Sam Stipp
Owner and instructor of Through the Ages Fitness, has a Health Science and Geriatrics degree from Ball State University. After nine years in the health and wellness field, Sam specializes with working in Healthcare, Senior Wellness, Life Enrichment, and the overall concept of aging in place. She has acquired several different certifications to pursue her company goals. Sam is SilverSneakers Foundations Certified (Flex Instructor), Activity Director Certified, PWR!Moves Certified, Special Olympics Inclusive Training Certified, and ACE IFT Model Certified while also taking great interest in assisting with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and improving brain function. Samantha enjoys traveling with her husband, taking care of their THREE dogs (Knox, Bear and Bailey), spending time with friends and family, and drinking an ice cold beer every now and then! She is determined to change the outlook on the aging process for older adults, seniors and individuals with disabilities through unique and creative programs, social connections and healthy BUT fun lifestyle changes!
Andrea Ballard
Andrea brings drive and energy to all classes at Through the Ages Fitness!!! With her experience and background in the fitness industry, she works to connect with all her participants and encourages them to do their best at their own level! When Andrea isn't instructing, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her golden retrievers and listening to the Dave Matthews Band!
Valerie Ooley
Valerie left her job as a paralegal in 2021 to pursue a career she would enjoy and she has found that with Through the Ages Fitness. Having always had an interest in health, fitness, and learning she is passionate about sharing the joy of fitness with others. Outside of work and fitness she enjoys spending time at home with her fiancé, two German Shepherds, and three cats.
Pam Niccum
Pam’s passion for health and fitness is based on a core belief that motion is lotion for the body! If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. She holds a group fitness certification through ACE, a 200RYT certification, and has a background in boxing and rock climbing as well. Her love for movement and motivating others to want to move brought her to the Through the Ages Fitness team. In addition to fitness, Pam loves creative projects and spending time outside with her husband and her dog Yogi.
Stephanie Hufford
Stephanie loves to help others stay active, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. It’s never too late to start! Stephanie has an Exercise Science Degree from Ball State University, ACE Personal Trainer certification, Brain Fitness Coach certification, and an Activity Director certification through the state of Indiana. She has experience working in corporate fitness for two years then followed her passion to senior living fitness and wellness for four years. Stephanie stayed home with her two kids for four years but is so excited to teach classes again! She enjoys spending time outside with her two kids, husband, and friends at local parks, hiking, and enjoying a new hobby: playing golf!
Tish Ratcliff
Tish has focused her teaching on the needs of the elderly, the physically fragile, and those with cognitive challenges. As her teaching progressed, she discovered that emotional distress often accompanies a physically compromised body or challenged mind, and began to incorporate stress relief, such as Laughter Yoga, breath work, and meditation techniques into her classes with positive feedback and results. A former caregiver familiar with the stresses of aging, teaching has become Tish’s happy place, and her goal as a teacher is to share that happiness with her students. She is excited to be part of the Through the Ages Fitness team!
Michelle Tharp-Taylor
Michelle is a recently retired high school teacher who loved connecting with students and colleagues. She is now excited to use those skills to share her love of movement with others.
She believes that being active is not only essential in improving or maintaining mobility, but that activity and exercise increase our joy of living. In her free time Michelle loves walking and strength training, but her favorite activity is spending time with her family.