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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Kate McShea, a Boston native, began her official dance training when she enrolled at Boston Arts Academy as a Freshman dance major in 2000. It was there that she discovered her lifelong need to explore movement.
A graduate of the 2004 class, McShea continued her education at Long Island University, Brooklyn, earning a B.F.A. in Dance in May 2008. After graduating, McShea continued to dance in New York City, working with Mariana Bekerman Dance Company, Amanda Hinchey, Jenny Rocha, and Rodger Belman, to name a few. Her choreography has been chosen to be shown in The Dance Gallery, presented by von Ussar Danceworks, American College Dance Festival, and Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts.
Upon returning to the Boston Area, McShea has had the opportunity to work with companies such as Tribe, The Dance Company, Urbanity, and Project 31.
Now married and a mom of two sweet boys, McShea is a Special Education teacher, a Zumba teacher since 2010, and a Pilates Mat instructor. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to share her love of movement and fitness with her classes. In the words of Lil Jon, “Let’s Go, Let’s Work!”
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In 2017, my yoga journey began at The Yoga Room in Norwell, MA. As a middle-aged multi-tasker constantly wearing many hats and writing mental lists, I found inner peace through a regular practice that I had not previously experienced. As my practice grew, many of the aches and pains that I thought were part of the aging process disappeared.
Being someone who loves learning, I experimented with different styles of yoga and found that Vinyasa Yoga resonated with me. My body craved movement and flow to settle my mind. Yoga became part of my daily life, and I learned to like who I am.
Before participating in formal Yoga Teacher Training, I attended several workshops and intensives at Sanctuary Studio in Plymouth, MA, studying under Michelle Fleming. Additionally, I attended Love Yoga Fest, a yoga retreat on Cape Cod in 2018 and 2019, and the Yoga Room Retreat in 2019 in Orleans, MA.
In September 2020, I started Orthopedic Yoga Teacher Training and completed the program in February 2021. When I began my yoga teacher training journey, I never expected to teach. I merely wanted to learn more about yoga and all that it encompasses. However, much to my surprise, in my yoga teacher training, I found that I had a passion for teaching.
I love creative sequencing and mixing it up, and there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I am making a difference in some small way.
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Angeline teaches barre, Pilates, and yoga. She received her barre and Pilates certifications through Balancepoint Studio and my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training through Breathe for Change. She is also a high school teacher and has a true love of teaching. She is passionate about health and fitness which lead her to pursue my certifications. It is a gift to help people feel strong and confident on the mat. Angeline enjoys teaching people of all levels of fitness and welcomes beginners.
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RYT 200, Reiki Master - Level 1
Colleen has practiced yoga for over 15 years. She recently completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification and Reiki 1 Certification and is excited to share the benefits of yoga (i.e., increased strength and flexibility, improved breathing and mindfulness) with her students. In addition to practicing yoga, Colleen loves tennis, pickleball, running, walking, the beach, cooking, traveling, and most of all; she cherishes time with her family, extended family, and friends.
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Diana grew up dancing and performing on the South Shore and in Boston. She loves all things dance and dance-related. She enjoys spreading the joy of dance to kids and adults. Diana teaches adult classes and choreographs musicals on the South Shore.
Cardio Dance is a fun upbeat workout for the body and the brain. The class will include dance choreography, dance movements across the floor, and strength exercises. The class
will finish with a delightful stretching sequence.
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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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Nadine is a Licensed Physical therapist with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry as a certified personal trainer, group exercise, and pilates instructor. She specializes in pelvic health physical therapy and working with a variety of women’s health issues.
She is a faculty member at Fitness Education Inc. and teaches a variety of continuing education seminars and certification programs to her Fitness peers.
In her Spare Time Nadine enjoys hiking, dancing, and spending time with her family.
Cardio sculpt is a total body fat blasting and strength workout. Using intervals of cardio and full-body compound strength training this class will get your heart pumping and improve your functional strength.
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Ana De Paz is a heart-centered yoga therapist, wellness counselor, Reiki practitioner, educator, and mentor specializing in trauma-conscious yoga. Ana combines therapeutic yoga movement, alignment focus, breath work, Reiki, and meditation to create dynamic, intuitive yoga classes. Ana holds 200 YTT through YogaSpirit Studios, 300 AYTT, and 900 CYT yoga certifications from Whitman Wellness School of Yoga, learning from Lee-Ann Trigler C-IAYT.
Ana aims to harmonize and strengthen the physical body, subtle body, mind, and spirit, by offering tailored sequences and modifications to meet students at any stage of their yoga journey.
She uses her own experience of therapeutic yoga, intuitive healing, radical self-care, and self-discovery to empower others to find their own path toward whole-body wellness using yoga-based holistic tools.
Ana’s yoga journey began as a physical practice in 2011, when she felt uncomfortable in her own body. She soon discovered the benefits she felt in her body and mind and noticed how it changed her mindset and spirit. Through her extensive yoga studies, she has experienced yoga as a tool to heal her body and trauma. The joy through her teaching is helping others experience their own luminosity through the practice of yoga to help heal and alíviate suffering in the body, mind, and spirit, aligning a path to whole wellness.
When off her mat or working one on one with clients, you can find Ana painting on canvas, raising her flock of chickens, and spending time with her family.
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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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Studio & Marketing Director
Rachel Rich has practiced yoga for over ten years and is a registered RYT200 Instructor. Rachel also acquired a Level 1 Barre Teaching Certification on March 12th, 2023. Rachel earned an MA in Special Education. She has successfully launched a Content Writing Business growing it over two years from 0 clients to over 25. Rachel also has a strong background as an educator, having worked as a public school teacher for ten years, primarily at the middle school level. This work experience, skill set, and educational background will play a significant role in the success of the business’ Studio and Classroom components.
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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.