Our trainers are nationally certified and/or hold degrees in the field of exercise science. They will work with your schedule and style to help you reach your goals. Meet some of our great personal trainers!
Mo Ahmad Location: Downtown
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Matt BarberBachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Exercise and Fitness from UWM YMCA Personal Trainer certified NSCA-CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Matt has worked as a YMCA personal trainer for more than eight years. His experience with sport specific-training and explosive power training give his clients great results. He also has experience with beginners and can help them get on the road to health Location: Downtown |
ACE Certified Personal Trainer Candace specializes in weight loss, muscle toning, and increasing flexibility. Studied under a master yogi in Los Angeles she incorporates breath control as well as back strengthening and support. After becoming a mother she has also become proficient in pre and post-natal exercises. Location: West Suburban
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Deron Coleman Location: Rite-Hite |
Ray Cote ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Ray started at the Y 13 years ago as a Building Supervisor and 2 years later moved into the Commit To Be Fit program where he quickly discovered how much he liked working with the diverse community of the Y. Three years ago Ray became a personal trainer where he enjoys the challenge of designing programs for the unique needs of my clients. He has certifications in CPR/AED, O2 and stays current with the latest developments in the field of fitness. Location: Tri-County
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Chris Cramer Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Longwood University Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of South Carolina YMCA Personal Trainer certified ACSM-HFI (American College of Sports Medicine-Health Fitness Specialist) NSCA-CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Chris has worked for the YMCA in various capacities since 2002 and has been ACSM certified since 1997. He has experience and confidence working with people of all levels. His expertise focuses on 3 main areas: strength or endurance athletes looking to gain a performance edge, persons coping with chronic disease/rehab and beginning exercisers who are looking to make long-term positive lifestyle changes. Chris' passion for education is demonstrated by the way he teaches clients to make their own informed decisions about their exercise program and lifestyle. In addition to typical workout sessions, he also conducts lifestyle counseling sessions based on your particular concerns or interests.
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Nancy Crook Location: Feith Family Ozaukee |
Diane Dennis ACE Certified Personal Trainer Bachelor of Science- Kinesiology, UW-Milwaukee (emphasis on Exercise and Fitness) Certificate in Nutrition, UW-Milwaukee Wellness Coach Certificate from American Health for Life Institut Diane has a passion for assisting people to reach their fullest potential. She incorporates working with the client on achieving a solid base of good health while working on particular fitness goals and concerns. She enjoys working with individuals or small groups. Diane has a special concern for women (those seeking to lose weight, brides-to-be, new moms, older adults); but enjoys working with people of all ages and levels of fitness. Diane is certified through American Red Cross to perform First Aid, CPR, AED, and O2. She is currently studying to be certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Location: West Suburban
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Sara EmbryACE Certified Personal Trainer Sara brings five years of experience in the fitness field with her and a love for helping people! She received her degree in Health and Fitness Management with a certificate in Nutrition and a Business Minor. In addition to being certified as a personal trainer, Sara also is certified with AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) in Primary Group Exercise, CPR/AED, First Aid and O2. Sara enjoys working with people at all different levels of fitness and focuses on finding the correct path for them. Sara incorporates many options to help people meet their goals; whether that be independent workouts, wellness coaching, group exercise or personal training. Location: South Shore |
Kristi Finco AFAA certified personal trainer Degree in Kinesiology from UW – Eau Claire Kristi loves the health and fitness field which brought her to the YMCA in December 2007. She has trained and made individualized plans to fit each client’s goals ranging from marathon runners to client’s with disabilities. She loves incorporating many different modalities for a functional workout. Kristi’s passion for health promotion does not stop with personal training, she also teaches several group exercise classes such as Zumba and Silver Sneakers. Location: Southwest and South Shore |
Anne Frazier ACE Certified Personal Trainer Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation She enjoys working with all age groups including children, older adults and special populations. She has taught fitness, exercise, swimming, and relaxation classes and she is an experienced marathon runner. Her approach is functional and goal oriented and is centered on the individual and what works best for them. This includes incorporating mind (attitudes, beliefs, likes, dislikes and concerns) and body (abilities, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses) in the process. Her philosophy is that training should be a positive fun experience that will teach the individual life long habits for health and well-being. Location: Feith Family Ozaukee |
Lisa Gilane
Location: Feith Family Ozaukee |
Ginny Haupt Location: Rite-Hite, Downtown
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Nicole Hengels ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Nicole is in her last semester as an undergraduate student at Marquette University studying Exercise Science with a Spanish Minor. She enjoys working with all fitness levels but has true passion for distance running and sports preparation. Nicole tries to make each workout individual and unique and works on strengths and weaknesses of each client. In addition to Personal Training, Nicole also teaches group exercise and is certified in CPR/AED, First Aid, O2. She will make sure you are pushed to the limit! Location: West Suburban |
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Christina has a passion for helping others and feeds her passion creating both physical and emotional awareness with her clients. She enjoys working with people of all ages and levels of fitness and believes that each of us can challenge our abilities and move ourselves to a new level of fitness through dedication and hard work. Christina will provide coaching to help you achieve your goals through various aspects of training. It is up to you to make the commitment and the change in your life today. Location: Downtown |
YMCA Certified Personal Trainer For years, Joe worked as a coach for blind athletes. In 1991, he started at the YMCA as an Adaptive personal trainer. Joe enjoys the challenge of working with people who have disabilities. His goal is to help others become more independent rather than dependent. “I believe if you decide not to use it, you will lose it.” Location: Southwest
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Josh Jensen Certified Personal Trainer - American College of Sports Medicine Josh Jensen is currently an undergraduate student seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology at Concordia University. Throughout his childhood, Josh struggled with his weight. He came to the conclusion at the age of 16 he needed a lifestyle change. With the drive and determination Josh has lost over 60 pounds and decided to enter the fitness field to help various people reach their fitness goals like the ones the he had achieved. He is outgoing and enjoys working with a wide range of people from different backgrounds. Josh’s philosophy is that with strength, courage, and strength of mind, a healthy lifestyle change can be made and attained. Location: Feith Family Ozaukee |
Karen Kalkhoff Location: Rite-Hite |
Nicki KolinskeBachelor of Science- Kinesiology YMCA Certified Personal Trainer NASM Certified Personal Trainer Nicki’s love for fitness and being an athlete her whole life brought her to the YMCA. She is motivated by helping other people reach their goals no matter what fitness level they are at. She earned her Bachelors degree in Kinesiology from the University of WI-Milwaukee, as well as certification as a National Academy of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer, which has given her the foundation to get clients started on the most effective program possible. Nicki’s experience also includes coaching girl’s basketball as well as attending functional and advanced strength training workshops. Her specialties include training beginners to advanced exercisers and working with athletes of all ages. “Whether you are a beginner exerciser or a seasoned athlete, I will design a program to help you achieve your goals.” Location: Southwest |
Vinnie LoCoco Location: Rite-Hite |
Barb Marr YMCA Personal Fitness Coach YMCA Strength Training Instructor Location: West Suburban
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B.S. Kinesiology- Exercise and Fitness- UW-Milwaukee ACE certified Personal Trainer CPR/AED certified Jason strives to keep people motivated and positive as they reach for their goals. His passion comes from seeing his clients succeed. Jason’s specialties include general health and fitness, functional training, toning/weight loss and management, sports specific training, entry level fitness training, plyometric training, and strength and endurance training. Location: West Suburban, Southwest, South Shore |
Joel Mathews ACE certified AED / CPR American Red Cross certified Since joining the Y in 2008, the success Joel's clients enjoy is as varied as the people he serves. His experience ranges from working with cancer survivors to preparing individuals for entrance into military and federal agencies. Joel feels that fitness should be fun and he uses this belief as a guiding principle in the programs he creates. He is passionate about wellness and feels that the relationships he builds with clients are the most rewarding aspect of his job. Location: Downtown |
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Bilingual - Spanish Stephen focuses on creating the best fundamental training regimens for clients of all ages whether they are just beginning or advanced in their health journeys. With 4 years of experience in competitive bodybuilding and 5 years in weight training and cardiovascular fitness, Stephen specializes in athletic training, overall weight-loss, and fitness testing/prescription by making step-by-step exercise routines for all clients. As a coach, Stephen measures realistic and time constrained goals along with clients to ensure custom, fun, satisfying and measurable routines to maintain a spiral of success; feeling better after each workout with more energy is guaranteed. Stephen’s training will help build a foundation in training principles so that a client, beginner or advanced, can achieve a balance in spirit, mind and body. Stephen is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree at Carroll University. Location: Southtown and South Shore |
Chris McElduff Location: Downtown, Rite-Hite, West Suburban, Tri-County |
Bachelor of Science- Community Health Education YMCA Certified Personal Trainer Karen has been with the YMCA since 1982. During that time, she has taught everything from Pre-natal Exercise to Healthy Back classes. Karen has also attended several fitness workshops including Exercising after Breast Cancer, Living with Arthritis, and Rehabbing after a Stroke. Karen enjoys and specializes in working extensively with the adaptive clientele. Location: Southwest |
Christina Peterson Location: West Suburban |
ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist Kelly joined the YMCA in March of 2009 with three years of personal training experience. She attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she earned her degree in Exercise and Sport Science with a fitness emphasis. Kelly enjoys working with a wide variety of people whether they are just beginning, need a jump start or are in need of direction after an injury. She finds tremendous gratification in seeing someone who is new to exercise make the life long changes to sustain a healthier life! Kelly will bring together a routine that will provide overall general health and wellness that meets your goals! Location: South Shore, Southwest |
Ryan SearleACE Certified Personal Trainer Ryan joined the YMCA in 2007. He earned a degree in Kinesiology from UW-Milwaukee. In addition, he is certified by the YMCA in Foundations of Strength and Conditioning. Ryan enjoys working with all different level exercisers, from the beginner to advanced. In his sessions he will incorporate new routines to help keep things fun and exciting, sport specific exercises, and overall body strengthening. Ryan specializes in conducting fitness evaluations, body fat, strength and agility tests which help in providing a well rounded program. Ryan firmly believes the time you invest in yourself and your health far outweighs the value; “Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” Location: South Shore |
Rick Spenner Location: Feith Family Ozaukee |
Michael Steinmetz Location: Feith Family Ozaukee |
Peter Stoll AFFA Certified in Personal Training AFAA Certified in Group FitnessCPR CertifiedYMCA Certified in Group Fitness, Cycle, and Water Aerobics Peter brings over twenty years of personal and professional experience in the fitness industry and can HELP YOU get fit and stay healthier for a lifetime. Peter believes that achieving and maintaining personal fitness and wellness goals are a marathon, not a sprint. Location: West Suburban
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Bachelor of Science- Community Health Education YMCA Certified Personal Trainer ACE Certified Personal Trainer Lydia’s interest in Health and Wellness began in college where she earned a Degree in Community Health Education. She has been working in the fitness field for over 20 years teaching many different types of group exercise classes and instructing individuals on cardio and strength programs. Where ever you are on the fitness continuum you can choose to move forward and improve your health. Anyone can add movement to their lives and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Her specialties include: Teaching Group Cycling, Pilates, and Silver Sneakers, Conducting Fitness Evaluations, Personal Training beginner to advanced “I will challenge you to try something new to help you achieve your goals.” Location: Southwest |
Eric Ziarek YMCA Personal Trainer certified ACE Certified Personal Trainer NSCA-CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Eric has worked in fitness at the YMCA for nearly 10 years. His personal struggle with weight (he lost 80 pounds in 3 years) gives him a unique and beneficial perspective with his clients. His motto: "It's never too late to start the journey to a new you." Location: Downtown |
Anna Zsebe Location: Rite-Hite |
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Sara Embry
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