Waverley Oaks fitness team is made up of the best personal training team you can find. Check out each bio below and learn about all of their skills.
Jon Mack – Fitness Director
Certifications: BS in Exercise Science, ACSM, TRX and FMS
Jon believes that anyone regardless of age, level of fitness, healthy or with limitations can benefit from fitness training. When he first works with a client there is an assessment of their total body from top to bottom as one unit as opposed to a bunch of different parts. This evaluation allows Jon to start to put the puzzle together of what exercises will be most beneficial to help correct any imbalances that he sees. These corrections help the client function better in everything that they do in life whether it be at home, at work, on the field or wherever else life takes them.
Jon’s personalized approach to training will provide you with a path to help reach your goals in a much more safe and timely manner while always making fitness FUN!!!
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: jonm@waverleyoaks.com
“I trained with Jon for more years than seem possible. During all that time, Jon proved to be a great motivator, gently pushing me to increase my strength, balance and stamina. He was always mindful of physical limitations, whether temporary or chronic and was instrumental in helping me through a partial knee replacement to a full recovery. I cannot imagine a more competent or dedicated personal trainer.” – Alex
Heather Healy – Wellness Programs Manager
Certifications: AAFA, NESTA, TRX, FMS, Total Gym, Kettle Bell Concepts, Keiser Cycling, Turbo Kick, Zumba and Everlast Shadowboxing
Heather believes health and wellness fitness professionals can motivate, educate, and inspire people to reach optimal levels of physical health and balance in life. Her passion is to support and transform lives by empowering people to reach their full physical potential though accountability and on-going support.
Heather has a holistic approach to fitness and provides an environment that fosters positive energy and a friendly spirit empowering you to reach a heightened state of physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual balance. Whether your goal is athletic performance, weight loss/gain, injury recovery or simply being healthier Heather’s personalized program development cornerstones around mobility, stability, core strength and balance.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: heatherh@waverleyoaks.com
“It is an absolute joy to work with Heather. She gets that health and wellness go far beyond simple exercise. She manages to motivate me with a wink and a dare. I never thought I would laugh so much while working out.” – Jeanne M.
To read more member success stories from Heather’s clients click HERE.
Chris Goode – Certified Personal Trainer
Certifications: National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM)
Chris Goode has been an athlete his entire life and over the last few years he has devoted his life to pursuing his passion of helping people improve their quality of life through regular physical activity and proper nutritional habits. Chris received his BS in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University in 2015. Despite his continued love for the kitchen, Chris decided he wanted to begin transitioning his career to the fitness industry in 2013.
He then attended the World Instructor Training School (WITS) where he studied personal training for 4 months followed by an internship program here at Waverley Oaks. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Chris enjoys working with all populations, regardless if they have been exercising for years, or are looking to begin the journey. He also particularly enjoys working with basketball players, golfers, swimmers and rock climbers as those were the sports he participated in both competitively and recreationally growing up. Chris prefers to train movements rather than muscles and uses numerous styles and forms of training to best suit his clients’ needs. His favorite exercise is the deadlift because of its importance in strengthening the posterior chain of our bodies-one of the most common weakness in the general population. Because of the variety and progression that can be done with deadlifts, Chris uses them with most of his clients as a way to improve posture, strength and body composition. In his free time Chris enjoys exercising, basketball, rock climbing, cooking, spending time with family and friends as well as watching sports.
Philosophy on Training: Becoming healthier is the result of consistent exercise AND proper nutritional habits which will ultimately lead to true lifestyle change. Success comes from embracing ALL of the elements involved in the process-there are no shortcuts. By uncovering and honing your strengths as well as attacking your weaknesses, I can help you be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: chrisg@waverleyoaks.com
” Chris Goode combines a positive, upbeat approach to fitness training with a willingness to listen and tailor workouts to your needs. Working with him I’ve improved my strength, conditioning, and flexibility (which has showed up in my tennis playing) and, most importantly, accomplished this while steering clear of injuries. Strongly recommend Chris for anyone looking for guidance in getting, and staying, in better shape.” – JF
Joe McCormack
Certifications: Certified Functional Strength Coach (MBSC)
Joe McCormack joined the Waverley Oaks Training Team after previously spending the last 12.5 years at the former Mount Auburn Club. Joe received his BS in Sociology and a Minor in African American Studies from UMASS-Amherst. After college, Joe decided to pursue a career in the fitness industry because it allowed him to combine his love of physical activity and competitive collegiate athletics in track and field/football with helping people achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Besides his Functional Strength Coach Certification from Mike Boyle’s Sports Conditioning, he also holds certifications in TRX, Kettlebells from Kettlebell Concepts, Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and Gravity. Joe enjoys working with all ages and ability levels, regardless if you are brand new to training or have some level of experience working out. Regardless of who he works with, the goals are ALWAYS the same-be healthier and function better each and every day. Given his background, he enjoys working with football and track athletes but is thrilled to work with any ability level-regardless if they are an athlete or not. His favorite exercise is the Single Leg Romanian Deadlift because it is a great functional exercise that everyone can do that improves mobility, stability and strength with a focus on the posterior chain which can be a weak link in many individuals. In his free time Joe enjoys spending time with his two sons, working out, cooking and watching the Patriots.
Philosophy on Training: You must know where you are heading before you choose your path. First, we must figure out what your goals are before we can seek out that path to best achieve them. Customizing your program is vital, regardless if you are doing 1 on 1 training or small group training. Everyone needs to have their own specific program tailored to their needs. Exercise selection, the order in which the exercises are done, sets, reps, tempo are all key elements that must be utilized in developing a successful program to help you achieve your goals. Fitness is an education process, so it is important to me that I teach you how to get fit and stay healthy along the way. I love to motivate and see my clients feel and see results they never knew they could achieve. It is also important to me that I get you to embrace and enjoy a healthier lifestyle that is both attainable and sustainable.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: joem@waverleyoaks.com
“I am writing to commend JOE McCORMACK. What a wonderful Fitness Professional as well as an inspirational and generous human being. I signed up for the introductory, complimentary Strength and Balance sessions as part of my WOAC Club initiation and then subsequently paid for 3 more sessions. At my former club I would swim every day and only in the final months did I enroll in some Strength and Balance classes. I realized then that (in addition to running/walking every morning outside and swimming every afternoon), and because I am getting older (72 years now), I should be developing more muscles and adopting more targeted/customized workouts.
I am thrilled that Joe has helped me with a whole new set of exercises and I feel so much better already. And he has made it FUN to discover the new ways to build my health!
As you must know, Joe is especially patient with those of us older people and is very careful not to push too hard -lest we injure ourselves! And he does it in a way not to make me feel inadequate and weak, but in a way to motivate me to stick with it and improve – although I am struggling now to adapt to a new routine. To help, he gave me a terrific spreadsheet detailing the different machine settings because I had never used any machines before except the treadmill and elliptical. Also, some video links. He really is a great coach and knows how to motivate me to not give up
Just wanted to express my sincere gratitude and admiration for Joe. Makes me even happier to be a WOAC member!” -Patricia (Pat) Dinneen
Darren Battista
Certifications: Certified Functional Strength Coach (MBSC)
Darren Battista joined the Waverley Oaks Training Team in 2020 as a Senior finishing his BS in Exercise Science/Health Fitness at Bridgewater State University. He has completed two internships-one at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning and the other at Champion Physical Therapy and Performance here in Waltham. Darren is a Certified Level One Strength Coach through Mike Boyle Sports Conditioning and is currently working towards his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. Despite being new to the fitness team, Darren is no stranger to Waverley Oaks. He grew up minutes from the club and spent many hours here working out and the last two years working at the club reception desk.
Darren enjoys working with all ages and ability levels but has a particular passion for working with those trying to improve sports performance as well those who simply want to improve overall function in their daily lives. His favorite exercise is the Deadlift because it is a great functional and compound exercise that targets several important muscle groups-especially those often neglected posterior chain muscles of the legs and the core. In his free time Darren enjoys working out, playing basketball with friends and going to the beach when New England weather allows.
Philosophy on Training: To me, I truly believe exercise boils down to so much more than just “getting in shape.” A regular and focused training routine will provide you with the tools and a blueprint for success in numerous facets of life including self discipline, self confidence and how you overall present yourself. When I can help someone get into and sustain a regular exercise program, it helps them not only physically, but just as importantly, mentally. I will help you embrace the FUN that exercise can and should be so that together we create a lifestyle for you that is sustainable for the rest of your life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: darrenb@waverleyoaks.com
Jeri Schefts
Certifications: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Jeri Schefts has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years. She holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and her MS in Applied Anatomy and Physiology from Boston University. She is a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Jeri grew up as a jock playing and watching as many sports as she could. Back then, the fitness industry didn’t exist the way it does today and she wanted to work in a field where she could help people improve their overall health. In the mid 80’s she helped to open and manage several Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylum clubs in the area. After realizing she wanted to work with the deconditioned population that came to these facilities rather than manage them, she started teaching group exercise classes and so began her journey in the fitness industry. She then became a Personal Trainer in the mid-90s. Jeri enjoys working with adults of all ability levels, and has a particular fondness of working with those new to exercise, or who are struggling to make positive lifestyle changes. Her training tends to focus on functional type movements which mimic the activities we need in our lives on a daily basis, while always addressing the goals of the client. Her favorite exercises are ones that incorporate balance and stabilization so people not only feel strong, but also steady on their feet, to hopefully prevent falls and subsequent injuries. In her free time she enjoys doing anything outdoors – especially skiing, biking, gardening and playing softball.
Philosophy on Training: It is my belief that people should physically and mentally feel the best they possibly can. My role is to acknowledge each person’s strengths, identify areas for improvement, and help create a fitness plan that addresses the client’s needs and goals while always keeping it FUN. Whether you want to improve the way you look and/or feel, have fewer aches and pains, be more active with friends and family, or just get out and “play,” I can help meet you where you are and move you towards where YOU want to be!
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: jeris@waverleyoaks.com
Sinceree Clarke-Diego
Certifications: National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
Sinceree Clarke-Diego has been working in the fitness industry for almost 10 years both as a group exercise instructor as well as a personal trainer. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Exercise Science from Quincy College and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF). She also holds her Group Fitness Certification through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is proficient in Spanish and has also been heavily involved in the Livestrong Program which gives cancer patients and survivors an opportunity to do a 12-week complimentary program at a Local YMCA to help combat and recover from both the physical and emotional effects of the disease. Sinceree enjoys working with all ages and fitness levels but particularly enjoys working with those looking to lose weight, improve strength/flexibility/balance, pre and post-natal women as well as those conditioning for basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and obstacle course racing. She frequently uses circuit and interval training as her means to get her clients the results they desire but can adapt her training methods easily based on each individual’s goals and ability level. Her favorite exercise is the deadlift because of the total body requirements it takes to perform as well as the fact that it helps those clients who tend to sit all day get their posterior musculature firing the way it should be. In addition, Sinceree loves how the deadlift just makes her and her clients just feel overall strong and who doesn’t want that? In her free time Sinceree enjoys doing all things life has to offer with family and friends from sky diving to reading a book on the beach. Quite simply, Sinceree looks at each day as a chance to live life to the fullest.
Philosophy on Training: In order to know where to begin we have to first figure out what your baseline is. I will help you uncover where you are, where you want to be and then together we will create a safe, effective and enjoyable pathway to get you to your goals. Their will be challenges but I will be here to support you through those challenges. Together we will celebrate each of your successes-both small and big and we will take your body to new limits that you never believed were possible!!!
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: sincereec@waverleyoaks.com
Check out Sinceree’s Giving Thanks Workout.
Matthew Fennell – Certified Personal Trainer
Certifications: National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM), NASM Senior Fitness Specialist
Matthew Fennell began his career in the fitness industry nearly 20 years ago and joined the Waverley Oaks Team in 2016. Matthew received his BS in Sports Science and Exercise Physiology from Newcastle College in the U.K. and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He also is a Certified Walking for Fitness Level 3 Instructor through the YMCA and believes that walking should be a fundamental and foundational part of everyone’s life. Matthew enjoys working with all populations but particularly enjoys working with weight loss clients as well as the older adult population. He also enjoys working with walkers, runners, soccer players and rock climbers. Matthew likes to keep his training functional and simple so that the people he works with feel the benefits of his training in everything that they do in their lives. His sessions focus on balance, mobility, posture, body awareness, core strength and improving activities for daily life. His favorite exercise is the kettlebell goblet squat because the anterior loading pattern is good for beginners to help teach proper form, little equipment is needed and most importantly it teaches his clients about the importance of engaging the upper back when we squat as well as keeping the thoracic spine mobile. In his free time Matthew enjoys spending time with his son, running, biking, archery, playing guitar and woodworking.
Philosophy on Training: Personal Training with me will not only improve your life, but it will also improve your life for your training. I approach each individual differently and assess what each persons’ needs are before any physical work begins. Then, in conjunction with what my clients’ goals are, I help them come up with a plan that makes the most sense for them so that they continue to progress safely and efficiently. Work on your strengths but also focus just as much on your weaknesses as the things we avoid or have challenges with are often the areas we need to focus on most.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: matthewf@waverleyoaks.com
“I sleep better, and have more energy, and will be hiking up Mt. Greylock this weekend! I am very grateful to be working with Matthew and would highly recommend him as a trainer to anyone.” – Diana
To read more member success stories from Matthew’s clients click HERE.
Jason Richard – Certified Personal Trainer
Certifications: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Jason Richard grew up here in Waltham and has been involved with physical activity his whole life. He began playing hockey, soccer and baseball in his early years but truly found his calling when he got into martial arts at the age of 6. He has been involved in various disciplines of martial arts and he also teaches karate and kids Brazilian Jujitsu at his martial arts school. He also teaches self defense classes for all ages in both private and group settings so that people can be more prepared should an unfortunate event occur and one needs to fend off an attacker. Jason received his BS in Exercise Physiology from Umass-Lowell and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Jason enjoys working with all ages and fitness levels to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. He believes in individualized programming for each person that he works with whether it be work on joint mobility, strength, aerobic endurance or anything else that he and his clients identify that they need and or want. His favorite exercise is the plank because it is such a versatile exercise that can be done anywhere, leaves lots of room for progression and is one of the best core stabilization exercises-which is the foundation from which all human movement originates. In his free time Jason likes to practice his martial arts, play pick games of various sports with friends, read, go to movies and go to out to find great places to eat.
Philosophy on Training: Just like you seek out professional services for other parts of our life, you should do the same in regards to your fitness training so that you get a customized approach of what you need, how to go about getting it as well as be prepared for what you will need in the future. I will help you take the guess work out of your fitness training so that you maximize your time and results, do what it is TRULY needed for YOU and where YOU are on your fitness journey!!
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: jasonr@waverleyoaks.com
Ron Laham – Certified Personal Trainer
Certifications: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Ron Laham has been a certified athletic trainer for over 25 years and has an extensive background in injury evaluation, prevention, and rehabilitation, as well as soft tissue/manual therapy. Over the course of those 25 years, Ron has been actively involved in strength and conditioning, with clients ranging from youth levels to Division One college athletes. Ron holds a BS in Athletic Training and Physical Education from Northeastern University as well as a Masters in Education from the University of Virginia. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as well as a Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He has worked with many different sports, including basketball, hockey, baseball/softball, football, volleyball, lacrosse, and tennis. After owning his own health club for ten years, he began his journey into the more mainstream fitness industry, and expanded his clientele beyond competitive athletes. In addition to his work in the fitness industry, he is also an Adjunct Professor at Lasell College where he teaches classes related to Strength and Conditioning, Personal Training, Performance Nutrition, and Therapeutic Exercise. Ron’s favorite exercise is the deadlift, and its variations, because when executed correctly it engages the posterior chain muscles such as the glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae. These muscles tend to be “shut off” during the day since we spend most of the time in the seated position. Activating and strengthening these muscles via the deadlift will help to offset our poor posture during the day as well as overcome the anterior chain domination of the quadriceps and hip flexor muscles. In his free time, Ron enjoys working out, reading, watching the Red Sox, Patriots and college basketball as well as spending time with friends and family.
Philosophy on Training: Due to my background in athletic training, my training philosophy focuses on corrective exercise and injury prevention first. It is essential that movement and posture are assessed and any dysfunction is addressed within the training program, as you do not want to strengthen dysfunction. I utilize the Functional Movement Screen, as well as other musculo-skeletal and postural assessments, to develop an appropriate individualized program based on client needs and goals. If there are restrictions or imbalances I work to correct those first so we can train in a manner that reinforces proper mechanics. My objective is to help each client incorporate health and wellness into their lifestyle, in a safe and effective manner, for the rest of their lives.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: ronl@waverleyoaks.com