiYo work, and carry that with them off the mat.” Melissa also teaches STRONG by Zumba.
Melissa Teaches:
Tammy (TL2) born and raised in Rutland, Vermont, is a Basic Strength fitness instructor at The Gymnasium. Prior to her break into the fitness world; Tammy spent 20 years as a daycare provider while also raising her two boys. Her decision to get involved in the fitness world was her passion for helping others and wanting to make a difference in other people’s lives. Tammy started her fitness lifestyle at Body Tech Nutrition where she learned a myriad of nutrition knowledge that helps her maintain her personal fitness goals and educate others. She received her certification from the International Sports and Science Association (ISSA).
Tammy is a firm believer in strength and weight training due to the high importance it has on maintaining a healthy body and mind. In addition to maintaining a healthy body and mind, Tammy also emphasizes the fact that proper strength training followed by cardio or conditioning helps you burn twice as many calories. Anybody beginning their break into a fitness lifestyle; Tammy recommends having a strong passion for yourself, and others, stay up to date with new fitness techniques and knowledge, and most importantly listen to the fitness and nutrition ideas and opinions of those around you.
Tammy Teaches
Joli also became a certified Bodypump Instructor after being a Gymnasium member since 2011. In August 2015 she joined our staff and loves teaching Bodypump! Joli at one point lost 75 lbs and strives every day to maintain a healthy active lifestyle. Joli often attends a variety of classes and she is the one in the room giving a motivating cheer, a shout or she might be singing to some classic rock and roll! She leads a great Bodypump class and makes it Fun too!
Joli is currently a Special Education Teacher at Mill River Union High School in Clarendon, VT. She has her B.S. from College of Saint Josephs with a dual teaching license in Elementary Education and Special Education K-12.
Joli Teaches:
At first, The Gymnasium was just a place to go in the winter months for Lindsey to keep up a fitness routine, but then the gym swiftly became a mainstay in her life. Lindsey was initially inspired by the many Bodypump instructors already at The Gymnasium, and finally took the plunge to become a Certified Bodypump instructor in December of 2017. In addition to Bodypump, Lindsey enjoys running, hiking, yoga, snowshoeing, and soccer.
Lindsey had always strongly believed in the connection between mind and body, and views health and fitness as a lifelong journey. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2009 from the College of St. Catherine, and earned her Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from the College of St. Joseph in 2013. Lindsey is currently a therapist in the Rutland area and works as an adjunct professor in the Division of Psychology and Human Services at the College of St. Joseph.
Lindsey teaches:
Nicole joined The Gymnasium staff in the Spring of 2018. She has been a group fitness instructor for many years and is certified in Les Mills BodyPump. Currently, Nicole teaches BodyPump™ at The Gymnasium. Nicole loves the supportive vibe at the Gymnasium where everyone is encouraged to achieve. Aside from instructing and attending many various fitness classes, Nicole’s hobbies include walking her two dogs, swimming, doing puzzles and painting.
In her full time role, Nicole is the Director of Hospice & Palliative Care Services for the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region of Vermont. She started her nursing career after graduating from Castleton University, in 2004 with her BA in Natural Science and her AS in Nursing. Nicole went on to obtain her Masters degree in Nursing from Sacred Heart University in 2014. Her passion for health and wellness has inspired her personal and professional growth.
Nicole was born and raised here in Rutland and believes in giving back to the community that has supported her. She is an active member of the Rutland City Rotary and is a Board member for Girls on the Run Vermont. Within all aspects of her life, Nicole actively finds opportunities to inspire and motivate others. Her own motivation is fueled by the success and achievements of those surrounding her.
Nicole Teaches:
Tiffany Esslinger is a local Physical Education teacher. She is an ACSM certified Personal Trainer and has recently earned her Precision Nutrition certification. Tiffany grew up in the Clarendon area, attended Johnson State College and graduated with a degree in Health Science with K-12 Physical Education licensure. Since then, her passion for health, fitness and wellness has inspired her to expand to working with adults. Tiffany lives in Clarendon, with her husband and 3 dogs. Hiking, snowmobiling and strength training are her favorite hobbies.
Tiffany teaches:
Allison was first a member of The Gymnasium (1999). She started coming to The Gymnasium due to its convenient location in downtown Rutland. Allison has always been involved in fitness activities, running, biking, hiking, swimming and participating in group exercise classes. In 2012 she became certified to teach Bodypump and became part of the gym crew. In July of 2015 Allison became certified in Surfset and most recently Allison became a Hot Pilates trainer.
Allison carries a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.Ed in Elementary Education. She worked for many years at Rutland Mental Health and then as a Parole Officer for the State before retiring in 2015 to run The Gymnasium with Tammy. Allison is always working on her personal fitness goals and enjoys helping others work on being their best and improving their overall fitness. She works very hard and wants everyone to know that “they can too”! Allison will push and challenge you to do better in any class she leads and sets that example in all that she does.
Allison Teaches:
Zac has been part of The Gymnasium Team for over five years now. He first was a member working out and soon joined the desk staff. Zac worked many hours with us while earning his degree from Castleton University. In February of 2015 he became Spin Certified and subs classes for us now and rotates into our Saturday Spin instructor rotation.
Zac currently works full time for Davis & Hodgdon Associates as an associate accountant in Rutland, VT. Zac continues to work on his personal fitness by participating in a variety of our fitness classes, hiking, lifting, and circuit training!
Zac Teaches:
Mary Jo has been a member of the Gymnasium for over 16 years and an employee for the past nine years. At The Gymnasium, Mary Jo’s primary job is to work the front desk, show potential members around the facility, and help orient new and existing members to equipment. Along with making wellness part of her daily routine Mary Jo’s past experience as an educator has enabled her to present herself in a professional manner while maintaining a friendly welcoming environment. The Gymnasium’s atmosphere, dedication to wellness, and general sense of community among the owners and staff are what she enjoys most. Mary Jo knows and visits with all members and makes us all smile every day!
Mary Jo works the front desk.
Bill is instrumental to the ongoing success of The Gymnasium. He fixes and repairs equipment and performs regular maintenance on every working part. He also maintains our grounds outside the gym and our new parking lot. You will see him mowing, picking up trash, plowing, painting, changing the cables or tuning up a spin bike, you name it. He keeps everything in tip top condition. Bill is wife of owner Allison Dydo, they live in Middleton Springs, VT. Bill is an avid cyclist, hiker, and also uses our equipment to stay in excellent shape.
Bill is the maintenance person of the gymnasium.
Marnie has been with the Gymnasium since April of 2017. Raised in Sandy Hook, CT, she moved to Denver in 2010 to explore the Rocky Mountains and finish her Degree in Photography at The Art Institute of Colorado. During college, her love of animals led her to dog grooming. After graduation, she joined a gym to get in shape. She fell in love with group fitness classes, and soon discovered yoga. Marnie was hooked! She completed her Yoga Teacher Training at Heritage Yoga School in February of 2014 as an RYT-200 and began teaching immediately. Denver was amazing, but she missed the lakes and thick woods of New England. She moved back to CT in 2015 to teach yoga, groom dogs, and teach wilderness education. Soon after, the Green Mountain State was calling, and she knew it was the place for her the second she walked up the Gymnasium stairs… she was home! Marnie is outgoing, enthusiastic about most things, tends to wear lots of color, loves a good hike, camping, kayaking, weight training, HIIT Training, low-impact modifications to anything, kickboxing, and of course, yoga and self-care. Since moving to Vermont, she has completed numerous certifications including Yoga Tune-Up Teacher Training, SCW Kickboxing, SCW Pilates Matwork, SCW Meditation trainings. Marnie loves her life at the Gymnasium. A real family atmosphere... where she teaches all of her classes in hybrid style. Some participants join from home and some come into The Gymnasium for her classes including Fiercely Chill Yoga, Deep Stretch Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, Cardio Fusion, and Arm Candy & Core. She loves offering low-impact options and a good laugh. You can catch her creating colorful and inspiring posts for Social Media while she's working the front desk, during class while she's telling you to "scootch your hips towards the left" or possibly in the bathroom while swapping out rolls of paper towels.
Marnie teaches: 
Melissa joined The Gymnasium staff in spring 2018. She has been a group fitness instructor for many years and has been certified in the Les Mills formats of BodyFlow™, BodyPump™, and GRIT™ Series as well as FiTour® Indoor Cycling. Currently, Melissa teaches BodyPump™ at The Gymnasium. She enjoys the energy in the room during a group fitness class and loves motivating and getting to know the members. Aside from instructing, Melissa’s hobbies include attending a variety of group fitness classes, running 5Ks, and occasionally playing tennis.
Melissa has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Castleton University, a Masters of Education degree from College of St. Joseph, and a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Vermont. She also holds teaching licensure in Vermont in elementary education and special education. The majority of her career, however, has been spent in higher education in various capacities. She currently works as the Vice President of Student Affairs at the College of St. Joseph and is an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department at Castleton University.
Melissa also serves on the Board for Girls on the Run Vermont where the main themes are confidence, care, character, connections, and competence. They instill a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. Melissa loves that she gets to share her love of these themes not only with Girls on the Run, but also at The Gymnasium.
Melissa Teaches:
Paula has been practicing Yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2011. She is a 500+ hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Hale Pule 250 hour Ayurvedic Health Advisor, Yoga 4 Cancer teacher, and also teaches Restorative Yoga.
Originally a Long Island, NY native, Paula has lived in a camp on 6 acres in Florence, VT with no internet and no TV for the past 30 years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, and snow shoeing. Paula let's her creative side loose by doing photography, painting, drawing, cooking, baking, and gardening. She loves a good book and volunteering for those in need. She has nothing but love for her family, friends, dogs, cats, and chickens.
Paula Teaches: