About Fit For Life

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Executive Director, President & Founder, Fit For Life  

Theresa Cordova is a passionate advocate for health and fitness, with over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry. As an exercise physiologist, Certified Personal Trainer, Resistance Training Specialist, Muscle Activation Techniques practitioner, and exercise science educator, she has dedicated her career to advancing fitness education. 

As the Founder and Executive Director of Fit Kids For Life DBA Fit For Life, Theresa started the nonprofit with the mission to inspire children and families to embrace an active lifestyle. Initially focused on youth, Fit For Life has since evolved to include individuals of all ages and abilities, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of age, retains a sense of youth and vitality. By embracing this life cycle approach, the organization promotes health and wellness at every stage of life, ensuring access to the resources and support needed to lead a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to her work with Fit For Life, Theresa founded Changes For Life and GEM Fitness, where she pioneered the Guided Exercise Membership program. Both organizations are dedicated to providing personalized fitness solutions, from general wellness to adaptive training for individuals with special needs and seniors, ensuring that fitness is accessible to everyone. Through these programs, she emphasizes a holistic approach to fitness, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health. Theresa's career includes an influential role as a partner and Director of Certification at the Academy of Applied Personal Training Education (AAPTE), where she was instrumental in achieving national accreditation for their programs. Her expertise in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and movement education underscores her commitment to empowering individuals and communities to lead healthier, more vibrant lives. Through Fit For Life, GEM Fitness, and Changes For Life, Theresa continues to drive change by promoting fitness, well-being, and vitality for people of all ages and abilities.

Secretary 

Tara Bodkin brings valuable leadership and organizational expertise to her role as Secretary of the Fit for Life board. With 18 years of experience in the banking and finance sector, she was responsible for growing and maintaining commercial and residential deposit accounts, loans, and mortgages. After starting her family, Tara became an active volunteer in the nonprofit Parent Teacher Association (PTA), holding various board positions, including her current roles as PTA Council Vice President and Secretary for Bellport High School PTSA.

Tara holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, NY, and is passionate about continuing her service to the community through her work with Fit For Life.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)  and Treasurer

 Bill Langhan has been teaching Math & Business for the past 25 years.  Bachelor's degree from SUNY Cortland and Master's Degrees from City Univ of Seattle, Univ of Pheonix, and College of St. Rose.  Owns a successful accounting business and also a licensed Enrolled Agent and Certified Financial Planner for the past 15 years.  He also served our country as an Army Airborne Ranger.  When not working Bill enjoys playing golf & hockey, boating the Great South Bay and spending time with his family and friends.  He is looking forward to working with the other members of Fit For Life and giving back to the community. 

Director of Research and Education  

John Petrizzo is a Physical Therapist, and a Full Professor in the Department of Health and Sport Sciences at Adelphi University.  John has a B.S. in Exercise Science from Hofstra University, and holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the New York Institute of Technology.  He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  John has worked in the fitness industry since 2006 in a variety of roles and settings and has helped many patients and clients achieve their health, fitness, and sports performance goals through resistance training. 

Director of Communications 

Cait Cordova has worked in the communications industry for nearly a decade, delivering impact for clients through high-level brand marketing, public relations, and digital services. She has worked with clients across markets and industries, in particular fintech and financial services, deep tech (including energy, cybersecurity, telecoms), crypto and digital assets, consumer, and nonprofit. Cait has additional background in corporate and crisis communications. 

A native New Yorker, she has lived in Northern Ireland since 2020. Cait holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and English Textual Studies from Syracuse University, as well as a Master's degree in Psychological Sciences from Queen's University Belfast. 

Vice President

Arthur Mattia, with 27 years in education and a retired principal, has always believed in the potential of every individual, regardless of disabilities, to learn and grow. He witnessed this firsthand with his students, finding great fulfillment in even the smallest gains. Now, as part of Fit For Life and GEM Fitness, he continues to see these transformations, whether in youth or seniors, making strides in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which further fuels his passion for fitness and dedication to his own health. Arthur has also joined the Fit For Life board of directors as Vice president to continue giving back to the community. Though retired, he remains dedicated to teaching as a driver’s ed instructor at Sayville High School. He lives by the words: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." 

Membership and Community Outreach 

Christine brings a strong people-centered perspective to the board with professional experience spanning fashion, sales, and commercial real estate. She began her career in Manhattan as a buyer for major fashion brands including Steve Madden and Bugle Boy Jeans, and later served as Sales Manager for Silk 4 Golf, where she developed national client relationships with upscale golf retailers.

She currently works as a Commercial Property Manager, overseeing daily operations and tenant relations while strengthening her expertise in relationship building, communication, and strategic coordination.

Christine is known for her warm and approachable nature and her ability to create welcoming environments that foster connection and community engagement. She holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration and is passionate about helping build inclusive spaces where people feel supported and valued.

Member 

Eileen has pursued an interest in health and wellness for most of her life. This led to a career in Social Work where she received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Welfare from Adelphi University, she is licensed in New York as an LMSW. Eileen is a 200hr Trained Yoga Instructor and a CPT. She has a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) certification. Her expansive work with the family disease of addiction, recovery, self-care, and self-esteem, helps in building and creating new behavioral patterns, of calmness, and peace with various populations. Eileen is able to combine Therapy and Yoga bringing lasting balance to the lives of her clients. Additional yoga certifications include yoga for special needs, children, chair, and restorative. Eileen uses her MBSR training to help focus herself and others on being present in each moment, and to live a mindful existence. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing with her puppy, and taking advantage of as many opportunities as she can for physical activity. 

Member 

Jacqueline Ribera is a dedicated educational leader with 38 years of service in the field of education. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for young learners, particularly students with special needs, ensuring they receive inclusive and equitable educational opportunities. As Chairperson for Pupil Personnel Services in the Bay Shore School District, she played a pivotal role in shaping programs that support diverse learners and their families. One of her most notable accomplishments was overseeing the transformation of the former New York State Armory into the district’s Pre-Kindergarten Center. She directed the design and development of the facility, crafted its curriculum framework, and hired personnel to bring the vision to life.

Committed to expanding access to early childhood education, Jacquie successfully wrote grants that sustained full-day programming for more than 300 preschool students. She also authored the Pledge for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Center, reflecting her deep commitment to high-quality early learning. Through partnerships with Suffolk County Community College and St. Joseph's University, she created opportunities for future teachers to gain hands-on experience alongside seasoned cooperating educators. Her leadership fostered an inclusive environment integrating neurotypical and neurodiverse students ages three through seven, establishing a model program rooted in collaboration, innovation, and equity.

Fitness was an integral part of Jacquie's vision for the school, reflected in the four distinct playgrounds she designed. Each playground was created to cater to different abilities, ensuring that every child could participate and enjoy physical activity at their own level. The variety of equipment and challenges not only promoted physical development but also encouraged perseverance, confidence, and a growth mindset. Through play, students learned to embrace challenges, build resilience, and celebrate progress in a supportive environment.

Member

 Leticia Garcia brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in education and leadership to her role as Director of Fundraising and Sponsorship. She has served the Bay Shore Public Schools community with distinction, including two years as an assistant principal at both the Middle School and Fifth Avenue/South Country Schools.

Prior to her administrative leadership, Letty Garcia was an ESL and bilingual educator in the Freeport School District, where she developed a strong foundation in communication, community engagement, and culturally responsive practices. She has also contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor at Suffolk County Community College, further strengthening her ability to connect with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Ms. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from Adelphi University, as well as a Master of Science in School Administration from the College of New Rochelle. Her extensive background as an early childhood educator, college instructor, and school administrator has equipped her with exceptional organizational, leadership, and relationship-building skills. These experiences uniquely position Letty Garcia to effectively cultivate partnerships, engage donors, and lead strategic fundraising initiatives in support of Fit for Life and GEM’s mission.

Member 

Andrea, a long-time lover of fitness, is a Master Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Small Group Training Coach on Long Island, New York. Andrea strives to find creative strategies to encourage those with orthopedic challenges (like herself) to reach the best physical, mental, and emotional versions of themselves. Her certifications include CPT, NASM; TRX, Suspension Training and Rip Training; CrossCore, Suspension Training; and Bell Mechanics, Level 1 Kettlebell Training. Her specializations include Cardio Dance and Foam Rolling. She is blessed to share a life with her husband, Nick, and their two spectacular daughters, Gianna & Gioia.  

Member

Hayle Boyle,  is licensed Physical Therapist, currently serving as the Injury Prevention Coordinator Patchogue, NY. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Master's in Health Administration, Hayle has a proven track record of implementing quality improvement initiatives and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes. She has also published research on COVID-19 rehabilitation and has experience as a teaching assistant in the Stony Brook University Physical Therapy program. Known for her strong organizational and communication skills, Hayle is dedicated to advancing healthcare quality and improving the lives of her patients. 

Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Michaela Van Horne brings a powerful blend of strategic leadership, development expertise, and operational experience to her role as Chief Development Officer at Fit For Life. She leads development strategy, fundraising, and strategic partnerships to support the organization's growth and long-term sustainability, with a focus on expanding access to programs that make a meaningful difference in people's lives. With over 17 years of experience across executive administration, law, finance, and business development - spanning roles in the U.S. and Europe - she provides a solid foundation in organizational leadership and strategic coordination. Through her work work alongside Fair Winds Capital, she has additional experience in investor engagement and relationship development, further strengthening her ability to build sustainable funding pathways for mission-driven organizations.

 In addition to her professional work, Michaela is also a certified Pilates instructor and a former competitive dancer, with a lifelong passion for health, fitness, and movement. Her extensive fitness background includes training in yoga, HIIT, strength conditioning, and children's wellness programming. She has taught dance and fitness to youth and adults internationally, and is deeply committed to inclusive wellness practices for people of all ages and abilities. 

Prior to joining Fit For Life, Michaela served in high-level administrative roles with organizations such as Cranemere and Murray Law Group, where she managed complex operations and executive-level support.  She holds a Master’s degree in Law and multiple certifications in public health, legal administration, and Pilates. As a board member, Michaela is passionate about helping Fit For Life expand access to movement-based care, build lasting relationships, and advance programs like Mind Over Matter to the communities that need them most.  

Member

General Counsel 

Paula Luetich is an attorney with over forty years experience. She is the co-chair of the Fitness Committe at Country Pointe Meadows.  Paula has been a lifelong advocate of physical fitness and spent decades on the tennis courts.  She is looking forward to spending more time giving back to the community and promoting  health and fitness to people of all ages. 

 Medical Advisory

Marta Kazandjian is Clinical Assistant Professor and department head at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and Stony Brook University. She is a Fellow of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and is board certified in both swallowing and integrative whole health/wellness coaching. Marta also is a certified fitness specialist/personal trainer and uses her education in both whole health and fitness to treat the whole person. She is an invited national and international speaker and has extensive experience working with complex medically fragile populations particularly those with neurological and pulmonary impairments for over 30 years.  Marta specializes in swallowing and communication impairment in these patient populations and has a particular interest in palliative and end of life care. She believes that patient care is patient specific, treating the whole person. Her work in swallowing, verbal and non-verbal communication, tracheostomy and ventilator management is best represented by her peer reviewed articles, book chapters and text books. 

Councilman Neil Foley serves as a valued member of the Fit For Life Advisory Board in the role of Community and Civic Partnerships Advisor. He has dedicated the past eleven years to serving as the Brookhaven Town Councilman for the 5th district, where he has tirelessly advocated for his constituents. Councilman Foley was recently sworn in as the Deputy Supervisor of the Town of Brookhaven, which has more than 500,000 residents. Beyond his political endeavors, Neil brings over 25 years of invaluable experience from the pharmaceutical sector to his current role as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Sales at New York Cancer and Blood.

His philanthropic spirit extends to his support for organizations such as the National Association of Mental Illness and The American Cancer Society, reflecting his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact beyond the boardroom. In his personal life, Neil finds happiness in his marriage to his wife Karen, and the couple is dedicated to raising their four

beautiful children. With a strong commitment to public service and community engagement, Councilman Foley brings insight into local initiatives, civic collaboration, and resource development. His involvement supports Fit For Life’s mission to expand access to health and wellness programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. 

Councilman John Lorenzo serves on the Fit For Life Advisory Board as Community and Civic Partnerships Advisor. 

He was born and raised in Sayville, New York where he currently resides today with his wife and two children. John comes from a humble working-class background where his mother was a homemaker, and father a police officer and small business owner, and the values of hard work, determination, and integrity were instilled in his upbringing. John graduated Connetquot High School in 1993, and went on to further his education at Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. He opened his first business in 2003, and today owns a successful small business with offices in West Sayville, NY.

John believes in the philosophy of giving back to the community where he lives and serves. He has spent the past decade serving on several non-profit organizations, including President & Board Member of ISF Inclusive Sports and Fitness and The Neighborhood House, and was the former Chairman of the Town of Islip Zoning Board of Appeals. Known for his dedication to community health and active living, Councilman Lorenzo provides guidance on building meaningful partnerships that strengthen outreach and impact. His leadership helps advance Fit For Life’s vision of creating inclusive wellness opportunities across the community.