Our Team

Read below to learn more about the team behind Telomere Consulting.

“I took over a failing fitness business at the beginning of the year. Once I started working with Catalina and her tremendous team, things quickly started turning the other way. I cannot see a time when I will not utilize her service as she is truly a valued addition to our operations.”

— Pietro from Krav Maga Unleashed

Catalina Zbar, Founder & CEO

  • Catalina Zbar (she/her) is the founder of Telomere Consulting, a consultancy that provides coaching and marketing services to boutique fitness studios around the world. With 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Catalina combines data-driven business assessment with forward-thinking, innovative marketing to help clients position themselves as leaders in their industries.

    Originally from Argentina, Catalina spent 10 years working in financial services in Switzerland and the U.K. While living in London, Catalina became increasingly involved in the fitness industry, moonlighting as trusted advisor to a number of award-winning boutique fitness studios. Fast forward to today and Telomere Consulting has grown into a diverse team that has helped 100+ studio owners streamline their operations and feel empowered while ultimately boosting memberships, sales and retention.

    In addition to coaching services, Telomere is also a marketing agency with an array of services tailored to its clients' unique offerings. Catalina's experience working with a multitude of studios worldwide and adapting to their unique cultures and values allows her to bring global best practices to her work and help her clients thrive.

    Catalina has been a featured speaker for a variety of fitness companies and leading software companies, including MindBody, Mariana Tek, Fitgrid and Vimeo OTT. She is a Mindbody Certified Consultant and a health & wellness enthusiast, and is currently based in Toronto with her husband and two children.

  • Cat is a STOTT Certified Pilates instructor.

Melissa Williams, COO

  • Melissa has spent more than 20 years in the yoga and wellness industry. She began her career in publishing where she cultivated an eye for creating copy that is captivating and effective. While working as the Editorial Director for a spa publication, she received her yoga teaching certificate. After leaving the publishing world, she decided to follow her passion and opened a yoga studio, which she successfully ran for 11 years before selling in 2022. She now loves to help other studio owners navigate all aspects of the business-side of yoga, from team management to communications and marketing strategy.

    In her free time, you’ll find Melissa creating recipes, gardening, running, practicing yoga, traveling, and hanging out with her family. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters and pup, Lola.

  • Melissa used to review spas around the world—and get paid for it.

Zack Bell, Studio Consultant

  • Zachary (Zack) Bell is a seasoned fitness industry professional, recognized as an IHRSA Rising Star. With 16 years of experience, Zack has played key roles in operations, education, and studio growth at major fitness brands such as Orange Theory and F45. His expertise in optimizing performance, developing talent, and driving membership growth has made him a trusted leader in the industry. Zack’s passion for fitness and business strategy matches his commitment to fostering successful, high-performing studio environments.

    Outside work, Zack enjoys running, cheering on Atlanta sports, and supporting his Texas Longhorns—Hook 'Em Horns! As a father, he loves spending quality time with his daughter, Brax, whether they’re off on adventures or she’s successfully convincing him to buy the latest toy. Zack embraces the grind in life and fitness, always striving to move forward.

  • Zack’s spirit animal is a fox.

Ali Goracy, Community Manager

  • Ali has spent the last several years tailoring her professional career to reflect her passion for the health and wellness industry. As a fitness instructor herself, she has a thorough understanding of marketing needs within the wellness space.

    She is passionate about empowering clients through email marketing, content strategy, and in-depth analytics that provide a deeper look into marketing campaigns. Her favorite action item is creating compelling copy that helps studios be seen AND heard.

    Ali lives in Charleston, S.C. and is an instructor at Jibe South, a rhythmic cycle and HIIT studio. When she’s out of the office or off the spin bike, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and line dancing.

  • Ali worked at a wolf sanctuary in high school

Emily Lail, Marketing

  • Emily’s passion for fitness shines through in everything she does. Her journey in this industry began 15 years ago with the high-energy of Zumba, where she discovered her love for movement and inspiring others. From there, she expanded her expertise, diving into the dynamic intensity of circuit training and HIIT, the mindful strength of barre, and a wide range of modalities.

    Over the years, Emily has collaborated with studios in a variety of settings—supporting everything from class programming to community engagement. With a strong foundation in email and social media marketing, she brings a creative and connected approach to the fitness space.

  • Emily went to pastry school in Chicago!

Catie Moyer-Gardner, Studio Support Associate

  • Catie’s journey in health, wellness, and fitness began 13 years ago as a motivation and accountability coach for weight loss clients. Since then, her passion for mission-driven, fitness-focused companies has taken her through sales and marketing roles spanning cryotherapy, nutrition, functional fitness, and obstacle course training.

    Over the past six years, she’s built expertise in lifecycle and content marketing, blending strategy with creativity to drive customer engagement and community. Known for her adaptability and ingenuity, Catie embraces both emerging trends and proven methods to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

  • In her spare time, Catie writes fiction and self-published her first novel in May of 2025.

Charisse Lea Petri, Admin

  • Charisse is passionate about providing support in day-to-day tasks to allow the team to focus more on the growth of Telomere. She is a classic Virgo: detail-oriented and loves to keep everything organized. Her openness to learning is rooted in her belief that everyone is capable of developing their skills with dedication and a right mindset.