MEET THE TRAINERS
Meet the team that can take you to the next LEVEL
Deaneth Edwards
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Email: Deaneth@levelfitnessclubs.com
Primary Certifications: AFAA CPT and Group Fitness certifications Lesmills BodyPump Lesmills Bodycombat
Specialties: All aspects of Fitness
Background: I began my fitness career over twenty-eight years ago at a private gym. I’ve loved fitness all my life. Being a native of Jamaica, in school we had to do some form of sports; mine was in Track and Field. I represent the United States of America in the Master’s Division in Track and Field. I became a Personal Trainer because of my drive and dedication to helping others. My main goal is to help my clients live a healthy and long life and be their best version. As I often tell them “you only get out what you put in”.
Michael Haag
Hometown: Garrison, NY
Email: Michael@levelfitnessclubs.com
Education: Bachelors at Fordham University
Primary Certifications: NCSF
Specialties: Bodybuilding/ Fat loss
Background: Fitness has helped me feel not only more healthy physically but also mentally through an increase of self confidence. It is now my goal to share that with others by helping people a more healthy lifestyle style as well as reach goals they have always wanted to reach. Whether you are new to exercise or a common gym goer, I can help you get to the next step of your fitness journey by helping you build a strong foundation in the gym or pushing through current plateaus.
Amber Deegan
Position: Group Fitness Instructor
Hometown: Mahopac, NY
Email: Amber@levelfitnessclubs.com
Education: BS – Behavioral Science, MS – Early Childhood & Childhood Education
Primary Certifications: AFAA Group Fitness, CPR/AED
Specialties: Strength Training, HIIT Training
Background: I began teaching group fitness classes in 2016 at Retro Fitness, and in 2019, I joined Level Fitness as a Personal Trainer. Since 2021, I’ve also been teaching group fitness classes here at Level. In addition to my work at the gym, I’m an Associate Director for Academic Advising at a private college. In my spare time, I love spending time with friends, going hiking, and enjoying anything outdoors.
Eli Aaronson
Hometown: Cortland Manor, NY
Email: Eli@levelfitnessclubs.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
Primary Certifications: ACE Personal Training, USATF Level 1 Coach, Applied Stretching Theory and Practice
Specialties: Sports Specific Training, Track and Field, Weight Loss, Strength Training, Functional Training.
Background: My life was profoundly changed when a strength coach invested their time into me. It led me to compete at the collegiate level as a High Jumper at Lehigh University. Now out of college, it is my turn to give back and invest in other people. As a trainer, you can find me in the gym working with clients, teaching classes, or doing my own crazy workouts. Outside of the gym you can find me coaching Track and Field for Hendrick Hudson High School.
Mark Merchant
Hometown: Jesup, Iowa
Email: Mark@levelfitnessclubs.com
Education: Master’s Degree
Primary Certifications: C.S.C.S., NASM PES
Specialties: Athletic Development, Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation, Cardiovascular/Respiratory Development, Muscular Hypertrophy, Strength and Power Development, Corrective Exercise.
Background: Started training in 1988, explored multiple disciplines in fitness, adventure racing, mtb racing, cycling, Obstacle Course Racing, Strongman Competitions, Kettlebell competitions, too many certifications along the way!
Michael Irish
Hometown: Poughkeepsie
Email: Michaeli@levelfitnessclubs.com
Education: B.S. in Exercise Science
Primary Certifications: ISSA CPT
Specialties: BodyBuilding, Powerlifting, Weight Loss, Functional Training
Background: Coming from a background of playing sports my whole life, and being a Competitive Bodybuilder the reason why I love fitness is because this is a game all about Consistency and Discipline. The results you get whether it’s getting stronger, building a better physique, or losing weight speaks for itself and it can’t be faked. And I enjoy helping anyone reach their goal.
Jessica Bonavita
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Email: JessicaB@levelfitnessclubs.com
Primary Certifications: NASM CPT, PN2, TRX, Behavioral Change, Group Fitness Instructor
Specialties: HIIT, Weight Loss, Strength Training
Background: A dedicated stay-at-home mom, she found a natural transition into personal training as her children grew older and developed a love for sports, aligning with her own passion for fitness. Her mission is to bridge the gap between clients’ goals and their daily behaviors. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact on overall health, enhancing quality of life through both exercise and nutrition. By fostering self-awareness and accountability—physically and mentally—she helps clients develop sustainable habits that support weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.