Core Training & Therapy- Staff

Kristen Sesak Kristen graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Kinesiology in May of 2008 and certified as an Athletic Therapist in November of 2009. In January 2009 she attained her CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) title through the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) and has been a personal trainer since 2006. In June of 2011 she licensed as a Primary Care Paramedic and continues to increase her knowledge taking courses such as Soft Tissue Release and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. From a young age she has been physically active, strongly influenced by her mother, Cindy, who currently holds MFC certifications in Group Fitness and Resistance Training. Kristen started playing soccer when she was five, enjoying it so much that she developed into a competitive athlete. She played in the Youth Premier Division, Senior Women’s Premier Division and with the Provincial soccer teams. During her university studies, she also played for the U of M Bison’s. By the age of 15, under the guidance of her mother, Kristen had started resistance training to help gain strength and power to remain a competitive force on her soccer teams. Enjoying it so much, she decided to take her weight training to the next level and start competing in Figure Competitions. In 2009 she earned the title of Ms. Figure Short Manitoba, placing first in her height class at the Provincial Competition. Continuing in 2010, she earned an overall win in figure with the WBFF (World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation), earning her Pro Status. She currently continues to compete with the WBFF as a Pro Figure competitor. Passionate about volunteering, Kristen has been a Girl Guide Leader since 2001 and has worked as the athletic therapist for numerous hockey and football teams. In her spare time (when she gets it!), she enjoys snowboarding, camping, backpacking, and even manages the odd weekend out at her cottage! Striving to be a positive influence for all people in her life she takes immense pride in helping people reach their rehabilitative/competitive physical goals and giving her clients improved confidence and overall improved well-being in their day to day lives.

Barb Cajas (Herda) - Director Barbara Cajas received her Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) in 1986 from the University of Manitoba. She maintains additional credentials as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP), CSEP Health & Fitness Program Course Conductor (CSEP- CC) and NCCP Level III Certified Judo Coach. She is Director of CORE Training & Therapy, a consulting company that offers a variety of health & wellness services, including personal training, a fitness facility and therapy clinic (athletic & physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, etc.). She is also an instructor at the University of Winnipeg (since 1995) and previously the Wellington College of Massage Therapy. She has been profiled in the media over the years, including but not limited to the Winnipeg Free Press, CBC news, Global News, and the Big Breakfast. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her either dancing merengue with her husband, Antonio, or on the judo mats (tatamis) training & helping Manitoba athletes prepare for their next competition. A past competitive athlete, she won the gold medal for her weight division at the Manitoba Provincial Judo Championships several times, and medaled in both national and international tournaments, including a bronze medal for Canada at Rendez-Vous Canada 2006 and gold at the British Masters Open in 2004. Helping people get results has been an ongoing source of motivation and inspiration for her. With clients ranging in age from 8-90+, her consultant team designs activity programs with goals varying from health and lifestyle, getting into shape, job-related performance & programs for competitive athletes. Her never-ending search for knowledge & its practical application keeps her passionate about this field.

Fern has been on staff at CORE Training & Therapy since it opened its doors in 2005. She is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), and a certified MFC Resistance Training Leader. Fern is currently completing her degree in Kinesiology and Applied Health at the University of Winnipeg. Fern enjoys training and competing in ultra- marathons and triathlons. She has participated in events around the world, including the Dublin Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and Ironman Canada. Fern appreciates that most families today are faced with busy schedules. However, she firmly believes that they would benefit greatly from incorporating regular physical activity into their lives; as it is associated with improving overall health and well-being. As a mother and role model for her two daughters, she pushes through the daily challenges related to balancing family life, work, training, and school. Keeping fun as a priority, she also enjoys judo, skating, and cross country skiing. Fern McIver - Manager

Andrew T. Grant

Andrew has been a member of the CORE team since January, 2008. He holds the designation of Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and is completing his 4 year BSc. in Athletic Therapy at the University of Winnipeg. Andrew is highly motivated and fiercely competitive, having participated in various sports since he was a child. He has represented Canada at a number of World Cups as a member of the national fencing squad and won a bronze medal at the Carl Schwende Junior World Cup in 2003. More recently, he was the silver medalist at the 2008 World Footbag Championships. Currently, Andrew has channeled his intensity into his studies. His areas of interest are rehabilitative exercise, functional training, and high-performance strength and conditioning. In the field, he has worked as the trainer for the Grant Park Pirates High School Junior Varsity and Varsity football teams during their 2011 campaigns. He is also the student athletic therapist for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen Women’s Volleyball team. In addition, Andrew is the president of the University of Winnipeg Athletic Therapy Students Association. In what little spare time he has, he enjoys cycling and is an avid (although landlocked) surfer. Determined and persistent by nature, Andrew understands the work and dedication it takes to succeed. Andrew looks forward to helping others push their limits to achieve their health, fitness and performance goals.

Krissy finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Applied Health at the University of Winnipeg in June, 2008. Having studied this specialty area of human movement and how the body responds to physical activity and exercise, she is now a certified personal trainer (CPT) through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). She is also a member of the Manitoba Fitness Counsel. She has experience administering the fitness evaluations for PARE RCMP. She also has experience working with persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. She enjoys working with people of all abilities and helping them attain their fitness, health and performance goals. She was welcomed to the CORE team in August 2008. Krissy joined the track and field team doing sprinting in her high school, and has ever since, been hooked on exercise and the great feeling it gives her. It was in grade 12 that she realized and thus decided that she wanted to be a personal trainer. After graduation, though, she first went on a 1-year program called School of Discipleship (which is currently called Outtatown) which is part of the Canadian Mennonite University. She travelled all over Western Canada with a large group of students where she learned about the bible and developed strong and lasting friendships. Then she went to Guatemala for 3 months where she did missions work and lived with a Guatemalan family. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for 2 weeks and did lots of construction-type work for schools and group homes. Krissy feels that this experience has changed her life and helped her to grow and mature as a person. Krissy enjoys weight training, dancing (particularly salsa and Hip Hop), fishing, hiking and spending time at the beach during the summer. She has always had a passion for personal training and wants to encourage everyone to stay active.

Krissy Friesen

Sheri has been involved in sport and fitness all throughout her life. In High School she received the Athlete of the year award and Memorial Scholarship for her dedication, commitment and hard work in sport and life. After high school, she pursued this interest by enrolling in the Kinesiology program at the University of Winnipeg. Along with her University degree, she holds certificates in both Group Fitness and Resistance training through the MFC (Manitoba Fitness Council), Fit-4-Two pre and post natal certification and is a CSEP -CPT(Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology- Certified Personal Trainer). Presently Sheri is working on her Yoga certification. Sheri enjoys helping people achieve their personal health and fitness goals. She believes her commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle has helped her stay grounded and strong both in body and mind - especially considering she is managing two children in addition to everything else she does! In fact, it was the birth of her second child in December of 2009 that inspired her to more intensely and formally pursue studying pregnancy and exercise. She hopes to help others benefit like she has from striving for and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle. …and it doesn't stop there! Sheri takes advantage of being strong and healthy by living other areas of her life to their fullest. She likes mountain biking, rock climbing, x-country skiing and beating her husband in badminton and crazy 8's! Most of all, she enjoys dancing around the house with her two girls! Sheri Bullman

Heather has been a member of the CORE team since August 2008. She is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP), and also a certified Resistance Training leader through the Manitoba Fitness Council. Heather is also completing her 4 year BSc in Athletic Therapy at the University of Winnipeg. Heather has competed in many endurance events including marathons, half Ironman, and most recently Ironman Canada 2011. Goals for the future include qualifying for the Boston Marathon and also participating in more triathlons. She practices balance by rounding out her program with weight training, stability training and stretching exercises. Heather appreciates and enjoys working with clients on helping them to achieve their own fitness or health related goals. She has a personal belief in staying healthy and strong so you can live life to its fullest. This is why you will see or hear her promoting the importance of active living, and encouraging people that you are capable of anything if you just put your mind to it.

Heather Haus

Deanne graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor’s degree of Exercise and Sports Science in 2004 and certified as an Athletic Therapist later that same year. She has been a Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC) since 2004, recently up-grading to Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). In 2005 she challenged and passed the NSCA (National Sports and Conditioning Association) exam and became a Certified Strength and conditioning specialist. Deanne currently uses her fitness background as a fitness and sports instructor at 17 Wing Winnipeg. She believes in a combined approach of hand on and active rehabilitation while treating a wide spectrum of patients (ranging in severity, ages and capabilities). Deanne feels it imperative to herself as well as the individuals she treats to keep well informed of all improvements to the field. With that she continues to upgrade on an ongoing basis including a soft tissue release course in the spring of 2007. She is also looking forward to taking courses in myofascial release and joint mobilizations in the near future. In her free time, Deanne enjoys a large variety of activities: having a diverse aquatic background she participates in a variety of water activities as well as triathlons, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and snowboarding.

Deanne Bennett

Lori Froese first became interested in Athletic Therapy while volunteering at Brandon University. She graduated with a BSC in 2000. She then attended The University of Winnipeg graduating in 2003 with a BA in Kinesiology and applied Health. While preparing for her National exams, Lori held a Lab Instructor position at the University of Winnipeg. Lori became a certified Athletic Therapist in 2004. Lori has been involved in many sporting events ranging from Western Canada Summer Games, Saskatchewan Summer Games, Manitoba Marathon and various national and international championships held across Canada. Currently Lori helps organize medical support for the Manitoba provincial soccer programs, and various premier soccer teams in Winnipeg. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan and Manitoba with three brothers, Lori has always made sports and recreation activity a part of her life. She has played many sports and now is also becoming more interested in coaching. Growing up with a family with many health issues, Lori understands the importance of healthy eating and exercise. And if there is one thing that Lori will stress, it is the importance of good posture, and always striving to improve.

Lori Froese

Claude certified as an Athletic Therapist in June 2008. He currently holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology (’06) from the University of Winnipeg and a Bachelor of Physical Education (’97) from the University of Manitoba. Out of high school he tried his hand in the Faculty of Engineering at U of M but knew that his path lay elsewhere. In completing his BPE, Claude was able to obtain several of the required courses at Collège Universitaire de Saint Boniface (CUSB). Claude has worked at Air Canada since 1995. He has had the opportunity to travel and has experienced and appreciates a variety of cultures. He especially enjoys and takes pride in the support he receives from his wife and three children. Recently, he has completed the 2008-2009 season as an assistant coach with the University of Winnipeg Women’s Volleyball. Claude has coached volleyball at CUSB and several high school teams in Manitoba. He has also been involved coaching badminton, ultimate Frisbee, soccer and baseball. He has taught canoeing skills and has led wilderness adventures for young teens. He has been a Lab Instructor at U of W and a Lab Assistant at U of M. He has served as a volunteer Board member for the Manitoba Organization of Disc Sport. Claude has always been active and is always willing to try something new. As a student therapist he tried rugby for the first time. He enjoys ultimate, volleyball, disc golf, badminton, soccer, canoeing, hiking and any game he can make up with his kids. He is the champ at soccer-basketball. Claude is passionate, hard working and dedicated to his profession. He appreciates and respects all aspects of life and strives to share those experiences with the people who surround him.

Claude Gauthier

Leeona is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg, holding a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Geography, Anthropology, and Kinesiology and Applied Health. She was the 2002 recipient of the CSEP undergraduate award for excellence in the area of scientific studies. After completing her degree, Leeona attended the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba, and graduated with honors in 2006 as an Advanced Remedial Massage Therapist. Leeona holds certification as a CSEP- CPT and has worked as a Fitness Consultant doing personal training with the Training Firm and CORE Training & Therapy since 2001, and as a Registered Massage Therapist at the facility since 2006. She also enjoys teaching others about fitness and health, as head lab instructor at the University of Winnipeg for the course “Scientific Principals of Fitness and Conditioning”. A type 1 diabetic, Leeona knows first hand the important role that exercise plays in managing her condition and maintaining health. It was her diagnosis at the age of 21 that compelled her to research her condition, and the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyle as part of its management. This was a big part of what inspired her to return to university to pursue her Kinesiology degree. She enjoys working with individuals who face similar challenges, including those with arthritis, fibrobyalgia, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, neurological impairments, and diabetes. In her spare time (when she finds some!), Leeona enjoys spending time at the lake and keeping active with swimming, horseback riding, waterskiing, and riding her dirtbike.

Leeona Bond - RMT, CPT, BA

Ashley was welcomed by the CORE team in June 2010. She graduated in 2009 from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Applied Health. After having had the opportunity to volunteer in exercise classes with children with disabilities as well as with seniors, she realized that helping people improve their well-being was an essential part of her life. She decided to continue her studies and become a CPT, certified personal trainer with CSEP (Canadian Society of Exercise Professionals). Exercise has always been a vital part of Ashley’s life. Growing up, she figure skated in the winter and played softball in the summer. When each sport became increasingly more demanding, she chose to put away her softball glove and continue figure skating. One of her greatest accomplishments was competing for Team Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games in 1999. While training, she gained her first experience in the weight room and really enjoyed the atmosphere and the positive outcome. Although she has now hung up her skates, she went back to her roots and plays slo-pitch in the summer and enjoys rollerblading around Assiniboine Park.

Ashley Dyck

Grant Bainard Grant is a fun-loving and dedicated individual who is a strong advocate for active living. He proudly holds a 4-year BSc in Kinesiology & Applied Health from the University of Winnipeg, specializing in Exercise Science. A believer in sharing his knowledge, he is now an instructor at the University of Winnipeg, assisting others in achieving their goal in becoming a Kinesiologist. Grant is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP- CPT), and has been working in the industry since April, 2010. Grant's personal fitness interests include biking, jogging, resistance training, and recreational sports. He enjoys watching and participating in many sports such as soccer, hockey, tennis, basketball, football, and golf. He also coached Special Olympic basketball for 4 years, and greatly enjoyed seeing the improvements his team. Grant spends some of his leisure time listening to music, watching movies, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, and occasionally playing one of his guitars. Grant thoroughly enjoyed his experience in fulfilling his degree in Kinesiology at the University of Winnipeg, but doesn't wish for his learning to end there. He loves to learn about the human body and mind, as well as their responses to physical activity and exercise. Grant wishes to pursue a career in physiotherapy where he can apply his expertise in exercise science to rehabilitation, and help make Manitoba a healthier community. Through his academic background and personal training experiences, Grant strives to educate his clients of all ages and abilities, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their personal fitness goals in a fun and rewarding way.