The Australian Fitness Academy team

The Australian Fitness Academy team 

AFA staff are all experienced, fully committed and passionate about the roles they play in educating and motivating people to work in the Fitness Industry.  

The Academy's staff have an incredible amount of practical expertise, many of them working as current PT’s and operating their own businesses as well.

AFA is continually developing its staff and looking for new and qualified presenters to join the existing team.  The company prides itself on having highly qualified, industry experts so students can benefit from current practices and approaches to this dynamic industry. 

It is also important, as a student hungry to learn, that you are exposed to industry leaders who are motivating to learn from.

Australian Fitness Academy staff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L to R: Shana, Nerida, Lauren, Sarah, Steve H, Steve C, Kat

Meet the Australian Fitness Academy team:

Fitness Lecturers


LAUREN KENNEDY

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)
  • Certificate IV in Fitness - Personal Trainer
  • Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment

Lauren kick-started her career in the fitness industry after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement.  Laurens extensive knowledge base combined with her proactive nature has allowed her to develop and thrive in the growing area of corporate health and fitness.
Evolving as a strong and influential personal trainer, Lauren quickly gained a solid client base and established herself as a reputable trainer capable of producing a wide variety of client based results.

A thirst for knowledge inspired Lauren to relocate to the UK, where a role as Master Trainer in one of London’s leading health clubs broadened her experience to an international level.
Lauren developed strengths in the areas of corrective functional exercise, core conditioning and pre/post natal activity. Her thorough approach, energetic passion and positive attitude translates into every personal session, something Lauren now relays to AFA Personal Training students as she educates them to become leaders in the industry. 

JOSH HUMPHREY  

  • Certificate III in Fitness - Gym Instructor
  • Certificate IV in Fitness - Personal Trainer
  • Senior First Aid
  • Systemised Personal Training
  • SuperTrainer Fitness Boxing & Kickboxing Trainer
  • All Stars Boxing Exercise for Fitness Professionals
  • Centrality Advanced Postural Analysis & Applied Exercise Prescription

Josh has been a Personal Trainer for 4 years and although he is considered 'new' to the fitness industry his passion for fitness has been life long.

Initially training with the Royal Australian Air Force and then Equilibrium Health & Fitness Josh now finds himself one of Australian Fitness Academy’s most popular lecturers.
Josh has trained a number of clients pursuing a wide variety of goals - the fit, young and healthy through to the physically and mentally challenged and has found a passion for helping those who are obese or overweight.

Through his teaching Josh passes on a passion that is contagious and offers a genuine desire to help people grow and achieve.

RUSSELL JARRETT

  • B.App. Sci (Phys.Ed)
  • Currently studying Masters in Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning)
  • Level 3 Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Southern Stars Women’s National Cricket Team – Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Cert IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer
  • Certified Kettlebell Instructor

Russell has been actively involved in the Elite Sports and Fitness Industries since 1990. In that time he has been an Educator, Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Business Owner and Industry Consultant to Gymnasiums and PT Centre’s.

Russell has worked with two AFL clubs as Strength and Conditioning Coach, as well as training AIS athletes in Golf, Tennis and Australian Rules football. His unique background and wealth of experience allows him to present and connect to individuals of all fitness backgrounds, making a positive impact and creating long term change.

Currently, Russell presents to Universities, Institutes and corporate groups bringing education, knowledge and inspiration to those wanting to perform better and function effectively in their work and personal lives. An expert in great demand, Russell still works with individual clients and small groups, having conducted many thousands of Strength and Conditioning sessions during his career.

Russell is currently studying to complete his Masters in Exercise Science and is the Victorian Co-coordinator of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.

DALE CRONIN

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Science)
  • Certificate IV in Fitness – Personal trainer
  • Certificate III in Fitness – Gym Instructor
  • Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training
  • Certificate in Children’s Fitness and Nutrition
  • Registered Australian Kettlebell Instructor

Dale began his career in the fitness industry almost 10 years ago. He kick started his career in health and fitness by completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise Science. As Dale was studying he also commenced his career as a Personal Trainer.  With his extensive knowledge and energetic nature Dale found it reasonably easy to establish himself with a steady client base, which he still maintains today. Dale has been lecturing in fitness education for 7 years. Through his experience at different institutes Dale has developed into a first class lecturer. 
 
KIRSTEN FAGAN

  • Master Science (Human Movement) & (Nutrition)
  • Bachelor Science (Human Movement) & (Nutrition)
  • Sub Bachelor Science (Business Management)
  • Graduate Diploma of Education
  • Certificate III  & IV in Fitness

  • Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment
  • Punch Fitness Boxing & Kickboxing Trainer


Kirsten has been involved in the health & fitness industry for over 13 years. A personal trainer for the past 10 years, Kirsten’s passion for fitness developed from her own professional basketball career within Australia, Europe & USA.


Kirsten has also worked extensively with primary, high school and graduate students, having been Head of PE & Health at Haileybury College in Melbourne, as well as lecturing in many Universities and Tafes around Australia and the USA. Kirsten’s passion is education – if we can educate correctly, then we can prevent many long-term illnesses & health concerns. Her primary goal is to help you learn as much as you can about the health & fitness industry, so that you can apply the concepts taught to achieve your clients goals as well as your own personal goals!

STEVE CORNEY

  • Certificate III & IV in Fitness
  • Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Marketing and Management)
  • Gold Medalion (advanced lifesaving) 
  • Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment


Steve has been in the fitness industry for 10 years, with 5 years as a Personal Trainer. Steve set up his own business, Body Fusion PT, which initially focussed on mobile and outdoor personal training but in 2007 diversified into training kids and teaching them the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

After securing funding from the Australian Sports Commission to roll out a “team challenge” fitness program to schools throughout SE VIC, Steve worked with over 3000 children and employed 10 trainers/coaches.

His most rewarding PT experience was his first ever client losing well over 50kg’s, changing his life and becoming a personal trainer himself, helping others make amazing lifestyle changes.  
 
Passionate about fitness and developing strategies to properly educate children and teenagers on the importance of exercise, nutrition and getting active, Steve has been involved in training, assessment and lecturing for the last three years lecturing in a range of fitness areas as well as business and public safety qualifications.  
Right now Steve is training heavily in flat water sprint kayaking hoping to perform well in the 2010/11 season with an outlook to representing Australia on the world stage in the next 5 years or so. If not on the water you will find him in the gym strapped to the chin up bar trying to beat his previous weeks number or as a pro and volunteer lifesaver @ Gunnamatta SLSC. 


REECE NORIS - Brisbane Trainer & Assessor

  • Bachelor Human Movement Science majoring in Sports Psychology
  • Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment 
  • Certificate IV in Fitness
  • Fitness Australia Boxing Instructor Certification
  • Senior First Aid

Reece has an extensive and impressive background in the fitness industry having worked as a high performance coach, Personal Trainer, Educational and Fitness Consultant for the Gold Coast Academy of Sport and is a sponsored Athlete (Judo and MMA).

Reece has always had a passion for health and fitness, and after being in the industry for a while decided to share his knowledge and experience to help others to reach their career aspirations and personal goals. His training and education philosophies and strategies are long-term, combining both health-promotion and exercise-related activities designed to facilitate positive lifestyle changes. A favourite quote of Reece's from Tony Hawke.. “I never got lucky, I just worked harder than everyone else".

TOP

Support Team


SHANA LAZAR– Careers Consultant

Shana is generally the first point of contact with the Academy as she helps to enroll students into the course that is right for them – whether it is online, integrated, face to face or government funded.

Having completed a Sports Business Degree and more recently her Certificate III in Fitness, Shana has always loved health and fitness, in particular sports netball, basketball and tennis.

For more information on fitness courses at AFA you can contact Shana on 03 9532 7800.

LARISSA REYES - Student Administration Officer 

As AFA’s Student Administration Officer, Larissa provides initial support to help students get their course studies up and running!

Always here to help with a smile, Larissa will assist you with any student administration enquiries you may have including work experience placement, online course access, changes to your course enrolment, issuing of certificates and more!

Larissa has an extensive background in customer service and administration and strives to ensure students are supported right throughout their course.

Larissa has always enjoyed participating in fitness activities and loves a great gym workout!

STEVE CORNEY -  Student Support Officer

As well as being one of AFAs outstanding lecturers Steve is also the online student support officer and is here to help students who require support whilst studying online.

STEVE HORE – National Manager

  • Bachelor Science (Hons) – Exercise Physiology
  • Graduate Diploma of Education
  • Graduate Diploma in Exercise for Rehabilitation
  • Graduate Certificate in Business Management
  • Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment
  • Australian Track & Field Coaches Association (level 4 coach)

Steve has been involved in the education of fitness professionals for over 15 years.  His previous roles include the Fitness and Recreation Manager at Holmesglen Tafe and Training Manager at Fitnation. Over the years, Steve has assisted thousands of people to achieve their dream of a career in the fitness industry.

Steve’s commitment to the fitness industry is to provide the highest quality training, professional development and support. He believes the industry has a critical role in the overall health of the Australian population and would like nothing more than to educate the community in the importance of being active. 

Steve has assisted Fitness Australia and Service Skills in the review and development of qualifications for the fitness industry, as part of the Industry Reference Committee.Steve’s life-long passion for fitness developed from his participation in the sport of athletics. He was a successful middle-distance runner and he maintains his addiction by coaching athletes at the Mentone Athletics Club and trying to unearth the next potential Olympian.

SARAH MORRISSEY – Marketing Manager

  • Masters in Business – Marketing
  • Associate Diploma in Business (Marketing)
  • Certificate III in Fitness – Group Fitness
  • Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment

Sarah has been in marketing for 15-years and involved in health and fitness for 10-years. Sarah is passionate about strengthening links between the health sector and the fitness industry and has worked in marketing for both Gymnasiums/Personal Training studios as well as working in the area of diabetes and physical activity.  


As Marketing Manager at the Academy Sarah is involved with developing and maintaining graduate support services, ensuring students receive continued support after completing their study and throughout their career in the fitness industry.

NERIDA LARDNER - Administration Manager

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)
  • Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

Nerida was an avid participant in the Little Athletics program in Spotswood where she was introduced to a variety of different sports. Nerida went on to excel in a number of sports during her schooling years including cross country running, softball and high jump. With a particular focus on alpine ski racing Nerida achieved state and national recognition as a junior. She was Australian Children's Champion which qualified her to represent Australia at Topolino - the Children's Olympics in Italy. She is still an avid snow goer and wishes she could get up to the mountains more often.

As Administration Manager at Australian Fitness Academy, Nerida is heavily involved in all aspects of the Academy and is passionate about the quality of education delivered to those wishing to work within the fitness industry.

TOP