Meet The Team - FITNESS INSTITUTE

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MEET THE
FITNESS INSTITUTE
TEAM

Sharing a combination of passion, drive and commitment to the success of each student, the Fitness Institute team are qualified and experienced across a range of Sports, Health, Fitness, Business & Wellness sectors.

Our Founders

CEO, FOUNDER

A self-confessed risk-taker, Dean believes that to be successful, Trainers need to know as much about running a business as they do about running a class or Bootcamp  – they are their primary and most important product or brand.
Dean is the owner of the Strand Fitness group which includes 3 large commercial gyms and 2 CrossFit boxes. 

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Philip has over 20 years of experience in IT in Education and is the founder of Fitness Institute’s Online PT Course. Recently a finalist as 2021 Educator of the Year from AUSactive, Philip is an Accredited Level 3 AusRep. He is also an ASCA L2 Strength and Conditioning Coach & CrossFit Trainer. Philip maintains his Strength & Conditioning with the Townsville WNBL Team as an Assistant S&C Coach in his 5th season with the team and has 11 years experience as a CrossFit Coach with Strand CrossFit (2011 – Current) and CrossFit Canmore in Canada (2013). 

MANAGEMENT

Compliance Coordinator

Kris looks after compliance management, program development and is also involved in training and assessment. Holding a Bachelor of Communication, Diploma of Fitness, Cert IV in Training & Assessment and over 30 years in the sport, fitness & recreation industry.

Operations Manager

Monica looks after the staff and careers operations at Fitness Institute. Holding a Bachelor of Business in HR and The Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Monica loves to inspire others to join a positive career. Monica has a dance background and has a keen interest in boxing with several fights now under her belt. 

TOWNSVILLE TRAINERS

Campus Director

Graduating as a PT in 2008, Peter quickly went full time & never looked back! A cycling coach for local athletes in Townsville since 2000’s & teaching the Certificates in Fitness since 2010. Passionate about helping beginners find some fitness & improved self-esteem through training programs, focusing on “quality over quantity”. Peter loves working with endurance sports racing athletes of all levels & seeing the benefits from following specific, structured training programs.

TRAINER

Officially working in the fitness industry 10 years but has always had an interest in sport – playing netball, hockey, athletics, basketball, softball, touch footy.Competed in bodybuilding since 2015 & winner of Masters 50+. Level 1 & 2 Kettlebell qualified, Metafit coach, Body Balance instructor, Older Adults instructor, Aqua Instructor. Totally addicted to Crossfit for the past 4 years!

TRAINER

Peter has a keen interest in HIIT Training, Kids and Teens Fitness and Boot Camps. Peter is an Advanced Personal Trainer holding a Diploma of Fitness and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Peter also has a diverse range of skills in many areas outside the Fitness Industry in Mining Plant Process Technology, Agriculture, Frontline Management, Advanced First Aid and Risk Management.

TRAINER

Stevie-Lee has been working in Primary and High School Education for over 13 years. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Human Movement), Certificate III & IV in Fitness and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Stevie-Lee is a swimming coach, golf coach and owns a CrossFit box, CrossFit Tropics.

ONLINE TRAINERS

Course Coordinator

Boris is a Personal Trainer and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with over 10 years experience in the Industry. He holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Charles Sturt University.  Boris is also a supervisor for 4th year students at UNSW for clinical placements. You will find Boris lecturing many of the online lectures in Anatomy and Physiology, amongst other practical components throughout the PT course.

Course Coordinator

Jordan was born in Canada and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Kinesiology) and a Diploma in Helth, Wellness and Recreation. Jordan also runs his own Business for Personal Training in NSW. Jordan has Strength and Conditioning Experience in both Canada and Australia working with a range of athletes from beginner to advanced.

SYDNEY TRAINERS

Course Coordinator

Todd is a seasoned Industry Veteran and is well known as a former Professional Athlete as a footballer and dual scholarship holder at the AIS. He is a Level 3 AUSactive Registered Professional with over 20 years industry experience as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Trainer. He is the Technogym National Master Trainer and provides training to many hotel gyms and commercial gyms installing Technogym’s latest equipment. Todd is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and has maintained his Level 2 Credential since 2008 and Advanced Pilates Instructor since 2009. He holds additional certifications in Boxing for Fitness and Football Coaching. Todd coordinates the Sydney Personal Trainer Courses for Fitness Institute.

Course Coordinator

Recently a finalist in the AUSactive Educator of the Year, Amanda strives to be the best trainer possible by always seeking continual professional development. Holding a Diploma of Fitness, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as well as additional credentials in Stick Fitness, Suspension Training, Aqua and Les Mills Group Fitness. Amanda is a Level 3 AUSactive Registered Professional with over 17 years industry experience and is part of the Sydney team for the Rushcutters Bay and Parramatta PT Courses.

CAREERS AND SUPPORT

Student Support

Alex’s love of fitness and passion for helping others lead her down the path of completing her Certificate 3&4 in Fitness in Dec 2019. Ever since she has been working as a gym based Personal Trainer and specializes in training women. Alex works at the Fitness Institute part time as our Student Support officer and loves helping our students on their own study journeys.

Careers Advisor

Demi has a passion for weight training, crossfit & contemporary dance. Having spent the past 6 years building her strength in the gym, changing her body composition & focusing on fitness goals post children. Formerly competed in local swimwear competitions and was once a grid girl for Townsville 400 v8 supercars.