Our Trainers

Kaola Baird

Kaola began her yoga practice 10 years ago and eventually that led to her making fitness her career. She became a Group Fitness Leader and worked full–time both teaching a variety of classes and overseeing programs.

She believes that the role of a fitness professional is to empower others by providing them with information they can use to maintain or improve their own health and make wise choices for their well–being.

She decided to deepen her own Yoga practice and spent a few years attending workshops and enrolling in teacher training with Susie Dias of East to West Yoga and Pilates. She teaches both classic Hatha with focus on gentle movements and a more dynamic form of Vinyasa, similar to Ahstanga. Her emphasis is primarily on the use of the breath and mindful awareness in practice.

Along with workshops and conferences with local and international teachers Kaola has spent time studying and practicing in India, where she plans to return often. She also continues to study with Susie Dias with whom she has also trained as a Pilates teacher in the classical mat work.

Outside of fitness, Kaola is an avid sports fan -especially hockey. She also has a deep love of music from several genres, having sung in choirs from an early age. Her other passions include books and travel.

Rhoslynne Bugay

Rhoslynne is a working actress in Toronto. She has performed professionally as a leading actress/singer/dancer in theatre for the last 10 years, having performed for Disney, as well as Elgin Theatre, Princess of Wales, Toronto Centre For the Arts, The National Arts Centre, and others across Canada. Her love for her art is ever growing and expanding into film, television, and commercials. You may have seen her on The Border, Being Erica, and Degrassi!

Her love for movement began through dance training, then awakened with her yoga practice. But it was after an abdominal surgery, did Rhos seek out another way of reawakening her body. She fell in love with Pilates while practicing at Body Harmonics, and felt the need to share all her knowledge and experiences. She jumped in, head first, into their most intensive courses, and became certified through that studio.

Having experienced how Pilates helped her through recuperation, creating a stronger functional body, Rhos is committed to creating the best practice for each student. Her unique approach is motivated by her desire to help others find their deepest potential and strengths, using optimal movement for meaningful, long-term wellness. Her classes are motivating, encouraging, and she hopes to inspire positive change.

Kimberley Church

Kimberley is a certified mat Pilates Instructor. She achieved 90% upon completion of Initiation 101: The Method Pilates from Physicalmind Institute through BodyHarmonics under Master Teacher Trainer Margot McKinnon, completed January 2004.

She also has her Level I and II in Thai Massage.

Her teaching style is rejuvenating and gentle, with a focus on proper technique and controlled movement.

Bisa Dobson

Bisa Dobson, a high energy trainer who has been fondly described as a "drill sergeant with pom poms" by her clients, has been involved in the fitness industry for over 15 years. Prior completing her honours degree in Kinesiology and Biology from York University she worked as a fitness instructor, and within three years of becoming a Registered Massage Therapist, she earned her designation as a Can-Fit-Pro Certified Personal Trainer.

In her role as a personal trainer, Bisa uses the knowledge she has gained through her massage therapy practice, to educate her clients them about their bodies and how they work. She is known for making each workout challenging, exciting and fun-filled for clients, whatever her their fitness goals or needs.

Cherilee Garofano

Cherilee has been in the fitness industry for over 8 years. She has a B.A. and certifications in the following: CanFitPro Advanced Personal Trainer, Stott Pilates Matwork, SwissBall I and II, and is a Johnny G Spin Instructor. She is a competitive road cyclist, triathlete and marathoner and is a member of Team RACE, a road cycling team dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and finding its cure. She will be doing her first full Ironman in Pendiction B.C. this summer.

Leah Gibeault

Leah is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry as well as a Diploma in Business Administration. She is currently a student at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College working towards a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. She uses her academic background to emphasize proper posture, diet, flexibility, and safe exercise.

As a personal trainer, Leah enjoys the challenge of working with a variety of clients to achieve different goals. Whether looking to lose weight, improve athletic abilities, increase flexibility and strength, she individualizes the program to fit the goals and lifestyle at hand. She brings passion, motivation and energy to every workout!

She believes variety and enthusiasm are two key components to a successful fitness program. In her spare time, Leah enjoys rock climbing, yoga and being a part of several recreational teams (beach volleyball, softball and hockey).

Marla Gold

Marla has earned a BA in Psychology and a brown belt, in addition to her designation as a Nia instructor. Marla’s passion for dance and movement are a natural fit with Nia. Her goal is to inspire people to enjoy a lifestyle of health and positive well-being. She brings knowledge from diverse trainings in Dance, Fitness, Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, and Bodywork to her classes. Her programs provide a fun and interactive group experience to lower stress and increase happiness in people’s lives. Marla teaches regular Nia classes and workshops in Toronto.

Jennifer Hicks

Jennifer Hicks found her groove and natural rhythm through Nia. A Brown Belt Nia Instructor, Jennifer has been practicing Nia for 9 years and teaching for 3. Nia introduced her body to freedom, and taught her to love and respect herself more deeply and fully.

Jennifer's students have described her as an enthusiastic, energetic "firecracker" who is full of life. She is a dedicated, passionate, welcoming, approachable and gifted Nia instructor with a positive and confident ability to inspire students to jump right in and make the most of themselves.

Jennifer is a relaxed yet motivating teacher who gives clear instructions and is great at providing modifications for all fitness levels. Student's love Jennifer's warmth and liveliness which make the classes so fun that they hardly notice how hard they are working out!

Jennifer's students have stated that she offers intense, sweaty, high energy, dynamic and free spirited Nia classes that are both exhilarating and connected perfectly to the music.

One of Jennifer's Nia students remarked: "This is the most fun exercising I've ever had in my adult life".

Jennifer also maintains a private Speech-Language Pathology practice working with adults recovering from brain injury, stroke and other neurological issues.

Jamie Holmes

Jamie is a professional dancer, aerialist and fitness instructor. She is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and is certified with Fight Directors of Canada. Jamie has had extensive training in jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, modern, acro, aerial (silks and hoop).

Jamie is a certified personal trainer with Canfit Pro, a certified group exercise instructor through the YMCA, and has her First Aid and CPR through Red Cross.

Jamie has had the opportunity to perform on stages all over the world from Vegas to Europe as well has danced and acted in film and television. Some of her credits include Honey, Amelia, Get Over It, ReGenesis, Instant Star, Repo the Genetic Opera, Harvard Man, New Jersey Turnpikes, & Run Robot Run. She has been in many commercials and music videos.

In Toronto, Jamie has trained people privately as well as in fitness centers. Jamie has a huge range of classes that she runs from Boxfit to Bootcamp to Burlesque.

Jamie has been teaching and choreographing for over 10 years throughout Canada and the United States. She is the co-president of LaRouge Entertainment, a corporate entertainment company, as well being president of Triple7Entertainment which provides live stage shows.

Leehe Lev

Leehe is the founder of Whole Self Fitness (www.wholeself.ca). She is a certified Personal Trainer, as well as a Nutrition and Wellness Coach. She is often spotted at farmers’ markets, taking an art class, or journalling in the park.

Leehe regularly keeps up to date on health and fitness related knowledge. The most recent workshops and certifications she’s participated in include senior’s fitness, aquafit, nutrition, and strength training for various special needs groups.

Leehe is an avid swimmer and ardent cyclist. Her passion for a clean and peaceful planet leads her to help out various environmental action organizations. She is a proud member and volunteer of Green Enterprise Toronto, Toronto Bicycle Union, and Green Neighbours 21.

Anastassia Litvintsev

Anastassia has the knowledge and experience in both fitness and science fields.  Her passion for understanding the human body and physiology during exercise led her to obtain a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. Anastassia has been sharing her knowledge and helping people achieve their personal goals through aerobics/dance classes for the past 5 years.  She is certified through CAN FIT PRO as a Fitness Instructor Specialist as well as a Zumba instructor through Zumba Fitness.  Her 10 years of experience as a competitive national level figure skater has given her the ability to push people to their personal limits and achieving the best results.  Anastassia loves sharing her energy with everyone on the dance floor.  Whether it is a fitness aerobics class or a specialized Zumba/Cardio Salsa class, Anastassia will make sure that everyone is burning lots of calories while having a lot of fun!

Soraya Lozano

Soraya was born in Peru where her passion for fitness and dancing began at an early age.  She has been involved in fitness, dance and the performing arts her entire life and has extensive training in gymnastics, fitness, Latin and Brazilian dance. Soraya has performed with numerous professional dance companies specializing in Peruvian folk dance, Brazilian Samba, Salsa, and other forms of Latin dance. She is currently very active in the Toronto dance scene as a sought after Latin and Samba performer.

As a Group Fitness Instructor, Soraya has taught a variety of fitness classes in Lima and the Toronto area, including Aerobics, Steps, Cardio Salsa, Afro Brazilian dance (Carnival style), Sexy Latin dance for women and Zumba. 

With her combination of fitness and dancing skills, Soraya aims not only to assist others on the path to fitness but to conduct classes that are fun and energetic and unleash the hidden dancer in her students.

Kristie McKay

I’m a budding Personal trainer who loves to be outside. I went to Humber College for Personal training and Massage. I’ve tried to play or do as many sports as possible from soccer, rugby and hockey to scuba diving. I love running and all that it entails (hills are your friend!) My full time job is with the military and I have been to a lot of strange and wonderful places on adventures with the Canadian Forces. I have many fun stories to motivate and make you laugh (hopefully!). I love watching people make set and achieve goals that they’ve got.

I have worked with clients from Marathoner’s to beginner runners; I’ve also worked with higher level athletes and with kids. My biggest passion is of course helping people into a healthy lifestyle that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. I firmly believe in the power of active living and how it changes your whole life. Stay fit and be happy!

Ashley Quirback

Ashley is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Health Science Degree Program and has been involved in the healthcare industry in one form or another for most of her life. During her early years she trained on the Ontario Provincial Field hockey team and she also has 13 years of dance experience under her belt. Ashley’s love of health and wellness, led to her earning the designations of certified group exercise and spinning instructor. Her interests include: travelling, dance, yoga, outdoor activities, weight and cardiovascular training. Ashley is committed to continuing to educate herself about all things fitness, and is currently working on earning several other fitness certifications.

Lauren Shuster

Lauren is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Anthropology and Biology minor. She is certified through CAN-FIT-PRO as a Personal Trainer Specialist and Fitness Instructor Specialist.

As a Personal Trainer, Lauren has worked with a variety of clients ranging from those looking to stay fit during and post-pregnancy, to those looking to improve their golf game by increasing their flexibility and strength.

Lauren has a background in modern dance and ballet which she uses to help educate her clients about proper posture, focus, flexibility and balance. Lauren specializes in core training using the stability ball and resistance bands.

Melissa Wessel

I am energetic and enthusiastic Personal Trainer, Yoga and Fitness instructor, certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. During the course of my 12 year career in the fitness industry I have had the pleasure of working with diverse populations, including seniors and post-rehabilitation patients.

As a trainer, I encourage each of my clients to have fun, set realistic goals and include a balance of strength, endurance and flexibility training to their workout regimes.

When I’m not working I enjoy being outdoors and participating in physical activity. To date I have competed in three bodybuilding shows, in which I placed 1st, 2nd and 4th respectively. My other hobbies include traveling, rollerblading, wakeboarding, snowboarding and spending time with my dog.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill