Hi everyone!!! My name is Tanya Williams. Most people call me Tan. I live in Slidell, LA. Slidell is a city that is located around 25 miles outside of New Orleans. I am originally from New Orleans. I have been a licensed Zumba Instructor for two years. Just two months ago, I became a Strong By Zumba Certified Fitness Instructor. In addition to that, I am an AFPA (American Fitness Professionals Association) Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.  Currently I am working on my Nutritionist and Sports Nutritionist Certification through ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association). I am also a 12-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Currently, I work as a Middle School Science Teacher.

In a house with two older brothers, it was only natural that I, the only girl, and the youngest would follow in their footsteps and become involved in sports as well. I ran track and field in middle school and high school. When I joined the military, I participated in intense physical training, as it was a required part of the job. As of right now, I keep active by participating in road races sponsored by the NOTC (New Orleans Track Club) and going to the gym to stay fit using cardio machines and weights. I was never on a dance team, but I always had a passion for dance. I always danced in my spare time therefore developing a passion for dance. At 12 years old, I used to dance in front of friends and family as a form of entertainment.

Growing up was great, I came from a family with awesome parents. Excellent family support as well. However, I had a major issue with shyness, low self-esteem, and self-doubt. This affected me all around. One day, I asked God to get me out of that mindset. Although sports was an outlet, something was still missing. God gave me a gift, a passion for fitness as a way to spread the gospel and build confidence in others by helping them maintain a positive attitude through fitness while serving Christ. This is my ultimate goal for as a Shazzy Fitness instructor. By stepping out on faith instead of fear. With the "do it afraid" mentality, I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be obedient and use the gift God has given me to reach the masses, serve the Lord and win souls, and through Shazzy Fitness, that’s what it is all about.

I have always wanted to bring group fitness to the church through a format that is faith-oriented and family-friendly. Through a Google search, I was led to Shazzy Fitness which has everything a Christian group fitness instructor could ask for. It entails the perfect opportunity to minister to people and be a positive influence on people’s lives. For example, when people come to class after a rough day, or if they are having a rough time in life, my goal is to have them experience Shazzy Fitness and prayer in the group fitness class as an outlet, and a place of refuge.