About Staff

	Julie Kocher- Zinkus Director of Fitness Master Trainer ________________________________________________ “I believe very strongly in mindfulness.and purpose. Whether helping staff, members, or clients, my focus is to define and refine goals and direction, while aiding in the achievement of constant growth and improvement.” Julie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University. She earned a scholarship to manage the Women’s Basketball team and aided in coaching, testing and training the athletes. Julie is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)and an IDEA Elite Level Trainer. Her specialties include functional training, sport-specific training, and special populations. She is a member of IDEA,AFPA, Fitness Management, Personal Fitness Professional and Gallup Management Association. She has been featured in IDEA’s Inspire The World to Fitness, as well as the Sun, Wheaton Leader and Glen Ellyn News. Julie also serves on the Kinesiology Advisory Committee at Illinois State University and the Health Science Review Board at Robert Morris College B.S. Physical Education, Illinois State University B.S. Psychology, Illinois State University NASM- CPT ACE-CPT IDEA- Elite Level Trainer At the club since 2002
	Kim Koenig Fitness Manager Expert Trainer ________________________________________________ “I believe health and fitness are a way of life. Every day we make choices that can affect our health and well-being. Health and fitness are something we must constantly strive to improve if we want to feel and look our best. Exercise is a great form of stress relief for our busy, hectic lives. The formula for wellness includes not only exercise and nutrition, but also a healthy outlook on life.” Kim completed the 6-month personal training program at the National Personal Training Institute. Kim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Elmhurst College and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management. Kim is a certified personal trainer through National Personal Training Institute. Kim enjoys a variety of clients but relates well to working adults, having come from the business world prior to personal training. Her interests include cycling, weight training, inline skating, walking, and nutrition. B.S., Elmhurst College M.B.A., Keller Graduate School of Management NPTI-CPT, NPTI-Nutrition NSCA - Certified Strenght & Conditioning Specialist At the club since: 2005
	John Seremak Expert Trainer ________________________________________________ "My philosophy is to ensure my clients achieve their goals through education, personal accountability, and fun in a time efficient manner, by maximizing their work output during sessions, and taking full advantage of the latest scientific research in the exercise science field." John has his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern Illinois University and he is finishing up his masters in exercise physiology from Northern Illinois University.  He is currently certified through NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He has taught three sports at Northern Illinois University including basketball, golf and fencing.  This year John ran the Chicago Marathon for the first time and after a wonderful experience has decided to run more marathons in the future.   M.S. Northern Illinois University in Exercise Physiology Certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist MAT Jumpstart - currently enrolled At the club since: 2005
	A.J. Cavilles Master Trainer ________________________________________________ “It Is Your Attitude More Than Your Aptitude That Determines Your Altitude" Brian Tracy Through education and the newest cutting-edge training techniques, AJ is dedicated to your total wellness and continuing success.  By creating balance of the mind, body and spirit, he will safely teach you how to get the most out of every workout to achieve your goals of overall health and well-being. AJ will bring diversity to your training experience by using a variety of speeds, angles, ranges of motions and weight loads, thereby correcting imbalances, and increasing stability and strength.  Whether you need rehabilitation, fitness or intense sport-specific training, AJ will guide you to positive changes in your life and personal goal accomplishment.  His primary area of expertise includes boxing, functional training, and sport-specific training. Certifications: Boxing Fitness Trainer N.A.S.M-National Academy of Sports Medicine N.S.C.A-National Strength and Conditioning Association A.C.E-American Council on Exercise N.P.T.I-National Personal Training Institute M.A.T Jumpstart-Muscle Activation Technique (currently enrolled) R.T.S-Resistance Training System (currently enrolled) At the club since:  2002 Phone:  630.690.0887 ext 349 ajcaviles@wheatonsportcenter.com
	Chad Bradley Expert Trainer ________________________________________________ "Striving toward complete wellness is a daily challenge. My goal is to provide each individual with the confidence to succeed through daily encouragement and motivation." Chad earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Wheaton College and completed his certification through the American Council on Exercise. He has over two years of Personal Training experience with individuals of all ages. In particular, Chad brings his extensive athletic experiences to Sport Center and specializes in developing sport-specific conditioning programs for athletes. His interests include: exercising, athletics, reading, and water sports. B.S. Kinesiology, Wheaton College ACE- Certified Personal Trainer At club since: February 2006
	Emily Fedyski Expert Trainer ________________________________________________ "Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.” - Lou Holtz “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” –Vince Lombardi Emily attended Wheaton College and received a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.  She is a Certified Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.  In order to bring more variety to her clients, she is also a Boxing Fitness Trainer, certified by the Boxing Fitness Institute.  Emily enjoys working with clients of all different ages, giving them comprehensive workouts that strengthen, challenge, and improve quality of life.  Currently studying Muscle Activation Technique Jumpstart, she is interested in correcting muscular imbalances and helping people achieve a healthy and ‘balanced’ life.  B.S. Kinesiology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL National Academy of Sports Medicine-Certified Personal Trainer American Council on Exercise-Certified Personal Trainer Boxing Fitness Institute-Boxing Fitness Trainer M.A.T Jumpstart-Muscle Activation Technique (currently enrolled) At club since:  2005
	Janelle Field Premier Trainer ________________________________________________ “Life is full of preparation…doing nothing is preparation for becoming the shadow of your BEST self.” “ It is my goal as a personal trainer to assist people in achieving their goals through safe, fun, and effective workouts. I also strive to help my clients take the discipline and creativity that they have learned through our time together and apply it to their everyday lifestyle.” Janelle is an ACE certified personal trainer, and fitness instructor and has been at the Wheaton Sports Center since February 2006. She is working to achieve her Holistic Lifestyle Coach-level 1 certification in October of 2008 so that she can further help people live a healthier happier lifestyle. Janelle attended Wheaton College and earned her degree in Kinesiology, while also playing soccer there for four years. In 2005 her soccer team won its first Woman’s National Championship. Janelle greatly enjoyed her experience with athletics, and now loves working with athletes as well as people of beginner levels. Her passion also lies in creativity and diverse physical challenges experienced through running, soccer training, and instructing Spin, and other Aerobic classes. B.S. Wheaton College Certification: American College on Exercise At club since: Feb. of 2006
	Janet C. Balsavich Master Trainer ________________________________________________ “I like to find the best in each person, even if they cannot find it in themselves, and build on that. It is very fulfilling to see my clients and friends find their inner strength and achieve their personal and physical goals. Each workout session includes hard work, concentration, and a little laughter and fun to help relieve stress and make the time fly by!” Janet Balsavich has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts Technology and has partially completed a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, both from Northern Illinois University. Janet has been a very enthusiastic Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) since 1998. Her three certifications include National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and American Council on Exercise (ACE). She has five years experience as a Physical Therapist Aide, working hands on with patients under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist and a Kinesiotherapist. She has written articles about Children and exercise, Functional Training, and Exercise with Multiple Sclerosis for the Wheaton Sport Center Magazine. She has also lectured on exercise to Woman’s Groups and companies such as United Airlines and Good Shepherd Hospital. Janet is very knowledgeable and strict about correct exercise form due to her past experience and continued education. She also enjoys working with clients who have special needs, diseases, disabilities, older adults and other special populations. Northern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts Technology Northern Illinois University, Partially completed Master of Education in Exercise Physiology National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM-CPT) NASM - Corrective Exercise Specialist National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CPT) American Council on Exercise (ACE) At the club since: January 2003
	Joe Kitchens Premier Trainer ________________________________________________ "Everything you do in life should be done with a purpose.  Life itself should be no different." Joe graduated from Millikin University in May of 2005 with a degree in Exercise Science.  He has been a Personal Trainer ever since, with a certification from the American Council on Exercise.  He enjoys working with all age groups, and especially enjoys working with athletes who like to be pushed in the areas of speed & agility, and strength & endurance. At the club since:  2005
	Keith Ciucci Master Trainer Holistic Lifestyle Coach ________________________________________________ “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” – Keith Urban Since 2000, Keith has helped hundreds of Wheaton Sport Center members get into better shape.  He encourages you to hold on to what makes you great, and let go of the choices and behaviors that hold you back.  Keith values education and is constantly stretching himself to become better at his craft.  His professional interests include dietary modification for both disease prevention and sports performance, power training for sport, and holistic health & fitness.  Keith enjoys working with competitive athletes to improve vertical jump, strength, & power.  Through the new Holistic Lifestyle Coaching program, Keith addresses the underlying causes of chronic disease (cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, obesity) and teaches you how to create an internal biological environment that is unsuitable for chronic disease. Due to popular demand, Keith is only accepting new clients into his Holistic Lifestyle Coaching program. B.S., Physical Education (1996), MBA (1999), Illinois State University C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach-Level 1 C.S.C.S. ACSM-HFI At the club since:  2000
	Kerrie Kuntz Premier Trainer ________________________________________________ And as we let our own life shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Caroline Myss It is my goal as a personal trainer to empower others and to help everyone I meet each day to emanate strength and confidence. I teach a proactive approach to health and wellness by helping my clients uncover their goals and move toward them with purpose. Whether working with a trained athlete or a novice, I will give you the tools to be successful as well as powerful.   Kerrie is an ACE certified personal trainer and has been at the Wheaton Sport Center since February 2006 as a Fitness Specialist and has been training since June of 2007. She is currently working toward her BS in Kinesiology. In high school Kerrie was a competitive cheerleading champion and competed nationally for four years. Understanding the competitive nature of today’s athletics, she enjoys working with athletes of all levels to help them excel above their personal best. As a former manager of Curves For Women, she also has a passion for educating women on cutting edge theories about health and wellness specifically designed for them.    Certifications:  American Council on Exercise CPT At Club Since:  2006
	Megan Palmer Master Trainer ________________________________________________ “I believe that everyone can reach their Health & Fitness Goals, whatever they may be. With time, focus and determination anything is possible.” Megan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science and a minor in Athletic Training >from Illinois State University. While in college Megan was a member of the varsity swim as well as president of the LIFE Club (Leadership in Fitness Education). Megan is an America Council on Exercise certified Personal Trainer as well as a certified First Aid, CPR and AED instructor. She has experience working with teenagers and older adults, and her personal training interests include general fitness, sport-specific training and senior fitness. B.S., Illinois State University American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer AAOS First Aid, CPR, AED Instructor, NASM-CPT At the club since; 1998
	Nancy Allen Master Trainer ________________________________________________ “Not only in running but in much of life is a sense of balance and proportion necessary.”  - Clarence DeMar, winner of seven Boston Marathons It may be a crazy day, a busy week or a hectic month, but it is necessary to strike a balance between it all; your health and wellness, family, work and friends.  It is my role to assist you in finding balance in your life so that you can incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your everyday life.  One of my clients calls me her “life coach”.  I love my profession because I’m helping clients achieve balance in their lives, which leads to a higher quality of life in every aspect.  My areas of interest are working with motivated clients willing to work hard and be challenged to achieve optimal results, runners (5K’s to marathons) and pre and post natal women.  I tailor each program with the client in mind, providing a workout that is challenging, effective and fun.  In my 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, I utilize the latest fitness trends, including functional training and equipment to give you the best program possible. B.S., in Physical Education/Adult Fitness from University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer since 2006 American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer since 1993 At WSC since:  1997 Phone: (630) 690-0887 x308 nallen@wheatonsportcenter.com
	Tara Nelson Premier Trainer ________________________________________________ I graduated from Robert Morris College in December 2006 with an Associates Degree in Fitness. One of my greatest accomplishments was graduating accumulative grade point average of 4.0.  I achieved a personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine in July of 2006. Some of my interests include: working with beginner clients, I consider myself to be a “hand holder”. If you have just joined the club or are trying to get back into shape, I can get you started and keep you coming. I also enjoy free motion exercise and working with all different types of equipment to keep things interesting. My best quality is my high energy! Associates Degree in Fitness from Robert Morris College Certification(s): ACSM At the club since:  2006 Phone:  630.690.0887 ext 379 tnelson@wheatonsportcenter.com
	Joanna Bloss Premier Trainer ________________________________________________ Have you ever walked into a weight room and found yourself intimidated by people who seem to know more about working out than you do? If you have, give Joanna a call. She especially loves to help new people become acclimated and comfortable in the fitness area. As a busy mom of four kids, Joanna knows how difficult it can be to squeeze time for exercise into an already hectic life. As someone who has struggled with weight loss, she understands how difficult it is to get rid of the excess pounds that seem to creep on every year. When you work with Joanna, you can be assured that you are working with someone who has been there and who understands many of the issues you face. Joanna is an ACE certified personal trainer who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical professional psychology. She is passionate about trying to learn what makes each of her clients tick and then communicate with them in a way that will motivate and inspire them to become their very best self. Bachelor’s Degree, Indiana University ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
	Kevin Harley Premier Trainer ________________________________________________ Bio coming soon.
	Kathryn Lisinicchia Fitness Service Specialist ________________________________________________ Bio coming soon.