The Australian Fitness Academy teamAFA 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.
Meet the Australian Fitness Academy team: Fitness Lecturers
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.
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. JOSH HUMPHREY
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. Through his teaching Josh passes on a passion that is contagious and offers a genuine desire to help people grow and achieve. EMMA SANSALONE - Lecturer & Online Student Support Officer Emma has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is a great support to the Academy’s online students
Emma started her fitness career as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer at the YMCA. She then went on to study a Bachelor of Exercise Science, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Applied Exercise Science to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Emma has previously lectured at a TAFE and MSAC Institute of Training. Her experience includes working in gyms, community centres, hospitals and in private practice where she has prescribed and monitored specific exercise programs.
Emma enjoys assisting her students in developing their knowledge to become reputable fitness professionals who can train their clients in a fun and safe environment. DALE CRONIN
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 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!
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". Support Team
Larissa 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. Larissa has an extensive background in customer service and administration and strives to ensure students are supported right throughout their course. Having recently completed her Certificate III in Fitness online Larissa has always enjoyed participating in fitness activities and loves a great gym workout! For more information on fitness courses at AFA you can contact Larissa on 03 9532 7800.
MELANIE BRIMELOW - Student Administration Officer As AFA’s Student Administration Officer, Melanie provides initial support to help students get their course studies up and running! Always here to help with a smile, Melanie 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!
Melanie completed a Business Traineeship at Swinburne University in the TAFE School of Business and has a number of years experience working in Administrator roles within a Registered Training Organisations. She takes pride in supporting AFA students through their studies. STEVE HORE – National Manager
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
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.
NERIDA LARDNER - Administration Manager
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. |