Mark Holmes, the owner of Health Coaches, has nearly 20 years of experience in the health and fitness field. At the Bay Club, one of Portland’s foremost fitness centers, he was general manager, and led the development of a key partnership with a national physical therapy group. He also was responsible for training and mentoring the club’s personal fitness staff. In Camden, he created and directed comprehensive corporate health programs for Fortune 100 companies. In New York, Mark was sales director for Miavita, a groundbreaking online corporate health and wellness program.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health education from the University of Maine, with a concentration in human anatomy and exercise physiology.
MEET OUR TRAINERS...
Susan Ahlers, M.Ed
With 20 years experience in the fitness industry, Susan brings an extensive background and knowledge to Health Coaches. She has worked with a variety of clients ranging from athletes to individuals who need a more medically based approach to improving their fitness. Susan’s experience includes designing exercise programs for post-rehab clients, training regimens for competitive athletes and medically designed programs for specific needs. Her focus is to help clients find the right exercise program that works within their goals and to design a program that they enjoy.
Susan has a Master’s degree in Education specializing in Exercise Science from the University of Maine.
Erica Napuli, B.S
In her seven years as a fitness and wellness professional, Erica has worked in a variety of settings, from large gyms and university facilities to small studios with a variety of clientel. She has also worked with young athletes as well as those requiring additional rehabilitation from injury or illness. This experience has given her a strong understanding of fitness assessment and program design for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Erica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine with a Business minor from the University of Southern Maine. In addition, she is certified by the American Council on Exercise.
Jonathan Allen, B.S
Jon focuses on functional core training through body awareness, strength conditioning, cardiovascular enhancement, flexibility, balance, weight loss and neuromuscular training. He integrates his work with professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists and holistic practitioners.
Jon is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. He has held certifications from the American Council of Exercise, American Council of Sports Medicine, Nautilus, Reebok and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He has worked for the University of Rhode Island Athletic Department and The Sports Club/LA in both Beverly Hills and Miami. He has worked with professional athletes, the disabled and clients whose goals are good health and physical wellness.
Karen Fisher, MSW, CPT
Karen earned a B.A. from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a Masters in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She has worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over twelve years providing counseling services to individuals, families and groups. Karen went on to earn a Fitness Instruction Certification through the University of Southern Maine to practice as a Personal Trainer, certified through the American College of Sports Medicine. She also completed a comprehensive certification program through Wellcoaches in Wellesley, MA., enabling her to practice as a Wellness and Life Coach. Karen has woven her educational background together to focus on the client as a whole, believing that wellness reflects the mind, body and spirit of every client she works with.
Karen understands that every client’s fitness goals are unique. She enjoys working with people with a wide range of fitness capabilities, maximizing each person’s individual potential for success. Karen’s primary fitness passions are running and hiking. She has run competitively in local 5 and 10K raceas well as half marathons.
Karen McDine, NASM, CPT
Karen is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. With over 6 1/2 years of experience working in the fitness industry, she has a strong understanding of anatomy, total body assessments and program design.
Karen specializes in functional core strength and conditioning training and works with athletes for specific sports enhancement, special populations, seasoned citizens, and clients of all ages and physical conditions.
Passionate about wellness and fitness, she truly enjoys teaching her clients how to safely stretch and strengthen the correct muscle groups for optimal performance. “I love teaching my clients what muscles they should be stretching and strengthening for injury-free workouts and a more fulfilling lifestyle!”
Karen offers one-on-one personal training, mini group and partner training sessions. She competes in 5Ks and 10Ks locally and has run in several road races in Virginia Beach, VA.
A recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine holding a Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness, Erica comes to Health Coaches with a desire to serve others by offering education, instruction and support as clients achieve their personal fitness goals. As a three season division III collegiate athlete at USM, Erica learned through her personal experiences, knowledge that she can apply to others. From coaching a local high school lacrosse team, her internships at the University of New England and the Casco Bay YMCA, Erica has worked with many different types of clients.
As well as being CPR and First Aid Certified, Erica has a great interest in food - cooking with seasonal, fresh and local vegetables, fruits, meats and seafood.
