Marc Dern, a resident of Bellmore, New York, founded Rookies Fitness in 2024 alongside his wife Meghan. As a proud father of three children, Marc holds a bachelor's degree in health science and a master's degree in Sports Science and Strength Conditioning. Prior to establishing Rookies Fitness, he gained a decade of experience as an elite personal trainer catering to a diverse clientele at a luxury fitness facility. 

​

During the pandemic, Marc and his wife ventured into entrepreneurship by launching Carter's Home Gym, a gym equipment rental company named after their first son. Marc's early passion for baseball led him to play at the collegiate level, and now, he actively coaches his sons' T-ball team in the Bellmore Little League, expressing that it's the most enjoyable experience he's had.

​

Reflecting on his journey, Marc emphasizes the impact of baseball in shaping his work ethic and character. He learned the value of hard work and playing with heart from his father. Marc aspires to impart similar life lessons and create lasting memories for his own family, friends, and the community.

Meghan Dern, founder and director of customer relations, at Rookies holds a Masters in Applied Psychology and has over a decade of experience working in the fitness industry.

​

While being professionally and personally invested in health and fitness, instilling the significance of a healthy lifestyle with her family is important. As a proud mother of three she notices the correlation between physical fitness and positive attributes. At a young age the more movement exploration a child experiences the stronger foundation they may develop. Meghan and her husband realize that fitness and athletics help build confidence and socialization skills in young children. Meghan and Marc’s goal is to have the highest level coaching that engages with each child with an emphasis on fun.

​

With her professional skills and experiences, Meghan and her team have developed a unique curriculum that drives the program that Rookies is today.

Adi Ashkenazi, General Manager at Rookies Fitness, holds a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science. Her professional journey is deeply rooted in a passion for leaving a lasting impact on young individuals. With over 12 years of experience, Adi has dedicated her career to coaching and training kids, focusing on physical health and nutrition. She has also served as a counselor in a program dedicated to character-building and mental health. While Adi's love for coaching kids remains true, she aspires to broaden her impact. In her role as the General Manager at Rookies Fitness, Adi envisions inspiring and supporting others to become outstanding coaches and individuals. Together, they will play a vital role in shaping the lives of Rookie students.