Our lecturers

Alexia Allio studied in France. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity Sciences, with a specialization in adapted physical activities and a similar training to a bachelor's degree in sports intervention. She also has several physical activity certifications - Pilates, Yoga Alliance, TRX, Crossfit Level 1 - as well as certifications to offer the Lesmills Pump, RPM, Body Balance and Cx Worx courses. She began her career nine years ago as a private trainer and instructor of group classes in France, before joining the YMCAs of Québec in 2014. She is currently the course coordinator at the du Parc YMCA. She wants to share both her experience and her knowledge.

As a therapeutic recreation specialist and wellness professional, Ben uses leisure as part of a holistic approach to improve the quality of life of vulnerable and marginalized populations. In their 10 years of professional experience, Ben has developed concentrations in holistic wellness, accessibility and inclusion, behaviour, and youth. Their ability and skills to manage large-scale planning, teaching, and facilitating was developed during their experience with the military, which prepared Ben to provide others with structured and clear guidance and leadership. Ben has been the Advisor of Diversity and Social Inclusion for the YMCAs of Québec for approximately seven years. In their work with the YMCA, they have provided support and guidance regarding diversity and inclusion, not only for the YMCA organization, but also to many external organizations, city officials, and some provincial associations. In 2019 Ben co-lead a project regarding inclusive physical literacy, which won the Excellence prize for programming and camp life, awarded by the Association des Camps du Québec.

Celena Scheede-Bergdahl has been working in the field of health and fitness for over 20 years, and is currently a Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at McGill University. Her research interests lie in insulin resistance, inflammation, and how to use exercise as a way to prepare cancer patients for surgery. Dr. Scheede-Bergdahl also holds a position in the Department of Anesthesia at McGill University, and works with the Perioperative Program (POP) at the Montreal General Hospital.

Dominique Longpré has been working in nutrition since 2015. Currently in private practice on the South Shore of Montréal and offering virtual consultations, she is passionate about helping her clients adopt healthy eating habits while taking into account the reality of each individual’s lifestyle. Through a personalized approach, she aims to motivate individuals to make sustainable changes while offering practical solutions to demonstrate that health is within reach! She is also in charge of organizing corporate activities: conferences, workshops, interactive interviews, consultation sessions as part of work wellness programs, etc.

Isabelle Thibert completed both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Human
Kinetics. She worked as a personal trainer, kinesiologist, and coach as well as a coordinator and team leader for several sporting events. Isabelle is a YMCA Trainer for
the YMCAs of Québec, and a first aid, CPR and lifesaving instructor. She holds certifications with the CSEP, NCCP (multisports and track and field), and TRX.

Josselin Floury completed his studies in France. He has several fitness certifications in aquatics and physical conditioning. He has had the opportunity to work in different fitness centres in France, where he gained many skills. After 14 years of teaching Aquafit and group classes, he joined the YMCAs of Québec team in 2018. He is currently the Aquatics Coordinator. He would like to make the most of his experience and share his knowledge.

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 Bouiliane has a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from McGill University. She has also completed a Professional Master's Degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in pre/post-partum. A personal trainer for over 15 years, she is also a speaker, FIT trainer, and Assistant Director of Fitness Activities at the Cartierville YMCA. As an amateur CrossFit athlete and certified CrossFit trainer (CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course), functional training is a part of her and her clients' daily life.

Mai-Linh Dovan is a Certified Athletic Therapist and leading industry expert in functional rehabilitation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University, where she worked in collaboration with the Department of Psychology and the Centre for Research in Human Development. With over 20 years of experience in clinical rehabilitation and strength and conditioning, she has developed a comprehensive and unique functional training approach with integrated rehabilitation. She uses this approach with a diversity of athletes and clients from bodybuilders and powerlifters to CrossFit athletes, as well as with sports and recreational lifters struggling with various problems: recovery from cervical and thoracic fractures, low back and shoulder dysfunction, dysfunctional movement patterns. Her approach has led many to unleash their full performance potential. Mai-Linh is also the founder of Rehab-U/Movement & Performance Therapy, an online platform for innovative movement optimization and (p)rehabilitation tools and services for athletes and active individuals. The platform also serves as a resource for personal trainers, strength coaches, and fitness professionals. It is while using this innovative approach rooted in clinical strategies and geared towards prevention and performance that Mai-Linh developed the Movement Optimization for Prehab and Performance Course. This course provides the principles to effectively assess and identify movement dysfunction as well as strategies, means, and methods to build a rehabilitation-integrated intervention.

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.

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.

Robin Glance is a registered dietitian with over 15 years of clinical experience. Robin takes a non-diet approach to nutrition and believes that eating for enjoyment is just as important as eating for health. In her private practice, Robin works with athletes and clients of all ages and types to improve not only their eating habits, but their relationships with food. She has appeared on Global Montreal, Breakfast Television, CJAD and CBC Radio as a nutritional expert.

Sarah has a successful fitness certification company, the Extensa™ method, which specializes in flexibility training for instructors, trainers, and coaches. Sarah spent years working in the dance, and sports and fitness industries as an instructor, workshop presenter, trainer, and coach. She has worked with many high-performance, Olympic, and professional athletes, as well as dancers, artists, and the general population. Sarah combined her dance training and fitness and sports certifications to create unique programs that improve and maintain full-body flexibility

With her trademark brand of edutainment, Sue breaks down and shares the skills and knowledge that she has gained in her 25 years as an award-winning fitness instructor and practising physiotherapist. She helps fitness professionals build confidence as fitness leaders who live their purpose by improving the lives of their participants.

Sule has been actively involved in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years. With a background in Karate, Muay Thai and Kickboxing, he has always been involved in martial arts. Working as a full-time group fitness instructor and personal trainer has allowed Sule to develop a unique way of incorporating kickboxing, boxing, and martial arts skills into his classes/personal training sessions. This workshop promises to be a fun, exciting, and in interactive environment where you will learn new skills!

Tina has over 10 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyle habits as well as a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology with a focus on active lifestyle promotion. She works as a consultant in physical activity and health and has completed numerous community, municipal, and university projects. Additionally, she co-founded the Collectif québécois sur le développement de la littératie physique and sits on the Montréal métropole en santé board of directors.

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 isn't about depriving yourself or personal culpability, but rather making better choices more often. Sometimes, it isn't just what you eat, but how you eat. Zeina also likes exercising, trying new foods and restaurants, travelling, cooking, and meeting new people.