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Candice Baumgardner, ACE, AFAA
Candice Baumgardner, ACE, AFAA - General Manager - Fitness Center
Candice joined the fitness center when the AHWC first opened seven years ago as the Group Exercise Manager. She has been working in the fitness industry for 25 years in fitness center management, group fitness professional education and mentorship, program development and management, strategic business planning, and budget creation and accountability. Candice has been involved in several fitness center start-ups and acquisitions and has a passion for leadership in the wellness industry. Recently, Candice has been responsible for managing the fitness trainer team, in addition to the group exercise department, and for liaising between the fitness center and the marketing team here at the Center.
In her role as General Manager of the fitness center, she is responsible for all aspects including memberships and sales, personal trainers, massage therapy, custodial and facilities staff, front desk and business services staff, and group exercise team members.
Candice came to Denver from Kansas City (GO CHIEFS!====from Candice) to attend Regis University (The Harvard of the West), where she met her husband of 17 years (he proposed to her in a BODYPUMP class – true story). They have four children, ranging in age from 5-15. When she’s not in a studio teaching or taking a class, she enjoys cooking, gardening, travel, reading, riding her bike, and spending time with her family.
Education & Certificates
BA in Sociology, BS in Psychology, ACE and AFAA group exercise certified. Also certified in BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYFLOW, POUND, Step Aerobics, Mat Pilates, Mat Science, Turbo Kickboxing, Barre, Precision Cycling, and BODYVIVE.Areas of Specialization
I have been an assessor in BODYPUMP and BODYFLOW and for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and a master trainer for Step and floor aerobics, but I am passionate about all of the formats I teach.Philosophy
There should be a group exercise class for every body! The power of community and movement to music continually inspires me and I believe group exercise encompasses all of those things to change people’s lives through fitness. -
Tim Holan, NSCA-CPT
Tim Holan, NSCA-CPT - Assistant General Manager
Education & Certifications:
- BS Exercise Science, Carroll University, Wisconsin
- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
- Kettlebell Athletics Certified
- EXOS Fitness Specialist
- CPR/AED
Areas of Specialization:
- Functional strength
- Metabolic resistance training
- Weight loss
- Injury prevention
Fitness & Health Philosophy:
“Strive for progress, not perfection.”Personal Notables:
- Wisconsin native
- Played football and baseball at the collegiate level
- Love anything outdoors: hunting, fishing, snowboarding, hiking, camping
- Dog lover
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Kelly Faulkner, LMT, CSCS
Kelly Faulkner, LMT, CSCS - Massage Coordinator and Fitness Specialist
Education & Certifications:
- BS Biology– Emphasis in Physiology, University of Washington
- Licensed Massage Therapist- Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- American Heart Association CPR & AED
Areas of Specialization
- Posture & Gait
- Deep Tissue & Myofascial Techniques
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Sports Massage
- Joint Mobilization
- Functional Fitness
- Strength & Conditioning
- Sports Specific Training
- Wellness & Weight Loss
Fitness & Health Philosophy:
Movement and massage offer an opportunity to find balance, not only physically in our own body, but in life. Finding this balance comes through self-awareness, courage, and persistence. Listen to your body. Never be afraid to test your limits. Always get back up. And most importantly, make it fun. You have the choice and the power to be exactly who you want to be. Decide. Commit. Succeed.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Personal Notables:
- 4- year Division I Track & Field Athlete at the University of Washington
- Runner, biker, hiker, snowboarder, and everything else outdoors
- Always looking for new adventures and challenges
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Alyssa Joel, ACSM, CEP, EP-C
Alyssa Joel, ACSM, CEP, EP-C - Fitness Specialist
Education & Certifications:
- BS Health and Exercise Science (sports medicine concentration) – Colorado State University
- ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Orthopedic Exercise Specialist
- EXOS Fitness Specialist
- American Heart Association BLS
Areas of Specialization:
- Special populations
- Post-rehabilitation
- General conditioning
Fitness & Health Philosophy:
“Lack of physical activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” —Plato
Plato knew it then, and we know it today. Exercise is one on the best tools we have to prevent disease and treat the human body, and I believe it should be a part of everyone’s health management plan.
Personal Notables:
- Colorado native
- Ski bum
- Love of any outdoor activity
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Alyssa at alyssa.joel@ucdenver.edu
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Lauren Heap, CPT
Lauren Heap, CPT - Senior Fitness Specialist
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology- Xavier University
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- EXOS- XPS Performance Specialist
- EXOS – XFS Fitness Specialist
- Schwinn cycling instructor certified
- CPR/AED Certified
Areas of Specialization
- Mindset
- Functional Training
- Strength Training
- Weight Loss
- 1:1 coaching, semi-private coaching, group fitness
Philosophy
The mind is the most important muscle in your body- if you can train the mind you can train the body! Your health and well-being is something you CAN control. The importance of consistent and deliberate action to becoming better starts with a step forward and a positive vision. Long term change begins with setting up routines and habits you can stick to. Let’s find a way to improve together and have some laughs along the way!Personal Notables
- Played four years of Division I soccer at Xavier University
- Underwent own transformation (mind and body) after a knee injury
- Sports enthusiast
- Dog lover
- Spartan racer
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Linh Nguyen, CPT, SPTA
Linh Nguyen, CPT, SPTA - Fitness Specialist
Education & Certificates
- BS, University of California, Irvine
- SPTA, Pima Medical Institute, Denver
- NESTA – CPT, National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association
- NESTA – SIS, Sports Injury Specialist
- EXOS – XFS Fitness Specialist
- EXOS – XPS Performance Specialist
- LoKteMethod Lvl 1 (Connective Tissue Release)
- American Heart Association CPR & AED
Areas of Specialization
- Sports Performance
- Strength Training
- Endurance Conditioning
- Weight Loss
- Injury Rehabilitation
Philosophy
If you have a goal in mind challenge yourself for change to happen. Things happen, plans change, and we all adapt!
Personal Notables
- Competed in Malaysia on the Women’s USA paintball team
- Coached junior athletes in rock climbing
- Competitive powerlifter
- An avid fisher!
- Outdoor enthusiast
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Emily Meier, CPT
Emily Meier, CPT - Fitness Specialist
Education & Certificates
- BS Clinical Exercise Science, Grand Valley State University
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- EXOS Fitness Specialist (XFS)
- EXOS Performance Specialist (XPS)
- TRX Group Suspension Training
- American Heart Association CPR & First Aid
Areas of Specialization
- Functional Strength Training
- Endurance Conditioning
- Injury Prevention
- Sport Specific Training
- Posture and Gait
- Weight Loss
- Mindset
- Special Populations
Philosophy
“The best things happen outside of your comfort zone.”
You get one body! It’s my goal to teach my clients how to invest in it.
Personal Notables
- Grand Rapids, MI native
- Detroit Red Wings Fitness Testing Assistant (2017-2018 season)
- Lifting, hiking, skiing, rock climbing/bouldering, running, Spartan races.. You name it, I’ll do it!
- I enjoy challenging myself!
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Maddie Bilbo, CPT, CES
Maddie Bilbo, CPT, CES - Fitness Specialist
Education and Certifications
- ACE Certified PT
- NASM CES- Corrective Exercise Specialist
- American Red Cross CPR & AED Certified
- Stages – Indoor Group Cycling Instructor
Areas of Specialization
- Functional Training
- Weight Loss
- Strength Training
- Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
- High Intensity Interval Training
- Mindset
Philosophy
“It’s not about perfection. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs.” – Jillian Michaels
Also… don’t be so hard on yourself! Fitness is a LIFESTYLE. Do things that will be relevant and sustainable for your own individual fitness journey!
Personal Notables
Chicago Native
Snowboarder
Danced ballet, jazz, and modern as a child
Played soccer, volleyball, basketball, and ran cross country
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Caitlin O'Brien, CPT
Caitlin O'Brien, CPT - FITNESS SPECIALIST
Education & Certifications
- Bachelors of Science: Clinical Exercise Science with a Concentration in Cardiac Rehabilitation – Central Mich. University
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- EXOS Exercise Fitness Specialist
- TRX Force Level 1
- FMS Level 2
- Schwinn Cycle
- POP Pilates
- Fierce45 Certified Reformer Pilates Coach
Areas of Specialization
- Core and Foundational Training
- Pilates
- Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
- Special Populations
- Cardiovascular (HR) Training
Philosophy
Find a workout that brings you joy; something you can connect with and make it a fun experience. Exercising should not feel like a chore. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice and should be about balance.
Personal Notables
- Michigander
- I have a puppy named Dunder (as in Mifflin)
- If I’m not in a gym or fitness studio, you can find me on a trail with a bag of Sour Patch Kids
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Jimmy Pritchard, CSCS, RSCC
Jimmy Pritchard, CSCS, RSCC - Fitness Specialist
Education & Certifications:
- MS Exercise Science, Edith Cowan University
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC)
- USAW Level 1
- FMS Level 2
- EXOS Performance Specialist
Areas of Specialization:
- Strength and Power Development
- Sports Performance
- Injury Prevention and rehabilitation
- Corrective Exercise
- Running and Sprinting Mechanics
Fitness & Health Philosophy:
“Move well, move often, and love what you do.”
Personal Notables:
- Colorado native
- Avid skier, has trained several Olympic and U.S. ski team ski/snowboard athletes
- Has trained and competed in Jiu-Jitsu for 7 years
- Loves to golf, hike, and go skinning
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Zach Oates, CSCS
Zach Oates, CSCS - Fitness Specialist
Education & Certifications:
- BS Fitness, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
Areas of Specialization:
- Sport-Specific Training
- Strength & Conditioning
- Corrective Exercise
- Functional Training
- Weight Loss
Fitness & Health Philosophy:
“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” – Vince Lombardi
Personal Notables:
- Wisconsin Native
- Avid outdoorsman ― hiking, fishing, overlanding, camping, and many other activities
- Completed personal fitness transformation by losing 150 lbs
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Nicole Gleason CCES, CPT
Nicole Gleason CCES, CPT - BfitBwell Cancer Exercise Program Manager
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University
- Concentration in Health Promotion
- Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACSM Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer
- ACSM Certified Exercise is Medicine
- Functional Movement Screen Practitioner Level 1
Area of Specialization
- Cancer
- Clinical populations
- Pre- and post- rehab
Philosophy
-Achieving one’s goal should be celebrated – no matter how big or small it may seem! If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you!
-To provide a platform for individuals with cancer to receive expert evaluation and exercise training in collaboration with the University of Colorado Cancer
Center, University of Colorado Hospital, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, their respective care teams, treatment plans, rehabilitation medicine,
nutrition, and survivorship.
-This specific population is near and dear to my heart and I am grateful to be a part of their unique and intimate fitness journey!Personal Notables
-Colorado native! Enjoys time in the mountains, snowboarding and skiing especially in Crested Butte, her favorite Colorado mountain town. She also loves working out, hiking, eating Italian food, traveling, watching Cubs baseball with her husband & spending time with sisters and little niece and nephew!
For more information, email Nicole.
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Rebecca Kienitz, PRA
Rebecca Kienitz, PRA - Cancer Exercise Program Coordinator
Education & Certifications:
- BS in health and exercise science, concentration in health promotion, Colorado State University
- ACSM EP-C
- ACSM CET
Areas of Specialization
Cancer Fitness
Philosophy:
- “Do today what others won’t, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t.”
- To provide a platform for individuals with cancer to receive expert evaluation and exercise training in collaboration with the University of Colorado Cancer
Center, University of Colorado Hospital, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, their respective care teams, treatment plans, rehabilitation medicine,
nutrition, and survivorship. - I am passionate about the specific population I get to work with and to be able to stand by participants through this unique fitness journey.
Personal Notables:
- Enjoys doing pilates, being outside, spending time with her daughter and husband, skiing, playing soccer and watching any sporting event, especially baseball!
For more information about the Cancer Exercise Program, email Becca.
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Ian Moran CPT, CET
Ian Moran CPT, CET - Cancer Exercise Specialist and Professional Research Assistant
Education & Certificates
- Colorado State University – BS in Health and Exercise Science
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer
- Outdoor Emergency Care Technician
- American Heart Association – Basic Life Support
Areas of Specialization
- Cancer
- Special Populations
- Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Philosophy
I believe in order for there to be positive change within our lives we need to be challenged. My goal is to challenge you to a point that you didn’t think you could previously reach, while still being able to succeed. We are all mentally and physically stronger than we think.
I truly enjoy working with cancer patients because of their inspiring drive to never stop despite facing extraordinary adversity.
Personal Notables
- Loves mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, trail running and pretty much anything else that involves getting outside for extended periods of time
- Member of the Winter Park Volunteer Ski Patrol
- Former college lacrosse player