Meet the
Richie Gary
Wellness Manager
Richie graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, specializing in exercise science. He is dedicated to promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness for all Wellness members. With a background in fitness coordination and extensive experience in leading group classes, personal training, and lifeguarding, Richie is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. He has a passion for helping and caring for others, ensuring their needs are met. Richie is also passionate about empowering others to lead healthier, more active lives and looks forward to continuing to grow and improve Messiah Lifeways Wellness offerings.
Richie holds the following certifications and credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Business Emphasis from Penn State Harrisburg
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
American Lifeguard Association (ALA): Lifeguard, Shallow Water
Certified Pesticide Applicator – Category 24 (Swimming Pools), Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
“Being fit is not limited to physical health; it encompasses all aspects of life, including emotional, mental, and social well-being. I believe fitness is a journey that should be enjoyed, and I strive to have a lasting impact.”
Matt Sloane
Fitness Coordinator
Matt has a wealth of wellness experience and carries certifications as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and lifeguard. Matt has trained in various martial arts since high school, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and many more.
Beyond martial arts, Matt is an avid “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” fan and enjoys watching movies and playing video games in his free time. He is also known for his “dad jokes.”
Matt holds the following certifications and credentials:
Associate of Science in Computer Science from Penn State University
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
American Lifeguard Association (ALA): Lifeguard, Shallow Water
2nd Degree Black Belt: Isshinryu Karate-do
2nd Degree Black Belt: Ryukyu Kobudo (traditional “karate” weapons)
Brown Belt: Mugairyu Iaido (Japanese sword)
“With a little ingenuity, anything in life can be training whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. When your life is training, you train for living.”
Anna Novikova
Aquatics Coordinator
Anna received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, from Rutgers University. She loves the healing potential that wellness brings to both one’s mind and body and aims to bring these aspects of healing to the lives of Wellness members.
While Anna enjoys all forms of fitness, she has focused on aquatics for many years. She has competed in various swimming events, was swim team captain for her high school team in addition to “Across the Ages” at a Jewish Community Center in Brooklyn, and she has taught swimming lessons to many different ages and skill levels. Anna is committed to inspiring Wellness members to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle, and she hopes that she can help others develop a love for the water through her teaching.
Anna holds the following certifications and credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Rutgers University
CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
American Lifeguard Association (ALA): Lifeguard, Shallow Water
Certified Dementia Practitioner through the NCCDP
“Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do.”
Mattie Brummer
Wellness Specialist
Mattie graduated from Messiah University with her undergraduate degree in biopsychology, and she is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling. Mattie is a former member of the Messiah University swim team and still enjoys being active in the water! Her favorite races to swim are the 100 and 200-yard freestyle, and she thinks the most difficult race to swim is the 200 butterfly. After starting as a lifeguard at the pool, she has expanded her role into more Wellness programming and is excited to stay involved in the greater Messiah Lifeways Wellness community.
Mattie holds the following certifications and credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from Messiah University
CPR/AED/First-Aid Certified
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
“I enjoy being joyful, helping others, and connecting over shared passions such as exercise. I also love to remind others, as well as myself, that exercise should always be fun.”
Heather Riley
Wellness Specialist
Heather Riley is a Wellness Specialist who has a bachelor’s degree in public health and science with a concentration in healthcare administration and wellness promotion. When Heather is not in the fitness center or teaching yoga at Freebird Yoga Studio in downtown Mechanicsburg, she is spending time with her sons, significant other, and her dog. You can find her at local businesses, supporting the community, painting on surfaces that will hold her acrylic paint, or in her yard, gardening. Heather believes that connecting movement with breath, being physically active, social, and mindful of yourself and others, is crucial in beginning and maintaining your health journey. She believes that attitude is something we always carry with us and it plays a pivotal role in all of life’s endeavors.
She holds the following certifications:
Certified Yoga Instructor
SilverSneakers® Classic
Certified Lifeguard
CPR/AED Certified
Certified Medical Assistant
“Health is a state of the mind, body, and spirit. Wellness and well-being is a ripple effect, confirming we are all connected.”
Thank you to the following volunteers who help Wellness programming run smoothly:
Cindy Beers
Susan Charles