River Valley Club

• · Aquatics/Swimming
• · Birthday Parties
• · Cardio Equipment
• · Climbing Wall
• · FitKids Daycare
• · Fitness Consultations

• · Free Weights
• · Functions/Catering
• · Get Fit Challenge!
• · Group Exercise
• · LesMills Body Pump
• · Movement Specialists

• · Personal Training
• · Personal Trainer Bio's
• · Precision Nutrition
• · Pilates
• · Salon
• · Senior Programs

• · Spa
• · Spinning
• · Sports Conditioning
• · Tanning
• · Tennis
• · Yoga

Personal Trainer Bio's

Jennifer L. Karr
*Master Trainer

Jen is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, an APEX Fitness Professional--and that's only touching the surface of her appeal. Never one to rest, Jen holds multiple certifications in group exercise, spinning, kickboxing and aquatic fitness. With an impressive background in coaching and playing competitive team sports, Jen works well with athletes of all skill levels. Not only is Jen a certified lifeguard, she also teaches swim skills to people of all ages; whether on land or water, Jen exudes the same passion for excellence. As someone who loves to train herself, Jen knows firsthand what it takes to lead a fit lifestyle. And as a warm, enthusiastic model of health, Jen's confidence in you will translate to sweet success.

Alison Bagley
Personal Trainer

Ali, who started her education in the nutrition field yet ended up with a BS in Psychology, combines her fascination with the human mind and her passion for physical health as an NASM certified Personal Trainer. Ali's strongest qualities as a trainer are based on her powerful faith that the human mind can achieve anything; she doesn't allow her clients any room to doubt their capacity for great physical and mental feats. Ali's attitude is upbeat and her message is easy to take: set your mind to something and your body will always follow.

Scott Prince
*Master Trainer

Scott began his fitness career with a Bachelor Degree from Keene State College in Exercise Science, and since then has fulfilled his early promise with an array of certifications and accolades. He is a Certified Master Personal Trainer through NSCA, he has earned a NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist certification and recently, he achieved his APEX Nutrition Certification. Scott works well with people interested in sport specific, functional and mass strength training. Scott holds a special place in his heart for youth training; as a key member of the Junior Training program, Scott encourages youths to reach their best sports performance potential in a safe and fun atmosphere. Scott's good-natured, fun-loving and intelligent approach to exercise is enough to win over the toughest of critics.

Kristina Fjeld-Olenec
Personal Trainer

Kristina's strength as a trainer comes from her desire to challenge herself in every arena of life; though she holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Northeastern, Kristina takes her interest in human behavior to the next level as an ACE certified Personal Trainer and aerobic instructor. With over seventeen years in the fitness industry, Kristina provides inspiration for her clients by staying in peak condition: she has qualified for and run in the Boston Marathon nine times, the Chicago Marathon twice and even once in the Marine Corps Marathon. Kristina loves working with new fitness enthusiasts and with athletes seeking to improve performance. Kristina's challenging interval training programs are not only rewarding for her clients, but they also reinforce her lifelong habit of bringing out the exceptional in everyone she knows. Kristina is now finishing her post-baccalaureate classes as she prepares for Veterinary School.

Tracy Billings
Personal Trainer

Tracy's considerable accomplishments are rooted in the fact that she never stands still or settles for second best. Not only is Tracy a certified Personal Trainer through AFAA and NASM, but she also continues her remarkable dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles as a Rehab RN. Tracy truly practices what she preaches; as a professional bodybuilder, Tracy's winning attitude vaulted her to first place in the Vermont State Championship. Now as a personal trainer, Tracy has turned her can-do attitude into a triumphant formula for success. Tracy particularly enjoys working with first-timers and with clients who seek to return to the gym after a hiatus, and of course, she really wants to work with anyone who is excited by the idea of strength training. Don't let her calm, easy-going manner fool you for one minute--Tracy's supercharged optimism is the only motivation you need to reach the most gratifying level of success.

John M. Farrell
Personal Trainer

John is a certified Personal Trainer through Aerobics, Fitness Association of America and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is an inspiration to the mature population through his passionate commitment to physical wellness, a pursuit he takes personally by setting the ultimate example for his peers. John actively participates in mountain biking, kayaking, xc/alpine skiing and snowshoeing. As a fearless man of the outdoors, John takes every opportunity he can get to experience thrilling adventures; and as a trainer, John passes his excitement and passion for life on to his clients.

Jennifer Poljacik
Fitness Director
*Master Trainer

As RVC's Fitness Director, Jen is responsible for overseeing the six departments related to fitness and programming. Jen manages 70-plus employees at the River Valley Club, and through her successful leadership the personal training program has thrived as the number one revenue-producing program in New England. Jen earns her stripes on the front lines of the fitness industry: she is not only a Master Personal Trainer, but with a Bachelors Degree in Sports Club Management from Lyndon State College and multiple certifications through NASM, PES, ACE, Madd Dogg Athletics and Apex, Jen is the ultimate overachiever. Whether she is leading a group class as a Spinning Instructor or reaching out to her many employees, Jen combines gritty intensity with the ability to bring different personalities together for a single purpose. With over fourteen years in the fitness industry, Jen's enthusiasm for fitness and gift for creating quality programs is the cornerstone of RVC's success.

Beth Baras
Personal Trainer

Twenty-eight richly productive years in the fitness industry have made Beth into the formidable trainer that she is today. As a certified Personal Trainer though NASM, Beth also holds Masters and Bachelors degrees in Physical Education and Coaching. Beth extends her passion for physical health as a nationally certified Massage Therapist. Beth's far-ranging experience in coaching and conditioning gives her an accessible, unintimidating presence on the fitness floor. As a trainer, Beth wants to communicate the importance of full body awareness, and her soothing, articulate approach makes her message easy to understand.

Matt MacLean
Personal Trainer

Matt is a living testimony of how determination and dedication to physical fitness can transform lives. Defying all medical predictions, Matt overcame a life altering hit and run accident in 1989. Now, against all odds, Matt has turned his life into one triumph after another. Matt holds a BS in Kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire, a Physical Education Certification from Plymouth State College and he is a Certified Nutrition Specialist through APEX. Matt is a certified Personal Trainer through NASM, and he particularly enjoys working with those seeking greater strength, definition, or all-around conditioning. Matt's winning smile and inspiring resolve combine to make him an ideal trainer for all age groups.

Thomas LeBrun
Personal Trainer

Self-defense guru Tom LeBrun has forged an extraordinary career over nearly three decades, a period in which Tom has cemented his worldwide renown as the foremost authority on self-defense. Tom's expertise as a trainer is impossible to overlook--competitive weight training, boxing, Judo, Aikido and pressure point control are only some of the skills Tom teaches to others. Tom's self-defense seminars reach every corner of the world--from Europe to Asia-- and his notoriety has resulted in numerous awards, including the Pewter Award for Leadership and Success through the International Martial Arts Hall and an international certification through the E.U.S.A Martial Art Association. Tom knows all too well that private citizens are at risk to attack, but through his empowering teaching methods Tom gives you the ability to fearlessly stand up against adversity and become the self-confident person you have always wanted to be.

Chris Poljacik
Functional Rehabilitation Specialist

Chris holds a Bachelors Degree in Sports Medicine from Castleton State College and is certified as an Athletic Trainer (N.A.T.A) and Personal Trainer (N.C.S.A). Chris specializes in the study of human movement, an expertise he uses to discover physical problems as easily as observing a client's posture or movement patterns. With his keen understanding of functional biomechanics, Chris is able to assess, rehabilitate and condition clients in order to give them the physical tools to function properly. He leads RVC's functional training program, whereby he assists a broad base of clients ranging from those with athletic injuries, orthopedic injuries and people who simply want to live active, pain-free lifestyles. Chris is the one-size-fits-all of Personal Trainers, as he manages to both command respect with his authoritative presence and instill trust in his clients through his extraordinary patience.

Wayne Burwell
*Master Trainer

Wayne single-handedly transforms the RVC experience into a joyous celebration of exercise and exercisers. As a Master Trainer, Wayne knows the value of hard work and the payoff of aiming for the moon instead of settling for grounded goals. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Dartmouth College and is a Certified Personal Trainer through NCSA, CSCS and NASM; still dissatisfied with his impressive accomplishments, Wayne recently snagged a certification with APEX for nutrition. Wayne's prowess on the athletic fields is something that needs to seen to be believed: with a background in Varsity Football and Track, Wayne still puts his foot speed to good use competing in track with the same vigor as he once did in his Olympic-level prime. Wayne boosts people's spirits as often as he helps them achieve their weight loss or fitness goals. He can either be your rowdy cheerleader or an all-business drill instructor, but whatever approach he takes, Wayne is the life of the party at the RVC.

Scott Stone
Personal Trainer

Scott is a NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist. He holds a BS in Exercise Science, Health and Fitness from Keene State College. For the past two years, Scott has devoted his time to working in a sports and spine clinic that specializes in occupational and biomechanical injuries resulting from abnormal stresses on the body. Scott works well with athletes of all ages to ensure that they regain function after injury. Scott addresses the needs of each of his clients; he shows them ways to prevent future injury as well as to recover effectively from past injuries. Scott's ability to reach common ground with his clients is due to his own athletic pursuits: since 1994, Scott has demonstrated his own endurance and commitment to a healthy lifestyle by completing over thirty marathons, including ten consecutive Boston Marathon finishes.

Bonnie McDonald
Personal Trainer

Bonnie holds a Masters Degree from Dartmouth College and she is a Personal Trainer through CHEK. Bonnie has completed Level Three of the highly accredited CHEK program, earning her rapid ascension with over 300 hours of study in this field. In her 17 years in the fitness industry, Bonnie has constantly worked hard to be at the forefront of new exercise trends, most recently lending her insight and professionalism to Gary Gray's Chain Reaction Seminar. Bonnie takes all her knowledge of exercise and uses it to your best advantage: she can sit down with you and give you a comprehensive assessment of your body make-up and lifestyle. Using the information she discovers, Bonnie designs a program that reflects your rehabilitation or sports performance goals. Bonnie's expertise may make her a formidable teacher, but her sparkling personality and easy magnetism make Bonnie an irresistible choice for your Personal Trainer.

Tim Marsh
Personal Trainer

Tim is a certified ACE Personal Trainer who brings a very focused approach to training, implementing his years of experience with yoga and Tai Chi with his strength training regimen to create a healthy balance. Tim is one trainer who never tires of learning new health and exercise disciplines: he is Apex certified, he is proficient in both Cardiac and Functional rehabilitation and he is a certified clinical exercise specialist. His groundbreaking influence will become even more far-reaching in the near future as he pursues his dream of getting a degree in Sports Management. Tim pours a great deal of energy into the special needs of the youth population, striving to give healthy alternative outlets to the physically and mentally challenged. Tim is that rare example of someone who listens to everyone around him, and when he has absorbed all there is to learn, he gives back to people twice as much with his generosity, warmth of spirit and tough-minded attitude. More than anything else, Tim's wisdom inspires people to work with the same combination of integrity and grit that he lives by in his own life.

Heather Nichols
Fitness Consultant/ Instructor
Personal Trainer

Heather is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and holds multiple certifications in Group Exercise, Spinning, Kickboxing, Active Older Adults Exercise, and Youth Fitness. She is originally from Memphis, TN and began her fitness career there 10 years ago when she started teaching Kickboxing and her love for the fitness industry has grown from there. Her strongest quality is her ability to work with all ages and fitness levels. Heather leads a healthy lifestyle herself by being an avid runner and cyclist. She has an upbeat and motivated personality and has a passion for helping individuals adapt and maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Ben Dearman
Movement Specialist

Personal Trainer / Functional Training Specialist / Consultant / Instructor Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) & Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Ben holds a BS in Exercise Science from Bloomsburg Univ., a USAW Sports Performance certification and is a CSCS through the NSCA. Before coming to the RVC he was in Ft. Benning as the Head SC for the 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Ranger Battalion. He has also assisted with instruction and design of physical training programs used by Navy SEALS. He makes his clients feel, function and perform better then they have in a long time and enjoys turning average athletes and regular people into elite athletes and powerful individuals. Ben heads the BJJ program at RVC, where he brings 9 + years of experience to his classes. He is also responsible for the BJJ program for Team F3, of Fullfledgedfighter.com.

Matt Newell
Personal Trainer

Matt is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and International Sports Science Association. He likes working with athletes and people of all ages. Matt enjoys being outdoors and enjoys snowmobiling, camping and hiking. He has also played baseball all his life and still plays competitively. Matt likes to make the training experience fun and interesting. With his competitive nature, he will push you hard to meet your individual goals.