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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

 

 

 

 


Matt Barber

Bachelor’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


Candace Clark

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



Deron Coleman
ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Deron enjoys the fitness industry and finds it be a fun and rewarding field. While in college, he worked for the University of Wisconsin's Division of Recreational Sports as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach, and student fitness coordinator.

Deron specializes in working with clients that have weight loss goals. He believes weight loss involves a total lifestyle change including exercise, diet and daily activity. Deron incorporates balance, flexibility, and functional training with all his clients.

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

 


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.  


Location: Southwest

 


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

 


Sara Embry

ACE 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
ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Ginny has a passion for helping people become their best possible self by improving their physical health. She enjoys working with people of all levels and abilities, believing that each of us can push past our own limitations and tap into our potential.

Ginny’s approach to training is a comprehensive one that includes both physical and emotional awareness. She will focus on a tailored program to help you achieve your specific fitness goals.

Location: Rite-Hite, Downtown



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


Christina Honold

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


Joseph Hornicki

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



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
ACE Personal Trainer
 
Karen has been a certified personal trainer for 6 years. She started working out at the Y after her first child was born. Fitness became her passion and now she teaches several classes at the Rite-Hite Family YMCA, as well as works as a Coach and Personal Trainer.

She specializes in training Active Older Adults and endurance training. Karen receives great satisfaction working with individuals to help them meet their goals
.

Location: Rite-Hite


Nicki Kolinske

Bachelor 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
NSCA- CSCS Certified Personal Trainer

Vinnie is very passionate about fitness and leading an active lifestyle.

As a high school physical education teacher he realizes the importance of being a role model. His strengths are with athletes, but welcomes anyone who is looking for a challenge.

Vinnie played semi-pro football, received his B.S. degree from Valparaiso University in Physical Education K-12 and is currently attending Concordia University to earn his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Location: Rite-Hite


Barb Marr
ACE Certified

YMCA Personal Fitness Coach

YMCA Strength Training Instructor

In addition to personal training, Barb has taught youth strength training, muscle conditioning, and senior fitness classes. She specializes in working with active older adults and beginning exercisers.

Location: West Suburban



Jason Massey

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


Stephen Mayorga

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
MS, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CPT

Chris loves to help people reach their unique goals. He has experience working with people looking to lose weight, train for triathlons, improve their athletic performance and rehabilitate from injuries.

Chris’s background includes:
Master’s Degree in Sports and Exercise Science, UW – La Crosse (MS)
Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA – CSCS)
Personal Training Certification
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM – CPT)

Location: Downtown, Rite-Hite, West Suburban, Tri-County


Karen Pawelec

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.    

 
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

Location: Southwest


Christina Peterson

Location: West Suburban


Kelly Reglin

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 Searle

ACE 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



Lydia Witkiewicz

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
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

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
ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Anna enjoys having fun while working hard and receives great satisfaction in seeing the beginner transform and make exercise a regular part of their life! She will motivate you to surpass what you believe to be your current limits. Anna holds a bachelor’s degree of individualized studies in health studies, psychology, and mass communication from the University of Minnesota. Her emphasis was mainly on health psychology and she incorporates the mind/body connection into her training sessions.

In addition to being a trainer, Anna facilitates classes such as the Parkinson’s Class, weight management, and Pilates.

Location: Rite-Hite


Getting started is easy!

  1. Contact Jason, our Personal Training director at 414.274.0801 or jwarwick@ymcamke.org
  2. Answer a few short questions about your needs and we will contact you within 48 hours. Click Here.
  3. Visit your nearest YMCA
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