PERSONAL TRAINING PROFILES
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.
Click on a name to learn more about each personal trainer. Photos and bio appears below.
Mo Ahmad
Matt Barber
Candace Clark
Deron Coleman
Ray Cote
Chris Cramer
Nancy Crook
Diane Dennis
Kristi Finco
Anne Frazier
Lisa Gilane
Ginny Haupt
Nicole Hengels
Joseph Hornicki
Josh Jensen
Karen Kalkhoff
Nicki Kolinske
Vinnie LoCoco
Barb Marr
Jason Massey
Joel Mathews
Stephen Mayorga
Chris McElduff
Karen Pawelec
Christina Peterson
Kelly Reglin
Ryan Searle
Michael Steinmetz
Peter Stoll
Corey Van Westen
Lydia Witkiewicz
Eric Ziarek
Anna Zsebe
Location: South Shore and Southwest YMCAs
Certifications: ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist
Kelly joined the Y in 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 and finds tremendous gratification in seeing someone who is new to exercise make the lifelong 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: Downtown YMCA
Location: Downtown YMCA
Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Exercise and Fitness from UWM, YMCA Personal Trainer certified, National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS)
Matt has worked as a Y 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: West Suburban YMCA
Certifications: 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: Rite-Hite YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Deron enjoys the fitness industry and finds it to be a fun and rewarding field. While in college, Deron 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. He specializes in working with clients that have weight loss goals. Deron incorporates balance, flexibility, and functional training with all his clients.
Location: Tri-County YMCA
Certifications: ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Ray started at the Y 13 years ago and 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 his clients. He has certifications in CPR/AED, O2 and stays current with the latest developments in the field of fitness.
Location: Southwest YMCA
Certifications: 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 Y 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 three 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.
Location: Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA
Location: West Suburban YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Bachelor of Science- Kinesiology (UW-Milwaukee), Certificate in Nutrition (UW-Milwaukee), Wellness Coach Certificate from American Health for Life Institute
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. 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.
Location: Southwest & South Shore YMCAs
Certifications: AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Degree in Kinesiology from UW – Eau Claire
Kristi loves the health and fitness field which brought her to the Y 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: Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA
Certifications: 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 YMCA
Location: Rite-Hite & Downtown YMCAs
Certifications: 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: West Suburban YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Nicole 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: Southwest YMCA
Certifications: YMCA Certified Personal Trainer
For years, Joe worked as a coach for blind athletes. In 1991, he started at the Y 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: Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA
Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer – American College of Sports Medicine
Josh 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 drive and determination, Josh lost more than 60 pounds and decided to enter the fitness field to help other people reach their fitness goals like the ones the he had achieved. Josh’s philosophy is that with strength, courage, and strength of mind, a healthy lifestyle change can be made and attained.
Location: Rite-Hite YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified 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.
Location: Southwest YMCA
Certifications: 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 Y. She is motivated by helping others reach their goals no matter what fitness level they are at. She earned her Bachelor’s 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. 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: Rite-Hite YMCA
Certifications: 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: West Suburban YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, YMCA Certified Personal Trainer, 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, Southwest & South Shore YMCAs
Certifications: 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: Downtown YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, CPR/AED 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: Southtown & South Shore YMCAs
Certifications: 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.
Location: Downtown, Rite-Hite, West Suburban & Tri-County
Certifications: 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: Southwest YMCA
Certifications: 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:West Suburban YMCA
Location: Northside YMCA
Certifications: ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Ryan joined the Y in 2007 and earned a degree in Kinesiology from UW-Milwaukee. In addition, he is certified by the YMCA in Foundations of Strength and Conditioning. 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.
“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”
Location:Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA
Location: West Suburban YMCA
Certifications: AFFA Certified in Personal Training, AFAA Certified in Group Fitness, CPR, YMCA 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: Downtown YMCA
Certifications: Doctorate of Chiropractic (Palmer College),
B.S. Biology (University of Iowa), Certified Nutritional Counselor, State of Wisconsin Diplomate, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certified Personal Trainer, ASFA CPR/1st AID/AED certified (American Red Cross)
During the past 11 years Corey has worked with people with all types of health problems and makes it his personal mission and purpose in life to help others understand what health truly is, what they can do to build a healthy lifestyle and how to avoid disease. Corey specializes in helping clients that have chronic and difficult health issues and offers a unique combination of knowledge to anyone seeking to build health and establish lifelong healthy habits.
Location: Southwest YMCA
Certifications: 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. Lydia’s 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: Downtown YMCA
Certifications: 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."
Anna Zsebe
Location: Rite-Hite YMCA
Certifications: 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.
