Courtney-Celeste Brown
Instructor For the past 13 years, Courtney has been involved in the fitness industry. She started as a group instructor specializing in step classes. As her education evolved, she became more specialized in total body training based on the basics she learned while attaining her National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification and currently teaches group classes based on these principles. It was after a serious car accident that she realized her true physical potential and challenged herself to participate in Indiana University’s Little 500 Bicycle Race. Within two months, she successfully completed the 100-lap race and her team finished in the top 20. After graduation, Courtney packed her bike and moved to Florida where she completed two “century” rides. Now in the instructor’s chair, her classes combine cadence and resistance changes designed to burn calories and build stamina while increasing lean muscle mass. The primary objective of Courtney’s cycling instruction is to help riders achieve a lifetime of health and fitness. In addition to teaching spin classes at Velocity Cycling Studio, Courtney teaches body sculpt classes. She has a B.A. from the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism at Indiana University.

Lisa Wilkinson
Instructor Born in upstate New York and raised in Nebraska, Lisa has resided in West Palm Beach since 1993. Her enthusiasm for training and competing in endurance sports started with running several half and full marathons. These races blossomed into a passion for multi-sport endurance events from Miami to California. Lisa has completed dozens of duathlons and triathlons including several Half Ironman races and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. Lisa has biked and hiked extensively in Aspen, Breckenridge, and Clermont. When Lisa is not on the bike or on the road training for a long distance race, she is weight training, practicing yoga, or playing tennis. Lisa received her BA in marketing from Arizona State University and is a proud mother of three children.

Dana Flaherty
Instructor Born and raised just outside of Chicago, Dana moved to South Florida in early 2009. Growing up she always enjoyed running and had a passion for competing in various sports such as field hockey, softball, soccer, and lacrosse. In 2009, after much persistence from a friend, she reluctantly attended one of Velocity’s classes and immediately recognized the benefits of cycling. She fell in love with the sport and has not looked back. Dana received her BS in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently lives in Downtown West Palm Beach.

Teresa Overholt
Instructor Born and raised in Ohio, Teresa moved to Atlanta in 2003 then continued moving south to Palm Beach in 2007. It wasn't until she moved to south Florida that she really took an interest in cycling, both outdoor and indoor. Indoor cycling led her to many outdoor race adventures including a Sprint Triathlon (12 miles on the bike), Olympic Triathlon (25 miles on the bike), a Half Ironman (56 miles on the bike) and then her ultimate goal of a Full Ironman (112 miles on the bike). She competed in several marathons, including The Boston Marathon and then challenged herself to compete in a Full Ironman in May 2011 which took place in Texas. Teresa received her BS in Early Elementary Education from The University of Akron and currently is a teacher in North Palm Beach.

Cathy Bretan
Lead Instructor Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Cathy leads an inspiringly active life. At five, she discovered a love for skating that would later evolve into a life as a professional in-line racer, where the thrill of the speed and the competitive spirit lifted her to new levels. For the last 20 years, she has dedicated herself to cardiovascular and muscle fitness having led indoor cycling classes since the very first “spin” bikes emerged. Cathy is certified in Group Exercise (AAFA), Hot Yoga, Spin, Personal Training (ACE), Functional Training, Boot Camp, and Children and Teen Fitness. In addition to being a fitness instructor, Cathy is a wife and mother to a 15 year old son as wells as the proud owner of several grateful cats and dogs.

Victoria Smith
Instructor Victoria was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Victoria’s interest in cycling came about as a result of a doctor’s advice while experiencing pain in both knees. “You need to build your upper leg muscles”, the doctor advised. “The best way to do that is by getting on a bike and using it every day. If you stop using it, the pain will return. If surgery is not an option, your bicycle should become your new religion”. That same day, Victoria signed up for a “spin class” at her local gym in Buenos Aires. She loved the class and has not slowed down since. That was 10 years ago. Incidentally, she never suffered from knee pain again. Victoria believes in healthy eating, positive energy, and a peaceful attitude towards life. She has a BA from University of Buenos Aires, with a major in Communication.

Ellen Quinlan
Instructor Born and raised in Boston, Ellen ran competitively in high school and college as well as participating in other team sports. She started instructing fitness classes in 1990 to balance out her running. Ellen holds a BA degree from St. Anselm College and an MBA from Babson College and Plymouth State College. She is the President of a retirement planning firm, The Pension Studio, and the owner of a vegan restaurant, Darbster. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering for local humane organizations and spending time with family, friends and her four rescue dogs.

Mark Hassell
Instructor Mark has over 25 years of cycling, racing and fitness industry experience. He is a former Florida State cycling champion and has raced in France, Switzerland, Brazil and China. He has completed 11 Ironman races including Kona, Hawaii in 2009. As a member of Team USA, he represented the United States in the triathlon long course world championships in Lorient, France. Mark is a certified personal trainer specializing in endurance athletes. He was raised in Miami and moved to WPB in 1979.

Chris Griffin
Guest Instructor Chris Griffin has been a cycling instructor at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York since 1999. Chris is an accomplished bike racer and his race 'palmares' speaks for itself. Some of Chris' race results include the following: 2007 Tour of Bahamas Overall Masters Champion; 2005 Cyclefest Florida (3rd); 2005 Kissena Master Series (1st); 2005 CRCA Masters (2nd); 2005 Prospect Park Masters Series (2nd); 2003 CRCA Team Cup Race (2nd); 2002 CRCA Masters Points Race (1st); 2002 CRCA Club Championship (3rd). Chris has raced for several racing teams including CRCA/Western Union, Holowesko Partners/VMG, and CRCA/Money Gram.