We provide lecturers with certifications that confirm they are highly committed to their work and have received training in a particular specialization. Offered by outside instructors at the YMCA, our certifications are internationally recognized by other fitness professionals.
Celena Scheede-Bergdahl
Celena Scheede-Bergdahl has been working in the field of health and fitness for over 20 years, and is currently a Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at McGill University. Her research interests lie in insulin resistance, inflammation, and how to use exercise as a way to prepare cancer patients for surgery. Dr. Scheede-Bergdahl also holds a position in the Department of Anesthesia at McGill University, and works with the Perioperative Program (POP) at the Montreal General Hospital.
Dominique Longpré
Dominique Longpré has been working in nutrition since 2015. Currently in private practice on the South Shore of Montréal and offering virtual consultations, she is passionate about helping her clients adopt healthy eating habits while taking into account the reality of each individual’s lifestyle. Through a personalized approach, she aims to motivate individuals to make sustainable changes while offering practical solutions to demonstrate that health is within reach! She is also in charge of organizing corporate activities: conferences, workshops, interactive interviews, consultation sessions as part of work wellness programs, etc.
Evan Beloff
Evan is a personal trainer, wellness coach and certified naturopath with a focus on dietary epidemiology. Outside his private practice and teaching, he has worked for the Westmount YMCA for close to a decade.
Lisa McLellan
Lisa McLellan founded Age Smart Fitness in 2006. Age Smart Fitness is dedicated to the health, fitness and well-being of people aged 50 and over. Age Smart Fitness motivates and empowers boomers and seniors to take responsibility for their health and fitness through innovative programming and joyful training experiences. Her alternative approach offers safe, effective and enjoyable exercise solutions. Lisa has over 30 years of teaching experience, the last 20 with active adults 50 to 95 years of age. Lisa embraces the challenges of Active Aging with creativity, humour and compassion.
Louise Malone
Louise Malone is the founder and president of the Exercise Specialist Institute, a community college program dedicated to the development and mentoring of fitness professionals. As a fitness program consultant, Louise’s projects include the development of the Therapeutic Exercise & Active Living program at the YM-YWHA, and the development of the Corrective Conditioning certification for the YMCA.
Louise studied physical education at McGill University, and holds a Certificate in Sports Therapy. In her spare time, Louise enjoys teaching small group personal training and indoor cycling, and networking with fellow fitness professionals.
Martin Lussier
Martin worked for the YMCA for over 25 years. Since 2001, he has been teaching in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Montréal. He specializes in the following kinesiology fields: fitness training for athletes and the general population, fitness assessments, exercise physiology, and the impact of physical activity on health. He is self-employed and works as a trainer with a variety of clienteles. He is also a lecturer and co-authored the book series, Mythes et réalités sur l’entraînement physique, la musculation, la course à pied et le vélo, published by the Éditions de l’Homme.
Nathalie Lacombe
Coach and cupid of the fitness industry! Blending 25 years of international experience with degrees in Psychology and Exercise Science, Nathalie passionately shares her insights. She is the Vice President of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada and a canfitpro Advisory Panel Member. She uses her uniquely vibrant leadership style to make profound and lasting changes with her teams, clients, and audiences.
Sarah Zahab
Sarah Zahab is a registered kinesiologist, certified exercise physiologist, Neurokinetic Therapy® practitioner and fitness presenter with 20 years of fitness industry experience. She is the owner of Continuum Fitness and Movement Performance in Ottawa, a personal coaching studio offering one-on-one coaching instruction, athletic therapy and registered massage therapy services (www.continuumfitness.ca). Sarah specializes in bridging the gap between rehab and return to sports activities, focusing on correcting muscle imbalances and perfecting alignment, movement patterns and optimizing kinesthetic awareness. Sarah is a former international fitness competitor and was fortunate to represent Canada at the Ms. Fitness World Competition four times. She is the creator of the Prenatal and Postnatal Strength workout DVDs. She presents fitness workshops at conferences in Canada and is a nationally ranked race walker.
Sarah Baribeau
Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Perinatal Fitness and completed a microprogram in Kinesiotherapy, making her a perinatal expert. Sarah wanted to combine her passion for sports and training with her passion for maternity.
Wanting to share her knowledge with women and break down some of the taboos, she opened Bougeotte et Placotine® in Quebec City in 2012.
Ten years later, she opened two other locations in Quebec City and two franchises, one in Montreal and one in Sherbrooke. A third franchise is on the way.
She is proud to work with doctors and perinatal physiotherapists to optimize the care of expecting mothers. Her postnatal re-education course, “Premiers Pas de Maman”®, is her most popular and meets a real need.
Sue Staresinic
With her trademark brand of edutainment, Sue breaks down and shares the skills and knowledge that she has gained in her 25 years as an award-winning fitness instructor and practising physiotherapist. She helps fitness professionals build confidence as fitness leaders who live their purpose by improving the lives of their participants.