Staff Profiles

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Photo: Dean TaskerDean Tasker - Rehabilitation and Personal Training Manager

Qualifications:
• Premier Diploma in Fitness Testing and Sports Therapy
• ACSM Health & Fitness Instructor
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Certificate IV in Fitness
• IIHHT Sports Therapy Diploma
• Nautilus Xpressway Certificate
• Nautilus Cellulite Solution Certificate
• Thump Boxing Training
• First Aid and CPR Certificate

Experience:
8 years industry experience in personal training/strength & conditioning sports therapy. 1 year gym manager.

Background:
100m & 200m National Athletics. London & South East Region Rugby Union.

A Few Fast Facts:
My favourite destination is St Lucia and The Smiths are my favourite band. In 10 years I see myself in a Combi van travelling around Australia surfing

Photo: Gaylene LawrenceGaylene Lawrence - Aquatics Manager

Gaylene is a qualified AUSTSWIM instructor and an assessor with AUSTSWIM Australia. Gaylene has 15 years experience in teaching water safety and aquatics to preschool and disabled children and the Royal Life Saving ‘Swim & Survive’ program to school-aged children. Her reputation as a caring and gentle instructor has earned Gaylene a loyal following and she is constantly sought after by mature age people looking for an instructor with whom they feel comfortable. Before joining the team at Balance pre opening, Gaylene worked at the Viking Aquatic Centre for 11 years as an instructor & Swim School Manager. She is currently gaining her qualification to specialise in physical and rehabilitation therapy.

Photo: Adam ClarkeAdam Clarke - New Lambton Coordinator

Qualifications:
• Certificate III and IV in Fitness
• Qualified Aerobics Instructor
• Qualified Schwin Cycle Instructor
• Qualified Thump Boxing Trainer level I and II
• Qualified Pilates Instructor
• Boot Camp Instructor

Experience:
4 years in the industry both on a casual basis and now in a fulltime roll as coordinator of Balance New Lambton. My main experience has been with group fitness teaching a variety of classes from cardio camp, cycle, circuits, boxercise and more recently body blitz, sports specific training is another area which I am passionate about. Fitness is my passion and passing on my knowledge and motivation to others and seeing people reach there goals is one of the best feelings you can have!

Aim/Goals:
To provide variety, fun and excitement in classes for patrons, passing on my knowledge and passion for fitness to others.

A Few Fast Facts:
My interests include triathlons, Aussie Rules football, basketball, most sports and pretty much anything that includes fitness. In 10 years I see myself hopefully still fit and healthy, teaching classes and enjoying life.

Photo: Athena SlevinAthena Slevin - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Cert III in Fitness
• Senior First Aid
• Pilates Matwork & Reformer training
• Schwinn Cycle Certificate
• Heartmoves Certificate
• Austswim training

Experience:
I completed Cert III in 1994 and have been employed in the fitness industry ever since. After working at a few other fitness centres I have been lucky enough to be employed by Wests (Balance) since 1995.

Aim/Goals:
To continue doing what I love, working in the fitness industry and the best health club in Newcastle!! Spending quality time with my precious family.

A Few Fast Facts:
I was introduced to the fitness industry at a very young age being the 'cheer squad' for my brother who was a professional bodybuilder. Like him I quickly became very passionate about health and fitness at first just wanting to improve my own health and fitness and now I enjoy passing my knowledge and experience on to others and hope I can help in some way. I am also employed in the legal industry and I enjoy the 'balance' of both!

Photo: Brett OliverBrett Oliver - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Senior First Aid Certificate
• Thump Boxing Training
• Qualified Aquatic Instructor
• Schwinn Cycle Certificate
• Nautilus Xpressway Certificate

Experience:
Working with Wests Fitness Centre and Balance Health Club since November 2005.

Aim/Goals:
Continue to enjoy working with Wests and Balance, improve my skills and teach a variety of classes. Also increase class numbers and try to motivate and make each and every class enjoyable for everyone.

A Few Fast Facts:
I am a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a qualified Draftsman. I played most sports when I was younger and my favourite movie is Shawshank Redemption.

Photo: Deborah HuffDeborah Huff - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• B Sc (Hons) Dip Ed (Primary) GrapDip Health Promotion
• Certificate III in Fitness – Group, Gym, Aqua
• Accredited Heartmoves Instructor
• Certificate IV Training & Assessment
• Qualified Schwinn Cycle Instructor
• Qualified Thump Boxing Trainer Level I


Experience:
In the fitness industry since March 1991!! My “proper” job is in the population health and health promotion fields, working with the Area Health service and since 1998, on the Heart Foundations Heartmoves program which aims to make exercise an enjoyable and safe lifestyle habit for those who have risk factors for, or existing health conditions.

Aim/Goals:
To have no regrets and experience as much of what the world has to offer. To have a positive influence on as many people as possible. To watch my children grow to be happy healthy individuals.

A Few Fast Facts:
Family first!! Lived in many places but have loved Newcastle since I got here in 1988! Philosophies in life – if you don’t use it you lose it; treat others as you would like to be treated.

Photo: Jennifer HuntJennifer Hunt - Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Certificate IV in Fitness
• Schwinn Cycle
• Nautilus Xpressway
• HeartMoves

Experience:
2 ½ years working at Wests Fitness Centre and Balance Health Club as an instructor and personal trainer.

Aim/Goals:
To finish my PE degree

A Few Fast Facts:
My hero and dream dinner guest would be Lance Armstrong and I would love to be teaching fitness courses at TAFE or teaching PE in schools within the next 10 years.

Photo: Jessica ScottJessica Scott - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness – Group Fitness
• Certificate IV in Fitness – Personal Training
• Advanced First Aid Certificate
• Bronze/Silver/Gold Medallion - SLSNSW
• Schwinn Cycle Certificate
• HeartMoves Certificate
• Bachelor of Visual Communications

Experience:
Have been learning, enjoying and teaching aerobics at Balance Health Club/Wests Fitness Centre since 2004. Currently working full time as a Graphic Designer and spent four summers as a Professional Lifeguard through University.

Aim/Goals:
To make classes as fun as possible filled with high energy and lots of laughter.

A Few Fast Facts:
I enjoy team sports including surf-boat rowing, netball and touch. My dream dinner guests would be my closest friends who are now living all over the place

Photo: Karina BrookKarina Brook - Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Certificate IV in Fitness
• Bachelor of Teaching/ Bachelor of Social Science(Early Childhood)
• HeartMoves Training
• Children’s Fitness Certificate (CHISM)
• Thump Boxing Training
• Pilates Reformer & Pilates
• AUSTSWIM Teacher of Water Safety
• Schwinn Cycling
• Nautilus Xpressway & Cellulite Solution

Experience:
Instructing and personal Training since 2004. 8 1/2 years working with children.

Aim/Goals:
To help clients achieve their goals in a fun, motivating environment. Also to work towards fighting childhood obesity and inactive lifestyles.

A Few Fast Facts:
I am a Taurus and my favourite destination is the Whitsundays.

Photo: Kathryn GilbertKathryn Gilbert - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Level 1 Fitness ACHPER
• HeartMoves Active Over 50’s
• MatureMovers
• First Aid Certificate

Experience:
28 years aerobic teaching, 15 years working with Wests

Aim/Goals:
To continue teaching mature people, encouraging older people to exercise and have fun, while helping their ailments and encouraging to improve their strength and fitness level.

A Few Fast Facts:
My favourite TV show is House and my hero/idol Dr Charlie and Antoneo Banderas. Jamie Oliver to cook, il Divo to sing.

Photo: Lisa JohannessenLisa Johannessen - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• HeartMoves
• AUSTSWIM

Experience:
15 years aerobic instructing

Aim/Goals:
To continue doing what I am doing, gain more experience at instructing and to be a good mum.

A Few Fast Facts:
I have been piano and violin teaching since 1986. My daughter, my partner (Bruce) and my dogs are my life. I spend my free time sewing sequins for my daughters ballet eisteddfods, walking the dogs and volunteering at my daughter's school.

Photo: Michelle AtkinsMichelle Atkins - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• B. Ed Physical Education and Health
• Fitness Leader
• Certificate III – Group Exercise and Gym Instructor

Experience:
PD/H/PE Teacher (18 years) and Group Fitness Instructor (20 years)

Aim/Goals:
To continue teaching group exercise including various class styles (if time permits). To gain the qualification – HeartMoves. To help improve the health and quality of life of others.

A Few Fast Facts:
In 10 years I see myself still happy, healthy and working in the fitness industry and teaching. I would like to be relaxing a little more and enjoying time with the family.

Photo: Natalie MowdayNatalie Mowday - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Senior First Aid
• Aqua Instructor Training
• Thump Training
• HeartMoves Training
• Schwinn Cycle Certificate
• Nautilus Xpressway Certificate

Experience:
10 years experience in group fitness (freelance).

Aim/Goals:
To start personal training and to start instructing Pilates/Balance type classes.

A Few Fast Facts:
Since I was a teenager I have been heavily involved in sport. I entered a school aerobic competition with a friend and came 2nd. We decided to get our Certificate III in Fitness and have been instructing ever since. There is no better job!

Photo: Donna YoungDonna Young - Group Fitness Manager

Qualifications
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Certificate IV in Fitness
• Certificate IV Children’s Fitness
• Thump Training
• AUSTSWIM Teacher of Water Safety
• Schwinn Cycling
• Nautilus Xpressway & Cellulite Solution
• Heartmoves Instructor
• Polestar Pilates Reformer
• Exercise in water certificate
• First Aid & CPR

Experience:
23 years of dance, jazz ballet and tap dancing. 5 years of Personal Training and aerobics instruction at Balance Health Club and instructing all over the world.

Aim/Goals:
To become the best that I can be and help motivate people to feel better about themselves and give them a better quality of life.

Photo: Linda Southcombe Linda Southcombe - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• First Aid Certificate
• Schwinn Cycle
• Heartmoves Instructor

Experience:
12 months experience working at Balance Health Club. Many years of fitness and enjoyment working out at the gym.

Aim/Goal:
To Help people reach their health and fitness goals whilst having a laugh and some fun in my classes.

A Few Fast Facts:
For the past 10 years I have worked in administration and at some stage in the future I want to study to become a midwife.

Photo: Sarah CarsonSarah Carson - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Balance Freestyle Instructor program
• Schwinn Cycle Certificate
• Thump training
• First Aid Certificate

Experience:
Freestyle instructing program December 2006, instructing at Balance Health ever since. Many years of participating in classes at Wests fitness centre and Balance Mayfield

Aim/Goals:
To expand my abilities in teaching and instructing group fitness classes; to obtain my certificate IV in Fitness

A Few Fast Facts:
My background was primarily team sports representative netball and touch football. Lots of variety in sports, tennis, swimming, athletics, soccer, softball, table tennis-anything to get me out of school work.

Photo: Wendy OslandWendy Osland - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• International Yoga Teacher Diploma
• Australian Traditional Medicine Accreditation - Natural Therapies
• Australian Remedial Massage Accreditation - Remedial Massage
• First Aid

Experience:
Over 40 years instructing Yoga at Wests Fitness Centre (now Balance Health Club). Own business in Yoga, Health Studio and Health Foods. 18 years with the Department of Education for Yoga

Aim/Goals:
To ''keep on, keepin on'' and enjoying life and maintaining a ''Balance''.

A Few Fast Facts:
Mother of 4, Grandmother of 6. A life of health subjects, yoga, herbs, iridology, touch for health, massage and updating skills.

Photo: Blake CookBlake Cook - Fitness Instructor

Qualifications:
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Senior First Aid
• Austswim Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
• Austswim Teacher of Competitive Strokes
• Bronze Medallion
• Thump Boxing Instructor

Experience:
Learn to swim instructor for Balance since early 2007. Commenced instructing Group Fitness classes, developing members exercise programs and gym floor supervision early 2008.

Aim/Goals
To provide clients with a good knowledge of health and fitness to suit their lifestyles. To travel the world and gain more experience in the fitness industry.

A Few Fast Facts
Representative Rugby Union - Diocesan. Represented NSW in Touch Football at National Championships.