The Heart Behind The Beat
Meet Your Certified Instructors
Valerie Gouse
Val unlocked a new passion when she took her first cardio drumming class at her local YMCA. She fell in love with this easy, yet effective workout – so much so that she earned her instructor certification in 2021 and has been teaching cardio drumming classes to kids, adults, and seniors in the South Jersey area ever since.
Prior to starting Drum2BFit with her mom, Judy, Valerie earned a master’s degree in library science and worked as a librarian at Cumberland County College for 12 years. Now she holds a PhD in communication and is an English and Communication professor at Rowan College of South Jersey.
With her extensive background in education and her clear love of music and exercise, it’s no wonder Drum2BFit has found so much success in only a few short years! Valerie lives in Vineland, NJ with her husband and two young daughters who also enjoy cardio drumming.
Judy Bonato
Music has been a consistent thread in Judy’s life. From ballroom dancing and piano lessons throughout her childhood, to teaching her own daughter piano when she was just four years old—until Val’s skills outgrew her mom’s and they found a more advanced teacher. (Val still plays beautifully to this day thanks to that early start!) Judy’s true passion for teaching and music emerged during the eight years she spent leading preschool music classes.
As a recently retired librarian of 15 years and master’s degree holder, Judy understands the importance of keeping both the mind and body active post-retirement. Staying true to their close bond and shared love of music, Judy and Val became certified cardio drumming instructors together—and have been teaching lively, music-fueled classes for kids, adults, and seniors throughout South Jersey since 2021.
Judy lives in Vineland, NJ, close to her daughter and two granddaughters—who never miss a chance to get in on music- fueled fun!