THE KAIZEN TEAM
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To Erin LaMonte, family and Jiu Jitsu are everything! Bringing families and friends together to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is her mission here as a leader of our KAIZEN team!
Erin started her BJJ journey in 2011 and is now a black belt under Professor Bruno Jacaré Dias. That same year Erin was introduced to BJJ, she was introduced to her new best friend and future husband, Casey. During one of her first BJJ classes, the couple hit it off; the rest is history. A few years later, in 2014, Erin became a mother to her son Casey, followed by her daughter Chloe shortly after. Raising her children with the influence of martial arts has been very important to Erin. Each day the values of respect, humility, discipline, and love are practiced and shared by Erin and her children! Erin hopes to spread this code of conduct with her children, and in turn, they will do the same to their families and friends. Shaping our community’s future, one child at a time!
A lifelong Scituate resident, Erin is a homebody who loves spending time with her family. If she is not at home playing with the kids, you can find her at the gym training BJJ! Between earning her teaching degree and becoming a Scituate police officer, Erin has always loved giving back to the community. The desire to help others has motivated her to do her best no matter the task.
Bringing her various skills to the mat, Erin can teach children and adults how to learn and fall in love with BJJ. With numerous BJJ matches, super fights, and a 6-0 amateur MMA record, Erin is also an experienced competitor, adding to her deep knowledge of martial arts. Sealed with a smile, Erin’s positive energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and we are excited to have her here as a leader at KAIZEN!
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Herica is a Brazilian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and twice Invicta FC Atomic Weight Champion. She was the youngest champion in the organization’s history. She won the title in her first fight at the age of 21, outside of her home country and at atomweight.
She is a Jiu Jitsu black and married to three-degree black belt, Bruno “Jacaré Dias, with whom she has her two sons Fernando and Arthur.
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Casey LMonte started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007 and
earned his black belt from Professor Bruno Jacaré Dias in 2021.
Casey has competed in numerous grappling tournaments and super fights at the Black Belt level. He has also fought in three Mixed Martial Arts bouts.
Casey is an active Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Massachusetts and is a Defensive Tactics Coordinator. Casey is also the founder of the Massachusetts Police Jiu Jitsu Team, which runs training and seminars for Law Enforcement Officers all over the State.
Casey will be assisting in the adult classes and will be leading the Law Enforcement Jiu Jitsu Program here at KAIZEN.
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Founder; Body By Barron
AAAI Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Yoga teacher Finding Inner Peace 200hrs
South Boston Yoga w/ David Vendetti 200hrs
2012 Lululemon Ambassador
Working in the fitness industry for over 30 years, Laurie owned Fit For All in Holbrook. Her classes are lighthearted & can be challenging. She encourages her students to do their best whenever they're on the mat.
"I believe in the deep connection of body, mind & spirit. Taking care of your body will ultimately enhance your state of mind & total well-being. Your Yoga practice will increase your flexibility, calm your mind & soothe your soul. I want my students to experience the benefits of yoga...to be present, breathe... flow... explore & feel.” Have fun!
Strong Body!
Open Heart!
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Kerry began her yoga journey at the Yoga for Athletes Studio in Vail, Colorado, in the year 2001 where she practiced for 3 years. This continues to be the style that she teaches today. Kerry lived in Vail for 10 years and worked at the Lionshead Children’s Ski School and several restaurants. She moved to Yardley, PA, with her husband and son in September 2004 where she obtained her certification in Power Yoga.
Kerry began teaching at the Center Club in Newtown, PA, and Lambertville, NJ, in 2004. She became the Yoga Director of both Center Clubs in August 2005. Kerry has certifications in Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Gentle Chair Yoga, and Adjusting & Assisting Yoga Postures. Kerry is a level 2 Reiki practitioner.
She returned to Massachusetts in 2008 and began teaching at Open Doors in Norwell, The SSYMCA in Hanover, and Type One Fitness in Norwell.
Kerry leads many workshops including Adjusting and Assisting Yoga Postures, The Enhanced Slow Flow, Super Stretch, Funky Twisting, and the art of the Sun Salutation.
Kerry was also on staff for the Open Doors and Balance Studio Teacher Training Programs for 2 and 10 years respectively.
She has studied with yoga masters Sean Corne, Stephanie Pappas, Rolf Gates, Jason Crandell, Ana Forrest, Shiva Rea, and Rodney Yee. She attends workshops, conferences, and yoga intensives throughout the year, always staying on top of new and exciting forms of practice while perfecting existing ones.
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Diane is a fitness enthusiast, and she has led an active lifestyle that started in her youth and continues today. She has been a certified group fitness instructor since 1989. She has taught many platforms including STEP Aerobics, Jazzercise, and Piloxing, to name a few. She is also currently a certified Spin Instructor and a 200hr YT Yoga Instructor. Her passion for fitness drives her to try to bring her best to every class and to motivate clients to their highest potential without judgment so that every participant can leave with a sense of accomplishment in their own abilities. Her favorite quote is “You do You”. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and will very rarely pass on a glass of red wine :)
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Cassandra Smith started training in 2013 when a friend introduced her to Jiu Jitsu as a practical form of self-defense. She fell in love and has been training every day since. Casey believes in Jiu Jitsu’s ability to transform lives and bring people together. Through Jiu Jitsu, Casey met the love of her life, Collin. Casey and Collin received their black belts together from Bruno “Jacaré” Dias in December of 2022. Casey is an avid competitor and loves to challenge herself. She has competed in multiple local and IBJJF competitions and is 2-0 in Muay Thai.
Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Casey is a licensed mental health counselor specializing in equine-assisted therapy and childhood trauma. She enjoys spending time at her farm and is a nationally-ranked show jumper.
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Collin Smith started training in 2006 alongside his brother, Kyle. Collin received his black belt from Professor Bruno “Jacaré” Dias in December of 2022. Throughout his time training, teaching has always been important to Collin. He loves studying technique and is often found practicing with his wife Cassandra, another Kaizen black belt. Collin has competed in MMA (winning by head kick) and multiple IBJJF and local Jiu Jitsu competitions as well. Collin will be a valued member of the KAIZEN team.
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Kyle Smith started his martial arts journey in 2005. He has been committed to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ever since. Through his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and his wife Layane, Kyle speaks fluent Portuguese. This proves to be very helpful while connecting with our Brazilian friends.
Over the years Kyle has also competed in numerous grappling tournaments as well as MMA.
Most importantly, BJJ has been a form of therapy for Kyle. Like many others, BJJ allows people to reap the benefits that they need in their lives. Whether it be confidence, stress relief, strength, or self-defense, BJJ is a powerful tool to use during one’s journey toward bettering one’s self.
Kyle is a very loving and talented black belt, father, instructor, and friend. We are very lucky to have him as a part of our KAIZEN family.
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Mary Tiedtke is the proud mother of 4 adult children and one amazing granddaughter. She has always loved being active, dating back to her childhood and teen years playing soccer and figure skating. Once she reached adulthood Mary discovered the joy and motivation of participating in classes with others and she decided to become a certified group fitness instructor. This was 24 years ago and she has loved every minute of teaching since. She has a passion for helping others to gain and maintain strength and flexibility that will serve them well in all aspects of life. When she’s not teaching or taking a class I work as a social worker. On her off hours you can find me hiking, walking my dog, or working in her garden.
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Monica is a certified barre instructor and POUND pro. She performed dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading from age 3 until her last years in college. When Monica was young, her mother was an aerobics and spin instructor. Naturally, her love for fitness and body movement was embedded in her. As she grew older, Monica and her mom spent a lot of time training for races and taking local fitness classes together. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she decided to enter the fitness world and hasn’t felt more fulfilled since! Monica pours her heart and soul into each class she teaches. Each class is designed to strengthen and sculpt the body all while listening to fun music tailored to movement. Her positive attitude and desire for a challenging workout reflects in her classes- you’ll leave class feeling happy, stronger, and excited to come back for more!
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Kalina is a Bulgarian native who has called the South Shore home for over 20 years. With a lifelong passion for dance, movement, music, and wellness, she found her way naturally to barre—so naturally, in fact, she can't even remember her first barre class. Barre had always mirrored the daily conditioning routines of her dance training.
Kalina’s teaching journey began at Pulse, where she trained under Jenn Maturo. Her deep curiosity about barre’s roots and her dedication to delivering an authentic, transformative experience led her to the UK in 2023, where she trained in the original technique developed by Lotte Berk and her daughter, Esther Fairfax. She is proud to bring the true spirit of barre to her classes, honoring its physical therapy and ballet foundations.
Kalina’s classes are tailored to meet the needs of her students and blend a variety of barre modalities. Whether you're experiencing the precision and mind-body connection of theORIGINAL class, or powering through a strength-based, high-energy Power Barre session, Kalina crafts each experience with passion, expertise, and fun playlists that inspire movement. Expect full-body engagement, deep core work, and options to turn up the intensity with dynamic strength training—all while staying true to the art and heart of barre.
Outside the studio, Kalina enjoys traveling with her husband and three children, organizing her home, children's books, wellness podcasts, and a relaxing spa day with friends.
Join Kalina for a barre class and leave feeling strong, energized, and deeply connected to your body and mind.
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Caitlin brings peace and energy into her practice, creating a space that feels both grounding and challenging. Her training in vinyasa flow, power, functional movement and breath create a practice that will energize, relieve stress and offer tranquility. Her motivation takes shape through her family, self care, and cultivating healthy habits; which all lend to her commitment to embrace the journey. It is here where she found a place in yoga to share her passion to both grow and nurture balance in mind, body and soul. Certifications: 200HR Yoga 25HR Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga 21HR Power Yoga American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
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Ana De Paz is a Certified Yoga Therapist (900CYT, 500RYT), yoga teacher, wellness educator, counselor, and mindfulness and meditation facilitator specializing in trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga. She is also trained in Meridian Yoga by David Orlanski and is a Reiki Level II Usui Holy Fire practitioner, certified by the Whitman Wellness School of Yoga under Lee-Ann Trigler, C-IAYT and Cara Capellini, E-RYT. Ana has specialized training in Yoga for Arthritis and Chronic Pain with Steffany Moonaz, the founder of Yoga for Arthritis. She is also certified in Meditation for the Real World for teachers and has been trained in the Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson, author of "Meditation for the Real World" and "The Science of Yoga." With her extensive training and experience, Ana brings a wealth of expertise to her teachings.
Her mission is to provide accessible, trauma-sensitive yoga practices that cultivate connection, compassion, and holistic wellness in the body, mind, and spirit. Ana approaches teaching through heart-centered practices designed to help students and clients integrate the therapeutic benefits of yoga. She incorporates mindful movement, breathwork, meditation, Ayurveda, Reiki, and her intuitive knowledge to support individuals at any stage of their wellness journey.
As a mental health advocate, Ana specializes in nervous system regulation to promote better overall wellness. She is dedicated to making therapeutic yoga accessible, helping her students deepen their mind-body awareness. Inspired by her mentors, peers, and transformative experiences, Ana empowers others to embark on their path to whole wellness. She considers herself a "self-care doula" of radical self-care practices and uses yoga as a guide to help others navigate life's peaks and valleys.
Ana has been practicing yoga therapy since 2022, teaching yoga since 2019, and has enjoyed her physical practice since 2011. She offers 1:1 yoga therapy sessions, group yoga therapy, and both group and private yoga sessions. Additionally, Ana leads workshops where she shares her wisdom through yoga education and integrated, heart-centered practices for nervous system healing, creating a safe and supportive space for personal transformation.
Ana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Outside the yoga studio, she expresses her creativity through painting and cherishes nature-filled adventures with her young son. As a lifelong student of life, Ana continually seeks new knowledge and personal growth to enhance her practice and teaching.
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Erick Matheus started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2012 in his native Mossoró, RN Brazil. Growing up in Brazil, Erick was one of four having three sisters. Erick often helped with the kids’ program in Brazil, preparing him for assisting Professor Bruno with the kids’ program at KAIZEN as well. Now a purple belt, Erick looks forward to teaching the kids so he can share the techniques and philosophies of BJJ. With his eyes set on a World Championship title, Erick relates one’s BJJ journey to the journey of life. Erick explains that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but you always learn. BJJ is full of teachable moments, and Erick plans to share those philosophies on the mat alongside Professor Bruno.
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Katy graduated with her bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in health science. Katy has always been very active which continued after sports. She taught group fitness classes for over fifteen years, Kickboxing, Muscle, Water Aerobics, Water Belt to name a few. She also was a personal trainer for over 10 years. Now a married mom of two she is teaching Zumba, a Latin dance inspired workout that’s all about having fun!
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Director of Operations
Rachel is the heartbeat behind the scenes at KAIZEN Norwell. As Director of Operations, she keeps the gym running smoothly while making sure the KAIZEN community feels like family. A passionate educator at heart, Rachel has dedicated her life to helping others—especially kids—become the best versions of themselves.
A mom of five, long-time Girl Scout leader, and advocate for youth empowerment, Rachel brings her love of teaching, mentoring, and community-building into everything she does. She’s also a certified group fitness instructor in yoga, barre, and Pound, where she channels her high-energy, motivational style to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
For Rachel, KAIZEN is more than a gym—it’s a positive force in the community. She believes in the power of “1% better every day,” and is dedicated to creating an environment where kids, adults, and families can discover their edge, grow stronger, and rise together.
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Professor of Martial Arts
Additionally, Kaizen’s Director of Martial Arts/Head Coach, Professor Bruno Jacaré Dias, is widely regarded as one of the top competitors and coaches in the Northeast. Professor Bruno Jacaré Dias is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is a 3rd Stripe Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under legendary Professor Marco Barbosa. Professor Bruno Jacaré Dias’ reputation and his 20 years of teaching experience will ensure the facility attracts people serious about high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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Jil Donelan is a certified yoga instructor whose primary focus is to inspire and motivate her students to achieve their goals both on and off the mat. She graduated from the Open Doors Yoga Studios 200-hour Teacher Training Program in December 2022 and has been teaching yoga since March 2023. In addition, she completed 21-hour Restorative Modalities Yoga Teacher Training in May 2023 and has attended several workshops to help elevate her teaching and will be completing Yoga Sculpt Training through Down Under School of Yoga in November 2024.
Sports and fitness have always been an important part of Jill’s life. Growing up she played soccer, practiced karate, and did gymnastics. That love of movement continued in college, where she began to teach aerobics and started running. It was during graduate school that she began to practice yoga, both at home and in studio at Baptiste Power Yoga and Open Doors Yoga Studios. After having her first child
in 2013, she decided to become certified to teach prenatal and mom and baby fitness classes with Oh! Baby Fitness. And a few years later, became certified to teach Cardio Sport. Throughout this time, she continued to include yoga in her fitness routine, knowing its many benefits both physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Jill loves the creative nature of vinyasa yoga and enjoys coming up with new class designs and flows to share with her students. Currently, she teaches Power 2/3 classes that include strength, mobility, and flexibility training through the incorporation of core work, twisting postures, standing balances, and upper and lower body dynamic movement on the mat. She offers variations to allow students to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout allowing students of all levels to participate in her classes. Jill lives in Norwell, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 8 and 11, their dog Abbey, and cat Maggie. When she is not teaching, Jill spends her time managing the Hanover Farmers Market,fulfilling her role as Registrar for Norwell Youth Soccer, and volunteering her time at the Norwell elementary and middle schools and is active in the PTO.
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I’m a South Shore native, born and raised in Hanover and now living in Norwell, close to my family and beloved grandchildren.
My yoga journey began at The Yoga Room in Norwell. For the first time, I discovered a space where I could quiet my mind amidst the daily chaos and demands of life. Yoga offered me something no other activity had: a deep sense of calm, presence, and clarity. That transformative experience inspired me to pursue teaching so I could share this gift with others.
Through a consistent practice, I found an inner peace I hadn’t previously known—and to my surprise, many of the aches and pains I once accepted as part of aging began to disappear. I completed a 200-hour Orthopedic Yoga Teacher Training with a strong focus on anatomy, and continued my education with additional anatomy courses to deepen my understanding of the human body. This training enables me to teach all levels and offer thoughtful modifications, meeting students where they are—physically and mentally.
Lifelong learning is a core part of who I am. My curiosity and desire to move, learn, and grow led me to expand my practice into other modalities. In September 2023, I completed the Balancepoint Barre Teacher Training; in January 2025, I earned my Mat Pilates certification; and in June 2025, I completed an additional 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training, building on my foundational knowledge and refining my teaching approach.
My classes are creative, dynamic, and always evolving. I love designing unique sequences and integrating elements from different disciplines to keep the practice fresh and engaging.
Nature is another essential part of my life, and I believe yoga doesn’t stop at the edge of the mat. I encourage my students to take their practice off the mat—into the world, into nature, and into their daily lives.
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Josselyn teaches Pound and Generation Pound. She loves group fitness classes and felt deeply connected to Pound because of her love of dance and music. Josselyn grew up trying every kind of dance she could and played in an orchestra. She loves that Pound connects body, heart, and soul while building a community the way dancing and making music does. Creating an empowering and energizing setlist is one of her favorite things about Pound.
She is also a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and elementary teacher. Josselyn loves to learn and try new things and share that new knowledge with anyone who will listen. As a mom of 2 young children, she loves that Kaizen welcomes the whole family in to learn and stay healthy together!
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I began to study the craft of teaching yoga in 2008, nine years after discovering the joy of practicing on
the mat. The Teachers Study project, a Boston based mentoring program, served as the incubator for my
teaching ideas, and launched my career. Since then, I have taught countless individuals the power of
yoga.
My teaching is influenced by Masaaki Okamura and Coeli Marsh. A qigong-infused yoga instructor, I am
also a candidate for the RYT 200 certificate through Open Doors.
Yoga reminds me to inhale the strength and courage to change the things that can be changed, and to
exhale and let go of the things out of my control. My teachers taught me that yoga and kindness have
always gone hand-in-hand and I try to bring that to my classes.