Melanie Ondek

Meet Mel – Barre Fusion Instructor

Mel brings heart, strength, and purpose to every SOULfusion class she leads at Amarah. An ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor and Certified SOUL instructor, she’s been teaching since 2016 with one clear mission: to create a space where everyone feels stronger and more confident than when they walked in—no matter their age, background, or fitness level.

Her passion for inclusive movement was sparked by her own experience of leaving fitness classes feeling unseen or “not enough.” As an instructor, Mel made it her promise to change that. Her classes are empowering, welcoming, and rooted in the belief that movement should be joyful, accessible, and healing.

Outside the studio, Mel works in county government and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. She’s a proud Pittsburgh native, a decade-long vegetarian, and currently lives in Brookline with her partner, Jeff, their angel baby, and their lively crew of animals—chickens, cats, a dog, and 3 fish.

Mel’s journey, both personally and professionally, is a powerful reminder of resilience and the beauty of showing up for yourself—and others—with compassion and intention.

Catch Mel teaching Barre Fusion every Friday at 5pm.