FitLife Staff Biographies

Joseph Zeleznock

MSPT, Owner/Operator

Joe is owner and operator of FitLife, as well as a Licensed Physical Therapist. Joe received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in Exercise Physiology. After graduation, he gained experience as an exercise physiologist in numerous outpatient physical therapy settings. From these experiences, his passion grew to open his own center that would provide comprehensive care for the patient and fitness member alike. He later moved to Pennsylvania and completed his Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Neumann College. Throughout graduate school, Joe managed a wellness center which afforded him the opportunity to gain experience operating a full wellness center including fitness, aquatics and rehabilitation. Joe remains passionate about opening many FitLife facilities which include both fitness and rehabilitation under one roof, guided by highly trained staff while providing the best in customer service. 

Emily Conrad

PT Clinic Director, PT, DPT

Emily earned her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University, where she also competed as a Division III collegiate golfer--an experience that shaped her dedication to teamwork, discipline, and perserverance. She has worked in a wide range of treatment settings, including outpatient orthopedics and neurology, outpatient pediatrics, and skilled nursing. Emily holds certifications in myofascial trigger point dry needling and PWR. She is passionate about using dry needling to improve pain, strength, and flexibility. She is committed to creating a supportive, welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel heard and empowered throughout their recovery journey. Outside the clinic, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, attending live music events, and fueling her inner adrenaline junkie. She is thrilled to be a part of your care team!

Nicholas Cappucci

Fitness Center Manager

Nick is a manager at FitLife with a passion for helping people build stronger, healthier lifestyles. Prior to this,  he worked as a Digital Sales Manager at ADP, where he developed a strong background in client relationships and performance-driven results. From 2014-2023, he was actively involved in the Marine Youth Physical Fitness program, both coaching and competing, while combining hands-on experience with a commitment to helping others reach their goals. He promotes a balance of customer service expertice and real-world fitness experience to create a positive and results-focused environment for every member.

Ethan Dupre

PT, DPT

Ethan earned his undergraduate degree in Nutrition from the University of New Hampshire before completing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Plymouth State University. He is passionate about helping people stay active, recover from injury, and return to the activities that bring them joy. As a New Hampshire native, Ethan enjoys hiking and camping, but can also be found exploring new restaurants or discovering hidden spots around the city. In the clinic, he focuses on supporting movement and wellness while encouraging patients to stay engaged in the activities they love.

Zain Shaikh

PT, DPT

Zain is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who earned both his bachelor's degree in health sciences and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Joseph's University. Prior to pursuing a career in physical therapy, Zain served in the United States Navy, where he developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and helping others. As a physical therapist, Zain enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds and treating a wide variety of orthopedic and functional conditions. He values getting to know each patient individually and strives to make rehabilitation both effective and approachable, with an emphasis on helping patients returns to the activities that matter most to them. Outside of the clinic, Zain enjoys staying active through strength training and spending time in the gym. In his free time, he also enjoys exploring Philadelphia and trying new restaurants. 

Veda Johnson

Physical Therapy Admin Assistant

Veda attended Drexel University for Corporate and Public Relations. Her professional experience includes ten years in the hospitality industry. At various times in her career providing: marketing coordination, administrative and operations support, event coordination and logistics planning. A resident of the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Veda embraces building community and her volunteer experiences have included painting with the Mural Arts program, planning for Germantown 250 and most recently, working in the soup kitchen at the Face to Face program at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Veda enjoys drawing, going to concerts, dancing and roller skating, and as a "life long learner" she also enjoys recreational classes in art, art history and dance in the Philadelphia area. Veda believes creativity and self expression are to be appreciated in many forms, including the healing movement that comes with physical therapy. 

Michael Dambra

Exercise Physiologist

Michael earned his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Temple University, and is currently applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs to further his career at a Physical Therapist. Michael has experience as a physical therapy aide in a neuro-vestibular clinic, and as an Exercise Physiologist at Holy Redeemer's Fitness Center, where he has developed a strong foundation in rehabilitation and patient care. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys being outdoors, hanging out with friends, going on hikes, or on the golf course, as he has been a golf caddie for 8 years!

Aneesa Rohrer-Smith

Exercise Physiologist

Aneesa earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Chesnut Hill College and is currently applying to Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs as she works towards her goal of becoming a physical therapist. Aneesa is passionate about helping others improve their strength, movement, and overall wellness while building a strong foundation for her future career in physical therapy. Aneesa spent four years as a high school assistant varsity softball coach, where she enjoyed helping athletes develop their skills and confidence. Her background as both an athlete and coach has shaped her appreciation for movement, performance, and creating a positive environment for others. Outside of work, Aneesa is a proud Philadelphia sports fan and enjoys cheering on the city's teams and making the most of the time spent with family and friends. She is excited to continue growing her experience in exercise and rehabilitation and looks forward to being a part of your care team. 

Abbie Allen

Personal Trainer

Abbie Allen is an African American and Afro-Panamanian personal trainer, yoga teacher, Pilates instructor, and wellness educator with a mission to help people create health for themselves through high-quality wellness education. Her approach is transformative, helping individuals build strength, reduce pain, improve mobility, and develop lasting confidence in their bodies. She attended Friends Central School from Pre-K through 12th grade, where Quaker values of integrity, service, reflection, and community became foundational to both her life and teaching philosophy. Growing up, she spent summers and holidays accompanying her parents on missionary trips, participating in medical outreach and community wellness efforts that shaped her lifelong commitment to service. She earned a degree in International Relations from Spelman College, where she developed a deep interest in health equity and the role of wellness education in creating stronger, healthier communities. Her studies and experiences led her to pursue extensive training in holistic health, movement, and personal development. Abbie has studied raw food preparation in Atlanta's historic West End, trained at the Living Foods Institute under Brenda Cobb, attended Landmark Forum, and completed yoga teacher training through the Yoga Institute at Texas Medical Center under Lex Gillan. Over the past decade, Abbie has taught thousands of hours of yoga, Pilates, personal training, and group fitness classes. Her teaching style combines evidence-based movement, alignment principles, and practical wellness education with warmth, humor, and accessibility. She believes that health should be empowering, sustainable, and available to everyone, and she is passionate about helping people create lives filled with greater strength, purpose, grace, and ease.

Ashley Francis

Personal Trainer

Ashley, "Ash", feels honored to join this welcoming community and do whatever she can to contribute to wellness at FitLife. She was born and raised not far from East Mt. Airy, and continues to live in the area. Growing up in the city opened her eyes to the "on the go" lifestyle that exhausts the everyday lives of so many. Noticing that happen in her own life by age 18, she was encouraged to search for what her purpose was. She focused on her own mental health and wellness, and soon realized she wanted to help heal others, just as she experienced this on her own. Ashley was also greatly impacted by group fitness instructors, and wanted to positively impact others in the same fun way. Ashley is an ACE Group Fitness Instructor, ACTION Certified Personal Trainer, with an ACTION Certification in Advanced Nutrition. As a growing fitness professional, Ashley is eager to share her love for wellness with others, and help people feel a sense of confidence. Her greatest goal is to help others realize their true potential, whether through personal training or group exercise experiences. Ashley takes pride in this as her life's purpose, and she hopes to transform lives through fitness! Contact Ashley to ask how she can help you on your journey!