Cassandra Wycko

Owner/Instructor Certified NASM Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Ceritified Hip Hop Hustle & PiYo Instructor; Cassandra has been a size 3 to a size 28, her biggest tipping the scales at 234 pounds. Cassandra became frustrated, confused by different diet tips, newest studies, fads etc..she joined a bootcamp program in California that changed her life forever. Upon her journey Cassandra began to take vertical pole dance lessons at her girlfriends studio in Westlake Village California when she was 180 pounds. Skeptical at first, she was hooked on Pole Dance after her first class. Not only did she realize the fitness benefits, but the sense of empowerment she felt was amazing as she walked out feeling that "pretty" she hadn't felt in years. Cassandra continued both programs for the next year while the weight began to peel off. In 2009 Cassandra became NASM Certified as a personal trainer, and in 2010 she became ACE Group Fitness Certified as well. Cassandra is a beauty expert being a licensed cosmetologist over 20 years & an HD Professional Airbrush Make-up Artist where she wraps this added expertise into TML's Fit Camps & Private Party Packages. Cassandra has worked very closely with women for over 20 years, she understands the emotional battles, the pain that goes along with self-neglect as we cater to everyone elses needs but our own. She created Turn Me Loose Fitness to help women empower their lives, to recognize their strength, embrace their inner and outer beauty. Cassandra has since lost 85 pounds total and continues to work towards her own fitness goals. Come join Cassandra and her team while you soar towards your goals...its your turn to let go and TURN IT LOOSE!

Karen Alexander

Perfomance Choreographer, Chair to Pole, Burlesque & Hip Hop Instructor, Karen Alexander was raised in Lefrak City Queens NY were she started dancing at the age of 13, she always had the love of hip hop in her but when she created her own dance group called "The Naughty Dancers" they started to do shows in her community and at that time she knew she built a platform for success in the dance world. After years of performing through out the tri-state area in various clubs and competitions, Karen joined the world renown salsa queen Jorday Rivera at Jordays dance studio in Queens NY, while teaching all levels of hip hop and mastering different techniques in Latin dance Karen also took classes at Broadway Dance Center studying under great choreographers such as Rhapsody and Luam. The Naughty Dancers changed there name to N2K and became a fusion hip hop dance group that consisted of three different styles of dance, intermediate hip hop, street jazz, and burlesque. N2K then embarked on a great dance career, preforming at the worlds greatest Apollo Theater coming in first place at amateur night, we also came in first place in one of the lagest competitions in N.Y.C All Star Project Inc., we danced for non profit organizations that supported the fight against Brest cancer, and we worked with several up and coming artist such as the newly signed rapper known as flawless, rapper papoose and the singer Chrisette Michele. Karen loves the art and the culture of hip hop and has taken it to another level, now she has relocated to Raleigh N.C. and she plans on leaving her hip hop footprint right here in the town of Brier Creek at T.M.L fitness studio, she will be teaching all levels of hip hop, street jazz, intermediate pole dancing and burlesque. Karen is very excited to start a new competitive hip hop team that she can take on a national level.

Laura O’Connell (See Laura's Video Below)

Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Pole & Pole Aria Instructor. Laura and TML's Anna Elise are the 1st two people in the world certified to properly teach Pole Aria where Pole meets Aerial Silks. Laura was a Gymnastics Coach since 2004 Recreational gymnastics at Wake Gymnastics in Raleigh Sports/ teaching background: Gymnastics age 6-12, Cheerleading in middle and high school as well as Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC- loved being a flyer as well as performing, tumbling across the football field. Pole Dance Experience: Laura was introduced to pole dance by a friend in the summer of 2010 and was hooked after the first day; with her strong gymnastics background Pole came natural to her. Laura was the Head over Heels Round 3 Winner, netting her an invitation to the championship round in Nov 2011 where she took second place. Laura would love to see pole dance accepted into the Olympics in the near future. Her goals are to help educate women about the overall “art of pole” and the athleticism that comes with it. Laura is passionate about helping women explore as well as develop their own style of dance while strengthening their body in a fun, empowering way. Everyone has their own unique grace, beauty and strength. Pole dance allows women to express those qualities with Self-confidence and esteem

Anna-Elise Bowman AKA Farrah Frost (See Video Below)

Farrah started gymnastics at age 3 & competed most of her life. She began her formal gymnastic training out of Gymstrada and Excalibur in Virginia Beach, Virginia alongside former teammate, now two time Gold Medalist, Gabrielle Douglas. Farrah’s life changed dramatically with a hip injury that altered her course of path as an athlete. It wasn’t until a few years later that Farrah discovered her passion for Pole Dancing while becoming an “entertainer”. Only five months later she was given the opportunity to join the most successful feature company in the business: A-list features and Continental agency. Farrah travels all over the country performing at various venues in addition to competing in pole competitions having multiple shows, each constructed carefully to convey a story, using assorted music, costumes, props, as well as aerial silks. One thing that remains consistent through each of her performances: Farrah’s trademark entrancing flexibility and acrobatic ability. While she is home in Raleigh, North Carolina, Farrah dedicates her free time toward training in aerial silks, lyra, gymnastics, ballet, and bikram yoga. Farrah is currently collaborating with Cassandra Wycko, creator of TML…Turn Me Loose Fitness to develop & coordinating Pole Flexibility Enhancement classes & workshops for women of all fitness levels, which Farrah will be instructing.

Miyoshi (MJ Lucky)

Mj has always had a passion for dance and fitness since her youth. She performed African dance in beauty pageants and ran track in high school. She has one year experience in traditional Arabic bellydance. Mj took an introductory pole class in February 2012 in search of a new sexy and fun workout regimen, and has embraced pole dance fitness since April 2012. She quickly achieved intermediate/advanced level pole skills in just three months of pole workouts. She aspires to educate the community about the art of pole, its benefits, and to reduce negative stigma associated with pole dance. Not only does Mj promote good emotional health as a licensed mental health professional, but she finds time to promote good physical health, wellness, and confidence as the mind and body are connected. She strongly feels the art of pole is equivalent to “Beauty, Strength, and Freedom.” Mj is currently pursuing certification in group fitness through the American Council on Exercise.

Candice Qualls

Candice is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and teaches three class formats at TML: Dance Fusion, Conditioning Circuits, and 20/20/20. She finds joy in sharing fitness with others, having lost over 50 pounds on her own health & fitness journey. She puts it simply by saying, “It is my therapy, my happy place, and the place I get the privilege to see others grow & achieve their own goals!” Her message to anyone no matter your size is to stick with it! Goals aren't achieved overnight, but with consistency and true effort, you can get there! Treat health & fitness as a LIFESTYLE and not a quick-fix!

Erin Jensen

Cardio Kick Box and Ballet Barre Instructor Erin is an IFTA certified group fitness instructor. She holds certifications in both Cardio Kickboxing and Mat Pilates. She took her knowledge Mat Pilates exercises and incorporated ballet positions and techniques to choreography a ballet/Pilates strength workout. Couple that with 60 min or Cardio Kickboxing and you've got a perfect combination! She is a mother of twins. After the birth of her boys in 2006, she tipped the sale at over 250 lbs. Once a fit, active cheerleader, she knew it was time to turn things around. Over the course of 15 months she lost 100 lbs. and has kept it off ever since! Erin is a workout-junkie, animal-loving, stay-at-home mom, who loves running 1/2 marathons and any workouts where she gets to share her love for exercise!!

Joy Kagendo

Zumba,HITT & Personal Trainer Joy is a lecturer at North Carolina State University in the Department of Health and Exercise Studies and her primary areas of expertise include but are not limited to; Health & Wellness, Stress Management, Human Sexuality including HIV/AIDS, Aerobic, Boot Camp, Step Aerobics, Kickboxing, TRX suspension training Water Aerobics and Zumba . Joy is also a certified personal trainer and a member of ACSM, AFPA, AFAA and NDEIA, IDEA and a contributing author of the Focus and on Fitness and Wellness textbook.

Jennifer Sterling

Jennifer is passionate about helping others achieve their personal health goals. She is well aware of the emotional, nutritional, physical and spiritual balances that are required for a whole and happy life. She has taught group dance fitness classes, water aerobics classes, belly dance classes and yoga. In her classes she will give you the tools to empower you to achieve your personal best without competition or comparison to others. She loves to laugh, be silly, experience new challenges and will inspire you to do the same! Strengthen your mind and muscles at the same time while participating in one of her yoga classes, you will soon be addicted....and bring a friend, because accountability and having fun will ensure your success.

Erick Thompson

Erika Thompson started dancing at 10 years old in Hamilton, NJ. After moving to North Carolina, she became a VIP dancer at just 15 years old on the Carolina Railhawks Professional Soccer Team. In high school, she was Dance Captain of her high school dance company. Erika also won awards for dance artistry and the President's Volunteer Service Award. After high school, Erika began teaching extensively in private dance studios. She studied at Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive and was accepted into Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive. Adding to her professional credits, Erika was a company member of Blank Slate Dance Company and Elevate Performance and Production Company. After moving to New York City, Erika began choreographing and dancing backup for several indie music artists, was featured in feature films, and modeled for several companies. After moving back to North Carolina, Erika is enjoying choreographing and coaching the Triangle Nighthawks Cheerleaders, being Associate Choreographer for the Code Red Dance Team in NY, and teaching at area dance studios.