Meet the Team…
Suzanne Merritt
Erica Pelton
Josh Conant
Ethan Dean
Michael Summers
Chrissy Garner
Elodie Theriault
Josh Lipka
Suzanne Merritt
Owner/ Master Trainer
Sue started her Fitness Career at Lenox Fitness Center and Spa in 2007 and worked there as an Instructor and Trainer until December 31, 2014, when she purchased the business and rebranded it as Lenox Fit. She has been teaching classes and training clients for almost 18 years and is passionate about working side by side with her team of dedicated professionals.
Sue competed in Kettlebell lifting prior to beginning her work as a fitness professional and worked out regularly with a trainer. She earned her first certification from AKC (the American Kettlebell Club), followed by a SPINNING Certification, a group exercise certification, a STEP Aerobics certification and in 2010, she became a Personal Trainer through WITS (which is an ACSM certified Program). Sue received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Hartwick College in 1989.
Sue is a survivor of stage 3 breast cancer (2012) and since then, has raised over $300,000.00 for cancer research through the Pan Mass Challenge. She is an avid cyclist, a wife and om and has lived in Lenox for over 30 years. She supports local sports teams, local races and community events and gives regularly to the local food pantry. She is a hands on leader and is dedicated to her team, her family, her business, and her community.
Erica Pelton
Master Trainer
Erica Pelton is a functional training specialist and personal trainer who specializes in motivating people to discover a lifestyle of healthy living without pain, movement restrictions, and moving with overall confidence. Whether you are brand new to fitness, working through an injury, or trying to reach the next level, Erica will get you there by taking the guess work out of training and customizing your program based on your needs, goals, and desires. Erica has extensive experience with clients who have joint replacement and injury, mobility and postural concerns as well as weight loss and body composition goals.
Erica was a US BF pro qualified bodybuilder, NGA and IFA pro figure bodybuilder. Fitness has always played a large role in Erica's life beginning with a competitive scholastic career during which she was a participant in New York State Empire State games. It was during those years in her childhood that Erica discovered the importance of self motivation and setting realistic goals. Erica teaches her clients to embrace these skills as she firmly believes they can help not only professional and amateur athletes, achieve success, but anyone who is trying to improve his or her quality of life with proper exercise and nutrition.
Erica is excited to share her passion for healthy living with you today to help you make your fitness goals a reality!
Certifications & Training
- National Academy of sports medicine, (NASM) personal trainer certification,
- Functional movement systems (FMS) certification level one
- American council on exercise, functional training, specialist,
- Anatomy trains in training course
- Perform better conference, NASM optimum conference
- National Academy of sports medicine, (NASM) personal trainer certification,
Josh Conant
Master Trainer
As a former multi-sport athlete with over 10 years of Olympic Weightlifting and Sports performance experience Josh brings the mentality of a seasoned athlete to the Lenox Fitness team and we are excited to have him! Along with the competitive mindset of an athlete Josh also brings the knowledge he's acquired over the course of his journey to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Exercise Science from one of the best programs in the country, Springfield College.
“Even though I love working with Athletes because it allows me to explore the complexities of high level training programs in many ways I enjoy working with normal everyday people even more. I think that comes down to the fact that some of the simplest things, the things that seem obvious to me are the things that can end up making an enormous difference in someone's life. Which is ultimately why I chose this career, to help people lead healthier, and happier lives.”
Certifications & Training
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College (2020) ACE Certified Personal Trainer (2017 - Present)
- 10+ years of Olympic Weightlifting and Sports Performance training experience
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College (2020) ACE Certified Personal Trainer (2017 - Present)
Ethan Dean
Master Trainer
Ethan became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer in 2022.
Ethan was a student athlete at Monument Mountain Regional High School and was involved in the school's football team. He was also the captain of the swim team during his Senior year. After graduation in 2020, he decided to seriously follow his passion for weight training.
Ethan became interested in personal training through his workouts at the gym, and really started to feel like he was home. Friends would approach him in the gym and ask for advice and he started helping them reach their goals. He felt confident sharing his knowledge of weight lifting with friends and knew it was time to explore the possibility of using his expertise to inspire people to join the gym and become stronger .
After becoming certified, he created Ethan Dean Fitness (EDF) to reach out to a broader audience online. Ethan has used this platform for clients that are interested in online coaching and nutrition assistance. His program is based in strength and hypertrophy and can be applied to any level of fitness, from beginner to advanced.
Ethan began at Lenox Fit in 2023 and has expanded his knowledgeable to include functional training and corrective exercise.
In the fall of 2025, Ethan competed in his first Body Building Show and won medals in all categories. He hopes to continue to advance in the area of body building and hopes to compete again in 2026.
Michael Summers
Master Trainer
Michael Summers was born and raised in White Plains NY and is the youngest of four siblings. Mike attended White Plains High School from 1992-1996 and was a 3 sport athlete, playing football basketball and track. Mike was Inducted in the White Plains Hall of Fame in 2023. Mike attended The Worcester Academy in 1997 and then went on to attend the University of New Haven, where he studied criminal justice. Mike then had an opportunity to tryout for some NFL teams which landed him in arena football for five years. Arena football lead Mike into his love of training and helping others accomplish their fitness goals. Mike has worked in the fitness industry since 2005. His foundation in fitness started with calisthenics later transitioning into weight training and functional fitness. His hobbies are reading, bowling, and staying active. He has a 15yr old daughter Kyana Summers. Mike is certified as a Personal Trainer through ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association).
Chrissy Garner
Master Trainer
Chrissy Garner is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a Certified Pilates Instructor and a Certified Personal Trainer. She is an advocate for all who are looking to find true strength, empowerment and true joy in their bodies.
Together, let's find your strength through movement and wellness. We will focus on a healthy mindset in a focused direction. She has supported thousands of clients and assisted them as they found their success in their personal wellness journeys. Chrissy is local to the Berkshires. She grew up in Lee and has found joy in the area with her beautiful family and new puppy.
ELODIE THERIAULT
Trainer
Elodie became a NASM certified Peronsal Trainer in July of 2025. Elodie grew up very active. She began playing club soccer through the YMCA in 2007 and then played for the Pittsfield soccer club from 2011 to 2018. While attending Pittsfield High School, she was involved in cross country and track teams. It was not until the 2020 Covid shutdown, when Elodie was not able to participate in her school's sports, tat she found her passion for weightlifting. She loved feeling attuned to her body and strengthening her muscles while understanding the biomechanics, metabolic, and recovery progress. In 2021, Elodie began training seriously, and in 2023 she was introduced to a new style of weightlifting: body building. Elodie became devoted to training and bettering herself. She has been training as a body builder since March of 2025. Elodie's programs are focused on hypertrophy and strength and can be tailored and applied to beginners to advanced lifters. She has discovered a love to educate, motivate and help others feel better about themselves through training.
JOSH LIPKA
Master Trainer & Cycle Coach
Josh Lipka holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of New Hampshire and brings over a decade of experience in the fitness industry. He has worked with leading wellness brands including Canyon Ranch, Equinox NYC, and Miraval. Josh holds certifications in TRX, Schwinn Cycling, kettlebells, rowing, and yoga, and is currently pursuing his NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist certification. As a competitive cyclist for nearly 20 years, Josh is also a USA cycling coach and serves as a Zwift Race Director for Virginia's world- ranked Blue Ridge Twenty24 team. One of his proudest personal milestones was returning to competition after recovering from a DVT and pulmonary embolism, finishing the 2022 season with his eleventh overall team win at the Josh Billings Runaground Triathlon. Josh is passionate about helping others move better, train smarter, and reach their goals.
Suzanne Merritt
Erica Pelton
Josh Conant
Karen Tibbetts
Ethan Dean
Michael Summers
Chrissy Garner
Suzanne Merritt
Owner/ Master Trainer
Sue started her Fitness Career at Lenox Fitness Center and Spa in 2007 and worked there as an Instructor and Trainer until December 31, 2014, when she purchased the business and rebranded it as Lenox Fit. She has been teaching classes and training clients for almost 18 years and is passionate about working side by side with her team of dedicated professionals.
Sue competed in Kettlebell lifting prior to beginning her work as a fitness professional and worked out regularly with a trainer. She earned her first certification from AKC (the American Kettlebell Club), followed by a SPINNING Certification, a group exercise certification, a STEP Aerobics certification and in 2010, she became a Personal Trainer through WITS (which is an ACSM certified Program). Sue received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Hartwick College in 1989.
Sue is a survivor of stage 3 breast cancer (2012) and since then, has raised over $300,000.00 for cancer research through the Pan Mass Challenge. She is an avid cyclist, a wife and om and has lived in Lenox for over 30 years. She supports local sports teams, local races and community events and gives regularly to the local food pantry. She is a hands on leader and is dedicated to her team, her family, her business, and her community.
Erica Pelton
Master Trainer
Erica Pelton is a functional training specialist and personal trainer who specializes in motivating people to discover a lifestyle of healthy living without pain, movement restrictions, and moving with overall confidence. Whether you are brand new to fitness, working through an injury, or trying to reach the next level, Erica will get you there by taking the guess work out of training and customizing your program based on your needs, goals, and desires. Erica has extensive experience with clients who have joint replacement and injury, mobility and postural concerns as well as weight loss and body composition goals.
Erica was a US BF pro qualified bodybuilder, NGA and IFA pro figure bodybuilder. Fitness has always played a large role in Erica's life beginning with a competitive scholastic career during which she was a participant in New York State Empire State games. It was during those years in her childhood that Erica discovered the importance of self motivation and setting realistic goals. Erica teaches her clients to embrace these skills as she firmly believes they can help not only professional and amateur athletes, achieve success, but anyone who is trying to improve his or her quality of life with proper exercise and nutrition.
Erica is excited to share her passion for healthy living with you today to help you make your fitness goals a reality!
Certifications & Training
- National Academy of sports medicine, (NASM) personal trainer certification,
- Functional movement systems (FMS) certification level one
- American council on exercise, functional training, specialist,
- Anatomy trains in training course
- Perform better conference, NASM optimum conference
- National Academy of sports medicine, (NASM) personal trainer certification,
Josh Conant
Master Trainer
As a former multi-sport athlete with over 10 years of Olympic Weightlifting and Sports performance experience Josh brings the mentality of a seasoned athlete to the Lenox Fitness team and we are excited to have him! Along with the competitive mindset of an athlete Josh also brings the knowledge he's acquired over the course of his journey to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Exercise Science from one of the best programs in the country, Springfield College.
“Even though I love working with Athletes because it allows me to explore the complexities of high level training programs in many ways I enjoy working with normal everyday people even more. I think that comes down to the fact that some of the simplest things, the things that seem obvious to me are the things that can end up making an enormous difference in someone's life. Which is ultimately why I chose this career, to help people lead healthier, and happier lives.”
Certifications & Training
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College (2020) ACE Certified Personal Trainer (2017 - Present)
- 10+ years of Olympic Weightlifting and Sports Performance training experience
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College (2020) ACE Certified Personal Trainer (2017 - Present)
Karen Tibbetts
Trainer
Karen was born and raised in the Berkshires. After graduating with a degree in Finance from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, she moved to the Boston area with her husband, Gary. After living in Boston for 10 years, they moved back to the Berkshires to start and raise a family of their own.
In 2022 Karen became a Certified Personal Trainer, and enjoys working with clients of all ages, focusing on Functional Fitness and Balance. Karen hopes her enthusiasm and love of fitness will help her clients stay committed to their journey and become more comfortable in the gym setting.
Karen is a lifelong fitness enthusiast and accomplished runner. Having raced every distance from the mile to the marathon, she also enjoys cycling, hiking, yoga, and strength training.
Today, Karen and Gary enjoy walking their dogs and visiting their adult children in the Boston area.
Ethan Dean
Trainer
Ethan became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer in 2022.
Ethan was a student athlete at Monument Mountain Regional High School and was involved in the school's football team. He was also the captain of the swim team during his Senior year. After graduation in 2020, he decided to seriously follow his passion for weight training.
Ethan became interested in personal training through his workouts at the gym, and really started to feel like he was home. Friends would approach him in the gym and ask for advice and he started helping them reach their goals. He felt confident sharing his knowledge of weight lifting with friends and knew it was time to explore the possibility of using his expertise to inspire people to join the gym and become stronger .
After becoming certified, he created Ethan Dean Fitness (EDF) to reach out to a broader audience online. Ethan has used this platform for clients that are interested in online coaching and nutrition assistance. His program is based in strength and hypertrophy and can be applied to any level of fitness, from beginner to advanced.
Ethan began at Lenox Fit in 2023 and has expanded his knowledgeable to include functional training and corrective exercise.
In the fall of 2025, Ethan competed in his first Body Building Show and won medals in all categories. He hopes to continue to advance in the area of body building and hopes to compete again in 2026.
Michael Summers
Trainer
Michael Summers was born and raised in White Plains NY and is the youngest of four siblings. Mike attended White Plains High School from 1992-1996 and was a 3 sport athlete, playing football basketball and track. Mike was Inducted in the White Plains Hall of Fame in 2023. Mike attended The Worcester Academy in 1997 and then went on to attend the University of New Haven, where he studied criminal justice. Mike then had an opportunity to tryout for some NFL teams which landed him in arena football for five years. Arena football lead Mike into his love of training and helping others accomplish their fitness goals. Mike has worked in the fitness industry since 2005. His foundation in fitness started with calisthenics later transitioning into weight training and functional fitness. His hobbies are reading, bowling, and staying active. He has a 15yr old daughter Kyana Summers. Mike is certified as a Personal Trainer through ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association).
Chrissy Garner
Trainer
Chrissy Garner is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a Certified Pilates Instructor and a Certified Personal Trainer. She is an advocate for all who are looking to find true strength, empowerment and true joy in their bodies.
Together, let's find your strength through movement and wellness. We will focus on a healthy mindset in a focused direction. She has supported thousands of clients and assisted them as they found their success in their personal wellness journeys. Chrissy is local to the Berkshires. She grew up in Lee and has found joy in the area with her beautiful family and new puppy.