Meet the Staff
HEALTH SPECIALISTS & STAFF
Marla Gentile, M.Ed NSCA CPT, CSCS
Wellness Director
Degrees & Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor
Master’s Degree, Counseling, University of Miami, Fl
Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology/Sociology, City University of New York
NSCA & ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Fitness, Pilates and Yoga Instructor
Marla comes to Westglow with over 25 years of experience in counseling, specializing in substance abuse issues, codependency issues, women’s issues, grief therapy, as well as teaching fitness classes. Marla has always had an interest in physical fitness as well as mental health. She has incorporated her philosophy that true health and wellness is the result of a strong body, mind, and spiritual connection in creating the weight management program and is excited to help guests along on a healthier journey in life.
Sandee Altman
Personal Trainer
Born and raised in Lorton, Virginia, Sandee's awareness for health and fitness came while fighting alongside her mother during her fatal battle with breast cancer. She witnessed first hand, that no priority is higher than one's health. Always overweight as a child, and with genetics working against her, Sandee was considered obese by the age of 17. At that point, refusing to be angry or disappointed in herself, she decided to set off on the journey that was to define her life...the journey to self-discovery.
Fast-forward to 2010 and Sandee has flourished, finding her calling in the helping and supporting of others as they embark on personal journeys of their own. With a degree in excercise science and a wealth of knowledge in nutrition, Sandee's training arsenal is full and there is nothing she loves more than using it to educate others. Proving that anything can happen with enough determination, Sandee herself, has competed and won in one of the fitness industry's toughest sports, Women's Figure and Fitness Competitions.
Westglow Resort & Spa proudly offers its clientelle the ability to find out for themselves what it's like to train with a true champion.
Laura Benezra, MA, RD, LDN
Registered Dietician and Nutrition Counselor
Degrees & Certifications
Master’s Degree, Nutrition, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Bachelor’s Degree, Health Promotion, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Laura is a Registered Dietician and Nutritional Counselor that helps individuals make lifestyle changes using an integrative health care system that combines both conventional and alternative health approaches. Laura has been with Westglow since 1999. In 1998 she graduated Cum Laude from Appalachain State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion. She then completed her Master's degree in Nutrition from ASU in 2002. During that time she was published in the American Dietetic Journal and the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Along with Westglow, she is also the nutritionist for the faculty and staff at ASU.
Since she received her Master's degree in 2002 she has continued to study many different types of healthcare techniques and modalities. In 2008 she spent time in India studying alternative healthcare therapies, which can help individuals enhance their own body's wisdom to restore health and vitality. Through her knowledge and experience Laura continues to help her clients live happier, healthier lives.
Nate Curtis
Exectutive Chef
Nate grew up in a small town in western North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University where he developed a strong passion for cooking. Nate began his cooking career in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, under the director of a James Beard award-nominated chef, working his way to the Sous Chef position. He then joined Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow Resort & Spa as Executive Day Chef in 2007, was promoted to Executive Sous Chef in 2009, and named Executive Chef in 2011.
Chelsea Brown
Director of Outdoor Adventures
Chelsea Brown brings her sunny personality to Westglow as our Director of Outdoor Adventures. Although new to the position, Chelsea is a long-time Westglow associate. She began working with us while still a student of Psychology at Appalachian State University. Since earning her degree in 2009, Chelsea has combined her interest in people and social science with her love of fitness and the outdoors. She is dedicated to health and wellness, both on the job and at home. Whether guiding a hike, setting up a campsite or leading a fitness class, Chelsea’s attention to detail ensures each guest has a personal experience, unique to Westglow. At home, she grows vegetables, makes fruit preserves, and hits the trails with her dog, Cali. Chelsea was born in Wilmington, NC and grew up in Raleigh. She chose ASU for its academic programs and for the outdoor lifestyle in the NC mountains. Since graduation, she has worked not only at Westglow, but as a Habilitation Technician for an autistic child. At Westglow, she plans to expand the outdoor program, providing a range of activities to allow guests to enjoy the beauty of the high country. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she hopes to extend marketing efforts to encourage even more participation in outdoor adventures.
FITNESS SPECIALISTS & INSTRUCTORS
Regina Page
Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Certified Yoga Teacher
Amy Berry
Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Certified Mat Pilates Instructor
Hilary Pruett
Yoga Alliance, Certified Yoga Teacher
Bliss Warren
Certified Spinning Instructor
