Board of Directors

We at Smart Fit Girls™ know we are better together! We have gathered a rock-star group of women who help guide and lead us as we grow. Meet all of the women below; see why we chose them and why they chose us.

President & Co-Founder

Dr. Kellie Walters

Kellie Walters is an Associate Professor in the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Long Beach where she studies the psychosocial aspects of physical activity. Kellie obtained her Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from Colorado State University where she continued her professional career as the Director of Adult Fitness and Instructor in the Health and Exercise Science Department. Kellie received her PhD in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department at Clemson University. Kellie has been the primary investigator for three studies evaluating the impact of Smart Fit Girls and most recently, has focused her research efforts on body image and weight bias concerns within the fitness industry. In her free time, Kellie enjoys moving her body and spending time with her two kiddos (Miyagawa and Keaton) and husband (Micah). 

Vice President
 

Teressa Nakamoto

Teressa Nakamoto is executive director of strategic initiatives and chief of staff for health innovation and policy at City of Hope. With over a decade of healthcare experience, Ms. Nakamoto has served on several senior leadership teams to expand health equity and innovation infrastructure. Prior to City of Hope, Ms. Nakamoto piloted several dozen leading-edge research projects, launched a half-billion-dollar fundraising campaign, and initiated numerous DEI initiatives from staff to board levels at Children’s Healthcare of Orange County. Beginning her career in Washington, DC at a multinational executive search firm while supporting the former Secretary of Defense’s Congressional fellowship program, she has worked with organizations ranging from National Football League to Google to The New York Times. Leaving Washington for California, she expanded mission service areas and managed corporate partnerships at social enterprises in Silicon Valley and Southern California.

Executive Director

Cherry Bush

Cherry is a seasoned Operations Executive with a diverse background spanning the for-profit and non-profit sectors. With a track record in the restaurant industry, she held pivotal roles such as Director of Company Operations, where she demonstrated prowess in sales, guest count, and profitability optimization.

Cherry’s commitment extends beyond the corporate realm, evident in her role as an Executive Director at Urban Community Outreach, where she has been instrumental in community engagement, strategic planning, and event coordination to aid the impoverished and homeless. Her dynamic career showcases a unique blend of corporate acumen and a passion for community service, making her a multifaceted leader in both the business and non-profit sectors.

Cherry embraces the warmth of family love, cherishing moments with her furry companions. Her unwavering faith fuels resilience, turning life’s challenges into gratitude, as she wakes up thankful daily.

Treasurer
 

Jill Rickards

Jill Rickards, A Certified Public Accountant, Entrepreneur,  business and executive coach.  I have owned a public accountant firm for over 30 years where I have been able to fulfill on my passion of supporting businesses  and the stakeholders.  My  work is in the area of assisting my clients  in  meeting goals and objectives and effectively using their resources.  Recently, someone said to me that I would be a great coach.  Although, I have been coaching for several years informally, I went to a coaches training program and became certified as a coach and now have added that service to my offer.  Over the years of practice, one industry that has always stood out for me is the non-profit sector.  I have served on many non-profit boards and enjoy making a difference in serving others.  I am married for Karl and we have three daughters and four grandchildren.  I am interested in transformational work and have studied with Landmark Education, Newfield  Network, and the Strozzi Institute. 

DIRECTOR
 

Denise Anderson, PhD

Denise M. Anderson, PhD is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences at Clemson University. Denise was previously a faculty member in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. Her research focuses on improving girls’ and women’s access to leisure as well as examining the impact of leisure education on college student development.  Denise’s passion project is her weekend camp, Finding Your Voice, which focuses on introducing middle school girls to outdoor recreation activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and backpacking with a focus on improving physical self-efficacy as well as body image. The camp uses a volunteer all-female staff consisting of graduate and undergraduate students in parks, recreation, and tourism management as well as local women as activity instructors for both outdoor recreation as well as yoga and self-defense.

Director

Michelle Carrega

With over fifteen years of experience in learning and development, organizational development, and talent programs, Michelle possesses a wealth of expertise in forging meaningful connections between nonprofits, universities, corporations, government leaders, and communities. She has become a driving force in establishing community partnerships and fostering strategic investments for underserved students.

In her most recent role as the Head of Global Emerging Talent Programs & Pathways at LinkedIn, Michelle took the helm in managing programs and forging collaborations with prominent organizations such as Codepath, AfroTech, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Edlyft, and Management Leadership for tomorrow. Michelle has over fifteen years of HR leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to facilitating learning and growth, particularly for women and girls. Michelle brings invaluable skills, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose to the mission of advancing equity in girls’ wellness at Smart Fit Girls.

Michelle’s consulting experience extends internationally; it is focused on designing and delivering leadership and educational programs. Notable organizations she has consulted for include the Community Foundation for Monterey, The Digital Learning Commons, The Women’s Fund, and Traditional Medicinals Foundation. She specializes in creating leadership pathways for aspiring leaders. Michelle is focused on developing educational programs for participants, drawing on her proficiency in leadership development, program management. Her diverse facilitation skills encompass emotional intelligence, growth mindset, team-building, design thinking, and change management.

Michelle’s educational journey has been the foundation of her extensive skill set. She holds a Dual Master’s degree in International Education, Management and Public Administration with a concentration in Organizational Behavior,  which was earned from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey. Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, where she majored in both International Studies and Spanish, reflecting her dedication to global understanding and cross-cultural communication.

Michelle’s remarkable blend of experience, expertise, and education positions her as a transformative force in the fields of learning and development, community engagement, and equity advancement.

Director

Rasheka Henry

Ms. Henry has over 25 years of experience working in inner-city urban classrooms across Los Angeles county. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach along with a Masters in Education degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She also holds a multiple subject teaching credential and an administrative credential. Ms. Henry is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. A sorority committed to serving the community in various ways. She is passionate about helping children and adults understand the importance of caring for their mental and physical health.

Director

Elyssa Taylor Stewart

Elyssa Taylor Stewart has served children and families in K-12 education for more than three decades. She is currently an Administrator in Long Beach Unified School District’s Office of Equity, Engagement, and Partnerships, leading the district’s Black Student Achievement Initiative. Elyssa is an equity champion, committed to improving academic outcomes and enhancing the lived experiences of underserved students. In her current role, she supports Black students, parents, guardians, and community members within the LBUSD community by developing culturally responsive engagement opportunities focused on parent advocacy, student achievement, community building. Under Elyssa’s leadership many firsts have occurred, including Sankofa Summer Academy, a summer program for Black students centering Black Excellence and Black Joy; Sankofa Parent Village, a community of care and support for parents and guardians of Black students; and the Black Student Achievement Initiative Symposium, a community-wide conference centering the needs and voices of Black students families, and educators. Elyssa is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education, in Educational Leadership, at the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education. Elyssa is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Director

Marie Still

Published author and marketing executive, Marie has over 20 years’ experience in brand development and management, public relations, eCommerce, marketing, and advertising. She received her BA in English and MBA in Marketing. Currently Vice President of Brand Development at Upexi, she leads product development, marketing, eCommerce, and sales strategy for a family of brands connecting people and pet owners with natural wellness solutions.

Director

Dr. Amber Johnson

Dr. Amber Johnson is a teacher, public health scholar, and community leader. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology while minoring in Sociology at Winston-Salem State University.  She completed her Ph.D. and MPH in Community Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while receiving certification in field epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Johnson’s career has focused on reducing inequities and disparities among marginalized populations. Dr. Johnson is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Science at California State University at Long Beach. She uses this position to inspire and embolden the next generation of leaders to develop innovative solutions to public health challenges facing our society.