Meet The Trainers
Daniela Vekich Founder at Vekfitness
I am a Brazilian-American citizen and owner of Vekfitness. Through the years I have been teaching at different health clubs and have earned several certifications including: AFAA group fitness, P90x, Insanity, and Indoor Cycling among others. I am also licensed to teach TRX and Strong Nation.
I have decided to use my knowledge and experience to run my own business with the support of my AMAZING husband and the fellowship of an INCREDIBLE group of talented instructors
Aisha Aladdin
HI my name is Aisha Aladdin (Allah-Dean). I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. Some of my hobbies include Drawing, Dancing, and writing Poetry. I am licensed in Zumba® Fitness and Strong Nation™.
My love for fitness started when I was 320lbs and needed to make changes quickly due to declining health. Since working on my health and becoming an instructor I've lost over 100lbs and with the love and support from our Fit Fam, I will surely achieve my goal.
Stefany Critelli
My name is Stefany Critelli and I am a 5th grade teacher in Niagara Falls. In my spare time I love teaching spin classes. I started spinning about 15 years ago and still love the challenge. Spinning really helped my training and ability to complete 6 Ironman Triathlons, numerous marathons, half-marathons, and too many other races to count!
I retired from the multi-sport world now and just enjoy helping others reach their fitness goals and motivating others with a challenging, yet fun workout! In addition to spending time with my two sidekicks, Cadence and Miles!
Ed Ventry
My name is Ed Ventry and I am extremely excited to join Daniela at Vekfitness as a spin instructor.
My full time job is an Administrator at Niagara Falls High School. I am married to my wife of 15 years, Sunnie, and I have 2 daughters, Allie, age 13, and Adriana, age 10.
I started spinning 10 years ago and began instructing spin classes about 6 years ago. I got into instructing because I loved the idea of pushing others to meet their fitness goals while at the same time having myself be pushed by others. I also love working out to great (and loud) music.
In my class, we use the beat of the song for cadence. We play a WIDE variety of music (but almost no country lol) because I know different people are motivated by different music. I always encourage members to "use my gear range as a reference point" for their own gear. While my class is not competitive, I do push everyone to put forth 100% effort.
I'm Larry Pacifico, born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York.
I was a competitive BMX racer, a 4 time State Champion and 1 time Northeast Regional Champion. I was also on Team USA at the World's in Holland.
I am the owner and operator of Batch on Porter Road in Niagara Falls.
I have been a professional spin instructor in Western New York and have brought high energy and enthusiasm to every class with creative and challenging drills. I am looking forward to bringing my brand of spin to Vekfitness and being part of an incredible team of professionals at this amazing studio.
Dawn Smith
My name is Dawn Smith. I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, which is where I currently live with my husband Ryan and my daughter Harper. I went through the area schools and attended Niagara University where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education and dance. I currently teach dance to toddlers through adults and adult fitness classes in local studios and fitness centers. I love learning new styles of dance and new techniques in fitness.
I am very excited to start teaching class at Vek Fitness! You’ll know me when you see me because I always have on my bandanna! I’m ready to show you a fun and exciting way to exercise!
Kathy Kornacki
My name is Kathy Kornacki and I have been part of the fitness industry for over 25 years. Through the years, I have been an instructor for step aerobics, kickboxing, weight, and spin classes. My true passion
is spin, and I have instructed spin on and off for 20 years. In 2000, I started teaching spin at a local gym in Lockport, New York, and was a spin instructor there until 2010. After taking a break from instructing, I decided to join the crew at LA Fitness in 2019 to teach spin again. Unfortunately, with the COVID shutdown, my career there was short-lived. This year, I was asked by my good friend and VekFitness owner, Daniela Vekich, to instruct spin classes. I am excited to be joining such a great team and can’t wait to do what I love. My other love and passion is my career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. I currently work for Great Lakes Integrated Network as an outpatient Dietitian, and I find my job extremely rewarding.
When I am not working or at the gym, I enjoy my family and being active outside. One of my favorite activities is hiking in Alleghany and the Adirondacks. I climbed my first high peak in the Adirondacks, and I hope to climb many more.