MEET TEAM VIP
Team VIP is made up of passionate and skilled specialists including Personal Trainers, Kinesiologists, Group Fitness Instructors, Nutritionists, Massage Therapists and more! Our unique approach allows our team to work together on client accounts to ensure that clients are getting the right combination of skills! Our fitness consultant will pair you with the Trainers and Practitioners best suited to you based on goals, history, skills, personality and overall needs!
Mark Krysko
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Fitness Manager
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NAIT - Certified Personal Trainer
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Muscle Mass & Strength Development
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Body Transformations & Fat Loss
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Functional Movement and Mobility Training
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High Intensity Metabolic Conditioning
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Muay Thai & Boxing Coaching
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Longevity & Vitality Optimization
Mark Krysko is a dynamic force in fitness, a NAIT-certified personal trainer, lifelong athlete, and professional stuntman in film and television. With over 20 years of coaching across Canada and 35+ years rooted in resistance training, Mark blends elite-level conditioning with functional movement mastery.
From athletes to everyday warriors, Mark delivers high-impact, personalized training. With a background spanning elite hockey, gymnastics, track, team sports, Muay Thai, and boxing, he brings a unique perspective on physical development, mental resilience, and performance, helping clients unlock their full potential.
His philosophy goes beyond aesthetics or athleticism; it’s an all-encompassing approach to optimal living—integrating strength, function, and sustainable lifestyle practices for lasting, positive change.
Mark’s coaching is intuitive, energized, and results-driven. With sharp attention to detail and motivating creativity,.
Alex Montague
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B.SC. Kinesiology
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Registered Kinesiologist (UBC 2018)
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Canadian School of Osteopathy (year 5)
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ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
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Fascial Stretch Therapist (level 2)
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Functional and Recovery Specialist
Alex is a certified personal trainer with ACSM, a fascial stretch therapist, and a registered kinesiologist with BCAK. He graduated from UBC with his bachelors of kinesiology in 2015 and has been designing strength, weight loss, and corrective exercise programs for nearly five years.
Alex is skilled in assessing and correcting movement patterns, designing corrective exercise programs, muscle activation, bodybuilding techniques, and sports specific functional movement. Alex is currently a student of Osteopathy manual practice at the Candian School of Osteopathy.
He's a total "human body nerd" and loves to see clients succeed at whatever their goal may be. The puzzle of figuring out not only how to make the client move correctly, and overcome plateaus, but how to modify lifestyle habits and change the way they view food, exercise, and health is what makes him love his job so much.
Steph Stresing
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Masters of Kinesiology (UBC 2024)
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ACE Certified Personal Trainer
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Weight Management Specialist
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Nutritionist
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Running Specialist & Performance Coach
Steph began her fitness journey more than 15 years ago as a high performance track and field athlete. After sustaining an injury she became invloved in recreational running, now frequently running both half and full marathons, and weight training.
Steph has a keen interest on evidence based practices which is what had lead to peruse higher education. Steph is currently working on her Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology and has Master of Arts in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Kinesiology under her belt. She is also an American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer.
Steph’s research focuses on the social influences which impact accessing healthcare services, adherence to physical activity, and the complexities of wearable fitness techonology on health promotion. Through this she understands that there is no ‘one size fits all’ appraoch to health and practicies this belief as a personal trainer.
Josiah Crawford
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Bsc. Kinesiology
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ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
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ACSM Group Exercise Instructor
Josiah (or Si) is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, where he focused on physiology and behavior change. During his time at UBC, he worked as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with varsity athletics, supporting high-performance student-athletes.
With over a decade of experience in gym environments and fifteen years as a competitive athlete in soccer, tennis, ultimate frisbee, and gymnastics, Si combines an understanding of movement and performance with a strong background in sport psychology. He truly believes that the relationship between trainer and client is a collaborative effort, and both need to be committed to the process to produce results. On his end, you can expect clear, consistent programs and personal coaching that are specific to your goals and values.
Outside the gym, Josiah’s passion for movement continues in nature, whether skiing, backpacking, running, climbing, or biking. Most recently, he spent six months guiding mountain bike tours in Colorado. He is passionate about prepping weekend warriors and high performance athletes alike for their next adventure.
Katie Charman
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NASM - Certified Personal Trainer
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ACE - Group Fitness Instructor
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ACE - Pre & Post Natal
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Weight Loss Specialist
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Fascial Stretch Therapist (level 2)
Katie grew up in London, where fitness and dance were central to her life. She played netball at district level, learning early the value of movement, teamwork, and discipline. This passion for sport led her to qualify as a Personal Trainer in 2016.
With over 10 years of experience, Katie has helped clients of all levels get stronger, move better, and feel more confident. She recently relocated to Vancouver, bringing her high-energy, people-first coaching style to VIP Fitness & Lifestyle-motivating, supportive, and results-driven.
Katie's experience spans boutique studios, commercial gyms, start-ups, and private practice, coaching everyone from first-time gym-goers to high-performing athletes. Her sessions are dynamic and tailored, combining strength, conditioning, mobility, and mindset work to deliver lasting results
She is passionate about her own fitness journey, having competed in multiple HYROX races, marathons, and fitness challenges, keeping her training diverse and inspiring her clients to do the same. Katie is also massively into the outdoors-she loves skiing, hiking, and exploring new places-which informs her adventurous and holistic approach to fitness.
In 2023, Katie expanded her focus into fitness recovery, earning a qualification in Dynamic 1-to-1 Assisted Stretch Therapy from the London School of Massage, which is often utilized by clients to improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance performance.
High-energy, approachable, and deeply invested in her clients, Katie believes personal training should be challenging, empowering, and fun. Her goal is to help you build a body you trust and a mindset that carries into every aspect of your life.
Jerry Yu
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ACE Certified Personal Trainer
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ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist
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Group Fitness Instructor
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Black Belt (Kyokushin Karate)
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Brown Belt (Jiu Jitsu)
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Competitive Kickboxer
Jerry's fitness journey began at the age of 12, sparking a passion that led him to become an ACE-certified personal trainer and martial arts instructor with over five years of industry experience. After graduating from UBC with a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Jerry sought a career that merged his marketing background with his love for fitness, ultimately finding his dream role at VIP Fitness.
Jerry is a black belt in Kyokushin Karate, a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu, and a competitive kickboxer. He enjoys sharing his martial arts knowledge with the VIP Community. In his kickboxing classes, Jerry emphasizes fitness, coordination, flexibility, and practical self-defense techniques and combos, personalized to suit our members' varied needs. Whether you're starting your fitness journey or are an experienced athlete, Jerry is committed to helping you reach your goals and building a strong community at VIP Fitness.
Fluent in: English, Mandarin
Emma Bergeron
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ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
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ISSA Corrective Exercise Specialist
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Calisthenics Specialist
Emma Bergeron grew up as a nationally ranked athlete, moving to the United States at 17 to pursue competitive show jumping. She represented Team Canada at the international level thrice, and still competes occasionally. With her athlete’s mindset and love for challenging herself, Emma found a passion for calisthenics in 2022.
Believing that control over your own body is the ultimate display of power and poise, Emma is a proponent of the wisdom to be found in the simplicity of ancient training techniques.
Upon experiencing such transformative personal empowerment through gaining strength, Emma felt a deep call to help others discover the same self confidence and self love that changed her life so drastically.
From 2022-2024 she gained immense experience working in a commercial gym space, learning how to be adaptable to individual client needs while finding the balance between her compassion for others, and challenging clients enough to drive adaption.
Working with a scoliotic curve and consequential imbalances inspired Emma to further educate herself on joint health, and how to move unimpeded and without pain. For this reason, her focus with clients is largely on quality of movement, and restoring the bodies natural resiliency and pliability.
With an uncanny love for the collective human race, Emma inspires and uplifts her clients with an exuberance and light that promotes a complete overhaul in mindset to one of positivity and hope.
Malcolm Brown
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Certified Personal Traine
Malcolm was born in Mexico City and grew up in the countryside of Michoacán, Mexico. From a young age, he was exposed to sports and team environments, participating in activities such as soccer, swimming, and both long- and short-distance running.
Eventually, Malcolm discovered weight training at his local gym. After years of consistency, he saw not only a transformation in his physique but also a profound change in his lifestyle, habits, and mindset.
Inspired by the impact fitness had on his life, Malcolm moved to Canada with the goal of helping others experience similar transformations through exercise and structured training.
Malcolm began working in a commercial gym in 2022 and soon became a personal trainer. During this time, he gained experience working with clients of all ages and fitness levels, helping them build strength, confidence, and healthier lifestyles.
In addition to coaching, Malcolm has competed in bodybuilding and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which has deepened his understanding of performance training, recovery strategies, and effective nutrition practices.
Malcolm believes there is a place for everyone in the gym. His philosophy is that training should be intentional, challenging, and tailored to each individual’s goals.
His mission is to help clients improve their quality of life through effective training, breaking through limiting beliefs and making lifestyle changes.
Outside of coaching, Malcolm loves dogs, the sun, spending time with his family and friends, training in martial arts, bodybuilding.
Fluent in: English, Spanish
Katherine McElroy
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Certified Pilates Instructor
Katherine is a Mat Pilates Instructor originally from New Zealand with a passion for combining strength and mindful movement in every class. Her approach focuses on core connection, alignment, and intentional movement to support strength and mobility.
Whether clients are new to Pilates or have been practising for years, Katherine strives to create a supportive environment where participants feel both encouraged and challenged. She empowers people to move at their own pace while building confidence in their bodies. Her goal is for every client to leave class feeling stronger, more balanced, and more connected to their body.
Sarah Harvey-Franklin
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Certified Yoga Instructor
Before teaching yoga, Sarah lived and worked in London, where yoga became her way to slow down and find space within a busy lifestyle. Over time, that practice of stillness grew into a deep passion for sharing yoga’s physical and mental benefits with others.
Sarah teaches with warmth and care, creating an inclusive space where everyone—newcomers and seasoned yogis alike—feels supported and at ease. Her classes focus on mindful movement, breath, and rest to help release tension and bring the body back into balance.
With training in yoga, Yin, mindfulness, anatomy, and lymphatic health, Sarah enjoys sharing the why behind the practice, helping students connect to both the science and the feeling of yoga. Expect gentle guidance, optional hands-on support, and a calm, grounding experience that invites you to simply breathe and be.
Fabiola Padilla
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Certified Yoga Instructor
Fabiola is a certified yoga instructor (YTT 200, Bali) and Sound Healing practitioner, bringing a holistic approach to wellness through movement, breath, and mindfulness. She specializes in Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, and Restorative yoga, offering classes suitable for all levels.
With experience in Corporate Wellness and Senior Wellness, Fabiola creates inclusive and engaging sessions that foster balance, strength, and relaxation. She loves supporting the community and helping students connect mind, body, and spirit in a welcoming environment.
Jodie Wong
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Studio Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Anna Lewellen -Jones
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Administrative Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Sara Shojaei
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Administrative Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Giselle Quero
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Administrative Assistant
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Certified Personal Trainer
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Group Fitness Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Phaedra Wright
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Founder, CEO, Co-owner
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BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer (2008)
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BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Trainer
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BCRPA Certified Weight Trainer
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Advanced Weight Training
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Sports Nutrition
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Functional Training Specialist
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Glute Training Specialist
With over 15 years in the fitness industry, Phaedra has built a reputation for turning passion into purpose—and helping others do the same. Her roots in competitive and professional dance laid the foundation for a lifelong love of movement, which evolved into a career in personal training, nutrition, and holistic wellness.
After years of working closely with clients, she realized true transformation goes beyond workouts. By integrating mindset coaching, recovery, and sustainable lifestyle practices, she began helping clients achieve results that actually last.
She launched her first training company in 2011, rebranded to VIP in 2015, and opened her flagship studio in 2018. Since then, she’s led an incredible team through challenge and change—navigating a global pandemic, scaling her brand, and continuing to evolve VIP into something more than a gym: a welcoming, inclusive space where people come to grow—physically and personally.
These days, you’ll find Phaedra coaching clients, mentoring her team, curating new wellness offerings, or hanging with her sidekick, Moons (the real boss around here).
She believes movement should feel good, growth should feel personal, and wellness should fit your real life.
Lindsey Fanning
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General Manager, COO, Co-owner
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Yoga Instructor (RYT 200 Hour Hatha & Vinyasa)
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Advanced Vinyasa (RYT 100 hours)
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Vinyasa Certificate (50 hours)
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Yin Yoga Certificate (50 hours)
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Traditional Thai Yogic Massage (60 hours)
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Meditation Specialist (40 hours)
Lindsey is a dynamic and passionate professional dedicated to fostering wellness through fitness and mindfulness practices.
As the General Manager of VIP Fitness & Lifestyle, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the community. With a background in both management and yoga instruction, Lindsey seamlessly integrates fitness with mental well-being to create a supportive and empowering environment for all members.
After discovering the transformative power of yoga for herself, she became a certified yoga instructor, eager to share the benefits of this practice with others. Lindsey specializes in a range of yoga modalities including: Vinyasa; Hatha; Yin; and Pre Natal Yoga. She is passionate about offering an accessible practice for all experience levels.
Her classes are known for their emphasis on alignment, breathwork, and mindfulness, helping students to cultivate strength, flexibility, and inner peace.
With her unique blend of expertise, passion, and leadership, Lindsey is making a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals, empowering them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
Apply Today
We are always looking for all star talent! If you think you belong on team VIP, send us your resume!
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We are currently hiring for Group Fitness Instructors!
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