Meet the trainers

Nick Lapointe

CSEP- CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) 

Nick’s passion for performance and understanding how the human body functions led him to pursue his Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, which he completed at Laurentian University in 2014. He then furthered his education at Niagara College where he obtained his Post-Graduate Certificate in Exercise Science for Health and Performance. Nick is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and he enjoys working with just about every type of client, from high performance athletes to individuals with chronic conditions.

His athletic focus was primarily swimming as he was a competitive swimmer for 15 years. He now works full-time with the University of Calgary Swim Club as a Swim Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach, in addition to personal training.

Nick enjoys staying active by lifting weights, hiking, snowboarding, and golfing. He also loves to travel and explore new places. He even speaks fluent French!

Nick truly believes that exercise is medicine. Whether it be for injury prevention, rehabilitation, general fitness, or sport performance, everyone can benefit from some additional physical activity!

Tiffany Tse

MSc, Bkin, CSEP-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer)

Tiffany completed a Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Health Studies in the field of Sport Psychology specifically looking at women coaches at Queen’s University. There she was a teaching assistant in a variety of courses ranging from disability studies to social determinants of health. 

Tiffany became a Certified Personal Trainer with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology during her third year as an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary where she obtained her Bachelor of Kinesiology in Pedagogy. Tiffany is also an NCCP certified Run, Jump, Throw coach. She enjoys working with all populations, from general population, elite athletes, and older adults, to individuals with chronic conditions/disabilities. She has worked as a strength coach for the Junior Dinos swim team, teaches fitness classes, personal trains one on one and in pairs as well as trains those looking to complete occupational fitness testing.

Tiffany believes that physical activity can be and should be catered to every individual. No one way of physical activity is better than the other. Exercises are meant to be adaptable and functional for all individuals and she hopes to foster a joy of physical activity in others. 

Outside of work, you can find Tiffany spending time with family and friends, biking, boxing, hiking, weightlifting, travelling, or trying new restaurants. Tiffany is also semi-fluent in Cantonese and dabbles in Thai and Mandarin.

Garry Bassi

CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist), NCCP-1 Olympic Lifting Coach 

Garry’s athletic endeavors growing up included hockey and soccer, but he primarily focused on the martial art of Hap Ki Do, which placed a heavy emphasis on fitness and discipline.

During high school and University, Garry became increasingly interested in weight training and bodybuilding. This love of the weight room eventually led him to switch majors in University. Garry graduated with a BSc in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2013. During his degree, Garry had the opportunity to complete a two-semester strength practicum under the direction of Matt Jordan. This experience allowed Garry to gain knowledge and coaching experience under Matt, and other strength and conditioning coaches at the Canadian Sport Institute. This practicum inspired Garry to pursue a career in strength coaching and personal training.

Since graduating, Garry has worked with a multitude of sports teams and athletes. Namely, Team China long track speed skating, which provided Garry the opportunity to travel to the 2018 Winter Olympics and multiple World Cups. Garry has also worked with University of Calgary Dinos teams, including women’s hockey and wrestling.

Garry is also passionate about assisting the general population in their fitness endeavors. He believes that the principles and methods used in training high performance athletes crossover to the general population, and vice versa. Garry firmly believes that everyone should perform regular strength and power training, as it can greatly improve quality of life and longevity.

As a trainer, Garry specializes in teaching compound strength exercises and Olympic lifts, with an emphasis on form and safety. He is also very interested and knowledgeable in nutrition, as well as rehabilitation, for both athletic and general populations. On top of being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he is also an NCCP Level 1 trained Olympic weightlifting coach.

These days, outside of the weight room, Garry’s passions lie in snowboarding, road biking and most recently, skateboarding.

Aleesha Gettis

Bkin, AKA certified

Pursuing the Bachelor of Kinesiology program with a Major in Mind Sciences (Motor and Psychosocial Aspects of Movement), here at the University of Calgary, complimented Aleesha’s love for movement and the endless mental, physical, and emotional benefits that come along with it. Following her degree, Aleesha expanded this interest further through becoming a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and member of the Alberta Kinesiology Association.

Physical activity has been a huge part of her life for as long as she can remember! Competitive cheerleading particularly stole her heart, and she was lucky to have been involved in the sport as an athlete and a coach for 9 years! (If she claps for you after every set, she can’t help it! It’s a force of habit.) Through her “retirement,” from cheer, Aleesha has found a new knack for weight training and recently entered the world of bodybuilding!

Aleesha’s experiences as a student, coach, personal trainer, and rehab instructor has exposed her to a variety of demographics. Alongside working with the general population, she has had the opportunity to assist athletes, older adults, clients seeking recovery from injuries, and those with chronic disabilities/conditions.

Aleesha believes that movement can mean something different to everyone, and it’s so much more than regular activity–it’s a lifestyle. Our health & fitness goals are just as unique as we are, and her mission is to meet every individual where they’re at in reaching theirs– whether it be strength/muscle building, weight loss, prehab/rehab or simply to move happier and healthier. Aleesha will be your biggest cheerleader :)

Justin Rempel

CSEP-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer)

Justin Rempel is a CSEP-CPT with over 8 years of experience in the field. He is the Coordinator and Lead Instructor of his own Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program (PWR!Moves), and has experience working in a medical setting with other Physicians, Psychologists, Dieticians, etc. His niche is working with older populations, Parkinson’s Disease, injury prevention, and overall health and wellness. He is also passionate about his own training for Mixed Martial Arts, Hockey, & Archery. 

He believes that we can achieve an optimal level of physical & mental health through individualized exercise programs and dietary habits.  He believes that prioritizing our health and well-being will enhance the chances of avoiding injuries, disease, and mental health disorders.

Justin also runs his own Microgreens business in the city of Calgary, AB, and he also plays a variety of instruments and records/releases his own Music.

Rianne Rogan

BSc, CSEP-CEP, GLAD certified

Rianne has had a passion for exercise and the body since childhood. Growing up, she was a competitive gymnast and did a lot of hiking, biking, and skiing with her family. Her decision to pursue kinesiology was an easy choice and complimented her coaching career. She started her own acrobatic gymnastics club and coached at an international level for 10 years.

Her love for adapted physical activity started when she volunteered with the Rehab and Fitness program during her undergrad. After graduating, she took over as coordinator for this program and has been working with adapted populations for the past 14 years.

She believes that it’s never too late to focus on personal health and the quest for physical literacy can begin at any age. Success in movement can look different for everyone and no achievement is too small!

Outside of work, Rianne enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids and introducing them to the passion of movement. Their favourite family activities are mountain biking, acrobatics, soccer, and swimming. Rianne also coaches gymnastics and circus at a recreational level to stay active in the gymnastics world.

Emma Smith

MSc KIN, CSEP – CEP, BoneFit, GLA-D, Functional Electrical Stimulation

Emma Smith is a born and raised Calgarian who started her career at the University of Calgary as an undergrad, over 30 years ago.  She currently coordinates exercise programs for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and loves working with different clients, volunteers, and students.

Emma attended the University of Calgary (UofC), graduating with a Physical Education degree and continued on to take her Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. Over the years she completed her Certified Personal Training and Clinical Exercise Physiologist designations and has additional training in osteoporosis (BoneFit), osteoarthritis (GLA:D) and Functional Electrical Stimulation.

Emma was an alpine ski coach, coached community level box lacrosse, and taught the Kinesiology 201 lacrosse lab for undergraduate students. Emma loves spending time watching her kid’s sports, travelling, fishing, walking her dog,  boating with her family, and has recently taken up Pickleball.  

Catherine Vu

Bkin, BCR, CSEP-CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) 

Catherine’s journey into the world of exercise and wellness started at 15 years old after being introduced to the concept of Physical Literacy at her job as a camp leader. Inspired by supporting others to become more physically active and feel more confident, Catherine studied and received a Bachelor’s in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, as well as a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Afterwards, Catherine went on to get her Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification from the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology.

Through her time with Medisys, Between Friends Clubs, Adapted Physical Activity Kids, and Peak Power Sport Development, Catherine has worked with diverse populations in various contexts. She believes that everyone deserves excellent coaching and programming, regardless of age or ability. Whoever she works with, Catherine works from a person-centered approach through inquiry and collaboration.

Catherine enjoys trying and learning new activities, such as disc golf, gymnastics, and ice skating. Did you know that she learned to ice skate at the age of 24? Outside of the gym, Catherine enjoys hanging out with her dog, keeping her plants alive, and knitting.

Adam Inkpen

BPhyEd, CSEP – CPT 

Hey there! Meet Adam Inkpen, and fitness isn’t just his job – it’s his passion and lifestyle. Adam is equipped with a Health and Physical Education Degree and Personal Trainer Certification with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) with a mission to empower individuals on their fitness journey.

Adam’s academic background gave him a deep understanding of the science behind fitness and the importance of promoting a culture of well-being. This knowledge forms the foundation of his approach to training, ensuring that each session is practical and rooted in sound health principles.

Beyond the classroom, Adam has honed his discipline and leadership skills through four years in the military reserves. This experience not only instilled a sense of responsibility but also gave him a unique perspective on physical training and the importance of resilience. He carries these lessons from the military into his training philosophy, focusing on physical strength, mental fortitude, and endurance as critical components of longevity.

His approach to personal training goes beyond sets and reps; it’s about promoting a supportive, fun, and motivating environment where individuals can unlock their true potential. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to take it to the next level or someone starting their wellness journey, Adam is here to guide, inspire, and challenge you every step of the way.

So, embark on this transformative journey with Adam. Your goals are within reach, and he is here to help you crush them!

Sukh Dhatt

BSc, CSEP-CPT, FMS 2 Certified, NCCP-Trained Weightlifting Coach

Sukh Dhatt is a dedicated and passionate fitness professional. His journey into the world of fitness began with a personal experience. Working in a corporate job and playing sports led to muscle imbalances, causing pain, injuries, and limitations on the field. However, Sukh discovered that exercising and following a tailored fitness plan not only alleviated these issues but also improved performance in both work and sports.

This passion for fitness and well-being led Sukh to pursue a career in the industry. He holds a degree in Health Sciences, majoring in Public Health and Health Leadership. He is also working towards his CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification. Sukh has developed the P.R.E.P. Method (Personalization, Research-Based/Results-Oriented, Empowering, and Progressive), which has been instrumental in helping hundreds of clients — from athletes to corporate professionals — achieve their goals.

Sukh’s diverse experience includes working with individuals suffering from pain and aches due to prolonged sitting, sports-related injuries, and athletes from various sports such as football, soccer, basketball, tennis, and cricket. 

Sukh integrates his personal passions into his fitness approach, making his training programs unique and holistic. He is committed to providing expert guidance, customized solutions, and the tools clients need to succeed.

Jessica Erwin

BSc – KIN, Fitness and Health Diploma, CSEP – CPT, YMCA – fitness instructor, Active Aging – CanFitPro

Jessica grew up playing soccer and discovered a passion for exercise as a young student in high school who struggled with poor body image looking to incorporate movement into her daily life. This passion started with running and progressed into weight training and a variety of group fitness classes. Jessica then went on to complete a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion at Niagara College and a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Guelph. Jessica has been a Certified Personal Trainer through CSEP for the past 9 years. She has a background in working with individuals of all age groups and experience in rehabilitation modalities as a physiotherapy/chiropractic assistant. She is passionate about helping individuals work through injuries/muscle imbalances, educating people how to translate exercise into everyday tasks and finding movement they enjoy. 

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, biking, hiking, and discovering delicious food around the city.

Amy Paterson

BA, PFT Diploma, CSEP – CPT, NASM CES, Fitness Alberta certified fitness instructor

After graduating university with a BA in Theatre Arts, Amy spent the next 16 years working in various theatres across Canada. It was a very exciting career but near the end Amy realized that exercise and physical activity was her passion. In 2009 Amy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. She felt helpless, hopeless, and lost, and needed to do something. She decided that she wanted to participate in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada’s running event and would run the 10km distance. That event started a spark and drive to become a healthier and better version of herself, and to not let that diagnosis define how she was going to live her life.

Following that 10km Amy participated in several running events, triathlons, duathlons, enjoying every minute, and with the only goal of doing her best. Training reignited her love for teaching group fitness. After deciding to re-certify as an instructor in Alberta, a few years later Amy decided that she also wanted to become a Personal Fitness Trainer, therefore starting her journey to a new career.

Amy has since completed her Personal Fitness Trainer diploma (honours) through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, completed her CPT certification through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), and is a certified Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy for Sports Medicine (NASM).

Amy is currently the Coordinator for Personal and Group Fitness here at the University of Calgary – Active Living, but rest assure, you will still find her teaching classes as an instructor, leading small group training as a trainer, and working hard to provide opportunities for everyone to participate.