Lisa D. McGhee, General Manager
Personal training has presented an opportunity for me to create effective, individualized exercise programs for others. I have been nationally certified by American Council on Exercise for over 15 years and love to work out. I have competed in marathons and fitness competitions and enjoy skiing and mountain biking. I believe training is an art in which one must take each client's specific needs and apply current research to create a successful program geared towards their goals; above all, it must be fun! In training, I strive to deliver a message that strikes a balance between efficiency and excitement to help you achieve your goals. I have enjoyed fitness all of my life, however, this journey from fitness expert to fitness manager has had its own set of challenges. The creation of Back Bay Fitness has been my dream come true - it is where elegance meets functionality. I find this role an exciting opportunity to sharpen my management and business skills. Before opening Back Bay Fitness, I acted as a consultant for fitness owners in areas of management techniques and development of operations.

Mickey Stubler, Sales Executive 
I've been in sales and marketing since earning my Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin. However, I knew I wanted to be in the industry back in 6th grade when my favorite day of the week was Friday. Not because it meant the weekend was ahead but because that was the day we got to read out loud our creative stories we'd been writing that week. I could hardly endure the waiting till it was my turn to get in front of the classroom and read my masterpiece. Invariably the story always lead to laughter and outright hilarity with kids clutching their sides or leaning forward in their seats waiting for my next words. I loved it. After starting in the banking industry out of college, I spent the last 10 1/2 years in property management as assistant manager for sales and leasing. It was there that I realized my true nitch for serving the client and my talent for creating an atmosphere conducive for high volume sales.

PERSONAL TRAINING COACHES

Matt Okoro - Matt played collegiate basketball on a full ride scholarship for the University of California at Irvine, where he received his B.A. in Economics. He has played professional basketball in South America and in the American Basketball Association. Matt has been a fitness professional for three years and has certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Council on Strength and Fitness, and Apex Nutrition. Matt uses attention to detail, motivation and positive reinforcement to assist his clients in acheiving their fitness goals. His expertise includes working with individuals who wish to acheive body fat loss, sports performance enhancement, and post-rehabilitation therapy. He enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and playing recreational basketball.

Sarah Daum - I have always been into health and fitness ever since my freshman year of high school when I joined the swimming and waterpolo team. From there, my emphasis in health and fitness grew when I went to college and was able to be on their rowing team. Wanting to learn how to train my body for my sport, acheive weight loss goals, and learn how the body works, I decided to go for my B.S. in Pre-Physical Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Hoping to become a physical therapist after college, I found myself getting into personal training as a precursor. I fell in love with it and have been doing it for almost three years now. I love helping my clients reach for goals felt they could never reach before, while enjoying the process. I love to overcome obstacles and make things fun and innovative for each and every client. There is nothing greater than helping your client see and feel those hard-earned results!

Jack Kenefick - Jack's passion is to empower people with confidence and vitality in acheiving a better quality of life. After working in a career as a CPA for 11 years, Jack decided that life was too short not to do what he loves. He has always been involved with sports and fitness but now has his own successful fitness practice and has never looked back. He is certified through ISSA and has 22 years of fitness training experience behind him. He grew up in Laguna Beach and now lives in Newport Beach. His approach has always been to introduce a very simple, effective exercise and nutritional program that is designed to integrate with a client's existing lifestyle as seamlessly as possible. Consistency is key. Therefore, acheiving a balance between work, family and fitness is paramount to long term success. Approximately 90% of Jack's clientele are women, ages 35+, who want to focus on weight loss and body toning. Jack prides himself on the care he takes with each client as no two people are alike and everyone's needs are different. He provides private, semi-private and group sessions for men and women of all ages.

John Sanchez - I have been a personal trainer for about three years now. I have been lucky enough to work with so many people with very different needs. I have had the opportunity to help a fifth-degree black belt improve his skills, to help a grandmother gain enough strength to pick up her grandchildren, and to help a young girl cope with Fibromyalgia. I love when people approach me with challenging goals, and nothing makes me feel better than to see them accomplish those goals. My certifications include: National Council on Strength and Fitness - CPT; National Academy of Sports Medicine - CPT; APEX.

Kristine Croker - I have been working in the fitness industry for 8 years now, however I have been active my entire life. I started with sports - volleyball, basketball and softball, then later got involved with dancing. It became more than just a weekend hobby. I trained at an Arts High School in Minnesota and eventually received a BFA in dance at University of California Irvine in 2000. While dancing, I took many aerobics classes to stay in shape, which led to becoming an AFFA certified group exercise instructor. A couple of years later, I decided to get a personal training certifical through the American Council on Exercise so that I could work one-on-one with individuals. I developed my skills at UCI where I worked as the Personal Training Coordinator for Campus Recreation. There, I was able to work with young kids, active college students, athletes and more mature clients. In my free time, I enjoy running, dancing, and choreographing my aerobics. I am also currently certified in spinning, recreation cycling and turbokick.

Dr. Jimmy Hang - Dr. Jimmy Hang received his undergraduate studies at UCLA with a degree in Physiological Science in 1997. His passion for the human body and biomechanics became apparent when he decided to pursue a career in rehab medicine, and later graduated with a clinical doctorate in physical therapy at USC. He has trained at various private gyms, including the exclusive Equinox Fitness Club in South Pasadena. He currently holds the world distinguished certification, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) that specializes in injury prevention and strength training to help increase athletes? performance. Actively participating in martial arts, snowboarding, dancing, and long distance running including trail races and full marathons entitles him to be considered an expert in running injuries.

Donna Vittorio - I now have 20 years in the fitness industry, but it was not until my late twenties that I took up personal training.  I loved the strength and confidence I gained from lifting weights and how it changed the shape of my body! That excites me! I am a mother of two adult daughters and Nanna of two beautiful grandchildren, training my daughter throughout her pregnancies.  I recently moved to Southern California from Paso Robles, CA. where I owned with my ex husband a beautiful private gym. It was a dream come true for me...however short lived.  I am certified through ISSA and hold numerous certifications: Personal Trainer, Fitness Therapy, Sports Performance Nutrition, Endurance Training, and Pre and Post-Natal Exercise Design.  I am also a certified Fitness Chef through NESTA, certified through the Chek Institute Bio Mechanic Golf Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist. My experience is working with many clients who desire weight loss, as well as those who struggle with high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, arthritis,diabetes, hypoglycemia, clients recovering from surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, shoulder surgeries, tendon repair etc. I have also worked with many clients involved in body building/sculpting and just general fitness/maintenance.  My philosophy when it comes to training is KEEP IT SIMPLE - stick to the basics because they work! I incorporate endurance, strength, flexibility and core training in all my sessions. My time with my clients is valuable, as they will learn how to incorporate better eating habits and embrace an active life style that will fit their needs. I also have experience as a REAL military boot camp Sergeant working with high risk teenagers, one of the most rewarding positions I held before opening my gym.

Anette Lynch - Anette was born in Brazil and raised in Haifa-Israel. Upon completing high school, she served in the Israeli Army for 5 years as a distinguished officer. Anette attended and graduated from the University of Haifa with a degree in Physiology and Psychology. With a desire to see more of the world and to seek new career challenges, Anette embarked her final journey to the United States, specifically Chicago, Illinois, in the summer of 1990. It was in Chicago where Anette began her professional fitness career as a Certified Personal Trainer, Aerobics Instructor, Life Coach and Massage Therapist. Within a short time, she developed a successful in-home private personal training practice. Anette relocated to Southern California in 2005with her husband, Timothy, a California native. Anette's credentials include a certification as a Personal Trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physiology. She is also a Life Coach, Massage Therapist and Aqua Therapist trained. Her services include nutritional counseling, injury prevention and education, full postural and gait assessments and treatment with special populations (i.e., Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Geriatrics, Post-Rehabilitation, Sports Specifics Training). Anette's desire to be the best in her field and love for fitness came to its fullest n 1997, when she acheived a first place award at the NPC Tri-State Natural Body Building Championship in Chicago. She received second place honors a year later. Anette recalls, "I worked very hard for that contest and, above all, I learned that if you put your mind, soul, and heart into goals, whatever they may be, you are bound to be successful and will achieve great things." Anette's goal is to provide the same spirit, determination, and love of fitness she has experienced to educate, motivate, and inspire her clients to achieve a higher quality and longevity of life through fitness education, and proper instruction, while maintaining her client's goals through an individualized and tailored professional training program.

Drew Weir - Born and raised in Laguna Beach, Drew has grown up with a respect for the outdoors and the treasures it offers not only for mind but, more specifically, for body. With years of involvement in baseball, football and beach volleyball and also as a competitive surfer for 26 years, Drew knows the committment one needs to succeed. As a natural competitor, he brings that committment to his business and expects no less from his clients. Having been involved in the fitness industry for 21 years, Drew holds certifications nationally with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Counsel in Exercise, EFI Sports Medicine Personal Training and Group Training and Apex Fitness including Advanced Sport Supplementation and Performance Nutrition. He recently updated his resume with certifications with Paul Check to include Assessing Core Function, High Performance Core Conditioning and Functional Anatomy of the Core. Drew has trained clients from age 12 to 86 with a specialization in Core Conditioning and Functional Training and welcomes the challenges that every individual brings, whether it be sport-specific, fat loss or challenging his clients in balance and stability so they may function in everyday life. His passion for fitness is seen in his clients' continued success and drives him to continue to learn. He enjoys anything involving the beach and has surfed his entire life.

Eugene Laporte - Certified through NESTA, MUSCLE, FITNESS, CPR and AED, Eugene has been training for over 20 years, both in-home and at the gym, with a total clientele of over 800 people from ages 10 to 85, each with specific needs and problems. With a background in bodybuilding and pro-fitness training, his speciualty is in weight loss, cardio fitness and improvement in flexibility. His passion for helping people get into shape and feel better about themselves has led to the training of cross-country runners, golfers, body builders, tennis players, football players, pro baseball players. He has developed a training method that combines cardio, weight loss, and an increase in muscular strength and endurance, designed to prevent diseased such as carpal tunnel, osteoporosis, arthritis and heart disease. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as outdoor activities.

Jessica Jordan - Having always had a passion to help better people's lives, I have been in the fitness industry for over five years. When I discovered the opportunities that personal training offered, I knew this was where I belonged. I love to work out myself, and I know my passion, inspiration and determination can help anyone acheive their personal fitness goals. Along with a degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from Cal State Long Beach, I hold certifications through NASM, AFAA and NCSF. My specialty is in weight loss and body sculpting, as well as training people with special needs. Besides my family, my number one hobby and passion is personal training and training myself. I love it!

Wende Lechon - Wende comes to Orange County with 20 years experience in the fitness industry. She is both a personal trainer and a group exercise instructor. Certififed through both NASM and ACE, she also teaches pilates. In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Hosh Ahvari - Hosh is certified through NASM and has over 5 years of training experience. He has a wide variety of expertise and can meet a client's goals and needs at whatever point they are. Hosh's interest in training was spurred by a life changing experience involving dramatic weight loss of his own. He has since dedicated his career to helping others reach their weight loss goals. What sets Hosh apart is his ability to relate to those who struggle to meet their weight loss goals.

Dave Camizzi - Dave has a very outgoing personality with a high energy level and 22 years of training experience. He was born and raised in upstate New York, where he attended and graduated with honors from Erie Community College with a degree in Exercise Sport Science; additionally, he is certified through NASM, AFAA, and Apex Nutrition. Dave thoroughly enjoys sports enough to have coached high school baseball and kids tennis. Having served in the Navy for 6 years, he had the opportunity to travel to over 20 countries around the world! Now, as a personal trainer, Dave is able to utilize this military experience to provide a boot camp style of personal training when appropriate. His training specialties include functional, core, agility, balance and flexibility. As a new client, Dave will provide you with a  thorough fitness assessment and posture analysis to create a customized workout program.

Priscilla Coraccini - Priscilla has been a personal trainer since 2004.  She studied physical education in her homeland of Brazil; she loves to surf and speaks Spanish and Portuguese.  She has worked as a physical therapy aide, is NASM certified and obtained her fitness specialist certification from Orange Coast College.  She enjoys working with active adults that want to maintain independence and quality in their lives.

Malachi Edmond - Malachi is a collegiate and professional athlete.  He played collegiate basketball and European pro-basketball.  He enjoys coaching at all levels and often works with youth teams in various specific sports training such as volleyball, soccer and basketball.  He graduated from the University of California Irvine and has personal trainer certifications from IFPA and NASM.  Malachi is multi-talented in many sports amd specializes in endurance training. An avid sufer, he enjoys working with a client to improve surfing strength and skills. Other activites he enjoys are dancing and basketball.  He is very personable and focused on his clients achieving results.

Christina Jakob - Christina loves fitness and it is apparent at first glance.  She has been an active fitness model and is very athletic.  Having grown up in Canada, she enjoys being active; her favorite activites include outdoor hikes, mountain biking, relaxing and fun in the sun.  Christina is ISSA certified in personal training and is very open to working with all types of people that are interested in improving health and well being.  She is very easy to be around and is truly enjoyable as a trainer.

Mark Jelinek - Mark has been a personal trainer for over 7 years after obtaining his BA from Long Beach State in Kinesiology.  He enjoys working with sports specific clients to improve their game of tennis and/or golf.  Mark also enjoys working with the general population to help them maintain a good fitness regime for life.  Mark is pleasant and easy going and can get along with just about anyone. 

Sarah Lopez - Sarah has been actively working in the fitness industry for over 10 years, with experience in both group fitness as well as personal training. She has obtained her personal training certification from NAHF as well as a certification as a Pilates Instructor from Long Beach Dance Conditioning.  She enjoys working extensively with both men and women but recognizes the specific need to create a healthy fitness regime for females ranging from athletes to moms.  She has a plethora of skills that include endurance training, stretching and range of motion, as well as body sculpting.  Sarah is committed to her husband and enjoys time with her mom.  You will find that Sarah has many attributes that compliment her career as a personal trainer and group fitness coach, including her enthusiasm for making fitness fun. Sarah enjoys working and helping others find their niche and pleasure source for getting more active and staying active.

Mark Nelson - Mark is a well-rounded expert with 16 years of experience. Mark attended Orange Coast College where  he earned a Fitness Specialist Certificate. This year long program included instruction in nutrition, kinesiology, sports medicine and resistance training. Mark's professionalism, attention to detail, and vast knowledge combine to make him an outstanding trainer. Specialties include mature populations and clients with special needs.

Tommy Nelson - Tommy has been a personal trainer/endurance coach for 5 years. He started at the University of Maryland and then headed west to Orange County, California.  He specializes in endurance sports (running, cycling and triathalons); he enjoys all cardiovascular training as well as weight loss programs.  Tommy is an active professional cyclist, surfs, and enjoys music and stand-up comedy.  Tommy is NASM certified in personal training, holds his Johnny G spin certification and obtained a BS in Kinesiology.  He enjoys racing and has successfully competed in several Ironman Triathalon races; he continues today to race USCF Category 1 cycling.  Tommy knows how to balance training and life, if you want an experience that will improve your endurance training or sport, Tommy is the trainer for you. 

P.J. Rogowski - At age fourteen, P.J. started lifting weights to improve his performance in high school sports. This sparked an interest in fitness and weight training that continued to grow even after high school; reading books and articles on fitness, nutrition and weight training built a strong foundation for his developing career. He attended the National Personal Training Institute in Orlando, Florida, receiving his diploma in January of 2005, followed by a certification from National Academy of Sports Medicine later that year. Working as a personal trainer at Jade Health Club and Spa in Miami, Florida and Bally Total Fitness in Glendale Heights, Illinois gave him the opportunity to train many types of people and guide them as they attained their goals. Still active in sports and athletics today, he is currently training for and competing in submission grappling and mixed martial arts. To P.J., fitness is not just a job - it is a way of life!

Anderson Abonyo - Anderson is a nationally recognized and certified fitness trainer, founder and the president of Fitscope Fitness Solutions, and creator of Aero-box Fitness - a high energy regimen that incorporates power drills and aero-kicking.  Anderson provides nutritionally sound diet and exercise programs that insure the personal fitness of each of his clients.

Ron Alexander

Gabriyel Atreyu

Mike Axelsen

Joshua Aycock

Manny Benavides

Daniel Bietz

Chris Canales

Dave Cantarella - Dave has been in the health and fitness business for over 20 years. He is certified with the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM), the most rigorous accreditation in the industry, requiring the highest level of knowledge and skills. ACSM has established the standard for all other certfications. Dave has developed hundreds of specialized training programs from bodybuilding to sport specific programs. His programs utilize all available methods to break plateaus and reach goals. To have Dave describe his work he states "I have been blessed with the opportunity to directly touch people's lives in a positive way. My mission is simple. Whether you are young or old, underweight or overweight, seeking muscular endurance, or muscular strength, your goals WILL be achieved"

Sarah Evangelista

Greg Faunce

Stephanie Kozowyk

Danny Lee

Debbie LeFleur - Debbie has a passion for training.  She is a nationally certified trainer and has over seven years of post therapy, biomechanics, sports nutrition, muscle development and body fat loss. 

Michael Mack

Fred Obuna

 Thilo Schatz

Lauren Schrichten

Rebecca Trahan

Brandon Thibodean

Eugene Trufkin

Aileen Pham - Coming from an athletic background in tennis, swimming,softball and track and field, Aileen found that yoga not only enhanced her natural athletic abilites but also stimulated her desire to learn more about teaching yoga and yoga philosophy. In 2004, Aileen completed the Hot Yoga Teaching Program at the Hot Yoga Studio and began teaching . Aileen prides her classes on being upbeat, energetic and on point.

Pilates

Tracy Bauer - After years of involvement in sports and athletics at the University of Texas and a burning need to know how the body functions during such activity, and why injury occurs and how it can be prevented, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. Natural athleticism combined with her ability to instruct and train with such detail led her to the fitness industry where she has spent 18 years working as a Personal Trainer, Regional Group Exercise Manager for New York Sports Clubs, Faculty Trainer and National Presenter. Significant years were spent with Town Sports International, the largest health club company in the Northeastern United States, successful due to its innovative fitness programs. She has presented nationally on topics such as Functional Training with Physio-Balls, Pilates for Athletes, Power Yoga for Athletes and Myofacial Release with use of foam rollers, medicine balls, and tennis balls. She teaches indoor cycling, Bosu Ball Training, Physio-Ball Training, Sports Conditioning, Power Yoga and Apparatus and Mat-Based Pilates. She is certified with ACE, NASM-CPT, and NASM-PES and is Pilates Certified in Apparatus and Mat through Physical Mind. She is well versed in sports nutrition and has most recently become involved with EFI Sports Medicine as a National Master Trainer.  

Christina Bost - Christi was introduced to Pilates through her 20 years of dance experience. Highlights of Christiís dance career were dancing for Disney and Kidz Quest productions locally and internationally. She was also a company member of Dancin' etc. touring company. Her passion for dancing and Pilates led her to a career in teaching. In 2005, Christi graduated from Orange Coast College and holds a comprehensive certification in Pilates and Dance Conditioning. Since then, she has taught Pilates at Laguna Beach Physical Therapy where she gained invaluable experience working with injured and rehabilitating clients. Now Christi enjoys teaching a wide variety of clientele at Backbay Fitness. Her extensive dance experience has developed her keen sense of body awareness and influenced her teaching style. Christi brings her compassionate personality and passion for the Pilates method to each session.

Marra Okola 

Amberlee Meyer 

Sarah Lopez - Please see bio under Personal Training Coaches.

CERTIFICATION

National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) - NPTI is a comprehensive personal training certification and educational program that focuses on the career of the personal trainer.  It educates individuals that are dedicated to enhancing their level of practical or curriculum knowledge through 500 hours of hands-on educational training. Back Bay Fitness is the host gym for the Orange County Branch of NPTI in Costa Mesa, California.  We are proud to help improve and encourage others that are dedicated to a career in personal training.