About Us
Varsity House Gym is dedicated to helping youth athletes ages 11 through college, and regular individuals ages 30+ perform better, gain confidence, lose fat, and get in the best shape of their lives without wasting valuable time in the gym. We provide world-class coaching and nutritional guidance, in an inspiring atmosphere, with a team dedicated to giving our clients the Best Hour of Their Day.
We understand how confusing living a healthy lifestyle, safe training, and proper nutrition can be.
Which is why since 2006 our team has created thousands of simple training plans that have helped our clients achieve their fitness goals, so they can look and feel the way they have always wanted to.
Since 2006 we have helped 1000's of busy adults get in the best shape of their lives.
OUR MISSION
To be known and trusted around the US and deliver the most valuable and efficient solution to getting long-lasting results out of their fitness, crush their goals and make their lives more enjoyable and fulfilling.
MEET OUR TEAM!
Joe Riggio
Joe Riggio
Founder | CO-owner
Hi I’m Coach Joe. I’ve been helping people look great, feel great, and perform their best for over 25 years. Fitness never came easy for me coming from a big Italian family (lot of pasta), so I made it my life’s work to help others become the best version of themselves.
We have created an amazing team of professional coaches to help guide you every step of the way! We can’t wait to see you in the gym.
Dan Goodman
Dan Goodman
CEO | Co-Owner
I’ve been part of Varsity House since 2006. What started as a part-time job in the fitness industry turned into a lifelong mission: to build a gym that stands for more—more community, more accountability, and more opportunity for both clients and coaches.
In 2009, I teamed up with Joe Riggio to transform a small warehouse into a real training business. Since then, we’ve grown Varsity House into a multi-location destination known for results-driven coaching, strong team culture, and a professional pathway for coaches who want to turn fitness into a career.
My passion is simple: build great people—from the clients training on the floor to the coaches leading them. I bring a no-frills, team-first approach, and I’m a big believer in doing the little things right, over and over again.
MY COACHING STYLE
- I believe in setting a high standard and holding the line
- I focus on team development and long-term growth
- I’m big on clarity, consistency, and being coachable—at every level
CAREER SNAPSHOT
- Co-founded and helped grow Varsity House into a multi-location personal training business
- NSCA presenter and speaker on gym leadership and team building
- Graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
- I've coached athletes at every level—from youth sports to the NFL
- Co-host of The Business of Strength Podcast, ranked a Top 10 Fitness Business Show by Feedspot (2023 & 2024)
QUOTE I LIVE BY
“Never mistake activity for achievement.”
FUN FACTS
- I actually started as a client at Varsity House back in 2006
- I walked onto the football team at the University of Rhode Island, earned a full scholarship, and played in 33 career games
Mike Capriglione
Mike Capriglione
General Manager
Hey Everyone, I am Coach Mike and I am literally the first ever Varsity House employee.
I started back in 2009. I went from Vacuuming and cleaning the whole gym by myself every week to the director of Training in 2014.
I recently, in 2021, became the General Manager.
I enjoy helping people prove that “YOU CAN DO IT” and seeing them achieve goals they never thought possible.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you become the next success story!
Adam Menner
Adam Menner
Training Director
Hey everyone! My name is Adam Menner and I’m the Director of Training here at the Mecca, Varsity House Gym! I played basketball my entire life growing up which was plagued by injury.
The rehabilitation process is what made me fall in love with the science of training.
I help everyday gym goers and athletes feel better, move better, and perform better by taking a holistic approach. I can’t wait to help you!
Stephanie Boyaci
Stephanie Boyaci
Head Coach | nutritionist
I’ve been part of this incredible team for over five years, and every single day, I get to do what I love: helping people transform their lives through fitness, nutrition, and consistency.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University and have dedicated my career to helping others build sustainable, healthy habits that truly last. My mission is to make a positive impact on every person who walks through our doors — and to be a consistent, uplifting presence on their fitness journey, both in and out of the gym.
Whether it’s building better habits, rebuilding confidence, or just being there to push you through one more rep, I’m here to help you level up — physically, mentally, and yes… probably with an energy drink in hand.
Alex Pleasic
Alex Pleasic
Perfomance director
My journey with Varsity House started long before I joined the staff—I was actually a youth athlete here myself. I trained all the way through high school and into college, where I played five years of Division I softball at the University of Rhode Island. I firmly believe that without the foundation I built in the weight room, I wouldn’t have reached that level of competition.
That experience fueled my passion for performance training, especially for young female athletes. In 2018, I came back to Varsity House as a strength and conditioning intern. After graduating in 2021 with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies, I worked my way up from part-time coach to my current role as Athletic Performance Director.
Today, I focus on designing and leading programs for youth, collegiate, and professional athletes, while also mentoring younger coaches and helping build a community centered around strength, confidence, and growth.
Chris Eichler
Chris Eichler
facility leader oradell
I started at Varsity House back in 8th grade as an athlete, and I’ve been part of the VH family ever since.
Now, as a coach, my goal is simple: to help you get fit, stay healthy, and live your best life. Having grown up in this gym, I know firsthand the impact a strong training environment and supportive community can have — and I’m excited to bring that same energy to every session.
I’m looking forward to working with all of you and being a part of your fitness journey!
Alex Julian
Alex Julian
head Coach
I’m a Westchester County native and currently a Head Coach at Varsity House Gym. Growing up, I played football and wrestled, which laid the foundation for my passion in sports performance and strength training.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from SUNY Oneonta in 2022. That summer, I completed the internship program at Varsity House, which was a key step in my coaching journey. After that, I went onto work as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, and also worked as both the Assistant Football Coach and Strength Coach at Irvington High School.
In the summer of 2023, I rejoined the Varsity House team, bringing with me the experience I gained from coaching at both the collegiate and high school levels. Outside of coaching, I compete in powerlifting—it's a big part of how I stay connected to my own training and growth as an athlete.
Tyler Peterson
Tyler Peterson
head Coach
I’ve been immersed in the world of fitness for over six years.
I’m a passionate Olympic weightlifter with a lifelong love of athletics. I started out in Taekwondo, earning my first-degree black belt at a young age, and later transitioned into competitive soccer, where my love for movement and performance really took off.
I hold a graduate degree in Sports Science with a focus in Strength and Conditioning, and I’m a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). My career has also taken me into the world of Sports Rehabilitation, where I worked as a licensed chiropractic assistant here in New Jersey.
Now, I bring a blended approach to coaching—combining rehab principles with performance training to help clients move better, get stronger, and stay injury-free. Whether you’re an athlete or just looking to feel better in your everyday life, my goal is to help you reach your potential with purpose and precision.
When life puts you in a tough spot, don’t say “Why me?” — say “Try me.”
Joey Mac
Joey Mac
head Coach
I've been part of the VH family for 16 years, as both an athlete and now coaching here for the last 12. VH isn't just a gym; it's a place where you build real friendships and strong bonds with coaches, clients, and others who are all striving toward similar goals. Over time, VH becomes part of your life—part of your family and your culture. It's a space where you can step away from the chaos of daily life and spend an hour focused on becoming the best version of yourself.
Credentials: Hardstyle KB Instructor Level 1, USA Weightlifting Certified Coach, CPPS Coaching Certification, CFSC Level 1 Certification, Masters in Sports Management w/ a Concentration in Interscholastic Athletic Administration.
Ariana Hawkins
Ariana Hawkins
head Coach
My fitness journey began during my time in the United States Marine Corps, where I served on active duty for nine years and continue to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves. In 2016, I became a Force Fitness Instructor, and the following year, I earned my Personal Training Certification through the American Council on Exercise. Since then, I’ve also become a Certified Health Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, and Weight Management Specialist.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from William Paterson University (2021), and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Acupuncture at the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine.
I’m passionate about functional fitness, training for longevity, and helping others live stronger, more resilient lives. My coaching experience ranges from preparing Marines for combat, to empowering individuals with disabilities, to guiding clients toward their personal health and fitness goals.
When I’m not coaching, you can usually find me baking something sweet or exploring a new hiking trail!
Kat Espinal
Kat Espinal
Facility leader | Ridgewood
I’m the Facility Leader at Varsity House Personal Training in Ridgewood, where I’ve spent the past six years helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident. With a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a NASM CPT certification, I specialize in creating training programs that are challenging, safe, and—most importantly—fun.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to push your limits, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My goal is to help you build sustainable, healthy habits that last—while actually enjoying the process. Let’s make fitness something you look forward to!
Colin Angelitud
Colin Angelitud
head Coach
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Montclair State University and recently completed my Master’s in Business with a concentration in Healthcare Economics and Management from William Paterson University.
I’m passionate about functional strength training and running, and I love blending both to help people move better, get stronger, and feel their best. Outside the gym, you’ll find me hiking, snowboarding in the winter, or playing basketball with friends whenever I get the chance.
My coaching style is all about meeting you where you're at and creating a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. Whether you're just getting back into training or ready to level up, I’ll help you make real progress — and enjoy the process along the way.
We'll keep things simple, effective, and fun. I’ve got your back every step of the way.
Nick Orta Jr.
Nick Orta Jr.
Coach
I started with Varsity House in the summer of 2024 as an intern, and soon after, I joined the staff part-time while continuing my studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
I’m currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Management.
A little about me: I’m a basketball guy through and through—I could play or talk hoops all day. My fitness journey started when I was younger. I was the “chubby kid” growing up, and lifting weights gave me something I’d never had before: confidence and a sense of control. That feeling changed my life—and now, I’m here to help others experience the same kind of transformation through fitness.
I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and making an impact here at VH!
Aliza Galfund
Aliza Galfund
client success Coordinator
I started training at Varsity House when I was just 15, and now—nearly a decade later—I'm back, not only training but also working the front desk! My favorite part of the day is greeting and connecting with all the amazing clients who walk through our doors.
I recently earned my master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University, and I'm currently on the path to becoming a registered dietitian. I'm passionate about helping others live healthier, happier lives through nutrition, and I'm excited to keep learning and growing in this field!
Erica Dickman
Erica Dickman
Business Coordinator
As the Business Coordinator, I like to think of myself as the one making sure all the behind-the-scenes magic happens—keeping everything running smoothly so our members have the best possible experience. I run a tight ship, but with a smile, and member satisfaction is always my top priority. Whether it’s managing schedules, supporting payroll, handling inventory, or keeping operations on track, I’m all about keeping things organized, efficient, and stress-free.
I originally majored in education and minored in event planning—so yes, I can wrangle a classroom and throw a killer event! I spent four years teaching while also diving deep into the fitness industry, where I’ve racked up over a decade of experience in sales and management. That mix of structure, creativity, and hands-on leadership helps me bring energy, consistency, and a people-first mindset to everything I do.
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We can’t wait to meet you.
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VARSITY HOUSE GYM ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2025
VARSITY HOUSE GYM ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2025