Meet Our Team
Our trainers are highly skilled and able to work with clients of all ages and fitness levels. Our small group approach allows them to focus on specific needs of each client and make necessary modifications as needed to their exercises.
Barbara Bell
Barbara has lived in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood area for over 20 years after growing up in neighboring Edison. She is deeply rooted in the local community through athletics and volunteering, including with Special Olympics New Jersey.
Barbara is a physical education teacher, and she has been with James Madison Primary School in Edison for over 30 years.
Barbara joined Fit to be Fab in 2013 as a way to stay in shape. As a long-time member, she has developed a strong connection to the Studio and even stronger relationships with our trainers. In 2020, Barbara became a co-owner of the Studio. But you will still find her working out with our other members multiple times a week.
Joan is a life-long resident of Union County. She grew up in Fanwood and currently resides in Plainfield, where she has lived for over 35 years. She is an active member of the local community, helped lead the Plainfield Charter Study Commission, and was a member of the Mayor’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
Joan is also an accomplished and widely respected attorney. Her legal career spans 44 years, including 27 years of service as a Public Defender. She was the first woman in New Jersey to achieve the Supreme Court designation of Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, and has been involved in various professional groups and associations.
Joan has also been a long-term member of our Studio. In her time as a member, she has developed strong friendships and a passion for the community that has been created at Fit to be Fab. Her connection to the Studio ultimately led her to become a co-owner in 2020. When she isn't at the Studio or in the courtroom, Joan enjoys traveling the world with her husband.
Joan Van Pelt
Terahshea (TJ) McCray
Terahshea (TJ) has been a personal trainer since 1995. He holds multiple certifications and accreditations including NASM– Sports Fitness Specialist, NASM–Certified Personal Trainer, Apex Fit Pro-Nutrition, ACE-Clinical Exercise Specialist, Level 1 HLC-Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and AAHFRP-Medical Exercise Specialist.
TJ’s philosophy is “Being healthy and fit begins in the mind fueled by a heart with a burning passion for life.” While living in the Virgin Islands, the Rider University graduate drew from that background to write, produce and star in his own television fitness program. The popular show “Back 'n Shape With T,” aired throughout the United States Virgin Islands in St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Puerto Rico.
In addition to continuous work on his writing and producing projects, TJ trains private clients in the New York City and Princeton NJ areas. TJ is the proud father of three: Nadir, Elijah and Kyla. In addition to spending quality time with his children, TJ’s passions include bodybuilding, tennis, biking, skating, reading and watching classic films.
Although Cheryl started teaching group fitness in college, she chose to pursue a corporate career after graduation. Once her kids were born and she wanted to have more flexibility with her schedule, she decided to switch gears literally and figuratively. Being a workout enthusiast and with her college fitness experience under her belt, a career in group fitness seemed a natural choice for her.
Cheryl obtained her certifications in personal training, group fitness, kickboxing and kid's fitness through AAAI and began teaching part time in various gyms. Most recently she also became certified in Tabata Bootcamp and PIYO. Cheryl brings with her over 30 years of experience in fitness and we are thrilled to have her as part of our team.
She is a high energy trainer who loves to exercise personally and enjoys helping others reach their fitness goals. She is very familiar with the specific needs of the women who are working hard to change their relationship with fitness. When not training or teaching, Cheryl is a very involved mom with her children's academic and athletic commitments.
Cheryl Kelly