MEET OUR TEAM

Personal Trainers | RMT | Nutritionists

We know that there is so much that goes into starting your fitness journey mentally, emotionally, and physically. You may be concerned with how you look or find walking into a big gym intimidating. That’s why we’ve created a safe environment for everyone with positive, motivating, and supportive trainers. 

Our diverse team helps you meet specific fitness goals including weight loss, mobility, injury prevention, athletic performance, and more.

Man with crossed arms in gym, wearing purple shirt and black shorts, tattoo on right arm, gym equipment in background.

DIEGO DIAS

Owner & Head-Coach

Diego holds a Kinesiology diploma from Capilano University and a range of certifications, including Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and CrossFit.

Specializing in weightlifting techniques, Diego empowers clients to enhance their quality of life, from athletes with diverse sports backgrounds to individuals seeking overall well-being.

His passion for strength training, body movement, and recovery has shaped him into a dedicated High-Performance Coach, committed to helping clients achieve their peak potential and become the best versions of themselves.

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ANDRÉ CHINARELLI

  • André Chinarelli holds a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and a Master's in High-Performance Sports Training, with over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry.

    With a childhood rooted in soccer, karate, and swimming, he has grown into a well-rounded fitness professional. Specializing in spinning, TRX, functional training, and CrossFit, André integrates traditional sports knowledge with modern training methodologies.

    His approach focuses on enhancing strength, mobility, and stability to improve overall fitness and prevent injuries. A passionate advocate for functional fitness and community-driven workouts, André is dedicated to helping individuals unlock their athletic potential and achieve long-term success.

Ivana Trujeque Personal Trainer North Vancouver

IVANA TRUJEQUE

  • Ivana’s passion for bodybuilding and self development has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge for achieving your desired physique.

    Her six-year fitness journey, filled with trial and error, has led her to milestone achievements, not the least of which being a competitive bodybuilding show.

    Today, she is excited and committed to helping others surpass obstacles and become the best version of themselves. Not just in a fitness context, but in all areas of well-being. She hopes to inspire people to take care of their bodies so they can live their lives to the fullest.

Thomas kirkland-yuen

  • Thomas is a certified personal trainer and 4th-year Kinesiology student at Simon Fraser University.

    With a focus on building a strong foundation for functional movement, Thomas is passionate about helping others develop sustainable habits for an active lifestyle.

    His training approach emphasizes strength-based training to enhance everyday performance and quality of life.

    In the past, Thomas spent his time competing in baseball, swimming recreationally, and skiing on local hills.

    As he was often hindered by his own body, Thomas has used exercise to address chronic injuries, improved his mobility, and become a far more competent (and confident) athlete.

    Today, he continues to pursue his fitness goals through Olympic Lifting and Powerlifting.

INDEPENDENT TRAINERS

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INDEPENDENT TRAINERS |

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Catrina McCrae

  • Catrina is a personal trainer with a mental health-forward, holistic approach to fitness. Since 2016, she has focused on bridging the gap between physical and mental health to create a compassionate and inclusive space for her clients.

    Catrina’s methods prioritize movement, nutrition, and sustainable self-care practices. She’s passionate about helping clients of all backgrounds strengthen their bodies, build confidence, and develop habits that support lasting well-being.

    As a queer trainer, Catrina is committed to providing affirming care for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported.

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Stephanie Zepedeo

  • Stephanie is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Kinesiology graduate with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in helping clients achieve balance through personalized training, tailored nutrition plans, and effective stress management.

    Her holistic approach focuses on improving gut health, balancing hormones, boosting energy, and building lasting confidence.

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AJ Monk

  • AJ Monk is a Kinesiologist, CSEP Certified Personal Trainer, and Functional Range Conditioning specialist with a love for fitness and the outdoors.

    Their 7 years of personal training experience has given them the knowledge to help their clients reach various goals of enhancing mobility, developing functional strength and improving conditioning.

    With a strong passion for movement, AJ's approach to client training is based on sustainable programming aimed at long term health and longevity.

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Brooke Fujiama

  • Brooke started working in the fitness industry in 2011 teaching Strength and Conditioning, High Intensity Interval Training, Aerobics, Cardio Dance, Ball Fit, Suspension training, and Flexibility/Stretch classes. Her main focus the past 8 years has been working one-on-one with her clients.

    Brooke loves getting to know people and feels fortunate to have such an amazing group of clients (friends!) allowing her to be a part of their journey!

Kiya Darbandi Personal Trainer at LIFE Studio in North Vancouver

Kiya Darbandi

  • Kiya has been training in the weight room since he was 11 years old and instantly fell in love with fitness. With around 16 years of experience, he has focused on athleticism, bodyweight training, and incorporating weights while maintaining functionality and mobility.

    Four years ago, Kiya decided to turn his passion for fitness into a career. Now a certified personal trainer, he loves helping clients achieve their goals—whether it’s weight loss, muscle building, or sport-specific training.

    Throughout his life, Kiya played soccer, representing Team BC and Capilano University, and is currently playing for WVFC Premiere. He also offers sport-specific training for soccer. Additionally, Kiya is passionate about martial arts, training MMA and enjoying all disciplines, including Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling. With 6 years of martial arts experience, he also offers boxing conditioning and technical sessions.

    Kiya is committed to making the gym a safe and fun place for clients from all walks of life to improve physically and mentally.

RMT

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RMT |

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Michelle Hanley

Michelle is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with a passion for holistic health, serving clients on the North Shore since 2017. After graduating from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy, she developed expertise in therapeutic techniques to help clients recover, relax, and improve their overall well-being.

With a background in sports and fitness, Michelle brings a deep understanding of how massage therapy supports injury recovery, muscle relaxation, and movement efficiency. When she's not treating clients, she enjoys outdoor activities with her daughter and working on her first novel.

NUTRITIONISTS

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NUTRITIONISTS |

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Chelsea bezerra

Woman in a gym wearing a blue zip-up top and black leggings, with fitness equipment in the background.
  • With a decade of valuable experience in the field and 4 different certifications in nutrition science, Chelsea knows that each individual is unique and that their health is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

    Her approach consists of a holistic perspective that sees the entire body as a system, addressing not only your immediate nutritional needs but also how nutrition and other well-being practices can impact your overall health and performance. 

    Chelsea invites you to learn more about her services and how she can assist you in achieving your wellness and performance goals.

Stephanie Zepedeo

  • Stephanie is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Kinesiology graduate with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in helping clients achieve balance through personalized training, tailored nutrition plans, and effective stress management.

    Her holistic approach focuses on improving gut health, balancing hormones, boosting energy, and building lasting confidence.

Join us at our boutique fitness studio and discover a personalized approach to wellness in the heart of North Vancouver.