Jo Nelson

Originally from Virginia, Jo Nelson taught high school and university health and physical education, and was Athletic Director for the National Youth Sports Program. Her company, Every Body Inc., trained group exercise instructors.

Jo is a very dedicated teacher and cares about the success of the students. She shows tremendous energy and passion for the fitness program and brings a great sense of humor to her work. She has won the Instructional Excellence Award and Employee of the Year at LWTC.

She earned her masters degree in exercise science at Western Washington University. She is a certified ACSM, Health Fitness Instructor and an ACE, Group Exercise Specialist.

Joel Thomas

Joel Thomas recently joined the Fitness Program at Lake Washington Technical College after receiving a M.Ed. from the University of Washington where he assisted in development & alumni relations for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Prior to graduate school he worked at Olympic Physical Therapy as an Athletic Engineer in Seattle's Cabrini Medical Tower. As a certified American College of Sports Medicine – Health and Fitness Instructor® he served the PRO Sports Club for five years as a Personal Trainer and Assistant Manager of the renowned 20/20 Lifestyles Clinic.

He completed his M.S. in Physical Education at the University of Idaho while interning as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Washington State University's Varsity Weight Room. He earned his B.A. from Central Washington University in 1997. He is a proud husband, father, and avid skier.