Get to know the CrossFit FYP coaches
Renée-Claude Rioux: Owner/Head Coach
Renée graduated from University Laval in Quebec with her Kinesiology degree in 2009. Since then she has dedicated her life to working in the fitness industry. She worked for the Canadian Forces as a fitness instructor for over five years, training military for special unit task and fitness test.
At the time, she was playing elite level soccer and training for several races (5K-10K- 21.1K).
Renée officially started coaching CrossFit in 2014, after practicing the sport for over 2 years. She completely fell in love and started to train hard to be able to compete at a high level. Renée qualified as an individual for the 2016 & 2017 Western Canada Regionals and finished in 18th place in Canada after the 2019 CrossFit Open. In 2024, she also qualified for CrossFit Semi Finals in her age group (35-39), finishing 64th worldwide.
She has her CrossFit Level 1, Level 2 Certification (CF-L1/ CF-L2) and CrossFit Gymnastics course.
With 15+ years of personal and group coaching experience, a running and gymnastics background, she has a deep desire to inspire and help everyone that is ready to get after their goals.
David Coulombe: Owner/Coach
David has always been a very talented athlete. He started really young training for speed skating before switching to soccer, which turned out to be very successful for him.
He played at a very high level (D1 under 15) in France, then with the most elite club of the region of Quebec for over 8 years. He also coached young athletes for over 7 years.
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Later, he needed a bigger challenge and started to get into long distance running and took part in several races in the province. Since then, he completed more than 20 marathons (42.2K) and has discovered a real passion for endurance sports.
One of his most remarkable feats is tackling the grueling Fat Dog race, a 120-mile journey that he completed in 47 hours. But for David, it's not just about crossing the finish line; it's about embracing the challenge and emerging stronger on the other side.
Showing both incredible physical strength and a heart for giving back, David took on the challenge of running 7 marathons in 7 days, all to raise funds for children's sports. With each stride, he not only pushed his own boundaries but also inspired others to believe in the power of perseverance.
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David is currently training for an Ironman and has ambitious goals in the world of ultra running. Fuelled by an unyielding determination and fortified by an indomitable spirit, David continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, inspiring all who cross his path to reach for their own extraordinary heights.
Leesa Schlenker: Coach
As a ‘try it all’ type of athlete growing up Leesa fell in love with pushing the limits of her fitness. She competed in many sports growing up, but strength training and time in the gym is what she looked forward to every day.
From this passion she chose to pursue a degree in Kinesiology, specializing in health and exercise physiology, with a keen interest in strength and conditioning.
Throughout her schooling and over 7 years of coaching experience, Leesa has been a strength coach for multiple university sports teams, elite hockey teams, worked with aspiring speed skating and alpine Olympians, and has helped everyday athletes move towards their own goals.
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Leesa’s passion for fitness development has seen her pursue her own strength and fitness goals across many domains. From distance running to olympic-style weightlifting, athletic development, and road/mountain biking, she has always looked for new ways to test and improve her fitness, seeking new opportunities to challenge herself.
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All this led her to join CrossFit, a challenge she’s never looked back from. Leesa fell in love with the culture of continuous improvement and drive to be better every single workout. She is inspired daily by each person who walks into the gym and they challenge her to continue to seek the best version of herself.
Leesa is committed to helping you step out of your comfort zone and really see what you're capable of!
Liz Blackburn: Coach
Throughout her life Liz has always been an active person, participating in all kinds of sports including soccer, snowboarding, dirt biking, hiking, etc. At the time, she attended the gym often but her results weren’t progressing and quickly hit a plateau. Having a previous desk job has caused her to always struggle with back pain and other compensation patterns. After years of training in CrossFit, she can confidently say that it has incredibly benefited her by relieving back pain and teaching the correct movement patterns. Now, Liz can fully enjoy her favourite hobbies and activities, pain free! CrossFit has changed her life mentally, emotionally & physically.
Liz started CrossFit in 2014. She knew right away that she was hooked and only a few months later she felt a strong desire to become a coach. She then took her Level 1 and Level 2 CrossFit Course Certification. Her biggest motivation is seeing members progress and watching them achieve something they never thought they could do!
Since becoming a CrossFit coach, Liz felt an even stronger desire to push her understanding of the human body and learn how to correct muscle imbalances. She completed the Registered Massage Therapy program in 2019 and is now using the extent of her knowledge as an RMT to even further coach the client’s in the gym!
Liz is always amazed to notice the progress everyone has made and the friendly & welcoming vibe you get as you walk through the doors. She encourages everyone to give CrossFit a shot, no matter what your goal is, your age, or that you have never been to a gym before– there is something for everyone!
Kaylie Hadley: Coach
Kaylie has always been very active. By the time she was twelve she was already a top tennis player in the province of Ontario. She went on to play varsity tennis at the University of Toronto as well as varsity badminton at Ryerson University. All that while coaching tennis to kids in the Toronto area.
Kaylie’s competitive nature and drive for healthy living lead her to many other sports over the years including gymnastics, Brazilian Jujitsu, field hockey, volleyball and golf.
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In 2018 Kaylie began her journey into body building with the goal to train towards a physique competition which she completed in 2019.
Looking for a more sustainable fitness path, Kaylie tried CrossFit and was instantly hooked! She loves that in CrossFit there is always a new skill to learn or a lift to improve on, all while having a great support group around you.
In 2020 she completed her CrossFit Level 1 Certification with the goal to help others succeed in their fitness journey. Kaylie is committed to bringing a positive outlook to every class and helping you become the happiest and healthiest version of you!
Maxime Bidan: Coach
Maxime completed a STAPS license (Science and technique of physical and sports activities) at the University of Nantes in France, before completing a specific sports trainer diploma “BPJEPS Activity in the specialty form Weightlifting/bodybuilding” in 2018.
He subsequently passed his Level 1 CrossFit trainer certification in 2019, then began working in CrossFit Gyms (CF War Machine / CF Human Project / CF Saint Hilaire de Riez) in France.
In 2022, he passed his Level 2 CrossFit trainer Certification , to deepen his knowledge of the methodology and be able to provide the best content to the members.
Maxime has always been very active , 12 years of playing Soccer and 6 years of playing Rugby, always in parallel with functional training in the weight room to help him in his sports performances.
In 2018 he discovered CrossFit, and developed a passion for the methodology. Between 2019 and 2023, he completed a good number of national level competitions in France, and qualified 3 times in a row to participate in the CrossFit QuarterFinal.
After 5 years now coaching in CrossFit Gyms, he is keen to pass on his passion for the methodology and help members achieve their goals whatever they may be!
Charlot Butler: Coach
As a child, Charlot was always interested in every sport imaginable, but particularly passionate about gymnastics. She trained for 26 hours a week from pre-school until the end of Grade 9, learning complex skills. Her dedication paid off, and she eventually reached a national level, competing across the United States and Canada. Her experience in gymnastics has given Charlot valuable knowledge that she can apply to coaching individuals in CrossFit.
Upon completing high school, she moved to Edmonton for six years to pursue a combined degree in kinesiology and education at the University of Alberta. Charlot was then a varsity athlete, representing the university in both track and rugby. Through her years of playing sports, she has gained extensive knowledge in Olympic lifting and had the privilege to train with elite coaches.
In the final year of her university studies, Charlot made the decision to travel to Calgary and attend a Level 1 CrossFit certification course in January 2021. She is a firm believer that functional fitness is essential for everyone to live a successful life and be able to enjoy the small leisure activities that make life worth living.
Charlot have been coaching and training in CrossFit for about three years now, and has never looked back. After graduating as a varsity athlete, she was unsure of what to do with her sporting career until she discovered CrossFit. It has filled a void inside and given her a community that supports her with the same passion, drive, and discipline she always had when I trained as a varsity athlete.
Brad Duffin: Coach
Brad, professional Firefighter is passionate about CrossFit. With more than five years practicing the sport intensively, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the FYP CrossFit Community. He also completed his CrossFit Level One Certification in 2023.
Prior to starting coaching CrossFit, Brad played professional hockey in Sweden and spent 6 years as a strength and conditioning coach. His expertise led him to work with high-performance athletes ranging from 14-year-olds up to professionals.
Notable achievements during his playing career include captaining the Olds Grizzlys in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), winning a Telus Cup National Midget Championship in 2012, and winning two NCAA National Championships with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Brad loves the friendly competitive side of CrossFit, and enjoys learning and sharing efficiency/skill tips with members.
Anna Carter: Coach
Anna embodies the essence of a dedicated athlete with a rich history in sports and fitness. Beginning with her early years on the basketball court from middle school through two years of post-secondary play, Anna's competitive spirit was evident from the start. She also delved into horseback riding from the age of 4-16 and decided to continue that sport from the 22 years old to now, further refining her physical abilities.
Her journey into CrossFit at FYP marked a pivotal moment, where Anna discovered her love for functional fitness. For two years, she thrived in the vibrant community, embracing the challenge of pushing her boundaries.
Fuelled by her competitive drive, Anna has set her sights on the national bodybuilding stage, with an upcoming competition slated for August 2024. She recently competed in October 2023, her bodybuilding debut and took the stage by storm, winning 4 first places, 1 second, a third and the overall title.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Anna is a certified personal trainer and registered massage therapist. With a foundation in kinesiology spanning four years, she possesses a deep understanding of the human body. Anna's unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their fitness goals, combined with her relentless pursuit of excellence, serves as an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to train alongside her.
