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. 

Erin Lanci

Fitness Operations Manager

Erin joined the FitLife team in May 2010, and has served as the Fitness Operations Manager since 2013. Prior to starting at FitLife, Erin worked in the fashion retail industry as store manager and visual merchandising manager to various flagship women's fashion retailers in the area. During that time, Erin also completed her Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design Communication at Philadelphia University in 2005, graduating at the top of her class in the School of Design. She earned her Executive Master of Business Administration Degree through Villanova University's School of Business in 2020. Having previously lived in both Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, she appreciates the unique nature of the community, and enjoys being a part of it daily by working at FitLife. She is infinitely inspired by the patrons of FitLife, and embraces the mindset that to live an active and healthy lifestyle sets the groundwork for life-long good health and happiness.

Zachary Higgins

PT, DPT - PT Clinic Supervisor

Originally from Connecticut, Zach is a proud UConn graduate. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and completed his thesis on how exercise intensity can impact the blood-lipid profile. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Delaware where he completed his Master's Degree in Clinical Anatomy and Doctor of Physical Therapy. Zach has treated in diverse clinical settings, including outpatient facilities, inpatient rehab, and a federal program aiming to help older adults maintain their independence in the community as long as possible. He particularly enjoys treating patients with neck pain and working with older adults to maximize their functional mobility. Outside of work, Zach can be found reading, playing board and card games, spending time outside, rooting for UConn basketball, or playing in a sports league.

Kathryn Holz

PT, DPT

Kat attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where she dual majored in Biology and Health Sciences. Kat also earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duquesne, where she started a club to re-home gently used assistive devices to those in need. Kat is certified in LSVT for the treatment of Parkinson's, but her ultimate passion is pelvic health and pelvic health education. She recently returned to the Philadelphia area following graduation and is excited to join the Mt. Airy community. Outside of the clinic, Kat enjoys hiking, thrifting, and listening to live music.

Daniel Winters

PT, DPT

Danny graduated Magna Cum Laude from SHRS at the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Services. In college, he played for the Pitt Men's Rugby Football Club and was an executive board member of the Pinky Swear Pack where he raised money for families who have a child who has been diagnosed with cancer. Danny then received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024 from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Massachusetts. In PT school, Danny served as class representative on the Student Government Association. His passion lies with the treatment of individuals who have a variety of neurological diagnoses and preventing falls stemming from vestibular dysfunction, strokes, brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's Disease. Outside of work, Danny likes to play video games, sing, listen to music, cook, lift weights, bike, and go for runs. He is new to the Philadelphia area and is open to hear about nearby running trails, restaurants, and general local suggestions.

Ali Lodise

PT, DPT

Ali Lodise (she/they) earned their Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University. Prior to receiving her DPT, she received a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences with minors in Dance and Somatics from Drexel University. While at Drexel, Ali participated in the Drexel Dance Ensembles and also received a comprehensive Pilates training certification. Ali continues to teach Pilates in the Philadelphia area and now serves as a senior instructor in the Drexel Pilates Training Program. Ali has conducted research at Drexel University and Temple University that has been presented at the Education Leadership Conference through the APTA, the Dance Science and Somatic Educators Conference, and the Somatic Dance and Movement Conference. Outside of their physical therapy and Pilates practices, Ali volunteers her time as the President of Woman Within Eastern USA, a global organization dedicated to amplifying the power and wisdom within all. Additionally, they enjoy dancing, rock climbing, and spending quality time with their partner, kids, friends, and pups. She looks forward to working with a wide range of people and pursuing a pelvic floor physical therapy certification. They value connecting with others, uplifting LGBTQIA+ community, and advocating for all of their patients' physical, mental, and emotional health in a holistic approach to physical therapy.

Zong Sheng Tan

PT, DPT

Zong Sheng Tan (Jack) is a physical therapist with a passion for helping people of all ages recover, perform, and thrive. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stockton University with a degree in Biology in 2020 before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Boston University in 2024. His education and training blend a strong scientific foundation with a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Jack spent his early formative years in Singapore, where he developed a unique global perspective on healthcare and culture. During this time, he also served in the mandatory Singapore Armed Forces for 2 years, an experience that instilled in him the value of discipline, teamwork, and resilience - principles he now applies in his clinical practice. Having play rugby in high school, Jack knows firsthand the importance of injury prevention, strength training, and recovery. He has worked with a wide variety of patients, from post-surgical individuals to athletes aiming to optimize performance. His approach is rooted in evidence-based practice and a compassionate style that makes rehab feel like a partnership. Outside of the clinic, Jack is an active member of the Pennsylvania Dragonboat Club, where he trains and competes in this dynamic, team-oriented sport. He also volunteers as a screener for the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, combining his passion for the arts with his commitment to giving back to the community. Having recently reloacted to the area and eager to explore all it has to offer, Jack is open to recommendations for local attractions, dining spots, or unique activities. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Tyra Woods

Physical Therapist Assistant/Personal Trainer

Tyra earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampton University in May 2019. Following graduation, she began her career in physical medicine as a Physical Therapy Rehab Technician at a local nursing home and rehabilitation center in the West Philadelphia area. She later decided to further her education at Harcum College, earning her Physical Therapist Assistant Degree in May 2022. During her time at Harcum, she became an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association where she served as the Northeast Region Student Liaison in 2021. Tyra has over 18 years of dance experience and pre-professional ballet training, studying under multiple profound dance companies such as School of Dance Arts, Philadanco, The Philadelphia Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Hampton University's Terpsichorean Dance Company. She has a passion for muscle recovery techniques and assisting her patients in their journey to restoring functional movement independence. In 2021, Tyra was inspired by her own fitness journey to help others reach their own goals through personal training. She is eager to create customized personal training programs for members in FitLife's fitness center! Contact her to schedule your session! Tyra is a zealous dog lover and enjoys dog sitting in her free time, as well as going to the gym and indulging in DIY home improvement projects.

Azh'mere Beard

Exercise Physiologist/Personal Trainer

Azh'mere graduated from Temple University in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sports Science. She is the first graduate of her family's generation. During her college yeas, Azh'mere interned with the Temple University ROTC program as a Strength and Conditioning Intern in her junior year, and later interned with Zarett Rehab in her senior year. Azh'mere is a fun-loving person who enjoys playing as well as watching sports, such as basketball and football. She has plans to further her education and one day become a Sports Physical Therapist for the NBA or NFL. Overall, in the duration of Azh'mere's career, her main focus is to be a healer of people and to offer encouragement to everyone she encounters.

Emily Joseph

Exercise Physiologist

Emily earned her Bachelor Degree in Exercise & Sports Science from Temple University in December of 2024. She has almost two years of experience in both clinical and non-clinical Exercise Physiology. With an interest in sports performance and research, Emily interned with the University of Pennsylvania's Strength and Conditioning Department. During her time with the Quakers, Emily gained hands on experience coaching D1 athletes (and Olympians!). She was the communications chair of ESSKA (Exercise Science and Kinesiology Association) at Temple University as well as a member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society (First Generation College Students). She was an undergraduate research assistant during her time at Temple; feel free to ask her about the research! With a passion for female athlete health, sports performance, and injury prevention, Emily plans on continuing her education within exercise science. In her free time, Emily enjoys all things women's sports, the outdoors, rock climbing, and reading.

Fran Kelly

Personal Trainer

Fran has been a fitness professional and group exercise instructor for the past 25 years. This work has been a passion as well as a rewarding profession. Fran started as an aerobics instructor in the area and continued certifications in personal training, step aerobics, Spin, Slide, TRX, Zumba and water aerobics. She has also worked with children's fitness programs. Fran is a Philadelphia native and is married with three children.

Tara McGowan Canally

Personal Trainer

Tara received her Personal Training Certification, as well as a Certificate for Nutrition from the Personal Training Institute. She is a lifelong fitness fan, and as a dedicated personal trainer she helps her clients achieve their health and fitness goals with steadfast commitment. Tara has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals, from the novice to the seasoned athlete, and she is experienced in personalizing protocols to address her clients' specific wellness needs and objectives. Growing up in Chestnut Hill, and currently residing with her husband and son in Wyndmoor, Tara is very excited to be working back in her neighborhood!

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!