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.
Enrico Quillico
Enrico is a PhD candidate in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal. He runs a community-based physical activity program for adults with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Enrico obtained an undergraduate degree in Education from Concordia University and a graduate degree in Adapted Physical Activity from McGill University. Enrico has been working as an advocate for TBI awareness, in addition to working in the fitness industry since 2008. He was a winner of the 2019 SSHRC Storyteller Competition, and he was nominated for the 2018 Change-Maker Award by the Neurological Health Charities of Canada.
Helen Neves
Helen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University with a specialization in Adapted Physical Activity. She has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, a presenter for over 15 years, and has been working with older adults since the beginning of her career. Helen is a trainer for the YMCAs of Québec and helped develop the FIT Functional Training for Aging Adults course offered by the YMCAs of Quebec as well as several of the FIT courses offered by YMCA Canada. She is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor specializing in special populations, older adult fitness, group fitness and indoor cycling. Respecting the human body and its limitations are Helen’s fundamental values. She believes in having fun and working hard in her classes without jeopardizing the safety of her participants. Helen brings a wealth of knowledge into all her presentations and hopes to share her passion for making group fitness classes a success.
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.
Luce Boulianne
Luce Boulianne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Montréal and a Professional Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. A personal trainer for over 15 years, she works with different clienteles, including the under 18. Passionate about functional training and the mother of a young active girl, she has seen first-hand the positive effects of training on young people. She is also a conference speaker, FIT trainer, and Assistant Director of Health and Fitness Activities at the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Westmount YMCAs.
Maggie McDonnell
Maggie McDonnell, PhD, teaches yoga and cardio-cycle at the Cartiervielle YMCA. Certified RYT-500 through Yoga Alliance, Maggie has studied many aspects of yoga, including Yin yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga in health and wellness. Her love for yoga in all its forms reflects her belief that fitness is as much about our minds and spirit as it is about our physical bodies.
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.
Mathieu Boulé
Mat is an osteopath but more importantly a posturologist. He studied functional neurology for several years and is obsessed by performance. He is the founder of the IP Institute, which has been teaching the IP method—a five-minute warm-up that improves brain-muscle connection—to trainers in Canada, the United States, and Europe since 2016.
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 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.
Zeina Khawam
Zeina has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from McGill University. She is a dietitian-nutritionist member of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ), the Dietitians of Canada, and the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She was also awarded the “Best Healthy Living Advocate 2017–2018” prize by DietSpotlight.com. Zeina advises a clientele who wants to change their lifestyle habits, whether it’s to increase their energy levels, improve their sports performances, or simply lead a healthier life. She can help manage digestive problems and medical issues such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and arthritis, all through an intuitive approach to eating. Zeina understand that eating brings pleasure and, therefore, shows how adopting a healthy lifestyle is not about depriving yourself or personal culpability, but rather making better choices more often. Sometimes, it is not just what you eat, but how you eat. Zeina also likes exercising, trying new foods and restaurants, travelling, cooking, and meeting new people.