Fitness Staff
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Barry Shingle
Barry is the Director of Guest Experience at The Ranch. He started his Ranch career in 1999, over the years he has taught classes, hosted evening events, presented for our Voices of The Ranch and currently oversees several guest-interacting departments. Barry enjoys connecting with Ranch guests and staff. He believes in the healthy lifestyle that The Ranch promotes, feeding our bodies, our minds, and our spiritual beings with nourishing and positive experiences. Barry enjoys humor and believes it is vitally important to our health. When not at The Ranch, he enjoys his home in San Diego, music and maintaining a close relationship with his daughter.
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Renae McCloud
With over 40 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Renae McCloud leads the fitness program with deep expertise and a passion for helping individuals thrive through movement.
A nationally certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Renae holds certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), along with advanced credentials as a TRX Master Instructor, Functional Aging Specialist, and PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s. Her training philosophy emphasizes core strength, balance, mobility, and functional movement—empowering guests to build resilience both physically and mentally.
A lifelong athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Renae has trained individuals across a wide spectrum—from first-time exercisers to those preparing for mountain adventures and obstacle course races. She is particularly passionate about guiding midlife and older adults through active, fulfilling lifestyles.
As Fitness Director, Renae curates and leads a diverse range of fitness offerings, supports a talented team of instructors, and fosters a culture of energy, compassion, and transformation. Her belief that “Age is no barrier. It is a limitation you put on your mind” (~ Jackie Joyner-Kersee) guides her work and inspires everyone she meets.
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Marcos Landavazo
Marcos has been teaching tennis as well as Cardio Boxing, Cardio Challenge, Sculpt & Strengthen, Circuit Training and Aqua Plus since 1986. What he loves most about The Ranch is meeting a wide variety of people and the opportunity to inspire someone to start or jumpstart their exercise career. His hobbies include going to the beach with his family.
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Coco Bennett
I’m a Chicago native, a Marquette University graduate and a Certified Fitness professional for over 40 fun years. I’m proud to hold certification with the American College of Sports Medicine, which is one of the most highly regarded certifications in the industry.
At Rancho La Puerta, it’s my pleasure to create tough and effective total body workouts for our guests to enjoy. In addition to my health and fitness career, my latest passion is training small therapy dogs to help people with ADHD and Anxiety.
In the early 90’s, my twin Sister Connie and I traveled throughout Europe, conducting fitness instructor workshops and designing fitness programs for various clubs. Upon my return to the States in 1994, I worked at the Golden Door. Then, in 1995, I made the decision to join the Ranch fitness team and that choice still engages my Soul to this day.
I attribute my longevity at Rancho La Puerta to the beautiful environment, the amazing staff, and the wonderful guests who share their lives and teach me something new every week!
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Alejandro Valencia
Alejandro has been in the fitness industry since 2003 teaching classes such as step aerobics, cycling, Tae Bo, and Zumba. He is also a Less Mills certified instructor in body combat, body step and international certified in CXWORX (core training). Alejandro has been at The Ranch since 2012, teaching most of the cardio and strength classes.
He studied law in Tijuana Mexico and practiced law for about 7 years. Yes, he’s a lawyer! “I used to work all day every day, I was too stressed. I decided to give myself a break when I found The Ranch. I love Rancho La Puerta, it makes me happy!”
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Hazel Stricker
Hazel has been teaching classes such as Yoga, Meditation, Stretch, Fitball, Body Bar and Foam Roller since 2006. She has been a fitness instructor since 2000. “I love nature and anything that takes me there – from walking or playing Frisbee at the beach to hooping on the grass.”
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Andrew Short
With over 16 years’ experience coaching in the gymnastics world, Andrew has developed an eye for movement and a clear communication style that helps athletes and clients make corrections, prevent injuries, and succeed in attaining their skill and training goals. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is also certified as a Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC).
He originally came to Mexico as a volunteer, spending six years in the nonprofit world working with an international NGO coordinating fundraising events and humanitarian trips to support educational programs, community aid, and part-time and full-time care facilities for orphaned and vulnerable children. He now teaches a full gamut of classes at Rancho La Puerta including Bungee, Strength, TRX, Kettlebells, Stick Mobility, Pickleball and more. He also currently serves as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Fitness Department here at the ranch.
Andrew’s empathetic approach makes others feel secure, and he is always looking for the best solutions for those whom he trains. He is passionate about seeing others develop to their full potential and has a high value for collaboration.
When he isn’t teaching or training, Andrew loves spending quality time with his wife and 2-year-old daughter, working on cars, and playing with their rescue pups Bubu and Chimi.
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Kelly McGuire
Kelly is a highly skilled and experienced Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) who brings a dynamic combination of precision, awareness, and warmth to her teaching. She combines her passion for pilates, anatomy, and body mechanics with over 650 hours of classical training and over 500 hours of continuing education in pilates and other therapeutic modalities, including The Franklin Method, Polestar Pilates, Functional Anatomy for Movement & Injuries (FAMI) training, barre and yoga teacher training as well as with renowned pelvic floor physical therapists. Prior to her career in the wellness industry, Kelly worked in nonprofit management for 15 years. Kelly’s classes and private sessions are an explorative, insightful & playful experience for guests.
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Pete McCall
Pete McCall is the author of Ageless Intensity: High Intensity Workouts to Slow the Aging Process, Smarter Recovery: A Practical Guide to Maximizing Training Results, and Smarter Workouts: The Science of Exercise Made Simple. He is a personal trainer, education consultant and public speaker and currently works as a fitness instructor at the exclusive Rancho La Puerta Resort and Spa in Mexico. As a consultant, Pete creates and delivers education and content solutions for a variety of fitness organizations including RAMP, the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), 24-Hour Fitness and Core Health & Fitness (Nautilus & StairMaster). Frequently quoted in publications such as The New York Times, Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, and Livestrong, Pete is a sought-after media resource for accurate, in-depth insights on how to get results from exercise.
Based in Vista, CA, Pete holds a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and has spent a large portion of his career educating personal trainers around the world as a workshop instructor and speaker. In addition to three books, Pete has authored numerous articles for fitness trade publications, exercise-science blogs and textbook chapters.
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Manuel Velazquez
Manuel is an international health and wellness continuing education provider and presenter on fitness educational conferences around the world. His versatility and multifaceted approach leading land-strength and land-dance, aquatic and mind/body training programs have won him recognition as a Presenter of the Year and All-Around International Presenter of the Year presenting at fitness conferences worldwide for almost three decades. He is a proud Faculty Member for SCW Fitness Education and Creator Designer & National Trainer for their WATERinMOTION®Platinum Instructor program for the “Active Agers”. Manuel is a continuing education faculty member for SCW, ACE, AFAA, ACSM, AEA, and stars in over 70 Fitness Instructor Training Videos, including AFAA’s online yoga certification program “Sunrise Yoga”. Former Lead Instructor at Puerto Rico’s exclusive Golden Door Spa now is a head instructor at Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort & Spa. -
Connie Bennett
Connie Bennett is a graduate of Marquette University and a 40 year Fitness Industry veteran. She is committed to excellence in the exercise profession and is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); ACSM is one of the most highly recognized certifications in the industry and is considered gold standard.In the early 90’s, Connie enjoyed the opportunity to travel throughout Europe as a Master Trainer educating Instructors.
Upon her return to the States in 1995, Connie joined the Rancho La Puerta fitness team.. Among her favorite formats to teach are Hiit and Strength Training. Strength Training in particular as she strongly believes (pun intended) that greater muscle power equals greater ease and enthusiasm in life, especially as we age.
Connie is a twin and fun fact, her twin sister works at the Ranch as well.
She continually feels blessed and honored to be working with the motivated, positive, forward thinking Rancho La Puerta Guests
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Dee Boukouzis
With more than 35 years of experience in health and wellness, Dee Boukouzis brings a holistic and heartfelt approach to everything she teaches. Her career has spanned the country, from leading university wellness programs and managing health clubs to owning a yoga studio and serving as the sport and fitness consultant to the National Office of the Girl Scouts.
Dee holds a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and a 500-hour RYT in Yoga. Her work weaves together movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection, reflecting her belief that true well-being integrates body, mind, and spirit.
Shaped by her early years as a military brat, Dee’s lifelong mission is to create communities of support and belonging—spaces where everyone feels seen, nurtured, and inspired. She believes, deeply, that people need people most of all.
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Manuel Hernandez
Manuel has been teaching Hiking, Circuit Training, Super Cross Training, Strength Training and Healthy Backs since 1987. In 1997 he spent eight days living and hiking in Mexico’s Copper Canyon north of Chihuahua with the Tarahumaras Indians. In 1999 he paddled for six days from mainland Mexico and the Sea of Cortez to the Baja Peninsula in a kayak. In 2004 he competed in a Rodeo winning 1st place in the Baja State Championship Team Roping event and going on to win 2nd place at The Mexican National Championship Team Roping Event.
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Aileen Sheron
One of three 2020, 2021, and 2022 finalists for IDEA’s Fitness Instructor of the Year award. Aileen is an entrepreneur and innovator across most facets of the fitness industry. She is an international presenter, inventor, program developer, content creator, writer, mentor, business owner, and social media personality, while still maintaining her passion for teaching her students every single week for over forty years. A continuing education provider for decades, she has trained thousands of instructors in a variety of specialties. She has been a mentor and life coach to many of today’s industry leaders and provides proprietary choreography to align with their personal brands. Aileen is a master trainer, and has starred in hundreds of online and on demand fitness videos for Silver&Fit and Active&Fit brands for American Specialty Health. She is the Talent Scout for world renowned Rancho La Puerta. Aileen is also president of Good Natured Products, Inc., makers of her invention, the Omniball, and other fitness products.
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Jill Thiry
Jill Thiry, MBA, RYT500, brings 10 years of Ranch guest experience, 10 years of Staff experience, 20 years of publishing/business management experience, and five years of Club Change leadership and coaching experience to her classes. She was a recreation director and ski instructor right after college and thoroughly enjoys her return to teaching. You’ll find her in intention setting, mindfulness, sound healing, chant, hiking, hiking poles and water classes, or working with the docents! Locally she has created a bedside singing group “Sonidos de Sanacion” and is on the board for a local non profit “One Story at a Time” helping people at the border. Jill found new “yes’s” before at and during her Ranch times, and now enjoys sharing her eight-step process with guests and Club Change members. One Kind Step at a time, one practice at a time, Being present with all of yourself never gets old!
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Milagros
Milagros was born in La Paz, Mexico, where from a young age, she was most at home in the pool and playing sports. With the state team of Baja California Sur, Milagros got to travel to many water polo national championships all around Mexico. It was then that she discovered how much she enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. Milagros decided to formalize her passion to serve others by attending the university in her hometown, focusing on physical fitness and sports. Surrounded by great mentors and teachers, Milagros became a Water Polo National team coach, traveling to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Peru. Her team took 3rd place at the youth Pan American games, qualifying them for the Tokyo Olympics.
Her volunteer work with Fundación la Puerta led her to the Ranch, where she enjoys being in nature and enjoying the beautiful labyrinths of Mount Kuchuma. At Rancho La Puerta, you can find her teaching water polo on the noodle, teaching high energy classes, and leading early morning mountain hikes. She enjoys serving the guests and helping them to become their best. She is a firm believer in “Siempre Mejor.”
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David de la Paz
David de la Paz is an international presenter and instructor trainer for Yoga and Pilates. His approach towards a slow, mindful practice focuses on quality versus quantity. David often refers to his work as “finding the balance between minimum effort and maximum outcome.”
After exploring the fields of dance, fitness, yoga, meditation and philosophy for over 30 years, his commitment to contribute to the betterment of life and humanity is now stronger than ever, and Rancho La Puerta is the perfect platform for that.