Valerie Bennis / Owner of Essence of Vali

Valerie Bennis / Owner of Essence of Vali

Michelle Portalatin has been my trainer since 2007.  When we started working together, I had just embarked on a weight lifting routine due to concern about my osteopenia.  Since I started with Michelle, my bone density is stable and I am not on any medication. …

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Lisa Cokinos, 38 yr old Mother of 3, former Wall Street Exec

I know for a fact that I have the best trainer ever! I met Michele Portalatain eight months after I gave birth to twins.  Aside from being out of sorts from pregnancy, I had developed several injuries that prevented me from working out with intensity. …

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Agnes Park, 34 year old Lawyer

Michelle coached me through my first ever (Olympic-distance) triathlon in July 2012 to my first Ironman in June 2013.  Her coaching style is intuitive, flexible and holistic.  She works with what you present her with — both the good and the bad — whether it’s your best/not-the-best physical capabilities, your…

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Lenny DeBono, 52 yrs old, Partner, DeBono Brothers Builders & Developers

I met Michelle over 10 years ago at NYSC in Forest Hills, NY.  We worked together for a year and she really kicked my butt.  I was sad to see her go when she left to work in Manhattan.  About 3 months ago I ran…

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