our story
Laurie always had a passion for fitness and thirst for adventure. After spending her career in Corporate America as an accountant, she decided to pursue a lifelong dream of opening a studio of her own. A dear friend of hers introduced her to the Lagree method in California and immediately she was hooked. Battling constant knee pain and numerous surgeries she was on the hunt for a low impact workout that still brought intensity. Laurie has brought this workout to Queens and Garden City with a goal to create a community of dedicated Lagree enthusiasts. You can find Laurie in the studio and taking class on the megaformer next to you.
our instructors
Astoria | Garden City
laurie benenati
FOUNDER & OWNER
IG Handle: @benela39
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Dancing Bear
Why I Lagree: I love the high intensity workouts without the high impact especially since I have multiple knee injuries. I am able to challenge my body while quieting my mind. It is so inspiring and heartwarming to workout with my amazing team of instructors and dedicated clients.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Smile! You Got This!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Obliques & Glutes
Fun Fact: I am obsessed with collecting passport stamps and want to step foot on every continent. Some of my favorite places I’ve been to include New Zealand, Thailand and Greece. I am scared to death of heights but have no problem skydiving!
Laurie grew up and currently lives in Queens, NY. She’s spent some time in Newport Beach, CA and Manhattan. Laurie graduated St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked for various media companies since then. She always knew she was meant to do something else in the field of fitness and service. In 2017, after taking a trip to Bali, she decided to jump ship, pursue a lifelong dream and opened lagreeny. Laurie has always been active and adventurous. She loves snowboarding, travelling and football.
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 2, Balanced Body Pilates Mat & Reformer, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Garden City
casidhe streeff
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @eero.elements Favorite Lagree Exercise: Super Lunge! I love this exercise because it not only challenges the primary leg being targeted but I love how much it targets the core, upper body, arms and back! I also love to challenge myself and my clients with spring loads with this move! Why I Lagree: I feel strong, connected and present with my mind and body. You’ll always here me say in class : Embrace the burn! Fun Fact:I am an artist and art teacher. I went to college for Fine Arts and graduate school for Art Education. In undergrad I took my first pilates class, and I fell in love with the workout. Right after graduate school I decided to start my training to become Pilates certified,over 10 years ago!
Casidhe grew up in eastern Long Island. Fitness was part of her life starting at a young age, from dance to running track. A natural born teacher, went to undergraduate and graduate school at Adelphi University for Fine Arts and Art Education. After college she combined her passion for fitness and teaching and embarked into her fitness career along side her Art Education career. With over 10 years in the industry, educating her clients to connect to their mind and body while getting a fun and challenging workout is her main goal. She will train you to push your mind and body with a strong focus on form, alignment, muscle activation, endurance and strength.
Fitness Certifications/Qualifications: Balanced Body Full Comprehensive Pilates Instructor, Balanced Body Barre Instructor, Lagree/Megaformer Instructor/Teacher Trainer, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, ISSA Sports and Conditioning Coach, ISSA Nutrition Coach, ISSA Corrective Exercise Specialist
Garden City
genie efstathiou
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @g_prettyinplanks Favorite Lagree Exercise: Super Lunge Why I Lagree: No other workout challenges me both physically and mentally like Lagree. Something turns on in your mind when your body pushes limits and unlocks untapped strength. It’s incredible! The Lagree community feels this mind body connection as well. Everyone in this network is so supportive and helpful. You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Leave it all on the MEGA! Fun Fact: I played Rugby in college (after never seeing a game) I am a Bravo junkie.
Genie grew up in Long Island where she lives now with her husband, three children and dog Winston. She is currently a middle school science teacher but got into fitness after having twins in 2013 and needing to get back into shape. She enjoys pushing herself in all physical activities including barre, yoga, and running. After discovering Lagree in 2020, she made it her healthy addiction and now has woven it into her professional life by becoming certified and teaching at Lagreeny.
Certifications – Lagree Fitness Level 1, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Astoria
mandy macdonald
INSTRUCTOR
IG handle: @mandymac_lagree Favorite Lagree exercise: Some of my favorites are Spider Kicks, Giant Inchworm and Kneeling Row! Why I Lagree: Lagree nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Prioritizing oneself can be a challenge, often with the hardest step being the decision to show up. While maintaining exercise motivation can be tough, Lagree offers a unique formula that keeps you consistently inspired and coming back for more!!! You’ll always hearing me say this in class: “Drop it low, and bring it up slow”during squats and lunges 🙂 Fun fact: I love special FX Makeup and breakdancing!
Mandy is a seasoned Art Director and part of the Astoria community for over 25 years. With more than 15 years in the design industry, she has honed her skills in a diverse range of fields, from luxury brand packaging to media, film, and set design. As a dedicated mother and passionate supporter of the arts, Mandy actively contributes to local initiatives like the Sparrow Film Festival and the Astoria Music Collective. She was instrumental in bringing the Astoria SkatePark to life, thanks to her vision and collaboration with the Astoria district council. A former member of the iconic 5 Pointz graffiti art collective in Long Island City, Mandy has art and creativity coursing through her veins. Fitness isn’t just a hobby for her; it’s a lifestyle. As an instructor, she continues to inspire others on their fitness journeys.
Certifications: Level 1 Lagree certification
Astoria
Sarah Rokshar
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @sarabeth.13
Favorite Lagree Exercise: I love Super Lunge! It is so versatile- you can feel legs, glutes,arms and abs working. Plus there’s a ton of variations you can do within the move itself.
Why I lagree: I never feel like I plateau-every class is fun and challenging!
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Draw your shoulder blades together / shoulders down your back / relax your shoulders or some variation of that… posture is everything!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Glutes!
Fun Fact: I am secretly a cat lady, but don’t own any 🙁 one day…
Born and raised in New York. I am obsessed with fitness. I used to powerlift and have run many kinds of races including half marathons, the New York City marathon, overnight relays, and obstacle courses. However, I always like to say that my relationship with Lagree is the longest (fitness) relationship I have ever had-I never got injured or felt bored in a Lagree class. Infact, when I was a NYC teacher and worked long hours, you could catch me on the mega with the 6:30 am crew and setting myself up for daily success. I love my dog Graham, summer and going to all sorts of concerts even if it means hopping on a plane to get there.
Astoria
andrea dusel-foil
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @aduselfoil
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Spider Kicks
Why I Lagree: To feel strong in my body.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: It’s gonna be fun. Are you breathing?
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Abs all day.
Fun Fact: I hate burpees.
Andrea was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, and grew up dancing. After graduating high school, Andrea completed her BA in Dance Performance from UNC CHARLOTTE, the Professional Training Program at North Carolina Dance Theatre and the Independent Study Program at the Ailey School. Since then, she has danced with Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Ballet Mink, MCG Dance and The Coppola Rhythm Ensemble. Andrea began her journey into fitness as a form of cross training and rehabilitation. She started with Pilates and Yoga and followed with her Lagree Fitness Certification in 2013. She believes in working with clients in a supportive and non-judgemental manner and promises you, “It’s gonna be fun.”
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 2, DK Bodybalancing: Comprehensive Pilates Certification, It’s Yoga International: 200 hr Ashtanga Yoga & 50 hr Rocket Yoga, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Garden City
dana henneborn
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @danahenneborn
Favorite Exercise: 5th lunge
Why I Lagree: to achieve maximum muscle tone and shakes!
Teaching style: Fun, upbeat, and focused on form, form, form!
Fun Fact: I have ben a professional dancer for over 10 years.
Astoria | Garden City
jamie twidle
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @jamgraceo
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Tailbone bicep curl
Why I Lagree: To feel strong in my body.
What is your teaching style? Encouraging, energetic, relatable to the clients.
Fun Fact: I am half Ecuadorian and speak Spanish
Astoria
marie carrol
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @midgenewin
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Super Lunge
Why I Lagree: I love the intensity! It’s never the same workout twice.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Mind over muscle!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Arms and the THASS (the butt crease, where the THigh meets the ASS)
Fun Fact: I’m also a graphic designer and help with lagreeny’s branding and marketing collateral.
After spending over 20 years behind a desk doing graphic design, Marie pursued her passion for fitness. She believes health and wellness is a mental as well as physical journey. There is no one way to achieve results and see progress. She always encourages her clients that it’s not about perfection, but progress! You may run into her on the streets of Astoria with her two beagles, Hammer & Clover!
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 1, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Balanced Body Pilates Instructor in Training, First Aid/CPR
Astoria
tiger brown
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @stigerb
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Scrambled Eggs
Why I Lagree: I always feel most accomplished after my workout , and completely put back in alignment. It’s almost like talking a ballet barre for me. I feel so strong and ready to tackle whatever is in front of me.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Wrap Your Burritos!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Inner Thighs & Glutes
Fun Fact: I also teach dance master classes around the country.
Tiger originally hails from New Jersey (and proud!), but is happily living in Astoria. She is a serious foodie, wanderluster, yoga enthusiast, and book lover. She still continues her journey in the performing arts not only as a performer and teacher, but also as a choreographer. She holds a degree in Theater from NYU Tisch, and has been a dance teacher for over 10 years. Tiger is super proud to be a part of this stellar lagreeny team!
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 1
Astoria
angela sarro
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @sempre_sempre130 Favorite Lagree Exercise: Many! If I had to choose, it would be kneeling arms at the back and catfish. Why I Lagree: I Lagree for my physical and mental health. I appreciate making the time for myself with no distractions from the outside world. I also love the community and really getting to know everyone at the studio. I appreciate being an instructor and client. You’ll always hearing me say this in class: “You’ve got this!” I promise I am working on varying my positive affirmations! Fun fact: I can say the alphabet backwards…I am a complete bookworm
Angela is a native Astorian and loves the community vibe. She has been a high school English teacher for 14 years and truly loves working with students of all ages. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her dog Fleur, sipping a Chagaccino at The Barn, and reading every chance she gets. She is a supporter of small businesses like The Brass Owl, enjoys rock and EDM music, and speaks Italian. Fitness has always been a rocky road for her, but finding Lagree is helping mold her journey of a healthy lifestyle.
Certifications: Level 1 Lagree certification
Astoria
emily wolff
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @nycity_fit (fitness)
Favorite Lagree Exercise: Standing Inner Thighs
Why I Lagree: To challenge myself mentally and physically.
You’ll always hear me saying this in class: Draw your shoulder blades together / shoulders down your back / relax your shoulders or some variation of that… posture is everything!
Favorite Muscle Groups to Target: Glutes!
Fun Fact: I am secretly a cat lady, but don’t own any 🙁 one day…
Emily moved to NYC from the Washington DC area in 2016. In mid 2017, she decided to leave her desk job to enter the fitness world. She currently teaches Lagree and barre at Physique 57, and loves all things fitness. She lives in the neighborhood, so if you skip class to go to QWNS Cafe, she’ll find you! 
Certifications: Lagree Fitness: Level 1, Physique 57 Certified Barre Trainer
Garden City
kalli bielawski
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @betterbeautyisgood Favorite Lagree Exercise: 5th lunge Why I lagree: The Lagree Method has captured my heart because of its holistic approach to fitness. The slow and controlled movements engage muscles deeply, helping me build strength, endurance, and flexibility all at once. The constant challenge in each workout keeps me motivated, and the low-impact nature of the method means I can push my limits without straining my joints. It’s a full-body transformation that empowers me physically and mentally. You’ll always hear me saying in class: The shakes are what you came here for!!!! Favorite muscle groups to target: glutes and back Fun Fact: I have ran 10 NYC marathons and can’t wait to do another one. Lagree helps runners get stronger mentally and physically.
Fitness Certifications/Qualifications: Lagree level 1 instructor
Astoria
sarah
la asmar
INSTRUCTOR
IG Handle: @slaasmar Favorite Lagree exercise: Toss-up between Skater and Super Lunge. I also am a sucker for all the strap work! Why I Lagree: The Lagree Method is the only workout I have ever done where I don’t plateau or get bored—which happens easily. I discovered Lagree in 2012 and the mega has been a critical part of helping me rehab from several surgeries over the past decade. Every class, every instructor, and every stage of life, the Lagree method always meets me where I am at, while at the same time pushes me to go beyond my comfort zone. You’ll always hear me saying this in class: “check your chin” “We are going to do this together as a team” proceeded by the slowest 8 count of your life Favorite muscle groups to target: Glutes and Lats Fun fact: I fought and trained semi-professionally in Muay Thai for 6 years, travelling across the US for competitions. While I lost a few fights, I never got knocked out! Muay Thai taught me about the importance of the mind-body connection in fitness and movement and lit a fire in me to find other forms of movement that do the same.
Sarah grew up in Ohio, moved to NYC in 2018, and currently lives in Manhattan on the Upper West Side. She has a B.A. in History and B.A in English literature from Ohio University and masters degrees in Educational Administration from Ashland University. Sarah spent 15 years teaching high school and coaching teachers before switching careers to work in corporate strategy and transformation in the fashion industry, which brought her to NYC. Athletics and wellness have always been an important part of her life and being a lagree instructor has allowed her to marry her two passions of teaching and fitness by helping others realize their potential and become physically and mentally stronger. Sarah loves travelling, reading and all things involving food.
Certifications: 200 hour yoga certification, Balanced Body Pilates Mat & Reformer,Lagree Level 2 Certification
