Oak Bay Women | Trainers & Bios

Sharon Jacobson

First Aid and CPR Certified
Pre & Post Natal (Canfit Pro)
Theory & Physiology (BCRPA)
Advanced Strength Training (BCRPA)
Group Fitness (BCRPA)

I have not always been involved with fitness.  I started my fitness career working out on the treadmill at the gym, but became bored with the machines and decided to try some of the classes. I have been with VI Fitness for 5 years, where I split my time between personal training and aerobics instruction.  One of the things I love about my job is that I look forward to coming to work every day. Exercise should be both fun and good for you.  I believe that a really good fit between trainer and client is extremely important to your fitness success.  What I enjoy about my work is the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieve better fitness and health.

I want to help you figure out where you are in terms of fitness, identify reasonable fitness goals, and help you achieve those goals.  If you train with me, I will push you to do and be your best, and I will celebrate your successes with you.  While fitness is only one element of a healthy lifestyle, it is very satisfying to watch women grow and develop strong bodies and become healthier. My job is twofold: to help you achieve your reasonable fitness goals safely, and to motivate you to keep coming back and working as hard as you are able every time you come to the gym.  My personal philosophy is that every person can become fit and healthy, no matter their size, shape or age.If you are looking for a trainer to push you and motivate you, then I would love to work with you and help you get the body you dreamt of.

Sarah Jolliffe

First Aid and CPR Certified
Strength Training
Nutrition & The Athlete
Functional Training & Multi Joint Exercises

Sarah came to the conclusion a few years ago that it would make sense to turn her passion for fitness into her future career. Her overall approach to health is holistic. She does not believe that just exercise is enough to achieve maximum results. In order to have complete success you need to incorporate proper nutrition, and care for yourself.

Sarah is an avid runner and completed her first Half Marathon in October 2011. She has also raced in Canada’s toughest 10km! Whether she has been running, hiking, kickboxing, weight training, swinging Kettlebells or doing yoga, exercise has never been a chore for her, and she believes it shouldn’t be for you either! Fitness is her passion, and she hopes to make it yours!

Kaitlyn Casper

Kaitlyn attended Western Kentucky University on an Athletic Scholarship where she pursued her studies and her sport for four years. Kaitlyn graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Exercise Science and a focus on injury prevention and rehab. Kaitlyn has been trained by some of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the United States over the past four years; she has also worked with some of the leading NCAA athletes in rehabilitation and sport specific prevention techniques.

Melissa Jacobson

Bachelor of Arts Degree

First Aid & CPR Certified
Strength Training (BCRPA)
Fitness Theory & Physiology (BCRPA)

Passionate about fitness and healthy living, Melissa is a trainer that will create and cater a fitness plan specific to your individual needs. A degree in Anthropology and Women’s Studies, plus BCRPA training, has given her knowledge about health, wellness, and body image. As a trainer, Melissa’s goal is to help clients feel good about their bodies and guide each to a healthy lifestyle. Her philosophy is “eat to meet long term goals, not for short term satisfaction”.

When she isn’t training her clients, Melissa closely monitors the field of health and wellness. As a fitness enthusiast, she puts herself in her clients’ shoes by frequently trying new fitness regimes. With knowledge, experience, and passion, she will provide you with the support and guidance that you need to achieve your health and fitness goals. Plus, her charm and great sense of humour will make you laugh!

Jada Stark-Smith

First Aid and CPR Certified
Twist Conditioning Sport Movement Specialist
Bosu Integrated Balance Instructor Certified
Fitness Canada Kickbox Certified Instructor Level 1 & 2
Pre & Post Natal Specialist (CanFit Pro)
BCRPA Advanced PT, and Group Fitness

Jada has been a personal trainer for over seven years, she became involved in training back in 2001, after gaining more then 100 pounds during her first pregnancy. Her passion for fitness evolved from overcoming her own insecurities through constantly setting fitness goals, and actively achieving them. In her career she has worked with a variety of clients, from professional athletes, to clients in their eighties. Jada most enjoys seeing her clients constantly challenging themselves, surpassing their own expectations, and loving the new person they’ve become.

Karen Bennett

BCRPA Personal Trainer

BCRPA Strength Trainer

BCRPA Group Fitness Instructor

Registered BELLYFIT Instructor

Bachelor of Education (Major in Physical Education

For 25 years, Karen has been very active in the fitness industry teaching group fitness and training clients. Ten of those years she has been involved with VI Fitness. She has a Physical Education Degree and a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Victoria. Karen also is a BCRPA Registered Personal Trainer, Strength Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor. She has a passion of being fit and motivating others to get fit! One of the most important aspects of being a personal trainer is to keep current. Karen has completed many courses and workshops offered within the Fitness Industry. Since the world of fitness is continually improving itself, being up to date is very important to her. Outside of fitness, Karen enjoys gardening, walking her dogs, and riding horses

Kylie Rencher

Diploma in Exercise and Wellness

First Aid and CPR Certified

Fitness Theory & Physiology (BCRPA)

Strength Training (BCRPA)

Personal Training (CSEP)

Jazzercise Instructor

Unlike many trainers, fitness and health has not always been a part of my life.  While growing up I tried many sports, but never found one I truly enjoyed.  In turn I found myself at 180 lbs at the age of 16.  Half way through High School I took myself on a weight loss journey.  I started walk-running everyday and watching what I was eating.  I have managed to lose over 60 lbs on my own.  After my journey I was inspired to pursue a career in health and wellness.  I have completed my Exercise and Wellness Diploma from Camosun College

Going through my personal weight loss journey I am better able to help you jump on your own journey to health.  I know first hand the struggles, hurdles, and hoops you will jump over.  Along with my own personal knowledge, I have received extensive skills and knowledge through my 2 year diploma.  I am able to confidently work with clients of all ages and abilities. 

As a trainer I strive is to see each client succeed with their desired goals.  I will push you when you need to be pushed, or be a shoulder to cry on when you need to vent.

Tanya

First Aid and CPR certified

Fitness Theory and Weight training (BCRPA)

Personal Training (BCRPA)

Group Fitness/Boot camp (BCRPA)

Health and fitness are the most important aspects of a person’s life, and I have dedicated myself to both, in becoming a Personal Trainer. My number one goal is to help others achieve success in these challenging obstacles everyone must face. Lack of self motivation is one the toughest things to overcome when adding a new exercise routine to your everyday life. There are so many things that get in the way such as time, fatigue, and money just to name a few. But the road to success is paved by positivity and determination, and that is where an educated, trained individual will help lead the way!

Training with Tanya involves strength/cardiovascular endurance exercises, with a wide range of fun and challenging workout routines to keep it interesting. Postural and core conditioning is key when teaching new exercises to clients. Specializing in body resistance and weight training, Tanya provides balanced workouts that anyone can learn and perform on their own. Having a professional trainer will help make exercising enjoyable, and Tanya is geared towards keeping her clients happy and motivated. It is no secret that staying consistent in your fitness regime is the most essential part of training. Even Tanya has experienced inactivity at times, which is completely normal and just a part of life. The best advice she has is to NEVER GIVE UP!!! It’s never too late to start a new program and turn your life into the healthy niche we all strive for. Whatever your goals are, Tanya is here to help you achieve them!