Meet The Team

Portrait of Krista Knott

Krista Nott (Cobourg)

Krista loves being part of people’s fitness and wellness journeys. As a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, awarded Body Builder Competitor and Weight Loss Coach Krista has learned many tips and tricks that lead to success that she can’t wait to share with you. Improving or maintaining one’s body composition, exercise endurance, and muscular strength takes commitment and motivation. A mother of six, Krista fully understands that it takes a good plan and dedication to execute it. Let Krista help you reach your goals and celebrate the successes along the way!

Matt Kovacs

Matt Kovacs (Cobourg)

When Matthew started working at the YMCA in 2017 as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, he also began to learn more about fitness and exercise. Matthew then went on to study Massage Therapy and brings his depth of knowledge about anatomy to his personal training practice. Using this skillset and experience from teaching swimming lessons to people of all ages, Matthew draws on many creative solutions to find a program that suits you. Matthew utilizes the principles of strength training to push himself and others to be the best and strongest version of themselves.

Ready to push your limits?

Heather Craig

Heather Craig (CAMPBELLFORD)

Heather has been a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for over 10 years. She first started her training journey doing FitKids kids camp. She eventually opened her own business, doing group fitness and personal training, originally to supplement her supply teaching in the school board.

 

She enjoys teaching all kinds of classes and is certified for YThrive and personal training. She is excited to meet and help out all the new clients in the Trent Hills area at YMCA Campbellford.

Cassidy Piney

Cassidy Piney (COBOURG)

Cassidy’s passion for the transformational power of fitness inspired her to become a Certified Personal Trainer and Y Thrive Coach. She is a highly dedicated individual whose mission is to assist clients in achieving their goals for health and well-being, as well as build their confidence. You will appreciate her efficient, no-nonsense approach and her dependable focus on what works specifically for you and your schedule. Cassidy can provide support on a wide array of fitness areas but also specializes in supporting new moms.

Mikaela Lavoy

Mikaela Lavoy (COBOURG)

As a personal trainer, Mikaela’s approach is grounded in her passion for using exercise as a tool to build lasting strength in body, mind, and spirit. With a solid foundation in fitness and over ten years of martial arts experience, Mikaela understands the discipline it takes to overcome barriers and create lasting change. Her training philosophy centers on using exercise not just for short-term results, but as a long-term investment in your health and wellness. Whether your goal is to build muscle, improve cardiovascular health, or enhance mobility, Mikaela designs structured, sustainable programs tailored to your unique needs. Mikaela’s focused, detail-oriented approach keeps you consistent and motivated, helping you build a stronger, healthier future. 

Maggie Weaver (COBOURG)

Maggie is a dedicated personal trainer with diplomas in Fitness and Health Promotion plus Recreation and Leisure. A certified yoga instructor and group fitness leader, Maggie takes a harmonious approach to wellness, helping clients create balance in their lives through fitness that feels natural and enjoyable. Maggie believes that fitness should be seamlessly integrated into daily routines—not forced around the gym—making workouts both effective and habit-forming. By designing well-rounded programs that focus on building strength, improving mobility, and reducing stress, Maggie leaves clients feeling energized, accomplished, and inspired to embrace a love of lifelong exercise.
Julie Personal Trainer

Julie Despres (COBOURG)

Julie’s slogan, “The Force is You”, is an indicator of how passionate she is in supporting those wishing to be their best selves. Julie’s coaching methods are inclusive of self compassion and reminding clients that they are already equipped with wonderful qualities and values.  This allows many to initiate their new focus into a more heartfelt experience.  By being connected in Body Mind and Spirit, her clients begin to engage in venues in life that they would not have thought possible prior to working with her. Julie earned a BA in Sports Science and Physical Fitness Techniques at the University of Lyon, France. She is a certified personal trainer in Canada through Canfit-Pro and YMCA, ready to coach individuals at any fitness level, making the journey enjoyable and heartfelt. Achieve your goals with Julie’s fun and inclusive approach! Regardless of your level or your goals, make it heartfelt, make it fun with Julie!

 

“Take the time to breathe and put consciousness back at the heart of things to better control your body and your will!”

Luke Hewko (COBOURG)

Luke believes fitness is a powerful tool for transformation — physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a competitive athlete and bench press record-holder, Luke understands the discipline, patience, and hard work it takes to progress and reach goals. His own journey, including recovery from open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm at age 32, has deepened his appreciation for health, and movement.

 

With over 15 years of experience in fitness, Luke is passionate about helping people of all fitness levels find their strength, work through obstacles, and become the best versions of themselves. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to take it to the next level, Luke is here to guide you, support you, and celebrate your progress every step of the way.

Kyle Johnston (COBOURG)

Kyle’s passion for fitness was sparked at a young age through his involvement in athletics, including track and field, cross country, and soccer. His background in sport fostered a lifelong appreciation for functional movement, performance training, and the physical and mental benefits of staying active.

 

He holds an Advanced Diploma in Sport Management from Humber College and has gained valuable experience in athlete development through both academic and professional settings. Kyle has pursued multiple coaching certifications and has consistently helped individuals and athletes build strength, agility, and confidence through tailored fitness programs.

 

As part of the YMCA team, Kyle brings his athletic background and coaching expertise to his role as a personal trainer and Y-Thrive coach. He is committed to supporting clients in reaching their goals through personalized, sport-inspired training that emphasizes functional fitness, athleticism, and a lasting connection to movement.

Ethan Dennis (Campbellford)

With a deep passion for strength training, Ethan brings years of dedication and experience to helping clients build muscle, gain strength, and unlock their full potential in the gym. Known for being friendly, approachable, and supportive, Ethan creates an environment where clients feel encouraged to push themselves while still having fun along the way. 

 

Over the years, Ethan has developed elite levels of strength himself, with a 650 lb squat and one of the strongest bench presses in the world in his class. Beyond his own lifts, he has also coached clients through incredible transformations—such as building over 50 pounds of lean muscle and reaching a 335 lb bench press. 

 

While strength training is his specialty, Ethan is equally skilled in other areas of fitness, including muscle development, endurance, and overall conditioning, allowing him to design programs that match each client’s unique goals. By combining proven methods with a positive, motivating approach, Ethan helps every client feel stronger—both physically and mentally. Whether you’re new to lifting or chasing your next personal best, Ethan will guide you with patience, knowledge, and the kind of encouragement that makes the journey just as rewarding as the results.

Erin Petherick (Campbellford)

Erin brings her passion for living a healthy, balanced lifestyle into everything she does. With a background in education, she combines her love of teaching with her enthusiasm for fitness to help people of all ages learn, grow, and feel their best. She enjoys a variety of sports and staying active through yoga, strength training, and group fitness classes, while also emphasizing the importance of stretching and recovery. Over time, Erin has become especially knowledgeable in peri menopause and menopause health and exercise, equipping her with the tools to support clients through every stage of life. 

 

Outside the gym, Erin is a dedicated mom and active community member who coaches at both school and local programs. She believes in encouraging others to strive for their personal best by creating a supportive, motivating environment where every achievement is celebrated. Erin is very excited to begin her journey as a personal trainer and to be part of the dedicated team at the YMCA, where she looks forward to helping clients build confidence, reach their health goals, and discover the joy of movement.

Jackson Graham (Campbellford)

Jackson is a knowledgeable personal trainer who is passionate about physical activity and understands how it can be used to improve the wellbeing of virtually everyone. Jackson has experience working with clients of all ages; from youth in the Y-grow program, to older adults at a local nursing home where he teaches fitness classes. With an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, Jackson is able to apply his knowledge of exercise science and human behavior to inform his program designs and cater them to clients’ specific needs.

 

Jackson has ambitions to pursue advanced fitness certifications with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and has been accepted to challenge the Clinical Exercise Physiologist exams. Jackson offers CSEP approved fitness assessments as part of his personal training sessions which allows clients to understand their fitness level in terms of specific metrics that can be compared to normative data. Jackson is here to use an evidence informed approach to empower you and help you achieve your goals! 

Couple with personal trainer
Introduction
$61*
1 Session

Book a single session to see the benefits of working with a personal trainer.

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Get Started
$155*
3 Sessions

Start building a new workout routine while introducing healthy habits.

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Goal Getter
$307*
6 Sessions

Expand your workouts by training regularly to effectively challenge yourself and progress towards your goals.

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Peak Performance
$1,227*
25 Sessions

Progressively build on your training program with new techniques and safely test your personal limits.

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Duo Training
$88/hr*
Hourly

Grab a spouse or a friend and workout together with a YMCA Certified Personal Trainer. No matter what your fitness level, nothing can replace the support, challenge and accountability that comes with a trainer and working out with a partner.

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Small Group Training
$125/hr*
Hourly

3-4 people max Small group training is an innovative way to reap the benefits of semi-private training at a lower cost. These workouts will help you to improve your physical skill and reach your goals with family and friends in a motivating atmosphere. Sessions are progressive and require registration. 24 hour notice for any cancellations. Refunds will not be issued.

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*All prices are before HST.

Personal Trainer at YMCA

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We’re interested in hearing your fitness goals and how we can be a part of that.

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Cobourg YMCA 905.372.0161

Brighton YMCA 613.475.2887