Presenters

Conference details are subject to change.

Patty Grant, Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Conditioning, Group Choreography, Mind Body, Aquatic Exercise, Older Adult Exercise)

Patty is the creator of the aquatic program, Aquazen, and co-author of the Fitness Alberta Aquatic Tethered Training Manual. Patty has been a recreation program specialist for the city of Calgary for over 25 years and has mentored countless Fitness Alberta leaders-in-training. Known for her passion, creativity and supportive nature, her mission as a facilitator is to help her students maximize their potential in their own unique and extraordinary way.

Simone Hodgkinson, Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Choreography, Group Conditioning, Mind Body)

Simone has over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. Her background is in sports science, psychology, education, Pilates and yoga. She now specializes in yoga therapy to improve posture, alignment and mobility. Trained in the Iyengar method of yoga, Simone fuses her fitness and science background to create sessions that are informative, practical and relevant to everyone in the fitness industry. She has presented at international conferences, written several manuals, presented on TV and written for newspapers and magazines. Originally from the United Kingdom, she now resides in Canada and is the Fitness Director for the Glencoe Club in Calgary, and a popular CEC provider for Fitness Alberta.

Rory Hornstein, R.D.

Rory Hornstein, RD, B.Ed is a Registered Dietitian specializing in nutrition for sports, exercise, weight management (adults and pediatric/adolescents), eating disorders and body image, food intolerances/allergies, Immune system enhancement, women's health and hormonal nutrition and digestive disorders. Rory is a specialist in nutrition and chronic illness management, bringing years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. Rory is highly sought after for her vast and specialized knowledge and experience, as well as her warm and personalized approach. She is proud to be the Nutrition Consultant to the Glencoe Club, LifeMark Springborough, Toronto Immune and Digestive Health Institute, Group 23 Sport Medicine, Canada Western Summer Games, Back and Body Health, and Mount Royal University recreation services in Calgary, Alberta. 

Elaine Jagielski, BSc, MA, Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Conditioning, Group Cycle, Group Choreography, Mind Body, Older Adult Exercise)

Elaine Jagielski is an educator and wellness practitioner with extensive experience in health psychology, kinesiology, and professional training. Elaine served as an instructor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Lethbridge teaching a variety of courses including Contemporary Health Issues and Nutrition. Elaine has been an Educator with Fitness Alberta for 35 years and a certified fitness instructor for over 40 years. Her academic work emphasizes evidence-based health promotion, mind–body integration, and the psychosocial factors that influence human performance. Elaine is an experienced facilitator, delivering seminars and workshops in areas such as breathwork, stress physiology, self-regulation, and personal development. She is also a Wellness Seminar Facilitator with Telus Health, providing evidence-informed well-being programming to organizations across Canada.

Nicole Libin, PhD

Dr. Nicole Libin is a mindfulness educator, workshop facilitator, author, and university instructor with 17 years of experience in higher education. For over a decade, she has designed and delivered mindfulness programs for universities, schools, nonprofits, private organizations, and workplace settings. She was the co-creator and lead teacher of Mindful Schools’ Mindful Teacher Certification Program, where she helped train more than 200 educators across 12 countries.
Nicole’s work is practical, trauma-informed, and grounded in self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and accessible neuroscience. She is the author of four books, including Sticky Brains, a mindfulness and brain science picture book for children.

Robin O’Grady,Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Conditioning, Group Choreography)

Robin is an international speaker, fitness professional and certified mindset coach. An expert in physical and mental wellness, Robin is dedicated to delivering simple strategies and tools that make wellness achievable for everyone. She is passionate and committed to walking the talk every day, showing her clients it can be done. A regular presenter and educator at conferences and facilities, Robin loves addressing fitness professionals looking to further their continuing education. In addition to owning O’Grady Consulting, Robin is a group fitness instructor, dance instructor and martial artist. With her contagious energy and positive outlook, Robin’s sessions are pumped full of uplifting and inspiring stories. You’ll walk away with renewed vitality and heightened aspirations to meet your personal and business goals.

Krista Popowych, BHKin

Krista Popowych is a globally recognized fitness expert, educator, and presenter specializing in group fitness, personal training, and program management. With a career dedicated to inspiring movement and education, Krista has travelled the world, sharing her passion and expertise. She has been named IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year and is the author of Partner Workouts (Human Kinetics, 2022). Krista continues to contribute to the industry as the Global Director of Group Education for Keiser. Additionally, she serves as an educator for Balanced Body and the Integrated Movement Specialist program, sits on numerous boards, mentors university students in kinesiology and supports numerous industry initiatives. Get ready to move and learn with Krista!

Jessica Power Cyr, Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Choreography, Group Conditioning, Group Cycle, Mind Body, Older Adult Exercise),MSc, CSEP-CPT IE, ACSM-CEP, 200-YTT, FMS Level 2

Jess is a leading industry educator, programmer, public speaker, and fitness and mind-body coach. Jessica brings a wealth of information, charisma, and personality to all of her sessions, making them fun and easy to learn from. You will never walk away bored, whether you learn something new or change your perspective on something old. Jess is fortunate to work closely with industry leaders at Mount Royal University, University of Calgary, Fitness Alberta, and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology to provide fitness professionals with safe, effective education and updates on leading industry trends. Get ready to "Get Powered Up!" in one of Jess's sessions.

Naissa Preston, Fitness Alberta Educator, (Group Conditioning, Group Choreography, Group Cycle, Mind Body), CPFT  B.SC Nutrition and Food Science

Naissa has been contributing to the Fitness and Wellness Industry as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Nutritionist and Dryland coach her entire career.  On a foundation of formal education (both Nutrition and Movement Science at a post secondary level), Naissa has stacked on Mat and Reformer pilates teacher certification with TRX philosophy and coursework to provide a level of human movement nuance that allows clients, participants and Fitness Leaders to expand their understanding of just how to build powerful resiliency.  With Naissa you can expect to challenge yourself both physically and mentally with a blend of stark reality and hard facts, ridiculous examples of goofy success and epic fails in a highly interactive environment.

Gisèle Tennant, Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Conditioning, Group Choreography, Group Cycle, Mind Body, Aquatic Exercise, Older Adult Exercise, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer Examiner), PhD, CSEP-CEP

Dr. Tennant is a clinical exercise physiologist with a PhD in health psychology. She is the President of the Fitness Alberta Board of Directors. Gisèle holds multiple fitness certifications, and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her sessions. She has authored several fitness certification manuals for YMCA Canada and co-authored a deep-water tethering manual for Fitness Alberta. She has presented at international academic conferences, published numerous peer-reviewed papers, and has been interviewed both for television and print. Gisèle is a sessional lecturer at Mount Royal University and SAIT and an adjunct associate professor in the psychology department at St. Mary’s University. Her consulting firm is dedicated to improving the quality of life of her clients through evidence-based physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption. Her passion is helping others transform their lives and relationships through interactive, fun, online workshops.

Helen Vanderburg,Fitness Alberta Educator (Group Choreography, Group Conditioning, Group Cycle, Mind Body) BKin, Exercise Physiologist,and Founder co-owner of The Academy Fitness, Yoga and Spin Studio.

Helen is a globally celebrated fitness personality. Her passion for fitness, health, and wellness is unrivalled. Helen has been recognized as one of Canada’s most influential people, and honoured with the Women of Vision award. She is the recipient of many industry awards. Helen is an elite athlete, former World Champion synchronized swimmer and honoured member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. She has educated fitness leaders globally for more than 25 years in over 25 countries. Helen is the Commercial Fitness Education Manager for Balanced Body, has consulted for international fitness companies such as NIKE, Total Gym, BOSU, Hedstrom Fitness, And Schwinn Cycling to name a few.