About Us

The Shirvan Family Live Well Center is dedicated to helping our community members lead their healthiest lives, through education, hands-on classes and workshops.

Our philosophy is simple: small healthy choices every day can lead to big health changes over time. Our programs, hosted onsite at our beautiful space in downtown Englewood, are always free for our community members. Our center has a teaching kitchen and student cooking space as well as an exercise area and quiet space for group discussion and emotional wellness practices.

Meet Our Live Well Team

Our team includes health educators, nutritionists, chefs, social workers, art therapists, and fitness professionals. And because we are part of Englewood Health, we can bring in our healthcare professionals to share their expertise and provide health education and programming.

Instructors

• Professional and educational background: Kim graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) with Honors in Culinary Arts in addition to completing an intensive culinary study in France. A graduate with a B.S. from Vanderbilt University in Human and Organizational Development, prior to formally pursuing her passion for food, Chef Kim had an extensive award winning 14-year career in Pharmaceutical Sales. For the last 9 years Kim has been the executive chef/owner her own private chef/catering company. In addition to her duties as a Chef/Business Owner, Kim is an Adjunct Lecturer at LaGuardia Community College teaching: Culinary Arts as well as Food and Culture.
• Passion: Classically trained, but flexible enough to create soulful soul food, Mediterranean flair, Vegan/Vegetarian delights, or tasty health supportive meals, and consistently inspired by her love of travel and diverse cultures. Chef Kim believes in sharing her knowledge and empowering others to be educated about food as well.
• Her healthy living routine: As a bariatric patient, food is an integral part of my life. As someone who is constantly on the go, in the kitchen and teaching, I make sure I always start my day with breakfast no matter my schedule. I also typically have my water bottle with me. Staying hydrated allows me to listen to my body to know when I’m hungry vs. thirsty. Fitness/Movement have always been an integral part of my life even prior to surgery. I make sure I incorporate moving several times a week in any way (weights, yoga, dance, etc.) as well. “Let thy food be thy medicine.”-Hippocrates

• Professional and educational background: Julie holds nutrition-related bachelors and master’s degrees. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Nutrition Education for the Public Dietetic Practice Group.
• Passion: Making nutrition both simple and enjoyable. She hopes to bridge the gap between nutrition science and healthy habits, so people can feel good about their food choices. She takes pride in motivating patients and finding ways to introduce good nutrition and education to people looking to make changes.
• Her healthy living routine: I have been integrating more hormetic stress relievers, such as hot and cold exposures, where research has shown may reduce inflammation and improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. I also uses saunas, hot tub therapy, and cold showers several times a week.

• Professional and educational background: Since completing her master’s in nutrition in 2022 and becoming a registered dietitian, Ivette has been working as an outpatient RD for both the pediatric and adult populations. In her current role, she develops plans and programs towards illustrating the preventive benefits of balanced nutrition.
• Passion: Using her own experiences living with diabetes to relate to patients, helping deliver knowledgeable, culturally competent, and researched-based nutrition education. Her goal is to empower her community with “nutritional intelligence” to live a healthful life with the immediate tools at their disposal.
• Her healthy living routine: I enjoy finding creative ways to make sweet treats that are still blood-sugar friendly. I also have a never-ending travel list, traveling once or twice a year. When I’m not baking or traveling, I am probably searching out dance classes as a means of enjoyable movement.

• Professional and educational background: Yaranil is a licensed clinical social worker and holds a perinatal mental health certification. She holds a bachelors and masters degree in social work and has had extensive professional training. Yaranil has worked in several settings within the Healthcare industry including, hospice and home care, outpatient mental health, and community based work.
• Passion: Yaranil is passionate about working with the perinatal population. She hopes to bring awareness, normalize and destigmatize in order to empower women struggling during their journey into motherhood.
• Her healthy living routine: I prioritize my mental health by practicing mindfulness to help keep me grounded and present. I enjoy walks out in nature and find that practicing mindfulness enhances how enjoyable my walks are.

• Professional and educational background: Esther holds a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University where she studied art with a concentration in psychology. Her master’s degree is from Pratt Institute in Art Therapy and Creativity Development. She holds professional licenses in New York and New Jersey and is nationally certified in art therapy. Esther is a member of the American Art Therapy Association and has experience in a variety of therapeutic settings, including medical and school-based art therapy.
• Passion: Esther is a firm believer that the creative arts are a powerful form of expression, especially when verbal communication can be a struggle.
• Her healthy living routine: Esther begins her day with a high protein breakfast and focuses on staying hydrated throughout the day. She enjoys boxing classes for fitness as well as an emotional outlet and practices art-making on a daily basis for creative expression.

• Professional and educational background: Coach Greg holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice located in New York City. Coach Greg is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified CrossFit Level 2 Coach celebrating his 21st year helping people look and feel their best! Coach Greg has opened and managed several boutique fitness facilities in New York City and New Jersey.
• Passion: Coach Greg is dedicated to improving the quality of people’s lives through exercise, community and education. Coach Greg is passionate about teaching people how to properly execute movements in a safe and efficient manner while leaving people feeling better about themselves in the process!
• His healthy living routine: You are the most important client, so why not aim to treat yourself well everyday! I begin the day with a tasty cup of black coffee, and some form of full-body movement; Hitting a 20 minute run, bike ride or jump rope session followed by a 10 minute stretch session while listening to an inspirational podcast or playlist helping me to get a mental/physical head start during the week.

• Professional and educational background: Lateefah Fleming, E-RYT500 and RYS200 Yoga School owner, is the President and Chief Motivating Officer of empowerFit Wellness, LLC—a wellness platform rooted in yoga, dance, travel, and empowerment. With over 15 years of experience in the wellness field and a lifelong background in dance, Lateefah is passionate about helping women, especially women of color, build a healthy relationship with their bodies and embrace self-love. Through local and global retreats, workshops, and community partnerships, she uses movement, breathwork, and education to amplify voices and foster healing. A former Director of Dance and Fitness at leading NYC-area facilities and a Lululemon Ambassador, Lateefah also serves as a doula, mentor, and author of Every BODY Can Do Yoga. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and founder of Soul: Unchained, her retreat-based initiative promoting wellness worldwide.
• Passion: Inspiring and empowering women from diverse backgrounds through transformative yoga, travel, and wellness experiences. It’s time to rise!
• Her healthy living routine: Hydrate and meditate! I start my mornings with intention—plenty of water, gentle stretches, quiet meditation, and a few kind affirmations whispered just for me. It’s my way of setting the tone for a grounded, energized day.

• Professional and educational background: After a 36-year career as a public-school educator, Dena earned her 200-hour yoga certification and transitioned into teaching yoga. She is a trauma-informed yoga instructor, working with a range of populations including adults in addiction recovery, women over 50, seniors, and expectant mothers. In addition to her yoga practice, Dena serves as a part-time educational consultant with the New Jersey Education Association.
• Passion: Dena finds deep fulfillment in introducing yoga to first-time practitioners, witnessing the powerful transformation it can bring. She has a special passion for supporting women through the aging process, offering guidance tailored to the unique needs of the maturing body. Dena also loves working with “mamas-to-be,” helping them prepare both physically and mentally for a smooth, empowered birthing experience.
• His healthy living routine: I make a conscious effort to live the practices I share with others. My days begin and end with yoga and meditation. In between, I focus on balanced nutrition, daily walks with my dog, good books, and time with my grandson who always brings a smile to my face.

• Professional and educational background: Blake has over a decade of experience in guiding meditation and mindfulness practices, Blake has led more than 300 meditation events and facilitated numerous lectures and workshops at well-known organizations, including Square, Walgreens, and St. Johns University. He has over 2 years of accumulated retreat experience in Asia, South America, and the US.
• Passion: Passing on the tools that helped him to go from being suicidal ideation to now living with peace. Helping to cultivate a world where we sincerely help each other and support each other. Creating a positive ripple effect.
• His healthy living routine: I start my day with meditation, which helps me to set my intention and create a positive tone for the day. Following meditation, I engage in some form of exercise, whether that be calisthenics, weightlifting, yoga, or just walking. I also incorporate intermittent fasting which I have found helps me to maintain my energy levels.

Guest Presenters and Instructors

In addition to our core team, our programs are led by guest presenters and instructors who bring unique expertise and passion to specific topics.

Our Core Team

• Professional and educational background: Mekesha holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Pace University and a master’s degree from Rutgers School of Public Health. She is a member of several national and local community-based service organizations. She brings experience in research, clinical management, program planning, and resource allocation for underserved communities.
• Passion: Value-centered holistic care to address health disparities and improving health equity among the communities she serves.
• Her healthy living routine: I start my day with high-intensity interval training, followed by a series of dynamic stretches to make sure I complete my physical activity without daily unforeseeable interruptions. Following my workout, I consume a protein shake and meal plan for my day in order to prevent me from consuming unhealthy choices while on the go.

• Professional and educational background: Genesis holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of San Diego and a General Studies associates degree from Bergen Community College. Genesis spent many years serving local communities around her in a multitude of ways: including leading a research-based community service project, organizing health awareness and prevention programs, contributing to fundraising concerts, and supporting several community organizations.
• Passion: Genesis is a strong believer that any task can become a creative project–nothing is too mundane for her! Hobbies include singing, painting, and getting involved in her community. She is a trained vocalist; having performed many jazz tunes, arias, and Gospel songs across New Jersey, New York, and California. She likes to dedicate her free time on graphic and interior design projects. She also loves to coordinate special events for her friends and family!
• Her healthy living routine: Above most things, I try to make sure that I treasure my own happiness. I usually practice this by managing my time and making sure I have pockets of time within my day where I have done something I was looking forward to. I celebrate even the most miniscule moments, such as my morning coffee or my favorite episode of a TV show. Alongside prioritizing my own happiness, I also take care of my physical health by eating healthy foods and working out at least three times a week. I try to turn most things into a creative project, so I often spend time doing research and creating my own workout programs.

• Professional and educational background: Angela graduated from Franklin and Marshall college with a bachelor’s in public health, concentrating in biology, and a minor in Middle Eastern studies. She has gained hands-on experience in clinical trials and community/global health research, notably with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Angela has dedicated herself to working with many undeserved communities, particularly refugees, asylum-seekers, and other migrants.
• Passion: Transforming health systems to be advanced, yet inclusive and equitable for all communities. Everyone should have equal access and opportunities to make informed choices about their health!
• Her healthy living routine: Stress management is a priority to me, especially while I was a college student, so I really try to make time to decompress. I enjoy cooking meals for myself and my friends and sharing them on my cooking blog, focusing on using clean ingredients (organic, no additives/preservatives, etc.). I also set time aside every week to play volleyball to stay active!

• Professional and educational background: Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Seton Hall University, where he was a first-generation scholarship recipient of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute and the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Association. As an undergraduate, he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his community service work. He brings extensive community relations experience, having built local and national partnerships during his time at Goya Foods, Inc. and the American Cancer Society.
• Passion: Anthony is deeply passionate about community service and community health and well-being. Professionally, he has chosen roles that align with his value of working with community leaders and partner organizations to help people in need. Personally, he serves as a mentor and a member of the Advisory Council for the Griffin Bridges Program at Seton Hall Prep, which provides scholarships and resources to students from the Greater Newark Area.
• His healthy living routine: I do my best to strike the right balance in all areas of my wellbeing, it’s a learning journey that I believe everyone is on. In my downtime, I take care of myself by taking fitness classes and long walks in the community.

Community Partners